| ELDON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120117596 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRESENTING STORED MEDIA CONTENT AT ITS BEGINNING - Media device systems and methods are operable to automatically present a program at its beginning while a remaining portion of the program is being received at the media device. An exemplary embodiment receives a program in a media content stream; receives a presentation request to present the program, wherein the presentation request is received after an initial portion of the program has been received and wherein the presentation request is received before a conclusion of the program; accesses a stored initial portion of the program from a memory medium; and initiates presentation at a beginning of the program residing in the accessed initial portion of the program. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120093476 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A THUMBNAIL-SIZED SCENE INDEX OF MEDIA CONTENT - Scene-based program accessing systems and methods are operable to present a program at a scene corresponding to a selected thumbnail-sized image. An exemplary embodiment selects a plurality of image frames from a program based upon a scene separation duration; generates a thumbnail-sized image from each of the selected image frames, and presents the plurality of thumbnail-sized images on a scene index. The scene index is configured to present the plurality of thumbnail-sized images in a time ordered sequence corresponding to a subject matter presentation sequence of the program, and each of the selected image frames are temporally separated from each other by the scene separation duration. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093415 | Dynamic Recognition of Web Addresses in Video - One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for dynamically recognizing an Internet address within a video or audio component of a multimedia presentation on a distribution system or network such as, but not limited to, a satellite, cable or Internet network. In general, the embodiment may analyze the audio portion of the presentation or one or more frames of a video component to detect the presence of a web address within the one or more frames. In the embodiment where the audio portion is analyzed, the system may perform a voice recognition or a similar analysis on the audio portion to detect the utterance of a web address. Similarly, one embodiment analyzing the one or more frames of the video component may comprise performing an optical character recognition (OCR) of the frame. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090005 | Holographic 3D Display - Disclosure is directed to projecting holographic images in connection with a program service such as cable or satellite television. In one instance, the projected holographic image may be an image of product that is featured in advertisement or other portion of program service. In another instance, the projected holographic image may be an image of a electronic programming guide with screens or menu displayed on sides of a cube or other geometric form. In still another instance, the projected holographic image is a video that supplements an instructional video or live broadcast. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120090003 | Thought Control of Set Top Box - Disclosure is directed to commanding a content receiver by interpreting brainwave patterns that are captured from a user of the content receiver. The user's brainwave patterns may be captured by the use of a headset having a plurality of sensors that are disposed at various locations in proximity to the user's head. The content receiver may be operable to learn to recognize specific brainwave patterns for individual users. The content receiver may recognize a number of specific brainwave patterns for each user, each specific brainwave pattern corresponding to a specific command that is executable by the content receiver. When executing user commands, the content receiver may process an input stream from the headset and compare portions of the input stream to the recognized brainwave patterns in order to extract commands from the input stream. Following this, the extracted commands may be executed by the content receiver. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089999 | Metadata Origination Verification - One embodiment may take the form of a method for verifying metadata associated with programming content. The method may include receiving a first metadatum corresponding to a first programming content, comparing the first metadatum to a stored metadatum corresponding to the first programming content stored in a database, determining whether the first metadatum matches the stored metadatum, and transmitting a first signal if the first metadatum matches the stored metadatum and transmitting a second signal different from the first signal if the first metadatum does not match the stored metadatum. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120086624 | Variable Transparency Heads Up Displays - A heads up display presents images to a user. A background is located behind the heads up display. The heads up display is operable to vary the transparency of the images such that images alone are viewable, the background is viewable through the images, or the background is viewable but the images are not. The heads up display may vary the transparency of the images by varying the transparency of a display screen. Alternatively, the heads up display may record the background using a visual recording element and may combine the recorded background with the images such to overlay the images over the recorded background. The, the display screen may display the images. Alternatively, the display screen may be a projection screen upon which an image projector projects the images. The heads up display may also include an illumination element that illuminates the background when not sufficiently illuminated. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120079538 | Systems and Methods for Filtering Access to Content During Selected Time Periods - Provided herein are techniques for controlling access to content during specified time periods. A time period and content filtering parameter specify access to controlled access to content. An entertainment device is configured to disallow access to content outside of the time period and allow access to the content within the time period. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072941 | Automatic "Spoiler" Prevention - Control of output of programme content from an apparatus including a receiver for receiving programme content and an output includes storing one or more dependencies and determining whether a programme to be output by the apparatus has any dependencies associated with it. The dependencies may be indicative of whether the content of a given programme is dependent upon the content of one or more other programmes. If the programme to be output by the apparatus has any dependencies associated with it, the output of the programme content by the apparatus may impaired based on the dependencies. A corresponding apparatus and computer programme are also provided. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069246 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A TELEVISION LOCATED IN A PREMISES TO SIMULATE OCCUPATION OF THE PREMISES - An electronic device operates a television located in a premises to simulate occupation of the premises, and thereby deter intrusion. The electronic device is caused to operate automatically, without any input from a user, and activates the television at different times according to a predetermined schedule not set by the user. During automatic operation, the television is caused not only to present television programming, but also to present visual and sound effects simulating human activity, whereby occupation of the premises is simulated. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120059947 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING MUSIC PROGRAM CONTENT EVENTS RECEIVED IN A CONTENT STREAM - Systems and methods are operable to store music program content events received in a content stream. An exemplary system and method stores the content stream that includes at least an initial portion of a music program content event, receives a request to store the music program content event, accesses the stored content stream, identifies a start of the music program content event in the accessed content stream, and re-stores the initial portion of the music program content event based upon the start of the music program content event. Then, the exemplary system and method receives a continuing portion of the music program content event in the content stream, and stores the continuing portion of the music program content event with the initial portion of the music program content event. Accordingly, an entirety of the music program content event is stored. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120012730 | Hard Disc Drive Counter-Vibration System - One implementation of the present invention may take the form of a system for a hard disc drive counter-vibration device that may absorb rotational vibration or gyration of the hard disc drive module. This mounting device may incorporate at least one soft, plastic sphere and a pair of concave dished surfaces, configured to face each other and maintain the sphere between them. The sphere of the counter-vibration assembly may support the hard disc drive (HDD) while the weight of the HDD may align the dishes with each other and over the sphere. In this manner, the sphere may act as a spring and allow the HDD to vibrate or gyrate without transmitting the mechanical movement to the rest of the HDD assembly or electronic device. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110313821 | Anti Fare Evasion System - A system for monitoring passengers on a vehicle includes one or more detectors for detecting passenger data including one or more passenger identification properties. A computer system receives data from the detectors and uniquely identifies each passenger based on the one or more passenger identification properties. A device receives fare data indicative of whether a passenger has paid the correct fare, and uses the fare data, passenger identity and passenger data from the computer system to indicate which passengers have paid the correct fare. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110307922 | MAKING AVAILABLE PREVIOUSLY BROADCAST PROGRAMMING - An electronic program guide indicates the time of presentation and the channel or source of various programs. By use of a remote control device, a user is able to navigate the electronic program guide to highlight and then select a particular program which is being broadcast at the present time. The electronic program guide is displayed by a receiver which is networked with other receivers. The electronic program guide is also enabled to present details of various programs which were broadcast at a time earlier than the present time. Some of those earlier programs have been stored and that is also indicated. A user, by use of the remote control device can navigate backwards in time in the electronic program guide to an earlier stored program. This earlier program can then be highlighted and selected. It is then either downloaded to the user's receiver or streamed in real time to the user's receiver. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307914 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STORING PROGRAM EVENTS IN AN ENHANCED HISTORY BUFFER - Enhanced history buffer systems and methods are operable to temporarily store program content for program events. An exemplary embodiment receives program content corresponding to each of the plurality of program events, generates a unique discrete program content file in the enhanced history buffer for each of the plurality of program events, and stores the received program content for each of the plurality of program events in the associated one of the discrete program content files. Each discrete program content file begins at a known starting location in the enhanced history buffer and ends at a known ending location in the enhanced history buffer. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110292283 | REPRESENTATION OF ONLINE DISCUSSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRIMARY VISUAL CONTENT - A method of representing online discussions in conjunction with primary visual content is presented. In the method, the primary visual content is transmitted to a visual display for presentation to a user. A statement of an online discussion is received. In response to receiving the statement, a representation of the statement and an icon representing a source of the statement are transmitted in conjunction with the primary visual content for presentation on the visual display. The icon and the statement are coupled graphically on the visual display, and are placed near a periphery of the visual display. After a period of time while the icon and statement are presented on the display, presuming a second statement is not received from the source, the icon and the statement are removed from the display while the primary visual content is maintained on the display. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110262111 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HIGH-SPEED VIDEO PRESENTATION - A method of presenting video frames of a video segment at a non-standard speed is provided. A frame count is set to an initial value. For each video frame that is to be presented, a time offset relative to a staring time within the video segment is generated. The time offset may be generated by multiplying the frame count by two values. The first value is a length of time for which each selected frame is to be presented to the user, and the second value is the presentation rate of the video segment relative to a normal presentation rate. A video frame within the video segment corresponding to the time offset within the video segment is selected and output for presentation. The frame count is then updated, and the process is repeated for the next frame to be presented. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110206342 | RECORDING SYSTEM - The invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording transmitted data items, and particularly television and radio programmes. The data items are received at one or more inputs along with ID data identifying the transmitted data items and the programme series to which the data item belongs. An input interface receives input indicating whether one or more received transmitted data items have been viewed or recorded by a user and a processor generates values for ranking the series to which each of the received data items belong based upon the received input. Subsequently received transmitted data items are stored in a storage device based on the generated values, the stored data items belonging to a series for which a value has been generated. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110197214 | TRACKING USER REMOTE SIGNATURES - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a particular user of an receiver, such as a set-top box or receiver. A user is identified by the manner in which she uses an input device, such a wireless remote. Each individual user of the receiver is assigned a profile that includes values for a number of information points that serve to distinguish the user from other users of the receiver. With a user identified through tracking of her usage of a input device, customized content such as target advertisements or programming suggestions may be provided. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110194028 | PREDICTIVE CALENDAR - A method for obtaining content using a calendar application is executed on a first electronic device. The method may include receiving travel parameters from a first user through a user interface of the calendar application. The travel parameters may include a destination and a date of travel. The method may further include obtaining destination information from a content source communicatively coupled to the first electronic device based on the travel parameters and notifying the first user of the obtained destination information at a predetermined time before the date of travel. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110191795 | Highlights of Premium Multimedia Content - One embodiment may take the form of method for providing highlights of multimedia content that may be of interest to a user of a television system. The interest of a particular user of the television system may be obtained from a viewing history gathered about the user. From this information, one or more available multimedia programs may be identified as being of interest to the user. Highlights of such content, such as pay-per-view or other premium content, may be gathered and sent to or recorded on the receiver associated with the user such that the highlights may be presented to the user during use of the television system. The highlights may be viewed by the user through the television system and, if the user is interested in the content, may also purchase or otherwise access the highlighted programs. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110188107 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTENT USING PHOTOSENSITIVE LENSES - Systems and methods are provided for presenting three-dimensional content on a display. An exemplary system for presenting a plurality of frames on a display comprises a first lens, a second lens, and an activation system. The activation system utilizes electromagnetic radiation to activate the first lens when a respective frame being presented on the display corresponds to the first lens, resulting in the first lens being substantially transparent and the second lens being substantially opaque, and to activate the second lens when a respective frame being presented on the display corresponds to the second lens, resulting in the second lens being substantially transparent and the first lens being substantially opaque. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187930 | APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ELECTRICAL DEVICE USAGE INFORMATION ON A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Provided herein are techniques for displaying power usage information on a television receiver. A television receiver receives power usage information regarding electrical devices and outputs the power usage information and status information regarding the electrical device for presentation by a presentation device. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187928 | ELECTRONIC APPLIANCE STATUS NOTIFICATION VIA A HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - A method of notifying a user of a status of an electronic appliance is presented. Examples of the electronic appliance may include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, and clothes washers and dryers. In the method, an entertainment system device receives a message from the appliance via a communication link, wherein the message indicates the status of the appliance. In response to receiving the message, the device transmits a command to a second device of the entertainment system to select an input of the second device associated with the first device. The first device transmits data indicating the status over a media content interface to the selected input of the second device for presentation to the user. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187825 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTENT USING APERTURES - Systems and methods are presented for presenting three-dimensional video content to one or more viewers. In an exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a display comprising a plurality of pixels, an opaque material interposed in a line-of-sight between the display and the viewer, and a processor coupled to the display. The opaque material comprises a plurality of apertures formed therein. The processor and the display are cooperatively configured to display right channel content on a first subset of the plurality of pixels that are viewable by a right eye of the viewer through the apertures and display left channel content on a second subset of the plurality of pixels that are viewable by a left eye of the viewer through the apertures. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186077 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL FROM AN ANTENNA - Debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris, such as snow, from a surface. An exemplary embodiment has a wiper blade configured to remove debris from a surface in response to a movement of the wiper blade; a spring coupled to the wiper blade, wherein the spring is configured to store potential energy as the spring is biased from a relaxed position to a biased position; and a motor coupled to the spring, wherein the motor is configured to convert received electrical power into mechanical power that biases the spring. The spring is released from the biased position to release the stored potential energy as the spring returns to the relaxed position. The released potential energy from the spring is converted to mechanical energy that moves the wiper blade. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110179455 | DYNAMIC QoS IN A NETWORK DISTRIBUTING STREAMED CONTENT - In a home network a number of receiving devices are connected to receive streamed audio visual content from one or more sources by way of a network hub. One source is a set top box, having a hard disc drive, which provides a real time broadcast stream, stream | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174332 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING DEBRIS FROM A SURFACE - Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110156944 | DEVICE CONTROL BUS COMMAND TRANSLATION FOR NONCOMPLIANT AND INCOMPATIBLE DEVICES - A method of facilitating consumer device control bus functionality in an entertainment system is presented. In the method, a consumer device control bus command is received from a first electronic device. The control bus command is translated into a wireless remote control command compatible with a second electronic device. The wireless remote control command is transmitted to the second electronic device. A consumer device control command translation device, as well as a consumer electronics device providing related capability, is also provided. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110145808 | Content Receiver Having a Low-Power Mode - A method, system and apparatus for interacting with scheduling data and primary data. A content receiver may receive scheduling data and extract, from the scheduling data, a time at which primary data is available. The content receiver may enter a de-powered state until the time, at which point it powers up. The content receiver may receive the primary data at the time and process it as necessary. Following processing, the content receiver may again power down. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110135281 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FILES ON A DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER - Described herein are techniques for managing files of a digital video recorder. Responsive to a request to record content, a DVR identifies and stores information identifying the originator of a recording request. The identifying information may then be presented to a user to identify the origin of a recording timer or a recorded file. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110066452 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSURING DIGITAL MEDIA DOWNLOAD TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods are provided that enable a user to selectively insure purchased digital media items downloaded over a network connection. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes the steps of receiving first user data from a user at the digital media system to request the purchase of a selected digital media item from a content provider, providing a message to the user to offer loss insurance for the selected digital media item, and receiving second user data at the digital media system to indicate whether the loss insurance offer is accepted. Acceptance data is transmitted to the content provider via the digital network to indicate whether the loss insurance offer is accepted. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110030009 | Alteration of Electronic Program Guide Data Based on Ratings Lock - A television receiver receives a programming signal including programming content and EPG data. The television receiver receives a request for an EPG display. The television receiver modifies the EPG data for one or more records in the EPG data which include content ratings that exceed a ratings lock setting of the television receiver. The television receiver may modify the EPG data for one or more records in a variety of different manners depending on a variety of different factors associated with the records. The television receiver then generates the EPG display from the modified EPG data and transmits the generated EPG display to a display device. The modification of the EPG data may prevent display of objectionable content in the EPG display and/or may indicate that the records correspond to blocked programs. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110023015 | Tool to generate active page interface instructions - A system and method for generating a script conforming with the interactive television standard for embedment in an entertainment device includes retrieving a header file containing definitions of functions present in the interactive television standard. A code file includes a string that does not conform to the interactive television standard for code. The string is broken into substrings based on the presence of the “;” character. In substrings with a “typedef” keyword, a data type is selected based upon occurring immediately succeeding the “typedef” keyword up to the “;” character and creating variables with values representative of the data type. Automatically selecting from a plurality of strings in the header, a suitable string in accord with the variables creates resulting substring in a form acceptable according to the interactive television standard. The resulting code is stored in a memory storage for execution by the entertainment device. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20100328167 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR HEATING A SATELLITE ANTENNA REFLECTOR - Apparatus and systems are described herein for heating a satellite antenna reflector to remove snow and ice from the reflector surface. A satellite heating system includes a heating element attached to the satellite antenna reflector and a battery associated with the heating element. A satellite receiver provides a satellite antenna with a supply voltage over cabling communicatively coupling the satellite receiver and the satellite antenna. The supply voltage is further utilized to charge the battery. The heating element may then utilize the power supplied by the battery to heat the surface of the reflector, removing ice and snow from the reflector surface. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100325665 | Automatic Web Searches Based on EPG - An enhanced graphical user interface to a user, such as an electronic programming guide, including certain selectable attributes. When a particular attribute is selected, a network transaction may be initiated to a website or other network node. Information or other content received from the network node may be displayed as output. The output may include indications of upcoming or future programs that are related to a particular selected attribute. The output may also include a select link that operates to automatically set a timer to record one or more upcoming programs that are related to the selected attribute. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100306804 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE INFORMATION OVER A BACKCHANNEL COMMUNICATION PATH - A systems and methods access electronic program guide (EPG) information via a backchannel link. An exemplary embodiment receives a first portion of EPG information residing in a data channel of a program content stream, establishes a communication link between a media device and a remote EPG content system, and receives a second portion of EPG information from the remote EPG content system via the established communication link. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100262997 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CATCH-UP ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE - Catch-up electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to present information pertaining to previously available programs. An exemplary embodiment retrieves program information pertaining to a plurality of programs from a memory, wherein the retrieved program information identifies at least a scheduled presentation time of each of the plurality of programs; compares a current time with the scheduled presentation times of the plurality of programs; identifies programs that are no longer available for presentation based upon the compared current time and the scheduled presentation times; and generates a catch-up EPG based upon the identified programs that are no longer available for presentation. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100239226 | ARCHIVING BROADCAST PROGRAMS - A system for receiving and presenting broadcast programming has a television receiver connected to a set-top box having an internal hard disc on which selected programs may be recorded. As the internal hard disc has a finite capacity it can become full, particularly if the viewer wishes to retain a library of recordings. The system provides for the automatic transfer of programs stored on the internal hard disc to external hard drives. The viewer is enabled to set the criteria for such archiving using the remote control unit and on-screen menu options. Content with the largest size, the earliest recorded content, or the content viewed less frequently, may be automatically archived. The set-top box is also enabled to collate information identifying the externally stored content and to store that on the internal hard drive together with information as to the location of the stored content. This enables a viewer to retrieve the transferred content. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100189305 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIP READING CONTROL OF A MEDIA DEVICE - Systems and methods of generating device commands based upon spoken user commands are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment captures a series of images of a user of a media device, generates image information corresponding to the series of captured images, determines lip movement of the user from the generated image information, determines at least one spoken user command based upon the determined lip movement of the user, and determines a device command based upon the determined spoken user command. Then, the device command is communicated to, for example, a media presentation device, wherein an operation of the media presentation device is controlled in accordance with the determined spoken user command. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100169931 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING SELECTED BROADCAST PROGRAMMING - Systems, apparatus and methods are described for presenting selected broadcast programming in response to information received from an RFID or other tag associated with a viewer. Such a system may include a television receiver, a set top box, and a user interface, such as a remote control, that enables a user to select a program to be viewed. The set top box is coupled to a detector arranged to interrogate and read personal tags identifying the individual with whom they are associated or the rights assigned to those individuals. The information obtained from the tag may be processed in any manner. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165217 | REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE PRESENTATION OF BROADCAST PROGRAMMING - A TV is controlled by a set top box to receive broadcast programming. The set top box includes a processor for causing a selected program to be provided to and displayed on the TV. The set top box is controlled by an external remote control device. The remote control device is able to generate menus detailing programs and other options available and to display those options locally on the remote control device. Therefore, a program presented by the TV is uninterrupted whilst the user considers an electronic program guide displayed on the remote control device. Once the user has made the final choice of a new program to view, a command is issued to the set top box so that the change is made. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100162290 | CONTROLLING ACCESS TO BROADCAST PROGRAMMING - A set top box for a television receiver has a paired viewing card. It is also coupled to a hard disc drive for the recording and storage of received broadcasting. If the viewer has a full subscription, the viewer is able to access and view subscription broadcasting by way of the set top box. If the subscription is no longer paid, different usage rights are associated with the set top box so that, whilst the set top box can no longer access the subscription broadcasting, the viewer is still able to access and play any previously stored subscription programming. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100146545 | RANDOMLY SELECTING CURRENT PROGRAMMING - A system for receiving and displaying broadcast audio and visual programming includes a television receiver and a display. The television receiver has a tuner for tuning to the channel to be displayed and is controlled by a processor with which the user communicates by way of a remote control unit. Operation of a random button on the remote control unit causes the processor to initiate a random mode selection whereby the television receiver randomly selects and displays one of the broadcast channels received. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100125888 | Systems and Methods for Providing Distributed Television Services to a Subscriber - Systems and methods may provide television services to a subscriber without relying on coaxial cable for distributing television signals throughout the subscriber's building. Instead, various systems and methods may provide a distributed television system in which a hub or central television receiving device is configured to receive television signals from a source and to provide the received television signals to a plurality of television output devices networked to the central television receiving device. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100071004 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE CHANNEL RECALL ON A TELEVISION RECEIVER - The various embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for providing multiple channel recall on a television receiver. A television receiver stores multiple previously viewed channels for selective recall by a user. The previously viewed channels are each associated with a viewing duration of the channel. The previously viewed channels are sorted such that a user may access the channels in an order determined based on the viewing duration of each channel. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100052853 | CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE BY WAY OF A CONTROL DEVICE - A remote control device for a set top box has a biometric reader, such as a fingerprint reader, incorporated therein. During installation of the set top box, fingerprint data is collected from users who are to be authorised by way of the fingerprint reader and is stored in the set top box. When using the remote control device to access programming, fingerprint data is collected from the user and compared with the stored data to determine if the user is authorised. The user has to be authorised to access some, or even all, of the programming. Access to subscription only services and to pay per view programmes is only available to a user identified by the set top box as being authorised. Electronic devices other than set top boxes, for example audio devices and computers, can similarly be controlled by a control device incorporating a biometric reader. | 03-04-2010 |
