Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication system includes a transmitter and a switch. The transmitter transmits, to a television receiver, an address used to access a server on a network used by a mobile terminal. The switch automatically switches, after the address is transmitted, the display of the mobile terminal to an operation display that displays an operation element suitable for the operation state of the television receiver.

Abstract: An AV session restoration method and a control point for performing the same are provided. The method includes collecting AV session information, and restoring the AV session based on the collected AV session information when an error occurs in the AV session.

Abstract: A method of registering a device with a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes broadcasting by a wireless home entertainment hub a request for a reply from at least one unregistered device. The reply is received from at least one of the unregistered devices and a list of the at least one unregistered device is presented to a user for the purpose of the user selecting a device to register. An indication of the registration of the device selected by the user for registration is stored, and the selected device is removed from the list of unregistered devices after the indication of the registration is stored.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components are implemented on a multipassenger transit vehicle to provide passenger access to a pre-assigned interactive electronic media device associated with a passenger identification (ID) code or associated with an on-board situs location. The electronic media device may include a storage component, and a battery module that can periodically be replaced or recharged. Security techniques may provide protection against unauthorized usage of each electronic media device, and also help prevent unauthorized removal of the electronic media device from its approved location in the transit vehicle. Selective content may be accessible or downloaded via a communication node, wherein such content may include application programs or informational data specifically correlated with a media device location or a designated vehicle passenger.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: A first television receiver provides media content wirelessly to a second television receiver. The first television receiver transmits video data to the second television receiver on a first wireless network. The television receiver transmits other kinds of data to the second television receiver on a second wireless network.

Abstract: A method of controlling devices, and which includes converting, via a transmitting apparatus, a signal including at least one of the video/audio and data into a first definition wireless signal, transmitting, via the transmitting apparatus, the converted first definition wireless signal to a receiving apparatus, receiving, via the receiving apparatus, the first definition wireless signal, extracting, via the receiving apparatus, the at least one of the video/audio and data included in the first definition wireless signal, detecting, via a detector on the receiving apparatus, a quality of the received first definition wireless signal, and comparing, via a processor on the receiving apparatus, the detected quality of the received first definition wireless signal with a predetermined value, and transmitting a first command to the transmitting apparatus to transmit a second definition wireless signal including the at least one of the video/audio and data to the receiving apparatus, when the detected quality of th

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

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: 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: A method for application launching for electronic devices comprises executing a first application on a first electronic device based on a non-triggered input. Information is received on a second electronic device from the first electronic device. A second application is launched on the second electronic device based on the received information.

Abstract: Techniques for scheduling transmission of video streams in a network are described. It may be determined whether an amount of data in a buffer of a wireless transceiver is above a threshold. A first video stream and a second video stream are buffered using the buffer. The first video stream is associated with a first transmission schedule. If determined that the amount of data is above the first threshold, a characteristic of the first video stream may be compared to a characteristic of the second video stream. The first video stream may be selected based, at least in part, on the comparison of the characteristic of the first video stream to the characteristic of the second video stream. The first transmission schedule of the first video stream may be modified upon selecting the first video stream.

Abstract: A system for providing content and entertainment to customers of a venue that includes at least one processor and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and configured to receive audio or video content from at least one media device positioned in at least one venue, transmit the audio or video content to at least one mobile device, and transmit at least one custom graphical user interface or information related to the at least one custom graphical user interface to the at least one mobile device.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit which capable of running at least two different tasks concurrently, slave units being under control of the master unit and slave units are capable of executing at least two different actions corresponding to the at least two different tasks concurrently. A smart device that is capable of controlling 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.

Abstract: A wireless transmission system is provided that can minimize the control command transmission amount by operating a plurality of sink devices in conjunction with each other with respect to each group. The wireless transmission system includes: a bridge device (1) which wireless-transmits an AV content; and a plurality of wireless sink devices (5, 6) which reproduce the wireless-transmitted AV content. The bridge device (1) has a group identification table which stores a group identifier for identifying a group formed by the wireless sink device (5, 6). The bridge device (1) adds a group identifier extracted from the group identification table to a control command for controlling the sink devices (5, 6) and wireless-transmits the control command having the group identifier. The wireless sink devices (5, 6) receive a control command wireless-transmitted from the bridge device (1) if a corresponding group identifier is added to the control command.

Abstract: A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.

Abstract: A technique is offered which is applied to a system for wirelessly sending and receiving control commands and which permits mutual communications owing to the control commands between a wireless video transmitter and wireless video receivers to be operated stably with low delay. The transmitter makes a decision as to whether commands received from the receivers are certain commands. If so, the transmitter assigns transmissible periods, in which the receivers can send commands, more preferentially to the wireless video receiver that has sent out the certain commands than the other wireless video receivers.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and an image displaying method thereof are disclosed, which can solve a problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus. Since the problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus, which may occur due to discharge of the mobile display device, can be solved, a user can conveniently and quickly use contents watched by himself(herself) immediately before the mobile display device is discharged.

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: Embodiments provide power-efficient mechanisms for communicating small amounts of information to receiver devices within a mobile broadcast system. A generic transport mechanism enables transmitting data relevant to upper layer protocols in a lower layer sub-channel so multiple information summary flows can share the same physical layer sub-channel. Data fields are added to the Overhead Information Service (OIS) channel to provide power-efficient logical channels for carrying the summary information. Data from the power-efficient logical channels are provided to an upper protocol layer that receives the information summary flows. Information summary flow may carry a version number of an information flow in the broadcast signal, codes or other information. Receiver devices periodically monitoring the OIS receive the information summary flows.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing television signals includes a multi-switch module multiplexing television signals therethrough. The system further includes a plurality of unit configurations having respective power sources therein. The plurality of unit configurations receives the television signals. The system also includes a splitting module in communication with the multi-switch module and the plurality of unit configurations whereby at least one of the plurality of unit configurations powers the multi-switch module.

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 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: When the information-provision apparatus is providing an audio signal to the specific information reproduction apparatus, the user enters an operation input to the specific information reproduction apparatus to switch processing to reproduce an audio content from the specific information reproduction apparatus to another information reproduction apparatus. In this case, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to start an operation of providing the audio content to the other information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to newly reproduce the audio content. Then, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to end an operation of providing the audio content to the specific information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to terminate an operation of reproducing the audio content.

Abstract: A wireless media distribution system is provided comprising an access point (6) for broadcasting media and a plurality of stations (2) for reception and playback of media. Each station is configured for receiving and decoding a timestamp in a beacon frame transmitted repeatedly from the access point. This is used to control the output signal of a station physical layer clock (12) which is then used as a clock source for an application layer time synchronization protocol. This application layer time synchronization protocol can then be used in the station to control an operating system clock (8) for regulating playback of media.

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: A transmitting device includes a video-signal output unit, an image displaying unit, an information receiving unit, and a controller. The video-signal output unit outputs a video signal. The image displaying unit displays an image based on the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, on a first image display element. The signal transmitting unit transmits the video signal outputted from the video-signal output unit, to an external apparatus via a transmission path. The information receiving unit receives operational information transmitted from the external apparatus, on a display screen of a second image display of the external apparatus. The controller controls at least an operation of the video-signal output unit on the basis of the operational information received by the information receiving unit.

Abstract: System and method for protecting video stream quality during transmission over a wireless medium. A plurality of video streams may be transmitted to one or more clients in a wireless manner. It may be determined that a size of a transmit queue is above a first threshold. The plurality of video streams may be differentiated, as part of which a video stream may be selected for penalization in order to protect the other video streams of the plurality of video streams. A scheduling penalty may be imposed on the selected video stream based on determining that the size of the transmit queue is above the first threshold and based on differentiating the plurality of video streams.

Abstract: A method is implementable in a source device that is operable to provide, via a wireless channel, a video stream to a sink device for display by the sink device. The method includes receiving compressed video data corresponding to one or more video frames of the video stream, and generating a current packet of a plurality of packets. The plurality of packets collectively includes the compressed video data. The current packet includes a current portion of the compressed video data and recovery information indicative of at least one of (i) an arrangement of an earlier portion of the compressed video data, or (ii) content of the earlier portion of the compressed video data, wherein the earlier portion of the compressed video data is data included in an earlier packet of the plurality of packets. The method also includes causing the current packet to be transmitted to the sink device.

Abstract: A method is implementable in a source device operable to provide, via a wireless channel, a video stream to a sink device for display by the sink device. The method includes receiving link quality information indicative of a condition of the wireless channel and/or performance of communications between the source device and the sink device via the wireless channel. The method also includes determining a measure of network congestion based on the link quality information, and, based on the measure of network congestion, skipping one or more, but not all, video frames of a plurality of video frames in the video stream, such that the one or more video frames are not provided to the sink device, reconfiguring a video encoder operating on the plurality of video frames, such that an output bit rate of the video encoder is changed, and/or changing a video format of the video stream.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for managing multimedia traffic across a common wireless communication network. Embodiments may include content devices, end point devices, a network node, and a wireless dongle. The network node and the wireless dongle may have application functions transmitting and receiving application data streams including a video application. The video application may include a conversion engine to compress, expand, or convert video data. Further, both the network node and the wireless dongle may transmit downstream video streams and receive upstream video streams. In addition, the network node may have a master controller function and a node management function, and a dongle management function each managing video traffic streams and application data streams. In addition, the dongle management function controls admission of a video traffic stream originating from the wireless dongle to the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method and system are described for displaying a synchronized instance of content on a portable electronic device. In the described embodiments, a selection of streaming content that is being displayed on a fixed display system is received by the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device then determines if the portable electronic device is compatible with the streaming content being received by the fixed display system. If the portable electronic device is compatible with the streaming content being received by the fixed display system, then the portable electronic device requests the synchronized instance of the streaming content and displays it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for receiving and displaying cellular television content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wireless communication device for establishing a connection to a wireless telecommunications network and for receiving video content over the connection. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the cellular television content and the television signal. The processor generates a signal for display on a video display screen from the television signal and the video content. A video display screen is also provided in the apparatus for displaying the signal. The apparatus may also include a remote control interface and a remote control device that includes a keypad for establishing a wireless telephone call through the apparatus over the wireless telecommunications 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: The present invention provides a video transmission apparatus including a connection terminal to which a video reproduction device is connected; a wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting a video signal input through the connection terminal; a transmission quality detection unit for detecting transmission quality of when wirelessly transmitted by the wireless transmission unit; and a reproduction control unit for controlling the video reproduction device to stop the reproduction of the video when degradation of the transmission quality is detected and to resume the reproduction of the video when the transmission quality is recovered.

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: 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, system, and medium are provided for enabling playback of licensed media content. The depicted embodiments provide a method to enable users to play a high-quality media file on a computing device. More specifically, the method provides a method to authenticate a high-fidelity license on a computing device to enable playback of an associated high-quality media file. Illustrative examples of high-quality media files include any media file that may contain a video and/or audio component.

Abstract: A system and method for providing communications service to individual units of a multiple dwelling unit (“MDU”) is disclosed. The system may comprise a communications service unit configured to distribute communications signal to at least one unit of a MDU via at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable are distributed along the exterior of the MDU, one or more network interface elements communicatively coupled to the at least one cable, wherein each of the one or more network interface elements are positioned near a window of the MDU, and an antenna communicatively coupled to each of the one or more network interface elements, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit the communications signal to one or more network elements in at least one unit of the MDU.

Abstract: A simple antenna is connected to the RF input port on a conventional digital TV to receive video content from a plurality of video content sources wirelessly. The wireless RF transmission by a local transmitter has a range generally limited to within a home or room. The low power RF transmission is on a carrier frequency that is legally authorized by the FCC in frequency and power level. To identify the open channels for the RF transmission, a tuner scans for weak channels, and the transmitter is tuned to transmit on the detected weak channels.

Abstract: A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create a experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.

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 protocol for wireless transmission of audio/video (A/V) information is provided. The protocol includes sending a request message from a requester to a responder for changing A/V format of an A/V stream transmission between the requester and the responder over a wireless communication medium. In reply to the request message, sending a response message from the responder to the requester for synchronizing the A/V format change. The requester and the responder changing the A/V format of the A/V stream in synchrony.

Abstract: An information communication system includes: a communication line which connects a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus to each other; a transmission unit which is included in the first information processing apparatus and transmits identity information of the first information processing apparatus without passing through the communication line; a reception unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and receives the identity information of the first information processing apparatus transmitted from the transmission unit without passing through the communication line; and an information transmission unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and transmits information to the first information processing apparatus via the communication line by using the identity information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A method for managing wireless data communication links includes establishing first and second wireless data communication links between a host system and a wireless display adapter. The first wireless data communication link is associated with a high data rate of data traffic between the host system and the wireless display adapter, and the second wireless data communication link is associated with a low data rate of data traffic. The method further includes determining that information is to be transmitted between the host system and the wireless display adapter using the low data rate, turning off a first data radio associated with the first wireless data communication link, and transmitting the information over the second wireless data communication link.

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 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: Techniques for real-time DVR usage and reporting enable using instant message protocol in a DVR environment to obtain real-time DVR usage data and to report data reflecting such usage in real-time. An example of DVR usage data comprises data reflecting that a viewer is viewing a video program which is R-rated. Another example of DVR usage data comprises a viewer entering a password, such as a kids zone password, to exit kids zone operational mode.