Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fraud in a satellite signal delivery system. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna for receiving at least one satellite signal, and a module, coupled to the receive antenna, for selectively delivering the at least one satellite signal to at least one receiver via an output of the module, wherein the module creates an association between the module and the at least one receiver upon installation of the at least one receiver to the output, such that the module delivers the at least one satellite signal to the at least one receiver only when the association is present.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a method for processing data in the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital television (DTV) located in one independent space among a plurality of independent spaces physically separated from one another is disclosed. The DTV includes an access point (AP) card. The method includes receiving guest information recorded in a storage area of a compact wireless device and a wired equivalent privacy (WEP) key value of the AP card, receiving the WEP key value corresponding to the AP card of the DTV from a management server, comparing the WEP key value received from the compact wireless device with the WEP key value received from the management server, switching an operation mode of the DTV from a power-off mode to a wake mode, if the WEP key values are identical to each other, and controlling at least one guest information received from the compact wireless device to be displayed.

Abstract: A contents output apparatus, method, and system are provided. The present apparatus includes an output unit to output contents, a transmission unit to transmit contents to an external apparatus, and a control unit to control when the contents are output from the output unit. Accordingly, as broadcasting timing is adjusted in a restricted area, audio and/or video is synchronized between the contents output apparatus and the external apparatus.

Abstract: A distribution system and method. The distribution system comprises a computing apparatus and a plurality of projection systems connected to the computing apparatus. The computing apparatus comprises a scheduler software tool and a plurality of audio/video data files stored on a computer readable medium. Each projection system of the plurality of projection systems comprises a cache storage device connected to an associated projection apparatus. Each cache storage device is adapted to dynamically receive and store an associated audio/video data file from the plurality of audio/video data files for transmission to each associated projection apparatus according to a schedule generated by the scheduler software tool.

Abstract: A method for providing community information concerning an accommodation area includes the steps of (a) inputting community information of the accommodation area to a storage medium; (b) creating a television presentation and a web presentation using software, wherein the software imports the community information from the storage medium and automatically formats and lays out the community information into the television presentation and the web presentation; (c) applying presentation elements having user-modifiable rules associated therewith to the television presentation and the web presentation; (d) transmitting the television presentation to the accommodation via a distributed communications network; and (e) optionally displaying the web presentation on a web site associated with the accommodation area. A system for creating, managing and delivering community information is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing interactive controls using interactive video animation software for use in conjunction with content provided by a lodging entertainment system are disclosed. The lodging entertainment system includes a head end with a digital content server and a plurality of guest terminals connected by a distribution system. A display of interactive controls is transmitted with the content from the head end to a guest terminal. This preferably occurs in response to pressing a key on a remote control at the guest terminal. Then, interactive control selection data representing the interactive control selected by a guest is transmitted from the guest terminal to the head end. After processing the interactive control selection data at the head end, transmission of the content from the head end to the guest terminal is adjusted in accordance with the interactive control selected by the guest.

Abstract: A wireless video surveillance system having automatic self-configuration of the input capture devices and digital input recorder(s), and further including jamming and interference prevention capabilities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods that overcome deficiencies in the prior art. One embodiment of the invention comprises an integrated system for providing video and data services to a customer premises. The integrated system comprises a digital broadcast satellite receiver, a data source, and an integrated network interface device. The integrated network interface device can be coupled to a receiver and/or the data source, and the integrated network interface device can be configured to receive video information from the receiver and data (e.g. Internet Protocol data) from the data source. In certain embodiments, the integrated network interface device can further be configured to distribute the data to the customer premises via a first internal transport medium and/or distribute the video information to the customer premises via a second internal transport medium. In one aspect, network interference devices can be attached to an external wall of customer premises.

Abstract: A television and a control method thereof are provided. The television includes a communication unit which can communicate with external televisions; and a controller which detects, through the communication unit, data about a user setting item set in a television communicatable through the communication unit, and changes a user setting item based on the detected data.

Abstract: An information signal transmission system and a remote control device for such a system for allowing a viewer to continuously watch, for example, in a bedroom a program the viewer has watched in a living room. A recipient of information is detected referring to identification information set in a remote command device, and monitor devices are alternately switched for continuously providing the viewer with an information signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented to allow the extension of a DOCSIS cable modem service over a wireless link. According to the invention a wireless hub transceiver is connected to a distribution coax cable of a DOCSIS based system. The downstream data are transferred over a wireless link to a remote subscriber radio frequency (RF) unit connected to a cable modem that provides the downstream data to the subscriber. Similarly, upstream data are sent from the subscriber cable modem over the wireless link to the wireless hub transceiver where such data are inserted back to the distribution coax cable.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band.

Abstract: A video distribution system is provided. The video distribution system includes a receiver to receive a plurality of video data streams. The video distribution system also includes a splitter to separate a first video data stream and a second video data stream from the plurality of video data streams. The video distribution system further includes a combiner to output a composite signal for communication via a first network. The composite signal includes the first video data stream modulated to a first radio frequency band associated with a first user and the second video data stream modulated to a second radio frequency band associated with a second user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing goods and services from one or more service providers to consumers, such as multiple dwelling unit (MDU) tenants are provided. In a first aspect, the invention provides a system for facilitating the provision of goods and services to a tenant of an MDU operated by an MDU operator. In one implementation, the system of the invention comprises at least one service provider that is configured to provide goods and services; an MDU tenant interface configured to communicate MDU tenant requests for goods and services to one of the MDU operator and the service provider; and a coordinating site configured to provide a provision interface operably connected to the service provider and the MDU tenant interface.

Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.

Abstract: Entertainment content is delivered in an encrypted digital format from a home base via satellite to individual lodging properties (sites) having an in-room entertainment system. Each digital file containing content (such as a movie) is accompanied by a sites file which identifies the name of the content file and the sites to which the content file is being transmitted. Each site includes a host computer, a digital content receiver, a digital content server guest terminals in the guest rooms, and a distribution network for distributing content from the digital content server to the guest terminals. The digital content receiver receives the transmitted digital content and sites files, and provides the files to the digital content server for storage and later use.

Abstract: This invention is intended to allow user to easily and quickly set the preset recording of television programs on recording devices. When setting the preset recording of a television program on a VCR, the user of a personal computer first accesses an EPG server on the Internet to download the preset recording data of that program. The personal computer converts the downloaded preset recording data into a G-code and transmits the G-code from a video mouse to the VCR as an infrared signal. The VCR decodes the received G-code, recognizes the program to be preset for recording, and sets the preset recording of the recognized program.

Abstract: In a system in which an IEEE 1394 interface is provided for an IRD, connected equipment can be easily selected and the operability is improved. Data can be transmitted among the equipment by providing the IEEE 1394 interface for the IRD. For example, five equipment units are selected from the equipment connected to the IEEE 1394 interface and node ID numbers are allocated to the five equipment units and registered. Thus, even if the equipment is removed from the interface and connected again, the IRD can recognize the equipment. The registration may easily be changed by user input. When the registration is changed, the change of the registration is inhibited among equipment units in which a program reservation has been set or the connected equipment. Thus, even if the registration is changed, an erroneous operation does not occur.

Abstract: A multi-tuner signal receiving apparatus enables signal distribution in a household and/or business dwelling, and can be effectively controlled by users via one or more remote control devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of tuners and a controller including a memory for storing association data indicating an association between a remote control device and a first one of the tuners. The controller causes the first tuner to tune to a particular channel responsive to a control signal from the remote control device selecting the particular channel.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line communication system (DCLCS) provides voice and data services to a subscriber premises within a building and to high speed data communication devices in the subscriber premises using in-building wiring and to-building wiring without having high speed communication equipment inside the subscriber premises.

Abstract: DisplayPort micropackets of uncompressed visual information are adapted to conventional network infrastructure with a switch having DisplayPort ports, network ports and a packet converter. The packet converter encapsulates DisplayPort packets for communication through network ports and extracts DisplayPort packets from network packets for communication through DisplayPort ports. An address resolution table associates the switch ports with each other and with a packet converter operation by using a control field that defines the packet converter operation for information received at each port, such as encapsulation, extraction or native switching.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a full duplex wideband communications system for a local (e.g., in-home) coaxial network. The system employs a Frequency-division duplex (FDD) scheme that allows identical wideband modems to communicate with each other. To achieve this, the wideband modems contain a duplexer and a switch that allows reversing the connection of the wideband transmitter and receiver to the duplexer. Each wideband modem includes a control modem that is used to control access to the wideband channels. A wideband transmitter, which may be included in a modem associated with a server set-top terminal (STT), transmits a video presentation to a wideband receiver, which may be included in a modem associated with a client STT.

Abstract: A method for broadcasting video data sequences by a server to a client terminal via a network includes generating a request by the client terminal following an event, sending the request to the server, the request including a video sequence broadcasting order to the client terminal, the video sequence defining a transition between a current or “father” state and a subsequent or “child” state, each state being associated with a static final image and the aforementioned server including a memory configured to store an identifier of each state, a transition table starting from each state, compressed data corresponding to a video sequence associated with a transition from one state to another, and verifying by the server that the child state associated with the broadcasting order is a known state in the transition table starting from the parent state.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a transmodulator unit. The transmodulator unit generally comprises (i) a first input configured to receive a baseband video signal, (ii) a second input configured to receive a first encoded data signal and (iii) an output configured to present a second encoded data signal. The second encoded data signal is generated in response to the first encoded data signal and the baseband video signal. The first encoded data signal comprises an advanced data signal. The second encoded data signal comprises a legacy data signal.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A display device including a communication function for performing wireless communication of data with each of a plurality of devices, and a display function for displaying and outputting information. First, reception quality of each device is obtained (S 100). Next, based on the reception quality of each device, average reception quality of each room in which each device is placed is obtained (S 101). Next, based on the average reception quality of each room, the size of an image indicating each room is obtained (S 102), and based on the obtained size, the image indicating each room is illustrated on a display screen (S 103). Next, based on the reception quality of each device, the size of an image indicating each device with respect to each room is obtained (S 104), and based on the obtained size, the image indicating each device is illustrated on the display screen (S103).

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: A computer-based digital wireless audio and video system for consumer audio, home theater and recording studio applications is disclosed. The system distributes synchronized 2-channel stereo and multi-channel home theater video and audio digital signals via wireless broadcast to a closed network including a personal computer, a display, and one or multiple digital active loudspeakers or headphones. Each loudspeaker has a separate digital amplifier dedicated to each transducer within it. The system provides a data link capable of sending an all-digital, full-bandwidth signal from the original digital source material to each separate transducer in the system without using sound degrading lossy data compression. This system is designed to read, broadcast, and reproduce with accurate audio and video channel synchronization in the effort to maintain the integrity of the entire audio and video signal.

Abstract: A system and method using digital technologies to deliver a live-video-all-call bulletin over a local area network (LAN) in a facility, e.g., a school. The live video overrides all the facility's video-player devices by pausing them. Once the live-feed-video presentation is over, the system returns all of the facilities video players to the same state of operation each was in before the all-call presentation began.

Abstract: Strategies are described for adding a mark to media content at a source location in response to the activation of a marking mechanism, and then resuming the presentation of the media content at a second location based on the mark. The source location may be the same as the destination location, or the source location may differ from the destination location. In the latter case, the source location can correspond to a first room in a home that provides a first media processing mechanism, and the destination location can correspond to a second room in the home that provides a second media processing mechanism. The marking mechanism can correspond to a mark button provided by a remote control. Various user interface displays facilitate the adding of the mark and the resuming of the presentation, including various timelines displays, mark panel displays, thumbnail displays, etc.

Abstract: A DTV operating screen is displayed on the CRT display screen of a DTV which is the controlling apparatus of a network. In the event that the user selects the DVHS from the buttons displayed on the DTV operating screen, data corresponding to the DVHS operation screen is input to the DTV, and a DVHS operation screen is displayed on the CRT display screen 61. The user operation executed regarding the DVHS operation screen are notified from the DTV to the DVHS, so the DTV can execute control corresponding to the operations of the user, without transmitting commands for directly controlling the DVHS.

Abstract: An AV receiver 1 is connected to a DVD player AVP1 and a CD player AVP2 via an IEEE1394 bus. The AV receiver 1 stores a command receiving terminal 161 connected to a remote controller receiver RE1 as being associated with the DVD player AVP1, and a command receiving terminal 162 connected to a remote controller receiver RE2 as being associated with the CD player AVP2. The AV receiver 1 transmits a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE1 to the DVD player AVP1 and a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE2 to the CD player AVP2.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a signal generator and a signal receiver, for providing controlled access to information and/or communication channels, whereby the signal generator and the signal receiver are set to wirelessly transmit and receive a plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals, respectively, and the signal receiver is set to selectively provide access to information and/or communication channels on receiving the plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals from the signal generator, the signal generator comprising means for limiting a transmission of a predetermined signal to at least one of a prescribed duration and a prescribed number of activations for access to the information and/or communication channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink using a CEC line and a signal line, a switching control unit controls a switch so that, when data is transmitted, the switch selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit and, when data is transmitted, the switch selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line, the switching control unit controls the switch so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source or the receiver is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).

Abstract: Multiple devices in a user's premises may each be configured to separately communicate with an external network, but the signal strength available to each may vary significantly depending on the wiring of the premises. The disclosure provides methods wherein the various devices may coordinate with one another, and determine which among them has the best signal connection and the most available capacity, and a subset of the devices may be chosen to act as network proxies to relay communications to/from the other devices in the premises.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: creating a temporary home network electronic program guide object for a television program currently stored in a time-shift buffer of a home network-enabled device; and storing an identifier for the temporary home network electronic program guide object in an object for a channel.

Abstract: A multi-room media network includes a network for providing device interconnectivity for receiving and sending data and a plurality of content control devices coupled to the network. Password control for multi-room digital video recorder is provided through the resetting and/or resynchronization of a password for a multi-room digital video recorder.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A system for receiving network video includes a remote control with a power control input. A video receiver, controlled by the remote control, powers up or powers down based on a control signal indicating activation of the power control input. The video receiver receives video signals from a gateway or gateway source connected to the video network. The gateway decodes signals received from the network into a format acceptable by the receiver. If the gateway receives a control signal from the remote control indicating activation of the power control input and the gateway is currently in the “on” state, the gateway toggles to the “off” state and outputs a predefined channel to the receiver.

Abstract: Systems for delivering satellite signals to multiple dwelling units (MDUs). A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite signals, a conversion unit, coupled to the antenna, for stacking the satellite signals onto a single cable, a distribution unit, coupled to the conversion unit, wherein the distribution unit distributes the stacked satellite signal to a plurality of outputs, and at least one customer device, coupled to an output of the plurality of outputs, wherein each unit in the MDU uses the customer device to destack the stacked satellite signals for delivery to a receiver.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for distribution of television-type (TV) video signals comprising: a first input processing unit (1) including a coaxial input terminal (10), at least a low-current output terminal (11) for twisted wire pairs and processing means (14) for processing the TV signals derived from the coaxial cable so as to transform them into signals having substantially the same transmission characteristics on the same frequency band on a twisted wire pair, at least a second output processing unit (3) including a low-current input port (33) for twisted wire pairs (12) connected to the first input processing unit (1) to transform them into signals substantially identical to those derived from said coaxial cable (41), and at least a connection cable (23) consisting of twisted wire pairs connecting the first processing unit (1) to the second processing unit (3).

Abstract: A request processing section (12) receives a request of a content which a user desires to be delivered. A delivery destination specification section (14) specifies at least one or more of a plurality of content reproduction apparatuses which can reproduce the content requested. The request processing section (12) causes the user to operate a mobile terminal so as to select that of the content reproduction apparatuses specified by the delivery destination specification section (14) to which the content should be delivered. A content acquisition section (10) externally acquires the content. Then, a content delivery section (20) delivers the content to the content reproduction apparatus thus selected by the user. By this, the user can surely watch/listen to the content which he desires to be delivered, via the content reproduction apparatus.

Abstract: A system for controlling display and operation of simultaneous transmissions of at least two media includes an entertainment unit capable of transmitting at least two media simultaneously. A wireless interface device is used to select a first and second media from the at least two media. A display device in electrical communication with the entertainment unit receives and displays a video portion associated with each of the first and second selected media. At least two wireless receivers are provided for receiving an audio portion associated with each of the first and second media. The wireless interface device is further provided for independently controlling operation of each of the first and second media.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter connects to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are communicated between passive and active ports of the entry adapter through a pair of directional couplers which allow a MoCA-enabled embedded multimedia device (eMTA) at the passive port to communicate with multimedia devices of the MoCA network connected to the active ports.

Abstract: A device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller to provide low loss connectivity to a plurality of coaxial ports over a broadband range of frequencies in a coaxial network providing Ethernet networking, detune secondary coaxial splitters in the coaxial network that reduces an output-to-output isolation loss among secondary coaxial splitter output ports, and enable re-distribution of modulated radio frequency video signals from a point on the coaxial network to any alternative point on the coaxial network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A community access or cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals communicated between active ports of the entry adapter are rejected by MoCA frequency rejection filters to avoid interfering with the functionality of an eMTA subscriber device connected to a passive port of the entry adapter, without interfering with the passage of CATV upstream and downstream active and passive signals.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to an audio system for transmitting audio signals and video signals to each room of a house via cables installed within the walls of the house, and for reproducing these audio signals and video signals in the each room, for example, and thereby enables more improvement in usability of this kind of audio system than before. The present invention outputs the audio signals of one source unit to all of a plurality of zone units when a party mode is selected in one of the plurality of zone units.