Abstract: A settop box for streaming a television program to a network device through a network includes a central processing unit, a network interface device, a direct memory access engine, a buffer, and a memory for storing computer-executable instructions. The stored instructions cause the direct memory access engine to route time-ordered digital media data packets encoding the television program into the buffer, cause the central processing unit to add a network header to the digital media data packets, and cause the network interface device to relay the digital media data packets to a network device through the network, wherein the packets are relayed substantially without latency and with a time-ordering based on the same time-ordering of the packets in the buffer.

Abstract: A multimedia system is provided, comprising a computer for receiving audio data and video data from a source and transmitting the data serially over a high speed serial link, a set-top box connected through the link to the computer for receiving the audio data and video data, the set-top box having a southbridge module with a link interface connected to the link and providing a local parallel data bus output and at least one audio playback channel receiving the audio data; and a graphics processor receiving from the southbridge module the video data over the bus, processing the video data and providing a video output in at least one display format. At least one display device is connected to the graphics processor for receiving and displaying the video output; and at least one speaker is connected to the audio playback channel.

Abstract: There is provided a transmission system where reproduction devices and display devices may communicate content through a network, includes: a display device storage unit which stores identification information of the display devices capable of communicating a signal using communication means different from the network; and a content list storage unit which stores content lists provided from the reproduction device; the display device includes: a reproduction device storage unit which stores identification information of the reproduction devices capable of communicating a signal using the communication means; and when the display device which displays a requested content list is determined to be a device capable of transmission and reception using the communication means, based on at least one of the reproduction device identification information and the display device identification information, the reproduction device transmits the content lists stored in the content list storage unit to the display device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a home communications device. The home communications device is connected to an external network comprising external devices. The home communications device comprises a plurality of interfaces for connecting a plurality of internal devices to form one or more internal networks. The home communications device further comprises a communication manager configured to enable communication among one or more of the internal devices and the external devices, wherein one or more of the internal devices operate on separate or similar communication protocols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network.

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: 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 system, method and device for providing communications with an in-home system at a residence of a user are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to synchronize the presentation of an experiential data stream at a local device with the presentation of a similar experiential data stream using a playback position received over a control link.

Abstract: A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.

Abstract: A method for displaying device shifted content is described, the method including receiving at a first device, from a first source of content, a plurality of a first type of content items, receiving at a second device, from a second source of content, a plurality of a second type of content items, receiving at the second device, from a third source of content, at least one third type of content item, sending at least one third type of content item and at least one second type of content item from the second device to the first device, and displaying at the first device at least one first type of content item, at least one second type of content item, and at least one third type of content item. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An index imparting system is capable of avoiding reconditioning work, automatically generating accurate metadata, and automatically imparting information relevant to a program. The index imparting system is provided with: a control signal detecting section to identify a type of each control signal and an identifier for uniquely specifying each control signal following the detection of various kinds of control signals and obtain time of the detection. An index generating section to generate metadata following the acquisition of a type, an identifier, and time identified at the control signal detecting section and, in the meantime, imparts attribute information to the metadata.

Abstract: A bi-directional audio cable assembly (10) (BACA 10) that functions in combination with an audio amplifier (90), a microphone (92) and a pair of headphones (94). The BACA (10) consists of a single cable that includes an XLR cable (12) that is integrated with a TRS cable (52). The XLR cable (12) has a first end (14) having an XLR plug (44) that is attached to the input of the audio amplifier (90), and a second end (18) having an XLR socket (46) that is attached to the microphone (92). Likewise, the integrated TRS cable (52) has a first end (54) having a TRS plug (64) that is attached to the output of the audio amplifier (90), and a second end (58) that is attached to the pair of headphones (94). The BACA (10) allows a single person to produce an audio signal that is applied via the microphone (92) to the input of the audio amplifier (90) and to hear the same produced audio signal via the pair of headphones (94) without interference from cable-internal noise or external ambient noise.

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 method and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method, which provides content to supplement a presentation of an experiential data stream. The method includes a step of receiving a request for content configured to be included in said presentation of the experiential data stream. The method also determines content parameters from the request that are used to select the content. It also provides the content and records appropriate transaction information.

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 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: An arbiter component receives a request from a media control object for control of a media resource. The arbiter determines whether a media resource is available, and if a media resource is available, forwards the request to the available media resource. The control object may lock control of the media resource to maintain control of the media resource until the media control unlocks control of the media resource.

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 system and method are provided for generating and displaying one or more indicators indicative of a level of activity within a media sharing system. In one embodiment, with respect to a user participating in the media sharing system, an indicator representative of an activity level of a media collection shared by the user in the media sharing system may be generated and presented to the user. In addition or alternatively, indicators representative of activity levels of media collections shared by other users participating in the media sharing system may be generated and presented to the user. Still further, in addition or alternatively, indicators representative of activity levels with respect to playlists in the media sharing system may be generated and presented to the user.

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: Elements necessary for a digital television receiver are structured as a plurality of digital signal processing blocks and a host operation processing block. The blocks are connected through a general-purpose bus. Command for controlling the operations of the blocks and data of streams are transferred through the bus. Thus, by replacing only blocks, various types of digital television broadcasts that differ in carrier waves, modulating systems, and compressing systems can be handled. Consequently, the developing efficiency of a television receiver is improved. In addition, when a new service is started, by adding hardware for the service, the service can be easily handled.

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: Disclosed is a system and method for delivering digital audio/visual content over a facilities analog-based television network, such as the cable network of a school. An administrator is provided that includes a video server, a DVD/decoder, a controller for the DVD/decoder, and a modulator. The system enables the school to access video on demand while bypassing its existing computer network. This avoids congesting the computer network with the streamed video.

Abstract: Communication link including a cable containing four pairs of wires, three transmitters to transmit uncompressed video data and audio data over three of the pairs of wires to three receivers, and two transceivers to form a bidirectional multi data type communication link over the fourth pair of wires. An active mode of operation for transmitting the uncompressed video data and the audio data over the three pairs of wires, and for transmitting bidirectional data over the fourth pair of wires. And a first low power partial functionality mode of operation for transmitting bidirectional system controls.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, video image and audio signals are transmitted to a plurality of electronic devices each having at least one of a video image display function and an audio reproducing function. Information indicating the fact that at least one of a video image and audio has been set in a mute state is acquired from each of the electronic devices. Based on the information, a processing operation is applied to the video image and audio signals supplied to each of the electronic devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of home networks, in particular the connection of two home networks of different types via a gateway. The network devices in the network of the first type are also intended to be able to control the network devices in the network of the second type, and vice versa. In the context of realizing control message conversions, the problem has arisen that, although direct conversions into the format of the other network are possible for many control messages, in some cases there is no correspondence for a control message in the device to be controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to establish a control link, establish a human communication channel, and create a shared social space that enables a local audience member and a remote audience member to simultaneously experience a recorded experiential data stream, whereby the local audience member and the remote audience member are enabled to communicate over the human communication channel about the experiential data stream.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to enable a presentation device to automatically accommodate conversations in a social space. This system monitors a first playback position in a time dimension of an experiential data stream on a local device for at least one local audience member, and monitors one or more utterances received by the local device. Then, the system enables the presentation of the experiential data stream in response to the step of monitoring.

Abstract: A method of transmitting image data from one node to another in a network includes obtaining image data in the node, transmitting the image data to the other node via an IEEE 1394 serial bus using one of isochronous transfer and asynchronous stream, and controlling the other node to form an image in accordance with the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform an operation for determining where to position received transitory audio within an experiential data stream of a shared social space so as to provide minimal disruption to the experiential data stream.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and a computer-usable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to present replacement/additional content in conjunction with an experiential data stream by maintaining a first playback position in the experiential data stream, detect proximity of the first playback position to an insertion coordinate associated with the replacement/additional content, and present content at the insertion coordinate from the replacement/additional instead of from the experiential data stream content.

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: 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: According to a first aspect there is provided systems and methods for receiving an encrypted signal from a portable communication device, the encrypted signal containing information associated with a command; and decrypting the encrypted signal to enable a set-top box to execute the command. According to a second aspect there is provided systems and methods for encrypting information to generate an encrypted signal, the information associated with a command entered via a control; and communicating the encrypted signal to the set-top box, the encrypted signal for decryption at the set-top box to enable execution of the command to operate the set-top box.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: A system and method for e-mail control of a digital personal video stream manager (102), for example, to program a video recording device (114). The system includes a personal computer (110) having an e-mail client (1802) and equipping the e-mail client with a DPVSM control plug in (1800). The DPVSM control plug in (1800) is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control e-mail (1900) which is then translated by the DPVSM control program (312). The digital personal video stream manager (102) then activates at the appropriate time to record the program.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a method and apparatus for communicating data via a cable card having a network interface. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for playing an external media content file routed through the network interface of the cable card. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for utilizing a single cable card on multiple media devices for enabling access to protected media content on the multiple media devices.

Abstract: A technique of using a remote control device to identify a source for transferring content on a home network, a renderer for rendering the content and a pathway within a home network to couple the source to the renderer to transfer the content. The remote control device then transmits control information to the source to set a control parameter value within the source to send the content and transmits control information to the renderer to set a control parameter value within the renderer to receive the content. The commands from the remote configure parameter values associated with a media layer in the source and/or the renderer to initiate a hand-shake to effect the content transfer, so that the source and the renderer need not initiate the hand-shake between themselves.

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 71 performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink 72 using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 so that, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit 131 and, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver 82. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line 84, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source 71 or the receiver 82 is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system may include a communications processor and a transmitter device that combine at least one of a local-area network interface, a wide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfaces for effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. A transmitted stream from the wireless television system may be received via wireless network processing for viewing local-area network data, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television data by flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepad personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TV remote control device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering data including graphical components to user terminals through a communications network, e.g., a cable TV network. In one embodiment, multiple versions of a graphical component of a program guide, each formatted for a respective aspect ratio of a user's TV, are generated. On the other hand, a single version of non-graphical program guide data may also be generated. A data stream containing the non-graphical data and the multiple versions of the graphical component is transmitted to set-top terminals in the network via a transmission channel. If a graphical component is desired, the set-top terminal retrieves from the data stream a selected version of the graphical component that is compatible with the aspect ratio of the TV to which it is connected.

Abstract: A thin client device for use in a home network includes a network port by which the device connects to the home network and a data/memory port by which a data interface such as a memory card or communications port may be connected to the device. The device is configured such that data from the data interface is transferred to a server that is coupled to the home network. The transfer may be automatic or it may be controlled by a user. Where the thin client device includes signal processing hardware, the data from the data interface may be processed by the signal processing hardware and presented to the user.

Abstract: A multimedia system has multiple media sources switchable under user control to a common set of output presentation devices. A table stores parameter values for each media source separately, so that selection of a source changes the parameters of the displayed media to values appropriate for that source. A user input device has selection keys, and also has keys for modifying the values of the parameters. The modified parameter values are stored in the table, so that they persist when the same media device is selected at a later time.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying, accessing, and managing service applications for use with associated consumer electronic devices in a home network system. A client side process, executed by a client computing system in the home network system, operates in conjunction with a server side process executed by a server computing system that is coupled with the client computing system via the Internet. The client computing system is implemented by a gateway device coupled with each of the devices via the home network.

Abstract: A method of distributing audio and video processing tasks among devices interconnected to a display device via a local network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the display device offloads some processing tasks to a computing device on the local network to achieve improved processing performance. The computing device receives audiovisual data, decodes, processes, encodes and transmits the encoded data to the display device in a suitable data format. The processing in the computing device is complementary to any processing to be performed in the display device. In another embodiment, the display device utilizes a plurality of devices on the local network to perform particular signal processing tasks. The other devices in network perform the processing tasks indicated by the display, and send processed data back to the display device for presentation, which helps improve the overall audiovisual data processing performance.

Abstract: A method and system for managing service state data of a service in a service-oriented architecture by establishing a pluggable meta-data processor comprising: establishing a platform independent, extensible meta-data information model to define meta-data about service state data; establishing an extensible meta-data definition comprising an extensible set of service state data attributes; configuring one or more extensible semantic processors; configuring a controller meta-data processor; and defining contracts among the semantic processors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for rendering graphics/image data at an electronic device that typically has limited resources. A video data steam is received at an electronic device, the video data stream including either user interface information or slideshow presentation data coded in a video codec format. A video processor of the electronic device is used to decode at least a portion of the video data stream into video frame data. A portion of the user interface or slideshow presentation is then displayed as video from data on a display of the electronic device.

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 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.