Abstract: A method performed by a user device connected to a content server, via a public network, that includes sending, to a digital video recorder (DVR) server and via the public network, a request to display images on a display device associated with a local server; receiving, from the DVR server and via the public network, a notification to upload the images, the notification including an address for the content server; selecting a group of images stored on the user device; sending, to the content server and based on the address, the group of images; and sending, to the local server and via a local network, a notification to retrieve the group of images from the content server for display on the display device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for transmitting a television program signal. A portion of a local frequency spectrum may be determined to be free, or relatively unused. A user selection of a television program or broadcast programming channel may be received from a program lineup in an electronic programming guide. The selected program may be selected from a gateway, translated, and transmitted over the portion of the frequency spectrum determined to be free. The translation may include converting a signal from the gateway into a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) signal or a mobile TV signal.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a home cable network may comprise, for example, in a premises-based wired network (network), receiving by a root node network controller (NC), signals that conform to first protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol and communicated to one or more networked devices comprising a television set top box downstream from the root node device where, for example, only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be communicated. The first protocol signals may comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), cable television, satellite television, fiber-to-the-home, and/or digital subscriber (DSL) signals. The second communications protocol may, for example, comprise a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard.

Abstract: A method and system for micro-cloud computing is described. An application serving node, which is a specifically configured piece of customer premises equipment such as a set-top box, is the server for a micro-cloud network. Various user devices that form part of the micro-cloud network, such as television sets and smart phones, communicate with the application serving node. The application serving node is configured with software that allows various heterogeneous types of data to be obtained and streamed to the user devices in multiple ways. The application serving node performs much of the processing necessary for such content streaming itself and thus represents an edge-based network architecture.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: A device for detecting when a television is in a standby mode is provided. The device includes a housing and a plug receptacle is formed within a surface of the housing. Also, a plug extends from the housing. The device further includes a power detection circuit that detects when a television coupled to the device is in a standby mode. In a particular embodiment, the standby mode is a low power mode in which the television is not fully operational. Further, the device includes a cable that extends from the housing. A signal can be sent from the power detection circuit to a set top box via the cable. The signal indicates that the television is in the standby mode. An electrical cord from a television can be plugged into the plug receptacle and the plug that extends from the housing can be plugged into to a wall outlet.

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

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing video signals. A digital video feed is received at a media distributor that includes a plurality of decoders and a corresponding plurality of modulators, wherein the digital video feed includes a plurality of video channels. The decoders decode the digital video feed to output analog video signals. The modulators modulate the analog video signals; and a combiner combines the outputs of the modulators to generate a channelized video signal.

Abstract: Aspects of an audio/visual architecture are disclosed. In one aspect, a system is disclosed where the system has a media manager object, an audio/visual program, and a player/recorder object so that when the program is selected, the media manager dynamically loads the player/recorder object for either playing or recording the program. For example, with respect to the media manager object, it can manage a collection of related program entities and any corresponding player/recorder components. Also, the media manager can allocate share source ports and shared sink ports in order to dynamically create virtual circuit paths for selected program entries.

Abstract: A method of servicing requests for information at a server includes receiving a request for information from a client device, and determining a number of attempts of the request made by the client device. Both the client device and the server may count the number of attempts for each request. When the number of attempts is greater than a threshold, the method includes servicing the request and sending the information to the client device. When the number of attempts is not greater than the threshold, the method includes sending a service unavailable message to the client device. A retry-after delay may be calculated by the server according to a predicted time for the server to exit an overloaded state and included in the service unavailable message. The predicted time may take into account both requests currently being serviced and requests that have been scheduled to be serviced in the future.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a centralized broadband gateway for a wireless communication system, including: a router/gateway module which receives encoded compressed audio/video (A/V) streams and distributes the encoded compressed audio/video A/V streams; multiple audio/video decoders which receive the encoded compressed A/V streams from the a router/gateway module, decode the encoded compressed A/V streams, and output uncompressed A/V streams; and an integrated Wireless High Definition Multimedia Interface (WHDMI) which receives the uncompressed A/V streams from the multiple audio/video decoders and transmits the uncompressed A/V streams wirelessly to media devices, without deploying individual media processors at each media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed digital media device at user premises receives a media signal from a media source for presentation via a television display. The exemplary device also supports bi-directional communications with an application service provider device via user premises data communications network. The provider device, which is independent from the media source, offers an application service from a wide area network via the digital media device and user premises network. The digital media device may form a composite signal from the media signal and application service information, for example, for a composite audio and or video signal for television type presentation to the user. The digital media device may receive a selection signal based on the presentation, for transmission to the application service provider device or to the media source. The media device also offers a GUI presenting a moveable arrangement of icons for selectively accessing application services.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive programming incorporating viewer interactions. An interactive program includes moderator content generated by the moderator and edited participant commentary, such as interactive messages, and is served by a moderator server. Moderators create and manage interactive programs using a Web site. Viewers register to be participants in interactive programs using the Web site. The interactive programs can be distributed as electronic documents written in a markup language such as HTML or XML over a communications network such as the Internet. The interactive programs can also be converted to conventional interactive television content for distribution over an interactive television network. The interactive programs can also be distributed over a virtual private network for use as a collaboration tool by an enterprise such as a business concern.

Abstract: A method for enabling communication between a companion device and a primary viewing device includes determining presence of the primary viewing device; and determining presence of the second viewing device. The method further comprises determining that the second viewing device is a companion to the primary viewing device and causes establishment of a viewing group that includes the primary viewing device and the second viewing device. A notification message is provided to the primary viewing device with information enabling the primary viewing device to determine that there is a companion device for it. Additionally, a notification message is provided to the second viewing device with information enabling the second device to determine it is a companion device for the primary viewing device.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary method includes an expansion media content processing device receiving media content in a format not supported by a set-top box to which the expansion media content processing device is communicatively connected by a local communication link, converting the media content from the format not supported by the set-top box to a format supported by the set-top box, and providing the media content in the format supported by the set-top box to the set-top box by way of the local communication link. In some examples, the method further includes the set-top box receiving and using the media content in the format supported by the set-top box to provide the media content to an output device for presentation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including an execution unit, a generation unit, a first request unit, and a second request unit. The execution unit is capable of executing first information processing. The generation unit is configured to generate a display image including first information associated with first access information for accessing the execution unit and second information associated with second access information for accessing a server on a global network, the server being capable of executing second information processing. The first request unit is configured to request the execution unit to execute the first information processing based on the first access information associated with the first information. The second request unit is configured to request the server to execute the second information processing based on the second access information associated with the second information.

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

Abstract: A STB resource sharing (RS) group of a home network comprises a plurality of STBs. In the STB RS group, a STB communicates with one or more other STBs to mutually share available device resources comprising hardware and software resources, and/or capabilities. The STB functions as an elected master (EM) or a STB RS client in the STB RS group. As an EM, the STB receives advertisements from other STBs to determine available resources. The determined available resources are announced to other STBs in the STB RS group. The STB manages the use of the determined available resources according to resource sharing requests received from other STBs. As a STB RS client, the STB advertises inherent resources to an EM of the STB RS group. The STB receives announcements from the EM for available resources in the STB RS group. The STB shares its available resources, accordingly.

Abstract: An IPTV filter node in an IPTV network is operative to control the delivery of multimedia content to a plurality of rendering units in a home network by comparison of various multimedia rendering criteria to predetermined subscriber information maintained in a subscriber profile. In some embodiments, the IPTV filter node is further operative to control the delivery of multimedia content via dynamic interaction with an authorization user.

Abstract: A system includes plural TVs, with a master TV accepting user input to establish TV settings. The system also includes a server accessing the TV settings from the master TV to send the settings to at least some of the other plural TVs over a network to establish respective TV settings on the other TVs.

Abstract: A network device for a network including a network controller adapted to provide Ethernet communication capability and CEC (consumer electronics control) communication capability, and a database generator unit adapted to generate a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the home entertainment network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device of the network. A method for controlling and re-routing audio, video and data streams in a network, includes: generating a device database containing information about the network devices being member of the network and/or an operation history database containing information about network device operations tasked by a user of a network device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distributed recording of content in a client system having a home network connecting a content broker and a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) with digital video recording capability. In a requesting STB, a command is received from a user to begin recording a content item. A query is sent from the requesting STB to the content broker to determine whether the content item is being recorded by any other STB of the plurality of STBs. A response is received from the content broker. If the response indicates that none of the plurality of STBs is then currently recording the content item, the content item is recorded in the requesting STB. If the response identifies a recording STB that is then currently recording the requested content, an internal content list is updated in the requesting STB to identify the recording STB.

Abstract: In one aspect, cabin interphone handsets and passenger announcement speakers in the cabin of a vehicle communicate over an internet protocol data network. Each handset of the system has an internet protocol presence and each passenger announcement speaker of the system has an internet protocol presence. Each handset includes announcement and call management functions so that each handset can communicate with one or more handsets over the network as well as make passenger announcements via one or more passenger announcement speakers. The call setup function and PA function may utilize voice over internet protocol. In another aspect, methods are provided for making interphone calls and passenger announcements using the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for centralized content, media and data delivery and access within a premises such as, e.g., a residence. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a remotely manageable premises device that acts as a centralized client networking platform, providing gateway services such as network management as well as traditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. The device also acts as the shared internet connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, music and photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, and providing both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephony services utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device. The device can also provide a trusted domain for content or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in the home.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.

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: An exemplary system includes at least one computing device located within a local media content network and configured to 1) generate a media index of local media content stored by one or more media content access devices located within the local media content network and cloud media content stored by one or more cloud computing devices located within a cloud media content service network and 2) manage the local media content and the cloud media content based on the media index and on a predefined media management heuristic. Corresponding methods, systems, and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the transmission of contents among a plurality of audio/video (AV) devices by using a general purpose network In case of transmitting the contents held in a first device (source) to a second device (sink) by way of a designated transmission path, information relating to the transfer protocol for transmitting the contents is added to each content when the contents information held in the first device is disclosed to a controller on the network. Transmission management is performed based on the information on the transfer protocol added to each content when starting transmission of the contents between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A content display-playback system includes a content providing apparatus, a content display-playback apparatus, and an operation control apparatus for controlling the apparatuses. On the basis of operation control by the control apparatus, content is transmitted from the providing apparatus to the display-playback apparatus for display and playback through a network. The control apparatus includes an input operation receiving unit for receiving an operation input, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal for transmitting and receiving the content among the providing, display-playback, and control apparatuses in response to the operation input, and a storage unit for storing selection-history information.

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

Abstract: A method for operating conflicting source devices communicating over the same self-configurable asymmetric link, comprising: transmitting uncompressed video from a first source device to a first sink device over a first direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link; receiving a request to transmit uncompressed video from a second source device to a second sink device over the opposite direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; locating an accessible rendering device able to receive compressed video from the second source device and to transmit uncompressed video to the second sink device without flipping the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; and transmitting compressed video from the second source device to the rendering device, whereby the rendering device renders and transmits the video to the second sink device.

Abstract: A channel tuning method and a broadcast receiving apparatus using the same are provided. The channel tuning method includes receiving a channel selection command from a user, tuning to a predetermined broadcast signal using channel index information corresponding to selected channel information, and displaying the tuned broadcast signal. The channel index information includes physical transmission channel (PTC) information, and program number information which is contained in a program map table (PMT). Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously manage a plurality of broadcast receiving apparatuses using separate channel index information corresponding to channel information input to the broadcast receiving apparatuses.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a content provider subsystem providing media content over a closed media network and an open network. At least a subset of the media content provided over the closed media network is provided over the open network. The system further includes a user access subsystem communicatively connected to the closed media network and the open network. The user access subsystem is configured to access the media content over the closed media network and the open network and to process and provide at least a component of the accessed media content for presentation to a user. The user access subsystem includes a content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the closed media network and an expansion content processing device configured to decode the media content accessed over the open network.

Abstract: A wireless audio and video signal transmitting and receiving system includes a transmitting assembly including having a first logic circuit, an input for receiving a plurality of channel signals electrically coupled to the first logic circuit and at least one signal transmitter electrically coupled to the first logic circuit. The signal transmitter transmits all of the channel signals on a discrete channel frequency. Each of a plurality of receiving assemblies includes a second logic circuit and signal receiver electrically coupled to the second logic circuit. The signal receiver receives the channel signals from the at least one signal transmitter. An output electrically coupled to the second logic circuit is electrically couplable to a monitoring device to monitor the channel signals received by the signal receiver.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network.

Abstract: A method is described that enables a user to remotely manage and/or monitor servers such as digital cinema screen servers and other equipment such as digital projectors within one or more digital multiplex theaters. In one embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a public, wide area network (e.g., the Internet) with or without VPN. In other embodiments, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a private, wide area network (WAN), or via a satellite communication link. In yet another embodiment, the remote management and/or monitoring of the present invention can be performed via a local area network (LAN).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing DVD content through a home network are provided. The method includes transmitting item information indicating DVD content in response to a request for a content list, and receiving a request for the DVD content in units of a sector from a client having acquired the item information, and extracting and transmitting data of the requested sector to the client. Various functions provided by the DVD video can be utilized similar to reproducing DVD content through a local DVD player while reproducing DVD content stored in a remote server through devices of a home network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce concerns of the DVD copyrighter about illegal copying of the content since encoded data is transmitted as it is, without being decoded.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video content between a computing device and display device. The method includes establishing a data connection between a receiver unit and the display device, where the receiver unit includes a first wireless transceiver and an output port, establishing a data connection between a transmitter unit and the computing device, where the transmitter unit includes a second wireless transceiver and a memory and is configured to perform two-way wireless communications with only the receiver unit and is configured to not perform two-way wireless communications with any other devices, and transmitting the video content from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit.

Abstract: A scheduled broadcast time is retrieved for a program that is to be delivered in advance of the scheduled broadcast time, wherein the scheduled broadcast time is associated with a program content identifier for the program. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a pre-cast channel is selected on a network by selecting at least one of a currently unused channel or a dedicated pre-cast channel. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a signal is sent for placing a viewer program storage device into a pre-cast mode, such that viewing of the pre-cast channel is disabled. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, the program is delivered to the viewer program storage device over the pre-cast channel, wherein the delivered program is associated with the program content identifier and a time stamp for disabling playback of the delivered program until arrival of the scheduled broadcast time.

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

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting multiple-screen interactivity between at least a first screen on a first device and a second screen on a second device. The system includes an interactivity server for providing complementary content for display on the second screen relative to primary content displayed on the first screen. The system further includes a communication device for communicating the complementary content to the second device to display on the second screen thereof.

Abstract: A broadcast satellite single wire interface. Such an interface comprises a low noise block amplifier module having multiple outputs, a plurality of filter banks, each filter bank coupled to each of the outputs of the low noise block amplifier module in a respective fashion and comprising a plurality of filters, and a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, each A/D converter coupled to a filter in the plurality of filters in the plurality of filter banks in a respective fashion, wherein the A/D converters directly sample incoming downconverted broadcast satellite signals and the sampled incoming downconverted broadcast signals are output on a single wire in a stacked output.

Abstract: The invention involves a procedure and a system for reproducing or alternatively creating audio and/or video data in a location (12, 14, 16) in which sales are made, such as a restaurant or a business, which includes at least one data source (28) for audio and/or video data; at least one replay station (20); one control system (10), which is connected to the storage device and the replay station; at least one pay station (18), which is connected with the control system; at least one storage unit (30, 32); which control system creates correlation data sets from the data previously stored and contains a time correlation between the data that have been played. Or, alternatively between the applications and programs that created them and the pay station sales, and the control system takes account of these correlation data sets in replaying the data or in selecting the programs or applications.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distributed recording of content in a client system having a home network connecting a content broker and a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) with digital video recording capability. In a requesting STB, a command is received from a user to begin recording a content item. A query is sent from the requesting STB to the content broker to determine whether the content item is being recorded by any other STB of the plurality of STBs. A response is received from the content broker. If the response indicates that none of the plurality of STBs is then currently recording the content item, the content item is recorded in the requesting STB. If the response identifies a recording STB that is then currently recording the requested content, an internal content list is updated in the requesting STB to identify the recording STB.

Abstract: A system may include a client and a home media server in communication with the client. The home media server may be configured to receive a request for media content from the client; determine content restrictions associated with the client; discover at least one other home media server; receive content listings of media content from the at least one other home media server; aggregate the received content listings to create a unified content listing including instances of media content stored on multiple home media servers; filter the unified content listing according to the content restrictions; and send the filtered unified content listing to the client.

Abstract: A home media server includes a processor, a storage medium; and machine-readable code, stored on the non-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory storage medium includes instructions which when executed, cause the home media server to receive downloadable instructions, an edited set of data and analysis data. The downloadable instructions, when executed by the processor cause the home media server to search for and obtain media content associated with an edited video program. The instructions also cause the home media server to receive the edited set of data corresponding to editing steps for assembly of the edited video program, and to emulate assembly of the edited video program utilizing the media content obtained by the home media server to created an emulated video program.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for controlling a broadcasting network and a home network for a 4D broadcasting service. The method for controlling a broadcasting network for a 4D (four-dimension) broadcasting service according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: encoding image data of a predetermined place photographed by multiple cameras; receiving realistic effect data from at least one sensor sensing state information of the predetermined place while the photographing is performed; synchronizing the realistic effect data and the image data with each other by considering an encoding time of the image data; generating a transport stream (TS) including the realistic effect data and the image data based on the synchronization; and transmitting the generated TS to a home network.

Abstract: A control method of controlling a transmitting unit to transmit a content via a network and a receiving unit to receive the content via a network. The method includes the steps of obtaining from the transmitting unit, resume information indicating a position at which reproduction of a content is suspended; transmitting to the receiving unit, an indication to reproduce the content beginning at the position which is indicated by the resume information and at which reproduction of a content is suspended; obtaining from the receiving unit, content reproducing information indicating the position at which the content is to be reproduced; transmitting an indication to stop reproduction of the content to the receiving unit; creating resume information by use of the content reproducing information obtained from the receiving unit; and transmitting the resume information to the transmitting unit.

Abstract: A video transmission system includes a transceiver module that receives location data from a remote device and that transmits a video signal to the remote device. A network module receives a video stream from a video source and that generates the video signal based on the location data.