Abstract: Content from a source, such as the Internet, may be displayed on a window on a television, such as a crawl screen, closed caption area, or picture-in-picture (PIP) area. This may allow a user to watch television and view both television content and Internet content simultaneously without the need to access another device, such as a laptop computer, personal digital assistant, or the like. For example, a user may connect a data processing system, such as a computer, to a video control module, e.g., digital video recorder (DVR) or other box used to control a television. The user may then access a tool bar, for example, provided with an Internet browser that runs on the data processing system to identify portions of one or more Web sites to be displayed on the television through the video control module. The video control module may also be configured to allow the user to interact with the Internet content displayed on the television through use of the television remote, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a gateway device that can execute applications which can communicate with various devices in one or more home networks as well as one or more wide area networks. The gateway device can possess capabilities to communicate over various types of proprietary and/or standardized networks. Additionally, the gateway device can be equipped with the ability to communicate with home devices that are directly coupled to the gateway device. The gateway device can also include a mass storage component that allows storage of data on behalf of applications executed therein.

Abstract: A receiving unit 28 includes a tuner circuit board 104 that receives a satellite signal. The tuner circuit board 104 demodulates and decodes the satellite signal to form a second signal. The second signal is provided to a processor board 112 that is separated from the tuner and formats the second signal to form an audio signal and a video signal. An integrated bus 100 couples the tuner circuit board 104 and the processor circuit board 112. The integrated bus 100 comprises the second signal, the audio signal and the video signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first displaying device comprises an acquisition module, a display controller and a game time controller. The acquisition module is configured to obtain information related to a first terminal from a second displaying device. The first terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a game device while a second terminal of the second displaying device is coupled to a network. The display controller is configured to display the information to indicate whether the first terminal is being coupled to the game device or not. The game time controller is configured to measure a time for which the first terminal is coupled to the game device, based on the information obtained by the acquisition module, and to prompt the second displaying device to exclude the connection between the first terminal and the game device, when the measured time reaches a predetermined time set in advance.

Abstract: A local network system includes one or more terminals operable to act as a client on the local network, a dongle in communication with a terminal and a gateway device operable to manage communications between the one or more terminals and an external network. The gateway device includes a memory configured to store a set of instructions, a processor configured to execute the set of instructions, a first communications module in communication with the external network, a second communications module for providing communication between the gateway device and at least one terminal via the dongle, and a third communications module for providing communication between the gateway device and at least one other terminal.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type.

Abstract: Embodiments of a manager/remote content architecture are described herein. The architecture, for instance, may provide management of content received from a content provider, such as to determine which client devices are authorized to output the content. Techniques are also described which allow one of the remote client devices to act as a “limited manager” to allocate content usage by the architecture when the manager client device is not available.

Abstract: A server device includes a communicating portion that sends content data through a communication network to a client machine and a controlling portion that acquires processing capability information of the client machine that plays back the content data, and generates a playback format list that includes playback format information corresponding to the content data, based on, at least, the processing capability information acquired for the client machine. The content data is converted into a playback format based on playback format information selected by the client machine side from the playback format list, and is sent through the communicating portion to the client machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and digital subscriber line (DSL) video services to multiple display devices are disclosed. Generally the disclosed system receives a plurality of DBS channels and DSL content. The system receives a first user-initiated video selection and generates a first television signal based on the first user-initiated video selection. The first television signal combines video from at least one DBS channel and video from DSL content for simultaneously displaying at least a portion of the video from at least one DBS channel and at least a portion of the video from the DSL content on a display device. The first television signal is then transmitted to a first display device. Additionally, the system receives a second user-initiated video selection, generates a second television signal based on the second user-initiated video selection, and transmits the second television signal to a second display device.

Abstract: A system controller for operating one or more controllable devices in dependence upon commands received from a mobile device includes a first communication interface for receiving a command from the mobile device and a second communication interface for receiving a message from a controllable device. One or more processors are configured to determine whether the mobile device that sent the command is authorized to operate a target controllable device to which the command pertains, and generate a command identifier for identifying the command, and send an instruction corresponding to the command and including the command identifier to the target controllable device when the mobile device is authorized to operate the target controllable device. The system controller replies to a pending command identified by a particular command identifier with a response indicating transaction complete when the message from the controllable device acknowledges the particular command identifier.

Abstract: A system for providing virtual AV service includes a local device middleware (LDM) media server which stores AV contents and a resource cooperation server (RCS) which separates the AV contents from the LDM media server into video contents and audio contents. The video contents and the audio contents are reproduced by an LDM video renderer and an LDM audio renderer, respectively. An LDM control point (LDMCP) controls the LDM media server and the LDM media renderers using the LDM protocol and a virtual device ensembler (VDE) controls the RCS and the LDMCP.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, includes a broadband signal access point, which may be located internally or externally to the premises, in combination with the existing cabling is used with radiation device(s) to provide distribution of services, including broadband services, within the premises. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media content processor having a controller adapted to detect an event associated with recorded media content derived from one among a plurality of media content sources, select a communication device of a subscriber of the media content processor, retrieve a portion of the recorded media content, generate a notice describing the event, and transmit the notice with the portion of the recorded media content to the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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 method includes receiving display type information from a compact wireless device, wherein the display type information is type information of data capable of being processed by the compact wireless device, transmitting the received display type information to a management server, receiving general additional information and additional information dependent on the display type information from the management server, and controlling the general additional information to be displayed on the DTV and transmitting the additional information dependent on the display type information to the compact wireless device.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. A signal transmission section transmits a video signal to an external device in a differential signal via a transmission path over a plurality of channels. A communication section executes bidirectional communication using a predetermined line constituting the transmission path. A signal reception section receives stream data received from the external device through the communication section, the stream data having been obtained by a broadcast reception section of the external device. An image analysis section executes image analysis on the stream data received by the signal reception section. A control section controls an operation of at least one of own electronic device and the external device based on a result of analysis obtained by the image analysis section.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing audiovisual content on a network, and methods of transferring the audiovisual content between devices attached to the network. The methods involve accepting user input, at a first output device that is outputting audiovisual content, to select a second output device from the output devices associated with the network and subsequently outputting the audiovisual content on the second output device that is selected.

Abstract: An isolation device isolates a transport medium internal to a customer premises from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. A first interface communicates with the external transport medium and a second interface communicates with the internal transport medium. An addressable set-top box external to the customer premises receives encoded telecommunication information from the external transport medium and generates television signals from the encoded telecommunication information for transmission over the internal transport medium.

Abstract: An enhanced television service provides a shared folder over a television network, such as a fiber optic network. Users, the service provider, or trusted sources, share use of a program folder via television. A user recommends content, such as a program listing, to other geographically dispersed subscribers, by sending the content to the subscribers' shared folder. Users may create a personal content guide for use instead of a standard program guide that contains identical listings for all subscribers. The shared folder may consist of programs from a variety of channels as well as other content and may be populated by trusted sources in remote locations. Users may search for content that matches search criteria and may delete or edit listings from the shared folder. The contents of the folder may not only include program listings, but also other content such as movies, television shows, web sites, photos, home videos, etc.

Abstract: A method of presenting program content to a user moving in a multiple zone home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises causing program content to be presented to a user using a first set of sink devices in a first zone, where each sink device of the first set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub. An indication that the user is in a second zone of the home entertainment system is received. The program content is caused to be presented to the user using a second set of sink devices in the second zone, where each sink device of the second set of sink devices is registered with the wireless home entertainment hub.

Abstract: A method of electronic devices arranged on display walls involves a processor receiving information in a self description signal from an electronic device that characterizes it by at least an IP address and a command set which is stored in a database. A video representation is generated for display on a video display. The electronic device is selected from the database to retrieve at least a portion of the self identification information of the device from the database. Instructions are then issued to place an icon representing the device in a location on the video representation of one of the plurality of walls, where the icon is associated with the electronic device in the location on the wall with a selection of the electronic device for remote control. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Disparate devices in an audio/video ecosystem may be connected and managed by having multiple crossbar connections at nodes in a node and leaf network. The leaves of the network may be various audio and video devices, with receivers, personal computers, and other devices comprising the nodes, which have at least some crossbar switching ability. When the nodes are connected, some or all of the devices attached to all of the nodes may be made available at each interface for control and display. Each node may act as a crossbar, allowing a user at each interface to enjoy the services of any device, regardless of the node to which the device is attached.

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 method includes receiving a broadcast signal from a management server, processing the received broadcast signal using a hospitality middleware platform embedded in the DTV, and outputting audio/video (A/V) data on the basis of the processed broadcast signal. The hospitality middleware platform may include a switching layer for switching a first layer for processing a broadcast signal based on a broadcast standard of a first region and a second layer for processing a broadcast signal based on a broadcast standard of a second region, a flexible Digital Rights Management (DRM) layer capable of being voluntarily modified, and a downloadable engine layer capable of voluntarily programming an interactive service application.

Abstract: Provided is a method of receiving digital television programming content from a television service provider, receiving a first user input of a selected digital television programming content, receiving a message from a system, in response to receiving the message, causing a notification to be displayed on the television as an overlay over the displayed television programming content, receiving a first user command, determining a first control message to transmit to the system in response to receiving the first user command, transmitting the first control message. Also provided is a system including a video camera, an entry way security system, an HVAC system, a lighting system, an alarm system, or other system. User inputs may be received via a remote control to a set top box or from a computing device at a remote computer system through the internet and/or a mobile telephone network.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for supplying media content to portable communication devices is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a cellular transceiver and a controller element to direct the cellular transceiver to transmit a media guide for the STB to a terminal device for presentation on a display unit of the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for space-shifting media broadcasts is provided. A request to space-shift a media broadcast is received. A device, out of a network of devices is selected to space-shift the media broadcast to. The media broadcast is then space-shifted to the selected device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Set-Top Box, a home gateway, and a method and a system for implementing interaction between the Set-Top Box and the home gateway, and the method comprises: the Set-Top Box transmitting a subscription message to the home gateway by means of a UPnP protocol message; the home gateway receiving and parsing the subscription message, combining a subscription response event according to the parsed subscription information, and then transmitting the subscription response event to the Set-Top Box by means of a UPnP protocol message; and the Set-Top Box triggering a corresponding operation according to a subscription response event message, after receiving the subscription response event message. The flexible coordination between the home gateway and the Set-Top Box can be implemented in accordance with the present invention, which can achieve the purposes of automatic diagnosis and automatic adjustment of services, and improve the user experience effectively.

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 method of running a network status module in a set-top box device is disclosed. A loss of a portion of a signal in an Internet Protocol television network is detected. When interference of the signal is cause over a connection between the set-top box device and the residential gateway, a first icon to indicate a first failure in a connection between the set-top box device and a residential gateway on a display device is displayed. When the interference of the signal is over the wide area network of the Internet Protocol television network, a second icon to indicate a second failure in a wide area network of an Internet Protocol television network is displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for managing device operations. The method includes dividing control information into two or more portions, each portion being associated with a unique control sequence number. Each of the associated control sequence numbers is examined during an update cycle to determine which of the portions must be updated. The control sequence number includes information related to control information updates.

Abstract: Vehicular entertainment systems where devices in the systems can each utilize a common type of storage units are presented. A vehicular entertainment system can include a media server head unit in communication over a network with a plurality of media players that are installed about the cabin of a vehicle. Media content can be stored on a plurality of field replaceable storage units where each of the storage units can be installed in any one of the players or the server. Each of the storage units can store a substantially identical content set including passenger content, player content, server content, crew content, or other types of content. The server or players can be restricted from accessing content to which they lack rights, possibly based on a location identifier that indicates roles or responsibilities of the players at their installed location.

Abstract: An asymmetric link configured to operate conflicting video source devices. The asymmetric link transmits, over a first direction, a first uncompressed video stream from a first source device to a first sink device. A switch coupled to the asymmetric link receives a request to transmit a second uncompressed video stream from a second source device to a second sink device over the opposite direction of the asymmetric link. The switch locates an accessible rendering device able to receive compressed video from the second source device and to transmit a third uncompressed video stream to the second sink device without flipping the first direction of the asymmetric link.

Abstract: A media presentation device converts media signals based on stored output settings. The media presentation device includes a sink-interaction port to at least partially receive device-specific information of a sink device, a data storage and a processor. The processor determines whether one of the plurality of at least partially stored device-specific information matches the received device-specific information of the sink device, and selects output settings corresponding to the stored device-specific information that matches the received device-specific information of the sink device for use in converting the media signals to an output format supported by the sink device.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.

Abstract: A contents receiving system uses a digital broadcast wave or a broadband network to enable a user to suitably view main content, and provide a user with subsidiary content information desired by the user. Each of subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102) transmits ID information specific to each of the subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102), and a request for acquiring subsidiary content, from a communication control unit (405) to a main content receiving display unit 100. The main content receiving display unit 100 uses a content separation control unit (310) to separate a stream into subsidiary content corresponding to the request. Then, a request information input/transmission control unit (313) transmits the separated subsidiary content and the received ID information to the subsidiary content control receiver in question. The subsidiary content control receiver judges from the ID information that the subsidiary content should be acquired.

Abstract: The present invention allows Internet Protocol television (IPTV) services to be provided to different types of subscriber devices over different types of networks via a multimedia subsystem, such as an IP multimedia subsystem. A given subscriber may have one subscription supporting IPTV services to different types of subscriber devices. Each of the subscriber devices may register with a given IPTV application server, which will interact with the various subscriber devices using a common session control protocol, such as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The IPTV sessions may support delivery of various types of streaming content, such as audio or video content, for broadcast or on-demand services. Different IPTV sessions are used to support broadcast and on-demand services. However, within a given broadcast or on-demand IPTV session, channels may be changed or the streaming media may be controlled within the respective IPTV sessions.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may use, for example, a method for sending a set-top box an identification of the media player, receiving operational instructions from the set-top box according to the emulator executed by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the media player by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphical user interface, and transmitting media content to the set-top box according to the operational instructions. The emulator can be supplied to the set-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to the set-top box. The user interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator substantially mimics functions of the media player. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device controller initiates a dynamic discovery procedure to detect media output devices that are currently in proximity to a user. The device controller determines a first subset of the detected media output devices configured to present a first media type (e.g., video, audio, etc.) to the user and a second subset of the detected media output devices configured to present a second media type (e.g., audio, video, etc.) to the user. The device controller directs first and second portions of media to the first and second subsets conjunctive presentation. In another embodiment, the first and/or second subsets can include two or more devices, such that the same media type can be presented by multiple devices (e.g., to achieve a surround sound effect, a split-screen or cloned video effect, etc.).

Abstract: An accumulation display device can interlock a display content according to specification of each of the mobile data terminals. An interlocked display system includes an accumulation display device having a metadata interpretation unit that analyzes metadata transmitted by a broadcast wave or a communication network and an accumulated image processing unit that performs accumulation processing of a program content or transmission processing of a restructured program content and managing each mobile data terminal, and the mobile data terminal. Highlights or replays of various scenes of a program currently viewed on the accumulation display device can be viewed on another device. Information on the currently viewed program and a related program as well as a previous scene can be viewed on the mobile data terminal.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling access to media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a viewing request at a set-top box device at a user premises. The method also includes retrieving a permission policy stored at the set-top box device and identifying a wireless device associated with the permission policy. Further, the method includes fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a first relative proximity to the set-top box device, and not fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a second relative proximity to the set-top box device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile device. The mobile device includes: a display; a user input receiving unit which receives input by a user; a storage unit; a communication unit which communicates with an external AV device via a network; and a controller which receives UI information of the AV device from the AV device through the communication unit to display the UI information on the display, controls the storage unit to store a user setup value of the AV device according to the input of the user, and controls the communication unit to transmit the user setup value to the AV device when the communication unit starts communicating with the AV device.

Abstract: A system is described in which, in some embodiments, a centralized service entry device may be used to coordinate communications going into and out of a home or premises. The service entry device may be physically connected to a plurality of external access networks, such as a cable television coaxial or fiber connection and a twisted-pair wire connection, and may coordinate access to those networks by a plurality of in-home devices. Within the home, the system may include a plurality of client devices to assist in the coordination of communications with devices in different rooms within the home.

Abstract: An input switching apparatus includes a plurality of AV signal input units; a communication unit that communicates with another AV device; an input selection unit that selects one of the plurality of AV signal input units; and a selection control unit that switches selection of the input selection unit in accordance with a switching request message for requesting switching of the input selection unit from an origin position to a destination position when the communication unit receives the switching request message. While the input position holding mode is activated, the selection control unit holds the selection of the input selection unit even when the switching request message is received, and transmits a message for causing another device to perform a switching from the destination position to the origin position.

Abstract: A television and a method are provided. The television includes a display, a first network interface to a packet-based network, a first modular card receptacle coupled to the first network interface, and an audio receiver modular card coupled to the first modular card receptacle, the audio receiver modular card to process audio data, wherein the television is operable to display video content on the display promptly upon receipt of a user request.

Abstract: A home automation system and method are disclosed for configuring a device state including but not limited to receiving an input from the client device at the server, configuring the device state in the database at the server in accordance with the input, and sending the configured device state from the server to the client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: Aggregated service and feature sharing is provided in a home network, in which users can freely enjoy not only the shared content, but also the unique features provided by each device anywhere in the network. The service sharing feature allows one device to control and use shared hardware or software functionalities provided by other devices in the network.

Abstract: A wireless cellular or other device to control distribution and presentation of audio, video, or combined audio and video content transmitted from a content server and delivered to at least one contiguous device at substantially the same time. The cellular device sends control signals via various wireless communication protocols based upon user input. The control signals are sent to a content server attached to a TCP/IP network. The wireless cellular device and the content server interact through a request and reply interface, located within the wireless cellular device, based on inputs from the wireless device user. Content available for transmission from the content server is displayed and subsequently selected by the user. Separate audio and video content may be distributed to individually distinct rendering devices contiguous to and selected by the user. During or after the content is transmitted, the user may interact with the content through the wireless cellular device.

Abstract: A system and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest set top box associated with a closest television. The closest set top box does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any set top box that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever.