Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication. In some aspects, a media guidance application (e.g., executed by a set-top box or other user equipment used to store and display media assets) prompts a user for a password (e.g., a personal information number) in order to unlock the content for viewing. In response to receiving a second request from the user to perform an operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete), the media guidance application prompts the user for an additional factor confirming his or her identity, consistent with two-factor authentication protocol. If the user's identity is authenticated as a user that has authority to perform the operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete the stored media asset), the media guidance application performs the operation related to the media asset (e.g., deletes the media asset).

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate efficiently indicating parameter(s) associated with a base station utilizing synchronization signals in a wireless communication environment. For instance, relative locations of a PSC and a SSC in a radio frame can be a function of a parameter. Further, a PSC sequence utilized to generate PSCs can be selected based upon a parameter. Moreover, inclusion or exclusion of PSCs from a radio frame can be a function of a parameter. Additionally or alternatively, pseudo random sequence mappings (e.g., to cell IDs, tone locations) can be a function of a parameter. Example parameters can be whether the base station is part of a TDD or a FDD system, whether the radio frame employs FS1 or FS2, whether the base station is associated with a macro or a femto cell, or whether the base station is associated with a unicast or a multicast system.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A multimode physical (MMP) layer circuit for physical (PHY) layer handling of signals transported over a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable in a home multimedia network, wherein the signals are compliant with at least two different PHY layer modes. The MMP layer circuits comprises a plurality of PHY transceivers respectively coupled to a plurality of TP channels of the HDMI cable through a HDMI connector, wherein each PHY transceiver of the plurality of PHY transceivers handles signals transported over its respective TP channel according to a PHY layer mode of the transported signals; and a controller is coupled to the HDMI connector and to each of the plurality of PHY transceivers, the controller recognizes the PHY layer mode of signals transported over each of the plurality of TP channels and sets each of the plurality of PHY transceivers according to the recognized PHY layer mode.

Abstract: A media distribution server presenting interactive media on digital devices, such as mobile devices, PCs, TVs, ebook readers, electronic tablets, etc. and receiving user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using keys (such as softkeys) on the digital device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the digital device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the digital device to the user. Further the user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their digital device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.

Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed, the electronic device including: an operation implementation unit conducting a predetermined operation; a first main controller controlling the operation of the operation implementation unit; an input reception unit receiving an input signal; a second main controller processing the input signal and being in the power saving state in the standby mode; and a subcontroller controlling the second main controller to process the input signal when the input signal is received in the standby mode, wherein the second main controller processes the received input signal according to control of the subcontroller, controls the first main controller to operate in the normal mode when the input signal corresponds to entering the normal mode, and returns to the power saving state in the standby mode when the input signal does not correspond to entering the normal mode.

Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, and a program that can demodulate transmitted signals with high accuracy. A receiving device of this disclosure includes: an amplifying unit that amplifies a received signal; an adjusting unit that adjusts gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with power of the signal; a demodulating unit that demodulates the amplified signal; and a detecting unit that detects an interval from the signal, information having the same content continuously appearing in the interval. The adjusting unit restricts the process of adjusting the gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with a result of the detection of the interval. This disclosure can be applied to receiving devices that receive broadcast signals compliant with DVB-C2 via a CATV network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit comprises an encoding module, a modulation module and a spectral shaped module. The encoding module includes an interleaver that adapted to operate in a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode. The interleaver performs repetitive encoding when placed in the second mode. The modulation module is adapted to compensate for attenuations that are to be realized during propagation of a transmitted signal over the power line. The spectral shaped module is adapted to compensate for amplitude distortion and further compensates for attenuations that will be realized during propagation of the transmitted signal over the power line.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a connecting unit for connecting with a power line, a circuit for receiving a power supply through the connecting unit, and a communicating unit for communicating with an external apparatus through the connecting unit, a controlling unit for determining whether or not to permit a power supply stop, in accordance with the communicating unit receiving information on a request for the power supply stop, and controlling the communicating unit to transmit response data corresponding to the determination.

Abstract: A method of managing distribution of multimedia content is disclosed. The method includes receiving multimedia content from a communications network at a communications gateway associated with a customer premises. The communications gateway encodes the multimedia content based on a heartbeat signal that is superimposed on an alternating current (AC) electrical power signal associated with an electrical wiring system of the customer premises. The communications gateway wirelessly transmits the encoded multimedia content.

Abstract: A digital residential entertainment system is disclosed recording video data of an event. The apparatuses include a processor communicating with memory. The memory stores video data of the event captured by a camera, and the video data includes a series of picture frames of the event. A loop buffer also stores video data of the event captured by the camera. A rule-based engine stored in the memory uses a set of rules to store the contents of the loop buffer in the memory. The apparatus utilizes the loop buffer to provide video data prior to occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A system for distributing and selecting audio and video information using a coaxial cable network includes a jukebox unit connected by a modulator to the cable television distribution network. A channel is allocated to the transmission of audio or video information. A device effects user interaction with the television for the remote selection of at least one audio or video information item from a plurality of information items to be transmitted by this channel using the cable network. An identifier identifies the ordering television, and a billing device accommodates for billing selections to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit, slave units and smart devices to control the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can be stored in a storage device to be played at a later time. The media content is shared between master and slave units via cable or wireless communication.

Abstract: The present invention is a comprehensive digital residential entertainment system. A system includes a data switch, a mass storage device, a tuner and a demodulator. The data switch has a plurality of switch ports, and the mass storage device is coupled to a switch port of the plurality of switch ports of the data switch. The tuner selects an information channel of a plurality of information channels. The demodulator is coupled to a switch port of the plurality of switch ports of the data switch and to the tuner. A Web-based graphical user interface can be provided for accessing and controlling the features and functions of the digital residential entertainment system.

Abstract: A method for converting a sink device and an apparatus for providing a content using the same are provided. The method for converting the sink device includes receiving a sink device conversion command from a first sink device, transmitting the content to a second sink device if a conversion approval of the sink device is received from the second sink device, and transmitting a control authority related to a content provision from the first sink device to the second sink device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a transcoder module having a controller to manage power distribution in the transcoder module from power supplied to an HDMI port of the transcoder module, transcode audio-visual information into a digital compatible format used on an external device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.

Abstract: An audio client in a home entertainment system has a detachable remote commander with a display screen. A menu of music available at the server is downloaded to the remote commander from the server over the network and through the client device. The user can easily select a tune he/she wants to listen to using the remote commander. With storage and decoding capability, the commander can be used as a portable audio player.

Abstract: The present invention is relating to a circuit for transmitting and receiving an image signal using a power line, wherein the transmitting circuit comprises; a bias unit for controlling a bias voltage of an image signal taken by a CCD camera; a differential amplifier, to which a power is supplied through a voltage drop unit, for amplifying the image signal which has passed through the bias unit into the broad-band signal; an oscillator IC, which is driven by using the image signal amplified into the broadband signal by the differential amplifier as an input power, for modulating the image signal while loading the image signal into the carrier frequency of an oscillation frequency; and transformers for inducing an alternating current image signal from the image signal modulated by the oscillator IC and outputting the image signal to the AC power line; and a receiving circuit comprises; a rectifier for supplying the AC power through the AC power line as a power required for operation; a transformer for inducing

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: In a content supply system 100, in order to use a streaming server 102 to perform a live distribution, a user PC 106 used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center 101. When the user PC 106 sends desired reservation information to the server reservation control center 101 via the Internet 103, if the reservation is accepted, a reservation ID only used for authentication of the reservation is created and sent from the server reservation control center 101 to the user PC 106 via the Internet 103. When a distribution request is sent from the user PC 106 to the streaming server 102, authentication processing using this reservation ID is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording/reproducing external device data in a broadcast receiver and method thereof are disclosed, by which a broadcast receiver allowed by a certification key is enabled to access a corresponding external device only. The present invention includes a connection checking step of checking a state of a physical connection between an external device and the broadcast receiver, a certification key registration deciding step of deciding whether a reserved certification key is registered, an access allowance deciding step of if the certification key is registered, deciding whether to allow an access to the connected external device by verifying the certification key, and an access allowing step of if the access is allowed, recording/reproducing corresponding data by accessing the connected external device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a transcoder module having a controller to manage power distribution in the transcoder module from power supplied to an HDMI port of the transcoder module, transcode audio-visual information into a digital compatible format used on an external device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit comprises an encoding module, a modulation module and a spectral shaped module. The encoding module includes an interleaver that adapted to operate in a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode. The interleaver performs repetitive encoding when placed in the second mode. The modulation module is adapted to compensate for attenuations that are to be realized during propagation of a transmitted signal over the power line. The spectral shaped module is adapted to compensate for amplitude distortion and further compensates for attenuations that will be realized during propagation of the transmitted signal over the power line.

Abstract: A 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 are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network.

Abstract: A method for effectively implementing a multi-room television system includes a digital base station that processes and combines various program sources to produce a processed stream. A communications processor then responsively transmits the processed stream as a local composite output stream to various wired and wireless display devices for flexible viewing at variable remote locations. The transmission path performance is used to determine the video encoding process, and special attention is taken to assure that all users have low-latency interactive capabilities.

Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.

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: 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 telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of an AC power line to provide a communication channel between the set top box and the central office. The set top box is configured to include an interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides another interface configured to facilitate the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprises a connecting unit for connecting with a power line, a circuit for receiving a power supply through the connecting unit, and a communicating unit for communicating with an external apparatus through the connecting unit, a controlling unit for determining whether or not to permit a power supply stop, in accordance with the communicating unit receiving information on a request for the power supply stop, and controlling the communicating unit to transmit response data corresponding to the determination.

Abstract: The invention concerns an audio/video signal distribution system, comprising audio/video signal sources (MGT, DVD, C, HIFI) and audio/video signal receivers (TV1, TV2, TV3, TV4), and a central processing and multiplexing unit (MDS, MDS?). The invention is characterized in that it comprises a twisted pair service network (PS) for routing said audio/video signals from the sources to the processing and multiplexing unit and a twisted pair distribution network (P, D) for routing the processed multiplexed audio/video signals from the processing and multiplexing unit to the receivers.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger.

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 home network, in one embodiment including a home wiring system; a demarcation point unit in electrical communication with the home wiring system; and a home network module in electrical communication with the home wiring system. The home network module is adapted for connection to a home electronic device. The demarcation point unit passes data to and receives data from the home electronic device through the home network module.

Abstract: A system for distributing electronic information signals throughout a structure, particularly a residential dwelling, is disclosed. The system adapts a plurality of electronic information signals to be received by one or more information utilizing devices which are located throughout a structure. The system provides for adapting a multi-line telephone signal distribution hub for use with a one or two telephone lines allows the wiring for an internal telephone system to be installed immediately with a single telephone line interfaced to the multi-line telephone signal distribution hub while a control box and additional telephone lines from the telephone service utility can be readily connected at a later date. Further, the system distributes electronic signals within a room equipped for audio and video presentations and having a plurality of speaker connection locations for use in home theater applications, thus allowing home theater components to be easily and properly set up or changed.

Abstract: A system of intelligent appliances coupled by common household power lines or wireless links. One or more of the appliances serves as a system controller and may include a further communications interface for coupling to an external communications network, such as the telephone network. The system can thus be accessed and controlled remotely. The system can also communicate with and obtain information from remote sources such as Internet-based facilities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to monitor the statuses of devices that can operate and transmit current device status information to a storage location. In this system, there is a can be a central storage location of the status of all designated device attributes of a device including the past state history of the device. The storage location can also be distributed and in one or more remote locations. Each device on the system will transmit a state change notification to the central location each time the status of the device changes. This status change will be recorded in the location storage. The present invention provides for the creation of sets of instructions to enable the initiation of operations by devices in response to a set of current statuses of one or more devices. Each workflow routine will be based on a set device statuses. This set of device statuses can be referred as a device scenario.

Abstract: An electronic tuner has an input terminal, a mixer receiving the signal fed into the input terminal, a matching circuit connected to an output of the mixer, a band-pass filter connected to an output of this matching circuit, an intermediate-frequency (IF) amplifier connected to an output of the band-pass filter, and an output terminal receiving output of the IF amplifier. These circuits are composed of balanced circuits and connected by balanced lines. The mixer has a high output impedance. For the matching circuit, the impedance of the matching circuit at the band-pass filter side is equal to the impedance of the band-pass filter at the matching circuit side. This structure can realize an electronic tuner having low power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to monitor the statuses of devices that can operate and transmit current device status information to a storage location. The present invention also provides a method to manage and initiate sets of instructions that will be performed by devices in response to a set of current statuses of one or more devices. Each set of instructions is known as a “workflow routine”. Each workflow routine will be based on a set device statuses. This set of device statuses can be referred as a device scenario. When a status of a device changes, the workflow manager of the present invention will check the statuses of the devices in the scenario to determine if the scenario conditions for the initiation of a specified workflow have been met. When the conditions have been met, the workflow routine will be initiated and perform a set of instructions which could lead to the performance of some activity by one or more devices in the network.

Abstract: The present inventions pertains to the field of automatic control systems based on computer technology, and essentially relates to a structured system for monitoring and controlling the engineering equipment in an installation, mainly a building comprising several floors. The system includes a central computer module with an input-output device as well as a plurality of monitoring and/or measuring and/or control sensors and/or control devices for the units and apparatus of the engineering equipment in the building. The module consists of a programmable computer server station having functions, according to the software, that provide for the centralized reception of monitoring data through information channels within a single network protocol, as well as for the processing of said data and for the output of control signals towards the control devices for the units and apparatus of the engineering equipment in the building.

Abstract: A CATV system has a multitude of customer interfaces which include an external unit and an internal unit. The units includes equipment for signal conditioning, cable to telephone interface, and/or cable to computer interface. The internal unit is provided with power by the customer, and the power is used to operate the equipment of the units. The customer supplied power is isolated from the power distributed in the cable television system. Preferably, the customer supplied power is conducted through the coaxial television cable between the internal unit and the external unit. The invention reduces power consumption and allows such customer interfaces to be easily added to existing and future cable systems without overwhelming the existing AC power distribution system of the cable television network.

Abstract: A video camera system employs a standard flood lamp housing enclosing a video camera, an AC powerline encoder, a power supply and a single conductor screw-in type AC electrical fitting. The video camera is surrounded by a plurality of white infrared light emitting diodes for illuminating the environment in front of the video camera in low and no light situations. The AC electrical fitting engages an AC screw-in type receptacle. The video camera captures a video signal. The encoder modulates the video signal upon the AC powerline. A video signal decoder located at a remote location receives the modulated signal over the AC powerline, demodulates the signal and directs its output to a video monitor. The video monitor coupled to an AC outlet common to the powerline scheme in which the video camera is connected displays the captured video signal.

Abstract: A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals.

Abstract: A system for Short Message Service-based control of a digital personal video stream manager (102), for example, to program a video recording device (110). Such a system includes one or more cellular telephones (2602) including SMS capabilities and a DPVSM control module (2606, 2608, 2610) in the SMS server (2604) of the cellular service provider. The DPVSM control module (2606, 2608, 2610) is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control SMS message (2700) which is then translated by the DPVSM control module (2606, 2608, 2610) and converted to a DPVSM Instant Message or a DPVSM e-mail control message. The DPVSM Instant Message or a DPVSM e-mail control message is then transmitted to the user's personal computer (110), where the IM or e-mail plug in translates it and uses it to control the DPVSM.

Abstract: An aircraft data management system provides a passenger seated on the aircraft with a number of entertainment and productivity enhancing options. Such options include, without limitation, video, audio, internet, airplane systems data and power. Located proximate to each seat group is an integrated seat box that includes a network interface card that identifies a requesting passenger for proper directing of the required data and/or power from devices that interface with a network controller back to the requesting passenger. Both on-aircraft and off-aircraft devices may be accessed by the system. While particularly drawn to aircraft, the data management system is also applicable to other venues have identifiable seating locations such as buses, passenger ships, hotels and auditoriums.