Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced tuner efficiency, wherein tuner resources function to permit multiple content streams to be demultiplexed and thus made available for subsequent display. In one embodiment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprises a resource manager on which a guide application is run to control the tuning of an available tuner resource. This approach obviate reliance on OCAP or other proprietary vendor architecture applications. In another variant, the CPE is adapted to receive RF source data from a wideband tuner, or multiple tuners. The CPE may also be utilized in conjunction with other system configurations designed to enforce a security or other policies within a premises network. The CPE may also employ ‘look ahead’ capabilities to anticipate a QAM stream content before it is received.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movie channel to a user on a mobile device. Movie based content associated with a movie channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly and efficiently access movie information without having to type in information, or specifically request the movie information to be downloaded to the device. The movie channel includes several different modes for categorically displaying different types of movie information. Some example modes include: a movies mode; a theaters mode; and a current top movies mode. The movies mode is organized to display information relating to particular movies on the electronic device. The theaters mode is arranged to display information relating to particular theaters on the electronic device. The current top movies mode displays information relating to the current “hot” movies.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for distributing same/different digital broadcasting streams in a heterogeneous home network and a method thereof The apparatus includes a home gateway, and a home server, connected to the home gateway through Ethernet and also connected to a PC, a second IP STB, a 1394 STB, an HAS (Home Auto System) and an HDTV receiver, for outputting a ground-wave broadcast, a satellite broadcast and a cable broadcast to their HDTV receivers, respectively, through the second IP STB and the 1394 STB if the ground-wave broadcast, the satellite broadcast and the cable broadcast are received through coaxial cables, interworking with the HAS in order to control home appliances, and directly outputting the broadcast to the HDTV receiver through a built-in STB function.

Abstract: A support server receives via a communication network, facility condition information provided by a content providing terminal that provides a content, showing the condition of the facility where a content is used, and facility information provided by a content user terminal, which is set in the facility where the content is used. The support server stores the received facility condition information and the facility information in a database. The support server extracts facility information that meets the condition shown by the stored facility condition information, from the stored facility information. Then, the support server selects the content user terminal set in the facility specified by the extracted facility information, as the providing destination of the content.

Abstract: A system for a digital multiplex theater having a plurality of auditoriums includes a central server, playout servers, and an intelligent selection module. The central server has a local storage device configured to store digital cinema movies. The playout servers are each configured to playout the movies at a respective auditorium and have a respective local storage device configured to redundantly store the movies. The intelligent selection module selects a source for playing out, in an alternate auditorium in place of a scheduled auditorium, from a respective playout server in place of a scheduled playout server, a portion of a movie interrupted by a malfunction occurring at the scheduled auditorium. The selection is made from among any of the storage devices, and is based upon at least a current playing out ability of the scheduled playout server, and a playout schedule of the storage device at the alternate auditorium.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is described. The method includes receiving a request at a control module from a first remote device to access media data from a storage management module and determining that a first user is requesting access to the data based upon a first remote identification (ID). The method further includes opening a second stream between the playback module and the storage management module and receiving the data at the playback module.

Abstract: Provided is a recording and playing system that prevents, even when a client terminal having no recording function receives emergency information, missing out on a program viewed with the client terminal. The system includes a server terminal and a client terminal connected to each other via a network. From among a plurality of broadcast contents, the server terminal receives a portion of a broadcast content that is broadcast after an instruction to perform recording is received. It transmits the portion to the client terminal as a recorded content. The client terminal detects start and finish of reception of the emergency information, and during the emergency information reception, notifies the user of the emergency information.

Abstract: A method is provided for rendering digital content items with a second media renderer in a network having at least one control point, at least one media server, and a plurality of media renderers. The method includes presenting a list of one or more digital content items currently being rendered by any media renderer in communication with the network. A user input is received selecting a digital content item that is currently being rendered by a first media renderer. In response to the user input, the second media renderer is caused to request transmission of the selected digital content item from a first media server associated with the first media renderer to the second media renderer. The network is configured to allow digital content items stored in any media server in communication with the network to be located by any control point of the network and to be transferred for rendering by any media renderer of the network.

Abstract: A configuration is provided in which a device within a home network receives and plays back content from a server that is located outside the home network. A home IMS gateway maps the external server located outside the home network as a virtual home network device, and executes reception of a content provision service provided by the external server through application of the mapping information. Further, at the time of executing switching processing of channels that provide content provided by the external server, the home IMS gateway executes termination of an inactive channel that occurs due to the channel switching.

Abstract: A wireless data-transferring apparatus performs wireless communication with an information-processing terminal. The data-transferring apparatus includes a unit for receiving broadcast program data, a unit for compression-encoding the broadcast program data received by the receiving unit, and a communications control device. The communications control device is configured to perform data-transfer between an external network and the information-processing terminal, in accordance with requests transmitted by radio signal from the information-processing terminal, and to transmit, by radio signal, data received from the external network and the compression-encoded broadcast program data to the information-processing terminal in a time-divided fashion when the communications control device receives the compression-encoded broadcast program data provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: A playback controlling apparatus communicably connectable to a plurality of image processing devices via a first communication scheme and a second communication scheme. The apparatus includes: a first transmission module configured to transmit request information to the image processing devices via the first communication scheme, wherein the request information is for requesting address information; a receiving module configured to receive address information via the second communication scheme from one of the image processing devices; and an association module configured to associate the address information with the one of the image processing devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote control and/or monitoring of a multimedia system includes processing that begins when a hand held device transmits a remote control/monitoring request to a server. The processing continues once a communication path is established between the hand held device and the server by having the server determine remote control and monitoring privileges of the hand held device. If the hand held device has at least a minimum level of remote control and monitoring privileges, the processing continues as the server processes the remote control/monitoring request with respect to at least one client to produce operational monitoring data. The processing continues as the server provides the operational monitoring data to the hand held device via the communication path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of television channels and which allows the generation of the same by the processing and selection of designated packets of data from multiple data transport streams, which each transport stream including numerous packets of data. In each transport stream the packet of data is identified by the allocations of a packet identification code (PID) and each is held in the transport packet which is transmitted as part of each transport stream. In accordance with the invention, and in order to prevent errors and inaccurate packet selection, a Transport Stream Identification Code (TSID) is allocated to each of the transport streams of data received. Typically the TSID is located in the transport packet for each transport stream of data. In the selection of a packet of data, the appropriate TSID is referred to identify the appropriate transport stream and the PID then referred to identify the packet of data from that transport stream.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method of the display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus displays information regarding peripheral apparatuses communicably connected to a broadcast receiving apparatus, reduces a size of one or more content items selected from displayed content items, displays the content items the size of which is reduced, and sends a request to the broadcast receiving apparatus to display one of the displayed content items.

Abstract: A multimedia telecommunications system including an integrated audio stream manager (102) in association with the digital personal video stream manager. Such an integrated audio stream manager employs a personal computer (110) to record and store audio such as compact disk tracks. The personal computer (10) can then contact one or more Internet web sites for CD indices to download a list of the tracks and provide a master list of all CDs stored. The digital personal video stream manager (102) can then be used to supervise playback of the audio files via the connected audio system.

Abstract: A DTV signal detector detects DTV signals received by a receiver on a selected DTV channel in a Digital Television System. The DTV detector includes a first DTV signal detector that detects a first characteristic of the received DTV signals, and a second DTV signal detector that detects at least a second characteristic of the received DTV signals. A controller responds to the first DTV signal detector and the second DTV signal detector to control a selection of the DTV channel being selected by the receiver. The receiver can be synthesized to select from more than one DTV channel.

Abstract: A communication system 10 includes a head end 12 that generates a device list with channel or content authorizations. The head end communicates the list to a system gateway 26. The gateway 26 receives the list. A plurality of user devices 28 is coupled to the gateway 26. A first device of the plurality of user devices generates a channel or content request at the system gateway. The gateway 26 compares the channel or content authorizations from the list to the channel request from the first user device and communicates to the first user device a channel or content corresponding to the channel request in response to comparing. Thus, authorized users are able to receive the channel or content in response to the list. The list may be generated at a subscriber information module 52 and communicated with the content or channel through a satellite 18 or through a communication network 50.

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 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: In a digital cinema network of NTP-timekeeping devices in which one of the devices decodes video information, the scheduling of future instructions takes into account the differences between the nominal and actual frame rates of the video decoding device and the network's NTP latency.

Abstract: A system, software and method capable of communicating with a device coupled to the system via a network such that the tuning capabilities of the device can be made available for access and control via the system's program guide through placement of the device's tuning capabilities as a channel selection on the system's program guide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for providing multimedia content to customers at a vendor location. A control server and a plurality of patron devices are provided at the vendor location. The control server receives the multimedia content from at least one multimedia content source. Each patron device of the plurality of patron devices communicates with the control server over a communication network for receiving the multimedia content from the control server. The each patron device displays the multimedia content received from the control server for providing the multimedia content to a customer. The each patron device is configured to receive customer input and communicate multimedia content information to the control server based on the customer input. The control server may provide the multimedia content to the each patron device based on the multimedia content information received from the each patron device.

Abstract: A broadband communications access device. The broadband communications access devices includes a gateway interface, wired interface, wireless interface and security interface for proving secure wired and wireless broadband communications access.

Abstract: A integrated phone-based home gateway system is disclosed. The integrated phone-based home gateway system includes a broadband communication device, such as digital subscriber line (“DSL”) device, an analog modem, a wireless interface, integrated into a screen-phone for providing broadband communication service to home users. Multiple home users are able to access the Internet and the content services for conducting e-commerce, receiving content news, entertaining on-demand, making audio or video communications, and telecommuting or working at home. This screen-phone based, modular, plug-n-play home gateway interface allows in-home as well as to-home networking, provides automatic data and broadband initialization, configuration and service provisioning, routing and bridging functionality and allows resource sharing among home devices via the existing phone wire, wireless, coaxial or optical cable connections.

Abstract: A multimedia client/server system, prior to transmitting multimedia data over an RF communication link, shares secure access data between the client module. The secure access data is used to securing communication between the server transceiver module and the client transceiver module over the RF communication link.

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 camcorder, 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: Systems and methods of assembling an elementary stream from an encapsulated multimedia transport stream are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is performed in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT). This method comprises the steps of: receiving a layer-2 packet through a binding to a network interface driver; applying at least one filter to the received packet to determine whether the received packet contains one or more multimedia transport packets meeting criteria associated with the filter; and for each multimedia transport packet meeting the applied filter criteria, copying the respective multimedia transport packet to an elementary stream buffer.

Abstract: A method used in an information processing apparatus for transferring a set of images from a server unit over a network and controlling a printing process of the transferred set of images, the method comprising: a) forming an image selection method at a local network device for identifying the set of images; b) communicating the image selection method to the server unit over the network; c) receiving, at a network device other than the local network device, the set of images from the server unit over the network responsive to the image selection method; d) arranging the set of images into a layout on the network device other than the local network device; e) converting the layout into a page description language (PDL) format file; and f) communicating the PDL format file to a printer over the network.

Abstract: System and method for automatically controlling a media receiver by instructing the media receiver to use a particular receiver connection and to play a selected media unit using one of a plurality of play modes according to characteristics of the media unit. Media units may be encoded using any of a variety of encoding formats. The media management system may interface with a media receiver to select media receiver connections in accordance with the media type of the media unit. The media management system may also interface with the media receiver to set media receiver settings for playing the selected media unit according to the media receiver settings selected for a play mode corresponding to the characteristics of the selected media unit.

Abstract: A process of propagates viewing assets on a system of video storages. The process includes copying a missing portion of a replica of a selected viewing asset onto a target video server. The act of copying is responsive to determining that a priority to propagate the selected asset to the target server is higher than a retention value of a replica of one or more viewing assets stored on the target server.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost. Output bandwidth of broadcast equipment may also be optimized.

Abstract: A system for delivering digital content on demand in a multiple unit environment includes a server local to the multiple unit environment. The server stores, in its memory, the digital content, and is capable of supporting multiple simultaneous asynchronous accesses to the digital content. A billing system tracks the bill for each unit in the multiple unit environment, based on the accessed digital content. Within each unit that supports access to the digital content, an access system (preferably a set-top box) allows a user to access the digital content.

Abstract: A lodging entertainment system provides a variety of products and services, including free television, pay-per-view movies, video games, guest services, and guest-selected recording of television programs for time-shifted viewing. Through the use of an interactive program guide, the guest may select programs being aired during the guest's stay at the hotel for later viewing, or may elect to record a television program while watching the same or another program.

Abstract: A central service facility is connected via a network and a uniform service interactive platform to a multiplicity of remotely located medical diagnostic systems. The interactive platform includes a video/audio plug-in application which can be used to access a library of videos via a network. The video library is stored at the central service facility or on a local area network at the remote facility. The interactive platform of the medical diagnostic system comprises a web browser which enables the end-user to search and select a training video from the database, and a video/audio player for viewing the selected video directly from the operator's console. Depending on bandwidth availability, the video file can be downloaded to the remotely located medical diagnostic equipment prior to display or streamed in real-time.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and method are disclosed for providing a video signal to a video display from a selectable subset of a plurality of digital video data carried on a plurality of video data channels. The digital video data is generated from video signals from a plurality of video sources, and each video channel selectably carries either color or monochrome video data. A processor is configured and arranged to interpret display commands, and a selector circuit is coupled to the processor. The selector circuit is arranged for connection to the plurality of video data channels and selects digital video data from a subset of the channels responsive to an input selection signal from the processor. A video data sequencer is coupled to the selector circuit and decodes color and monochrome video data from the video channels responsive to configuration signals indicating selected data formats for the channels and merges the selected video data into frames of video data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing a plurality of channels within a multimedia system includes processing that begins by receiving a plurality of channels from a multimedia source. The processing then continues by receiving a plurality of channel selection commands from client modules. The processing continues by selecting a channel of the plurality of channels for each of the channel selection commands to produce selected channels. As such, for each channel selection command, a corresponding channel is selected from the plurality of channels. The processing continues by encoding the selected channels based on a data conveyance protocol (e.g., encoding scheme and/or modulation scheme). The encoded channel data is then conveyed to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording a signal received by a home entertainment system that includes multiple consumer electronics devices interconnected to a central electronics device in a hub and spoke configuration. The configuration allows all signals in the home entertainment system to be accessible by the central electronics device. Accordingly, the central electronics device can process, route, or otherwise respond to any signal. By way of example, any signal can be routed to a recording system, where it can be recorded. The signal is coupled with information from an electronic programming guide that details specific programming. An automatic determination is made as to whether or not there exists enough free space on a recording medium to record a specific program. Upon recording the program on the recording medium, an index is updated on the recording medium from the electronic programming guide information and from the location of the program on the recording medium.

Abstract: An information signal transmission system and a remote control device for such a system for allowing a viewer to continuously watch, for example, in a bedroom a program the viewer has watched in a living room. A recipient of information is detected referring to identification information set in a remote command device, and monitor devices are alternately switched for continuously providing the viewer with an information signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for synchronizing display of HTML documents to the audio/video content of a digital television program. Documents are authored with a structure for receiving a presentation time stamp value. After the packetized data representing the document is received at the television receiver, the document is reconstructed, and the value of the presentation time stamp is inserted in the structure in the document. The broadcast HTML formatted document, including the time stamp value, can be read by a broadcast HTML cognizant browser which notifies the program viewer or displays the document at the time specified by the time stamp.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes a headend unit, and a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft. The headend unit includes a digital satellite radio receiver. A local area network (LAN) connects the digital satellite radio receiver for providing digital satellite radio signals to the SEBs. The IFE system further includes a plurality of passenger control units (PCUs) connected to the plurality of SEBs, with each PCU permitting passenger selection of the digital satellite radio signals.

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

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: A receiving unit 101 repeatedly receives a transport stream, and a specifying unit 102 specifies a purchase state. A restoring unit 103 generates a first audio-digital (AV) signal and interactive data, and an AV reproducing unit 105 generates a second AV signal. A combining unit 106 generates a data-AV combined signal by combining the generated second AV signal and a data signal generated from the interactive data. A data presentation restricting unit 115 outputs the interactive data and a purchase state signal. A control unit 107 receives an operation signal from an inputting unit 110 and outputs it to a data operation restricting unit 116. A data analyzing unit 104 analyzes a presentation element contained in the interactive data and generates video data, which is the data signal. A data judging unit 117 judges whether a currently-presented presentation element is included in the same group as a presentation element that is a link destination of the presented presentation element.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating with, and receiving data representative of equipment state and status from, movie theatre equipment in theatres. The system includes a central computer storage unit for receiving and storing data representative of equipment state and status, and a plurality of remote computer storage units coupled to the central computer storage unit for transmitting data representative of equipment state and status. Each of the plurality of remote computer storage units includes a first remote computer storage unit coupled to at least one theatre automation unit for detecting and transmitting data representative of automation equipment state and status.

Abstract: Various kinds of broadcast TV signals can be watched on display devices at desirable places (rooms). High-frequency signals of CS broadcast, BS broadcast and terrestrial broadcast are received and inputted via a lead wire to a retransmission device. A high-frequency signal of a cable television broadcast is directly inputted to the retransmission device. The retransmission device subsequently converts high-frequency signals of incoming different broadcasts into common high-frequency signals and transmits them in time-series. Then, the common high-frequency signals are transmitted by wired or wireless means to a plurality of display devices that may be installed in different rooms or are portable.

Abstract: A wireless AV station is furnished with an Internet browsing function, a TV viewing function, a TV recording and playback function and a message board function, and these multiple functions are activated by a command from a plurality of personal computers each operating as remote controllers, and/or a dedicated remote controller. A control portion executes exclusive control among multiple functions based on exclusive control data, so that concurrently available functions may be used independently by a plurality of remote controllers.

Abstract: A method, system and software for broadcasting, receiving, providing and/or configuring an electronic program guide (EPG). A broadcast station broadcasts a template to a system where program information is inserted into the broadcasted template, thereby creating a station specific EPG. The template accesses program information, service information, event information, user interface information, etc., for configuration and presentation of the EPG to the user. User interface assets and other associated information such as program information, tuning information, etc., may be accessed through a local data base or even through a broadcast signal containing the desired information. Event handling instructions are provided for selecting programs and events and accessing service information, tuning information, etc., for selected programs and events. Additionally, application program interfaces are accessible for execution, tuning, program, and scheduling information, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to use existing cable TV wires for home networking.

Abstract: An amenity accessing system is provided that includes an access telephone (10) with a plurality of access keys. The telephone includes a line powered card reader (62) that interfaces with a CPU (60). Information stored in a memory (70) can then be output in response to a good card received by the card reader (62), this information being in the form of a calling string. The calling string is output to a switched network (22) and a store-and-forward switch (20). The store-and-forward switch (20) is operable to receive the calling string containing information as to the user's ID, credit card information, location of the access phone (10) and other relevant data. This billing information is validated at the store-and-forward switch (20) and, upon validation, an authorization code is then transmitted through a switched network (22) to one of various amenities (24)-(40).