| The DIRECTV Group, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120077595 | TELEVISION INTERACTIVE GAMING HAVING A LOCAL STORAGE OF GAME PORTAL - A system and method for interactive gaming includes a central broadcast center transmitting signals over a first communications network, a gaming system residing within the central broadcast center, and users who access the gaming system via the first communication network. The gaming system provides a plurality of games that incorporate a scoring protocol that provides real time scoring data transmitting from the plurality of users back to the gaming system via a second communication network. The plurality of users may review the real time scoring data via the first communications network. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072960 | Method and system for pause ads - A system and method for placing ads on a client-side video replay system during a pause mode. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120060184 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATING ADVERTISING INSERTION AND RECONCILIATION - A system and method for operating an ad extraction and reconciliation system for a broadcast system includes an extraction manager module that receives an advertisement schedule for an advertisement from an ad sales module. The system also includes a controller module that receives broadcast channel schedule data for broadcast channel signal from a broadcast channel system and generating an advertising content data request signal for advertising content data including an advertisement content identifier for the advertisement. The ad extraction manager module forms an advertisement insertion schedule having advertisement content identifier and an advertising insertion spot associated with the advertising content identifier. The controller communicates the advertisement insertion schedule to a broadcast scheduling system. The system also includes an as-run manager module that receives as-run data including the advertising identifier and a run time of the advertisement after the advertisement was inserted into the broadcast channel signal according to the broadcast scheduling system at an automation system. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120042342 | MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO STREAM WITH INTERACTIVE SERVICES - An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039580 | Method and System for Remote Television Replay Control - A method, system, computer medium, and other embodiments for integrating unrelated web hosted services with stand-alone media-based devices are provided. Users can access and control the media-based device conveniently with a web-browser through various portals on the Internet. In one embodiment, users access the media-based device through one or more unrelated web portals, so as to control and to program the media-based device in a single web session, and to see information both stored on the media-based device and originating from third-party online sources of information and services in a single integrated presentation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120019724 | METHOD FOR CREATING INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS FOR TELEVISION - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for creating an overlay application for use within a broadcast communications system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises collecting image data from a computer network, generating at least one selectable area within the image data, associating a function with the at least one selectable area, and selectively displaying the image data on a monitor simultaneously with a broadcast data stream, wherein selection of the at least one selectable area executes the associated function. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20110317683 | AAS DIRECT SIGNALING FRAMING METHODOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HIGH CAPACITY WIRELESS LINKS - A new frame structure applicable to the IEEE 802.16 OFDMA wireless waveform is described, for the purposes of increasing base station capacity, increasing subscriber link rates and extending base station range. The frame structure provides the necessary constructs so that advance signal processing technologies such as Stacked Carrier Spread Spectrum and adaptive antenna technology may be used in combination with these constructs in order to realize these gains. These concepts are equally applicable in other advanced wireless waveforms based on OFDM or OFDMA such as LTE or UMB. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110307916 | BACKWARDS-COMPATIBLE FREQUENCY TRANSLATION MODULE FOR SATELLITE VIDEO DELIVERY - A frequency translation module for delivering satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs). The module comprises at least one input for receiving polarized satellite signals, wherein at least one input is coupled to at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), at least one legacy output, the legacy output coupled to the input through a multiswitch, wherein each legacy output selects a polarization of a satellite signal based on a Legacy IRD command directly to the multiswitch, and at least one combined output, the combined output coupled to the multiswitch through an interface, wherein at least one new IRD selectively commands the frequency translation module such that each new IRD receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands received from each IRD. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110289522 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF BUILDING A WANTED LIST QUEUE FOR A USER IN A CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates metadata for a plurality of content including the content titles. The system also includes the user device that generates a screen display comprising the plurality of content titles from the metadata and generates a selection corresponding to a first content title from a user interface, the user device adds metadata for the first content title to a queue and displays the queue in a priority order on the screen display. The user device is tuned to receive content corresponding to the first content title and stores the content in a storage device. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110276998 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A QUEUE FOR COMMUNICATING CONTENT IN A BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system for scheduling content includes a scheduling system having a plurality of queues each having a priority level and a block type. The scheduling system assigns content to one of the plurality of queues. The scheduling system obtains a channel block from a schedule manager and assigns the plurality of queues to the channel block based on the priority level and block type. A communication system communicates the plurality of channel blocks to a user device through a channel using the channel blocks. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276997 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PUSHING CONTENT IN A BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A push scheduler for communicating push and carousel content and method for operating the same includes a block manager that receives content channel data from the channel listing system and forming a channel block having a channel and a time period associated therewith based on the channel data. The scheduler further includes a schedule manager that forms an assignment by assigning push and carousel content data to the channel block with a predetermined recurrence rate within the block and a material manager that controls the communication of push and carousel content based on the channel block. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271306 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO PROVIDE CONTENT ON DEMAND IN CONTENT BROADCAST SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110261959 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY INSERTING WATERMARK INTO ENCRYPTED COMPRESSED VIDEO BITSTREAM - A method and apparatus for remote watermarking of a media program is disclosed. The method inserts a pattern of substituted second versions of media program portions that are invisible to the viewer, into reproduced copies of the media program. The method permits the watermarking of encrypted media programs. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110255003 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING ON-SCREEN GRAPHICS IN A FRAME-COMPATIBLE 3D FORMAT - A method and apparatus for rendering an OSD on a background frame having a plurality of background subframes together defining a 3D image is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of generating a first background subframe describing a first perspective and having an overlaid OSD, generating a second background subframe describing the first perspective and having the overlaid OSD, and providing the first background subframe describing the first perspective and having the overlaid OSD and the second background subframe having the overlaid OSD to a display. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110231881 | DIRECT BROADCAST SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION METHODS - A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110214149 | TELEPHONE ORDERING OF TELEVISION SHOWS - A method and system for controlling the digital consumption of media and information such as the recording of television programs, real world, or electronic merchandise from a plurality of a customer's Unique Identifiers (such as telephone numbers). The television programs are identified by specific identifiers, such as alpha-numeric indicia. Customers can register several Unique Identifier(s) with the service provider and can secure recording of specific programs from any of said registered Unique Identifier(s). Customers can also register Unique Identifier(s) such as the set top boxes at one or more locations and at the same time direct where the content will immediately or later be delivered, so that the recorded TV program can be accessed and viewed. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213858 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF USING IDLE RECEIVING UNIT RESOURCES FOR RECEIVING CONTENT AND COMMUNICATING THE CONTENT TO OTHER RECEIVING UNITS IN THE NETWORK - A method and system for providing content includes a network having a plurality of receiving units. The system further includes a first receiving unit of the plurality of receiving units that forms a recording request, when the first receiving unit includes unavailable resources and communicates the recording request through the network. A second receiving unit receives the request and stores content in a second memory corresponding to the request and communicates the content to the first receiving unit. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110202952 | NETWORK FRAUD PREVENTION VIA REGISTRATION AND VERIFICATION - An apparatus for controlling fraud in a satellite signal delivery system. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna for receiving at least one satellite signal, and a module, coupled to the receive antenna, for selectively delivering the at least one satellite signal to at least one receiver via an output of the module, wherein the module creates an association between the module and the at least one receiver upon installation of the at least one receiver to the output, such that the module delivers the at least one satellite signal to the at least one receiver only when the association is present. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110197228 | Digital Over-The-Air Entertainment And Information - A system of distributing electronic content includes a satellite and a network operations center uplinking electronic content to the satellite. The electronic content may contain advertising and various other information including television, movies, and music. An over-the-air broadcast center receives the electronic content from the satellite and generates over-the-air electronic content. A user device is used to receive the over-the-air electronic content. The user device may filter the electronic content broadcast by the over-the-air broadcast center and store various information in a memory cache therein. When the user desires, the information in the memory cache may be used by the user at his convenience. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110185168 | Method and Apparatus for File Sharing Between a Group of User Devices with Separately Sent Crucial Portions and Non-Crucial Portions - A communication system and method for operating the same includes a group of user devices and a content delivery network in communication with the group of user devices. The content delivery network selects a plurality user devices from the group of user devices, divides the content into a crucial portion and a non-crucial portions, and encrypts the crucial portions differently for each of the user devices in the group using conditional access encryption. The content delivery network communicates the non-crucial portions to the plurality of user devices, communicates the encrypted crucial portion to the plurality of user devices separately from the non-crucial. The plurality of user devices assembles the crucial portion and the non-crucial portions to form the content. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110173653 | VIRTUAL VIDEO ON DEMAND USING MULTIPLE ENCRYPTED VIDEO SEGMENTS - A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110161396 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REGISTERING A CLIENT DEVICE IN A MULTI-ROOM DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEM - A system and method for registering a client device with a server device includes the server device having a display. The display displays a first identifier in response to entering a registration mode. A client device is in communication with the server device. The client device detects that the server device is in registration mode and communicates a second identifier to the client device. The server device compares the first identifier and the second identifier and, after comparing, registers the client device at the server device. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110154412 | Maximizing Power and Spectral Efficiencies for Layered and Conventional Modulations - Methods and apparatuses for maximizing power and spectral efficiencies in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The invention is particularly useful for layered modulation applications because power levels for such applications are relatively high. A layered modulation signal comprises an upper and a lower layer signal that interfere with each other within the same frequency band such that the upper layer signal can be demodulated directly from the layered modulation signal, and the lower layer signal can be demodulated after subtracting the first layer signal from the layered modulation signal. The invention applies one or more of the following four signal schemes in a communication signal including varying the symbol rate (rather than the code rate), reducing or eliminating the guard band, reducing excess signal bandwidth and employing layered modulation within the guard band of the legacy signal. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110087754 | SESSION MANAGER - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for managing signal delivery to a plurality of display platforms are disclosed. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a centralized database, and a plurality of points of presence, each point of presence in the plurality of points of presence coupled to the centralized database, each point of presence comprising a management service and a data cache, wherein the management service maintains a data session with a client based on a comparison of information stored in the data cache and a current client request, the management service further comparing the current client request with the centralized database when the client is denied signal delivery from the system. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110080983 | METHOD FOR SUPPRESSION OF OFDM ENERGY SPECTRAL DENSITY FOR MINIMIZATION OF OUT OF BAND EMISSION OR UTILIZATION OF FRACTURED SPECTRUM - The Energy spectral density of OFDM signals inherently rolls off slowly. Slow OFDM spectral rolloff has system level implications traditionally mitigated by some combination of the following: addition of bandlimiting filtering; use of significant guard bands of zeroed tones; and, guard time shaping. Each of these techniques negatively impact system performance and/or flexibility. This application presents a methodology for active cancellation of out of band spectral energy. The technique can be used by itself or in conjunction with above traditional methods to help control out of band emission. Examples of the use of the new technique are provided. Computational cost of the new technique is also discussed. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110080517 | PHASE NOISE AND FREQUENCY ERROR RESILIENT DEMODULATION SCHEME FOR MOCA - Systems and methods for demodulating signals are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a frequency estimator, a tuner, coupled to the frequency estimator, for tuning to a frequency based on an estimate from the frequency estimator, a phase offset estimator for determining an average phase offset, and a demodulator, coupled to the tuner and the phase offset estimator, for demodulating the plurality of symbols, wherein the demodulator corrects a phase offset for a given symbol in the plurality of the symbols based on the average phase offset of symbols prior to the given symbol. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110067022 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING A SOFTWARE IMAGE AT A CLIENT DEVICE - A system and method for communicating software images includes a server device that stores a software image therein and a client device that communicates a client device identifier to the server device through a network. The server communicates the software image to the client device through the network. The client device operates based on the software image. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110066679 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT - A system and method for controlling a communication system includes a local area network, a first client device and a first server device in communication with the first client device through the local area network. The first server device communicates an audio-visual stream and remote user interface data to the first client device through the local area network. The first client device renders a display using the audio-video stream and the remote user interface. The first client device generates a key command and communicates the key command to the first server device in response to the remote user interface data. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110055159 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERSISTENT STORAGE OF COMMON USER INFORMATION FOR INTERACTIVE TELEVISION USING A CENTRALLY LOCATED REPOSITORY - For interactive television subscribers, a system ( | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110047576 | INTUITIVE ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE DISPLAY - A method and system for generating an electronic program guide includes a receiving unit | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110047435 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SHORT BLOCK LENGTH LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) CODES - An approach is provided for generating Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. An LDPC encoder generates a short LDPC code by shortening longer mother codes. The short LDPC code has an outer Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) code. According to another aspect, for an LDPC code with code rate of ⅗ utilizing 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulation, an interleaver provides for interleaving bits of the output LDPC code by serially writing data associated with the LDPC code column-wise into a table and reading the data row-wise from right to left. The above approach has particular application in digital video broadcast services over satellite. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110037669 | APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A SATELLITE ANTENNA IN A VEHICLE | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110033016 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CARRIER SYNCHRONIZATION IN DIGITAL BROADCAST AND INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS - An approach is provided for supporting carrier synchronization in a digital broadcast and interactive system. A carrier synchronization module receives one or more signals representing a frame that includes one or more overhead fields (e.g., preamble and optional pilot blocks and one or multiple segments separated by pilot blocks). The module estimates carrier frequency and phase on a segment by segment basis and tracks frequency between segments. Carrier phase of the signal is estimated based upon the overhead field. Estimates carrier phase of random data field are determined based upon the estimated phase values from the overhead fields, and upon both the past and future data signals. Further, the frequency of the signal is estimated based upon the overhead fields and/or the random data field. The above arrangement is particularly suited to a digital satellite broadcast and interactive system. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030023 | INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER CALLBACK FOR SATELLITE SYSTEMS - A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100319035 | MULTIPLE DWELLING UNIT SATELLITE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM - Systems for delivering satellite signals to multiple dwelling units (MDUs). A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite signals, a conversion unit, coupled to the antenna, for stacking the satellite signals onto a single cable, a distribution unit, coupled to the conversion unit, wherein the distribution unit distributes the stacked satellite signal to a plurality of outputs, and at least one customer device, coupled to an output of the plurality of outputs, wherein each unit in the MDU uses the customer device to destack the stacked satellite signals for delivery to a receiver. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100313232 | INTEGRATED SATELLITE-TV BROADBAND WIRELESS SYSTEM - Systems and methods for combining a satellite broadcast system with a wireless system are described. The system comprises a satellite receive antenna and a wireless system device coupled thereto, the wireless system device comprising a wireless network antenna, a wireless radio system coupled to the antenna, a networking bridge coupled to the radio system, and a coaxial networking bridge for coupling a satellite signal on the satellite broadcast system with a wireless signal on the wireless network, wherein the coaxial network bridge enables a device to receive the satellite signal and the wireless signal. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100311321 | OMNIDIRECTIONAL SWITCHABLE BROADBAND WIRELESS ANTENNA SYSTEM - Systems and methods for increasing coverage and throughput in a wireless communication system. An antenna for use in a wireless communications system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a plurality of antenna elements, an antenna selection switch, coupled to the plurality of antenna elements, and a control system, coupled to the antenna selection switch, wherein the control system selectively energizes the plurality of antenna elements to create a communications link to a device in the wireless communications system through the antenna. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100284671 | Method and system for reconfiguring a selection system based on layers of categories descriptive of recordable events - A method and system for selection of recordable events from among a set of recordable events, based on categories and sub-categories, that cumulatively describe a substantial portion of the entire set of recordable events. After receiving a first set of categories, and first sets of sub-categories corresponding to the first set of categories, at a device, the device is configured to use the first set of categories and the first set of sub-categories, to guide a user in selecting a series of recordable events to experience and/or record. Thereafter, the device receives a second set of categories and respective second sets of sub-categories that correspond to the categories of the second set of categories, and the device responsively configures itself to use the second set of categories and the second sets of sub-categories, to guide a user in selecting a series of recordable events to experience and/or record. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100266261 | Video Data Recorder With Personal Channels - A video data recordable having integrated channel guides allowing a user to control recording and storage of television signals into personal channels for later playback and viewing. In the described embodiment, the user may specify criteria for recording of shows from an input source such as a broadcast signal and shows are then selected based on the user specified criteria and recorded for later playback. Storage of the shows may be organized into personal channels in order to facilitate later playback, e.g., the user may specify a channel of action movies, a channel of nature programming, a channel for sports, etc. The shows to be recorded may also have a predefined format which may be used to ease playback of recorded programming by allowing the user to easily locate and playback sections of programming of interest. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100266260 | Video Data Recorder With Personal Channels - A video data recordable having integrated channel guides allowing a user to control recording and storage of television signals into personal channels for later playback and viewing. In the described embodiment, the user may specify criteria for recording of shows from an input source such as a broadcast signal and shows are then selected based on the user specified criteria and recorded for later playback. Storage of the shows may be organized into personal channels in order to facilitate later playback, e.g., the user may specify a channel of action movies, a channel of nature programming, a channel for sports, etc. The shows to be recorded may also have a predefined format which may be used to ease playback of recorded programming by allowing the user to easily locate and playback sections of programming of interest. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100205647 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A TRANSPORT PROCESSING SYSTEM IN A SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for a system for communicating with a user device includes a first transport processing system and a second transport processing system. The system also includes a software download manager that monitors a first transport processing system communicating a software image, generates a first announcement for the software image, communicates the first announcement to the user device, determines a failure of the first transport processing system, discontinues the first announcement for the software image in response to the failure and communicating the software image through the second transport processing system. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100205275 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING DEVELOPMENTAL SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD IMAGES IN A BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for a system for communicating with a user device includes a transport processing system and a software download manger communicating first software images from a first queue to the transport processing system. The transport processing system communicates the first software images to a user device. The software download manager communicates development software images to a second queue, suspends communicating first software images from the first queue and thereafter, communicates development software images from the second queue to the processing system. The transport processing system communicates the development software images to the user device. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201571 | COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH INTELLIGENT ANTENNAS - A system and method to provide a means of communication, command and control between a mobile antenna and a satellite receiver that allows the receiver to send tuning information to the antenna and the antenna to provide feedback to the receiver when a signal has been acquired. The antenna and the receiver can share the appropriate states and stats such as diagnostics, test, GPS coordinates, etc. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100180291 | CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO OPERATE THE SAME - Content delivery systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. A disclosed example content delivery system comprises: a receiver station; a content server to transfer a file to a receiver via a point-to-point communication signal; and a transmission source that includes a computer readable medium to store the file containing pre-packetized content data and a controller to send the file containing the pre-packetized content data to a broadcast transmitter and to the content server. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100180271 | AUTOMATIC SOFTWARE UPDATE DETECTION AND FLEXIBLE INSTALLER FOR SET-TOP BOXES - A method and apparatus for updating set top box software from a resident software version stored in a memory of the set-top box to a current software version is disclosed. The method comprises the step of automatically checking to determine if the resident software version is the current software version, and downloading data comprising at least a portion of the current software version if the resident software version is not the current software version. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100172446 | FREQUENCY DRIFT ESTIMATION FOR LOW COST OUTDOOR UNIT FREQUENCY CONVERSIONS AND SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and devices for controlling frequency drift in satellite broadcast systems. A receiver antenna system for a direct broadcast satellite signal communications system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises an oscillator, a mixer, coupled to the oscillator, for converting satellite signals at a first frequency to signals at an intermediate frequency, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, coupled to the mixer, for receiving the signals at the intermediate frequency and for converting the signals at the intermediate frequency at near-real-time to a digital data stream, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), coupled to the A/D converter, for processing the digital data stream, and a drift estimator, coupled to the DSP, the drift estimator determining a frequency drift of the oscillator, wherein the receiver antenna system corrects the frequency drift of the oscillator using the determined frequency drift. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100157881 | BLIND IDENTIFICATION OF ADVANCED MODULATION AND CODING MODES - Methods and apparatuses for acquiring and demodulating a data stream transmitted in a communication system. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises finding a boundary of a physical layer frame (PLFrame) in the data stream, finding a first 26 bits of a Unique Word (UW) associated with the data stream, finding a scrambling code utilizing the UW, and using a decoding procedure to determine a modulation type and code rate used for desired signals within the data stream. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100141526 | NOVEL ALIGNMENT METHOD FOR MULTI-SATELLITE CONSUMER RECEIVER ANTENNAS - A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with a first signal transmitted by a first satellite in the satellite configuration, and aligning the reflector in tilt with a second signal transmitted by a second satellite in the satellite configuration, wherein aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with the first signal and in tilt with the second signal aligns the reflector with at least a third signal transmitted from a third satellite. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100138860 | Method and system for displaying a series of recordable events - A method and system for displaying identifiers for one or more series of recordable events is described. A system, such as the system of a digital video recorder, may receive a set of recordable events data, such as a listing of all television shows to be broadcast over a two-week period. The system analyzes the set of recordable events data for determining one or more sets of recordable events, where each set includes recordable events having the same title. The system analyzes each set of recordable events to determine sub-sets of recordable events based on relationships between the recordable events of each sub-set. The system displays an identifier for each sub-set of a given set of recordable events when the given set of recordable events is selected for display. A user may select to record a sub-set of recordable events by selecting the identifier that represents the sub-set. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100128816 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING CO-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE BY SCRAMBLING - An approach is provided for minimizing co-channel interference in a communication system is disclosed. Non-header portions of frames, which are transmitted over the communication system, are scrambled according to respective different scrambling sequences. The above arrangement is particularly suited to a digital satellite broadcast and interactive system. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100115561 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A RECEIVING CIRCUIT FOR MULTIPLE TYPES OF INPUT CHANNEL SIGNALS - A receiving circuit module and method for operating the same includes a housing receiving a first signal, a first encoder disposed within the housing encoding the first signal to form a first encoded signal and a second encoder disposed within the housing encoding the first signal to form a second encoded signal having a different format than the first signal. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100111147 | Variable PHY Margin to Combat Ingress Noise - A method includes determining a first aggregate received power level of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signal received at a first network node, adjusting a nominal PHY Margin an amount that is dependent upon a measurement of an aggregate received power level of the OFDM signal, determining a data transmission rate based on the adjusted nominal PHY Margin, and receiving data being transmitted in accordance with the data transmission rate at the first node. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100107032 | BIT LABELING FOR AMPLITUDE PHASE SHIFT CONSTELLATION USED WITH LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) CODES - An approach is provided for bit labeling of a signal constellation. A transmitter generates encoded signals using, according to one embodiment, a structured parity check matrix of a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code. The transmitter includes an encoder for transforming an input message into a codeword represented by a plurality of set of bits. The transmitter includes logic for mapping non-sequentially (e.g., interleaving) one set of bits into a higher order constellation (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), 8-PSK, 16-APSK (Amplitude Phase Shift Keying), 32-APSK, etc.), wherein a symbol of the higher order constellation corresponding to the one set of bits is output based on the mapping. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100100909 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONALLY PROCESSING, STORING, AND DISPLAYING DIGITAL CHANNEL CONTENT IN A TELEVISION RECEPTION SYSTEM - Content used in creating an electronic program guide and/or channels for a television reception system is delivered to a local receiving device, such as a direct to home satellite receiver, as individual digital objects. Rules (i.e., conditional expressions) may be embedded in the digital objects to allow different actions in different situations. These rules can be used to determine whether an object should be stored, which objects should be included in an electronic program guide, and/or what content should be used to create a particular channel. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100085256 | KA/KU ANTENNA ALIGNMENT - A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises an alignment mechanism, coupled to the reflector, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises adjustments in azimuth, elevation, and skew, wherein the alignment mechanism is used to provide a first alignment to the satellite configuration, and a tool, used to access a database, wherein the database, comprises data related to satellite configuration positional data, including a position of at least one satellite in the satellite configuration at a given point in time, data related to the antenna, including at least data related to an alignment mechanism coupled to the antenna, data related to polarizations and frequencies of signals being transmitted by the satellite configuration, and data related to the geoposition of the antenna being aligned, wherein the database calculates at least one offset for the alignment of the reflector, wherein the at least one offset is used to reposition the antenna using the alignment mechanism. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100057583 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING VIDEO CONTENT USING A LINK - A method and system for ordering content includes a content processing system and a device in communication with the content ordering system. The device displaying a link corresponding to content and accessing a content ordering system by selecting the link. The content processing system enables a content recording request. A user receiving device receives the content associated with the link in response to the content recording request and stores the content in a memory. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057469 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING CONTENT USING A VOICE MENU SYSTEM - A method and system for ordering content includes a voice menu system and a phone device communicating a phone signal to the voice menu system. The voice menu system determines the phone number associated with the phone device through the phone signal and generates a voice prompt for recording a content selection from the voice menu system. The phone device selects a recording content option. The voice menu system generates prompts for determining a content title. The phone device selects a content title by communicating a selection signal to the voice menu system. The voice menu system enables a content recording at a recording device in response to the selection signal. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100037263 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCHEDULING INTERACTIVE CONTENT IN A BROADCAST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for communicating with a user device includes an interactive head end and a broadcast channel management system communicating content channel data to the interactive head end. The interactive head end forms a streaming service in response to the content channel data and communicates interactive content to the user device in response to the streaming service. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100005363 | CODE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION IMPROVEMENTS FOR LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK CODES FOR WIRELESS ROUTERS USING 802.11N PROTOCOL - Method and apparatus for implementing LDPC codes in an IEEE 802.11 standard system configured to operate in a Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) schema. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises defining a base LDPC code, having a length equal to an integer number of data carriers in an ODFM symbol, transmitting the base LDPC code over a plurality of sub-carriers, wherein the base code is transmitted at an expected phase on sub-carriers specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, and transmitting the base LDPC code on other sub-carriers than those specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard system, wherein the base LDPC code on the other sub-carriers is transmit offset in phase from the base LDPC code on the specified sub-carriers. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090327451 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR AIRCRAFT MULTIMEDIA DISTRIBUTION - A method, system and computer program product for aircraft multimedia distribution, including a multimedia server provided within an aircraft of an airline and a multimedia communications network within the aircraft coupled to the multimedia server. The multimedia server is configured to distribute, over the aircraft multimedia communications network, multimedia in-flight to a device of a passenger for at least one of viewing, listening and purchasing by the passenger. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320069 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE TEMPORAL CONTENT ORGANIZATION - A method and system which temporally sorts data such as program guide data for example, to ensure that near-term data (i.e. most likely to be used, or “now data”) is always available for rapid access from a physical memory location such as a high-speed temporal cache. The method incorporates two low-priority background processes or algorithms, termed “event horizons” into the storage and manipulation of the data so that applications using the data may be run without having to always access a mass storage device. The method and system are highly applicable to all set top boxes (STBs) used in various communication systems such as satellite communication, Cable-TV and DVB systems. The method and system are economical in that superior STB and/or system performance may be obtained with the inclusion of lesser amounts of expensive high-speed RAM. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090319896 | VISUAL INDICATORS ASSOCIATED WITH A MEDIA PRESENTATION SYSTEM - Visual indicators associated with a media presentation system are described. An example apparatus includes a media presentation system in which one or more events may occur; an event controller to detect an event that causes the media presentation system to generate a sound to inform a user of a condition and to determine if the user is able to audibly receive the sound; and a visual indicator corresponding to the condition to be displayed in response to a determination that the user is unable to audibly receive the sound. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090300684 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MARKING AND RECORDING CONTENT OF INTEREST IN A BROADCAST STREAM - A system and method for marking and recording content includes a network operation center receiving an incoming programming stream, monitoring the incoming programming stream, generating descriptive data corresponding to the programming stream, combining the descriptive data with the programming stream to form a composite signal and broadcasting the composite signal to a receiving unit. The system may also include a receiving unit having a monitoring term stored therein. The receiving unit monitors the composite signal for the monitoring term within the descriptive data and storing content or sub-content in a memory of the receiving unit when a monitoring term corresponds to the descriptive data. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299968 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO SAVE SEARCH DATA - Methods and apparatus to save search data are described. An example method for use in media presentation system includes receiving one or more characters to form a search string to be used in a first type of search; converting the search string to one or more keywords to be used in a second type of search; and storing the one or more keywords in a collection of keyword search data to enable a selection of stored keyword search data to perform a search of the second type. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090293087 | BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE REAL-TIME PROGRAM GUIDE CAPACITY INCREASE - A system and method for transmitting program guide information describing a second set of programs to subscribers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is implemented in a network broadcasting a first signal having a first set of programs and a second signal having a second set of programs. The method comprises the steps of broadcasting first program guide information describing the first set of programs to the subscribers on a first service channel on a first signal and broadcasting second program guide information describing the second set of programs to a subset of the subscribers on the first service channel on a second signal, wherein a fundamental signal characteristic of the second signal differs from the fundamental signal characteristic of the first signal. In another embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving first program guide information describing the first set of programs on a first service channel on a first signal; and receiving second program guide information describing the second set of programs on the first service channel on a second signal, wherein a fundamental signal characteristic of the second signal differs from the fundamental signal characteristic of the first signal. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090288129 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTIVE TRANSCODING AND TRANSRATING IN A VIDEO NETWORK - A video server adaptively selects an appropriate video encoding standard and an appropriate video encoding rate for encoding video content to be downloaded to one or more video client devices over a communication network. The video server adaptively selects the video encoding standard and the video encoding rate based upon factors such as the data transmission rate of the communication network, the processing speed of the video client device, or the type of the video content to be downloaded. Once the video encoding standard and the video encoding rate are selected, video content can be transcoded prior to downloading to one or more video client devices. During the download, the video content may be adaptively transrated, such as in response to a change in the data transmission rate of the communication network. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090282449 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERFACING CONTENT BETWEEN DEVICES - A communication interface device and method for operating the same includes a communication module receiving a request for a content list from a first user device and a list module generating a content list. The communication module communicates the content list device to the first user device and receives a content selection from the user device. A control module initiates a transfer of content corresponding to the content selection from a content storage device. The communication module receives the content at the communication interface device from the content storage device and communicates the content to the first user device. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090271399 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING CONTENT AT A PRIMARY SERVICE PROVIDER THROUGH A PARTNER SERVICE PROVIDER - A method and system for generating a search includes a user device, a partner service provider in communication with the user network device, and a primary service provider in communication with the partner service provider. The user device generates a search request for search data at the user device and communicates the search request to a partner service provider. The partner service provider communicates the search request to a primary service provider. The primary service provider generates search results data and communicates search results data to the user device. The user device displays the search results on a display device associated with the user device. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090259957 | CONFIGURABLE ICONS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION - Overlay applications for use in a media presentation system are described. An example method for use with broadcast media includes maintaining a collection of overlay applications to be displayed in connection with the broadcast media; enabling a user to select and configure one or more of the overlay applications for presentation on a media presentation system; executing one or more selected overlay applications to display periodically updated information associated with the overlay applications. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090213904 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ORTHOGONALLY OVERLAYING VARIABLE CHIP RATE SPREAD SPECTRUM SIGNALS - A system and method for transmitting wideband signals via a radio communication system adapted for transmitting narrow-band signals is described. A base station is used to transmit and receive a plurality of relatively narrow-band and a plurality of relatively wideband signals. The electromagnetic spectrum available to the plurality of narrow-band signals is selectively shared with the electromagnetic spectrum available to the wideband signals by systematically separating the orthogonal codes and the carrier frequencies used for transmission. The prefixes of the orthogonal codes are preferably mutually exclusive and the carrier frequencies are preferably separated by an offset. The offset may be substantially equal to an integer multiple of the narrow-band signal's chip rate. Alternatively, the offset may be substantially equal to an odd multiple of one half the narrow-band signal's chip rate in which case every other bit of the orthogonally encoded data is inverted. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090209348 | LIVE IN-GAME SPECTATOR FOR USE IN TELEVISION PRODUCTION - Systems, methods, and devices for presenting video game contests via television are presented. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a network of gaming platforms, wherein the network of gaming platforms comprise at least one player platform and at least one spectator platform, the at least one spectator platform having a viewing perspective different from that of the at least one player platform, each gaming platform in the network of gaming platforms having a video output, a plurality of converters, each converter in the plurality of converters respectively coupled to the video outputs of the gaming platforms, a production facility, coupled to the plurality of converters, for viewing the video outputs of the gaming platforms via the plurality of converters and for selecting a chosen video output to be broadcast, and a broadcast system, coupled to the production facility, for distributing the chosen video output. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209347 | START OF GAME DELAY VIA SPECTATOR FUNCTION FOR USE IN TELEVISION PRODUCTION - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for presenting video game contests via television. A system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a network of gaming platforms, wherein the network of gaming platforms comprise at least one player platform and at least one spectator platform, each gaming platform in the network of gaming platforms having a video output, wherein the at least one spectator platform has a delayed start in the video game contest, a plurality of converters, each converter in the plurality of converters respectively coupled to the video outputs of the gaming platforms, a production facility, coupled to the plurality of converters, for viewing the video outputs of the gaming platforms via the plurality of converters and for selecting a chosen video output to be broadcast, and a broadcast system, coupled to the production facility, for distributing the chosen video output. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090193458 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMISSION, RECEIPT AND DISPLAY OF ADVERTISEMENTS - An apparatus for the intelligent display of advertisements to a television services user includes a transmitter, a receiver and a display on which an electronic television program guide, television programs, and advertisements are displayed. Advertising and electronic program guide data are transmitted to a receiver used by one or more television service users. The electronic program guide data includes information characterizing television programs listed in an electronic program guide. Similarly, the advertising data includes advertisements and information characterizing the transmitted advertisements. A selection history contains information characterizing those programs selected by a user for viewing. Received advertisements are displayed to the user based upon a comparison between the information characterizing each of the plurality of advertisements and the information in the selection history. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090187811 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) ENCODING - An approach is provided for a method of encoding structure Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. Memory storing information representing a structured parity check Matrix of Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes is accessed during the encoding process. The information is organized in tabular form, wherein each row represents occurrences of one Values within a first column of a group of columns of the parity check matrix. The rows correspond to groups of columns of the parity check matrix, wherein subsequent columns within each of the groups are derived according to a predetermined operation. An LDPC coded signal is output based on the stored information representing the parity check matrix. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090183050 | FORWARD ERROR CORRECTION SCHEME FOR DATA CHANNELS USING UNIVERSAL TURBO CODES - A method of providing forward error correction for data services uses a parallel concatenated convolutional code which is a Turbo Code comprising a plurality of eight-state constituent encoders wherein a plurality of data block sizes are used in conjunction with said Turbo Code. A variation uses the method in a cellular radio system. Another variation uses the method in both forward and reverse likes of a cellular radio system. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090180487 | ADAPTATION OF DIAL-UP DEVICES TO BROADBAND FACILITIES - A method and system for dial-up device ( | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090178069 | INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER CALLBACK FOR SATELLITE SYSTEMS - A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090175327 | EQUALIZERS FOR LAYERED MODULATED AND OTHER SIGNALS - A method and apparatus for equalizing digital data signals is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of demodulating and decoding an input signal having input data to produce a data output, remodulating the data output to produce a training sequence including an idealized input signal, wherein the training sequence is comprised of adjacent symbols in the input data, and generating equalizer parameters from the training sequence. The apparatus comprises a demodulator (for demodulating an input signal to produce a data output), a modulator communicatively coupled to the demodulator (for remodulating the data output to produce a training sequence including an idealized input signal wherein the training sequence is comprised of adjacent symbols in the input data), and a parameter generation module communicatively coupled to the modulator (for generating equalizer parameters from the training sequence). | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090172722 | SERVICE ACTIVATION OF SET-TOP BOX FUNCTIONALITY USING BROADCAST CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to activate functionality in a set-top box | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090168916 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTI-INPUT-MULTI-OUTPUT (MIMO) DOWNLINK TRANSMISSION - An approach is provided for supporting transmission in a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) communication system including a plurality of terminals. A preamble portion of a frame is transmitted by a multiple transmit antennas of a hub using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to the terminals over a channel, wherein each of the terminals determines a characteristic of the channel with respect to the transmit antennas as feedback information. The hub receives the feedback information from the terminals. The hub selects, according to the feedback information, a subset of the antennas for transmission of a remaining portion of the frame to the terminal. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090158117 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LONG AND SHORT BLOCK LENGTH LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) CODES - An approach is provided for generating Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. An LDPC encoder generates a LDPC code with an outer Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) code. For 1/3 rate, the relevant parameters are as follows: q=120, n | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090097589 | LOWER COMPLEXITY LAYERED MODULATION SIGNAL PROCESSOR - A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a coded signal having an upper layer signal and a lower layer signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of combining the upper layer signal and the lower layer signal, encoding the combined upper layer signal and lower layer signal, delaying the upper layer signal, modulating the delayed upper layer signal, modulating the lower layer signal, transmitting the delayed upper layer signal and transmitting the lower layer signal. The apparatus comprises an encoder, for encoding a combined upper layer signal and lower layer signal, a delay, communicatively coupled to the encoder, for delaying the upper layer signal, a first modulator, for modulating the delayed upper layer signal, a second modulator, for modulating the lower layer signal, a transmitter, communicatively coupled to the first modulator, for transmitting the delayed upper layer signal, and a second transmitter, communicatively coupled to the second modulator. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090094501 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO SELECT TORNADO ERROR CORRECTION PARAMETER - Methods and apparatus to select Tornado forward error correction parameters for delivery systems are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes a transmitter station comprising a processor to select a Tornado error correction parameter based on an error correction configuration for a file and to indicate to a receiver the selected Tornado error correction parameter, and a Tornado error correction circuit to encode the file based on the selected Tornado error correction parameter. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090073917 | FEEDER LINK CONFIGURATIONS TO SUPPORT LAYERED MODULATION FOR DIGITAL SIGNALS - Systems and methods are disclosed for feeder link configurations to layered modulation. One feeder link system employs feeder link spot beam to antennas in distinct coverage areas to enable frequency reuse. Another system employs narrow beam width feeder link antenna to illuminate individual satellites also enabling frequency reuse. Yet another system uses layered modulation in the feeder link. Another feeder link system employs a higher order synchronous modulation for the satellite feeder link than is used in the layered modulation downlink signals. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090073318 | MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO STREAM WITH INTERACTIVE SERVICES - An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream. The interactive mosaic channel is displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, each video cell further comprising an area within the video cell reporting data related to the video feed, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090070846 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY FROM A REMOTE FACILITY USING AN ASYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER MODE (ATM) NETWORK - A system of local television signals includes a plurality of local collection facilities. Each a local collection facilities includes a plurality of primary receiver decoder circuit modules comprising a first receiver decoder circuit module. The first receiver decoder circuit module receives a first channel signal and forms a first decoded signal. The local collection facility also includes an encoder in communication with the first receiver decoder circuit module forming an encoded signal. A multiplexer multiplexing the first encoded signal into a multiplexed signal and a network switch communicating the multiplexed signal through a network. Collectively, the plurality of local collection facilities communicates a plurality of multiplexed signals through the network. The system also includes a remote collection facility in communication with the plurality of local collection facilities that generate an output signal in response to the plurality of multiplexed signals. The multiplexed signal may be formed into ATM signals before communication through the network. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070838 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY AND A REMOTE FACILITY - A system and method for operating the same includes an IP network, a remote facility and a local collection facility in communication with the local collection facility through the IP network. The local collection facility receives local channel signals at a local collection facility and encodes the local channel signals into respective IP signals. The local collection facility includes a router routing the respective IP signals through an IP network to a remote facility. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070837 | Method and System for Forming a Countdown Clock Channel Output - A system and method includes an automation system and a scheduling system generating a schedule having a countdown time for a countdown clock assembly and communicating the schedule to an automation system. The system also includes a content repository storing promotional content and a clock background in the content repository. The automation system retrieves the promotional content and the clock background from the content repository, stores the promotional content and the clock background, forms a countdown clock assembly from the promotional content and the clock background and inserts the countdown clock assembly into a channel signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070830 | Method and System for Monitoring a Receiving Circuit Module and Controlling Switching to a Back-up Receiving Circuit Module at a Local Collection Facility from a Remote Facility - A system and method for remotely collecting signals includes a local collection facility comprising a plurality of primary receiving circuit modules comprising a first receiving circuit module. The first receiving circuit module receives a first channel signal and forms a first encoded signal. The system further includes a remote facility having a multiplexer, and a router routing the first encoded signal to the multiplexer. The remote facility generates an output signal in response to the first encoded signal. A monitoring system receives an error signal from the first receiving circuit module. The router routes the error signal of the first receiving circuit module to the monitoring system. The system also includes a back-up receiving circuit module. The router routes the first channel signal to the back-up receiving circuit module to form a second encoded signal. The monitoring system monitors the second encoded signal. The router routes the second encoded signal at the local collection facility to the multiplexer at the remote facility in response to monitoring the second encoded signal. The remote facility forms the output signal in response to the second encoded signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070829 | RECEIVING CIRCUIT MODULE FOR RECEIVING AND ENCODING CHANNEL SIGNALS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - A receiving circuit module and method for operating the same includes a housing having a first receiver, a second receiver, a serial digital interface and an input-output port disposed therein. The receiving circuit module includes an encoder disposed within the housing and in communication with the first receiver, the second receiver and the serial digital interface. The receiver circuit module also includes a controller disposed within the housing receiving a control signal, switching between the first receiver, the second receiver and serial digital interface in response to the control signal and generating an encoded output signal corresponding to the first receiver, the second receiver and serial digital interface. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070827 | Method and System for Monitoring and Switching Between Primary and Back-up Receiver Decoder Circuits in a Communication System - A system and method for switching between receiver and decoder circuits includes a first receiver receiving a first channel signal and forming a first channel signal, a second receiver receiving the first channel signal and forming a second channel signal and a monitoring system monitoring the first channel signal and the second channel signal and generating a monitoring signal. The system also includes a transfer switch in communication with the first channel signal and the second channel signal. The monitoring system controls the switching of the transfer switch from the first signal to the second signal in response to the monitoring signal. The transfer switch forms a switch output signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070826 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SIGNALS FROM A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY AT A SIGNAL PROCESSING FACILITY - A system and method for processing signal in a remote facility includes an IP network and a first local collection facility that includes a first plurality of receiving circuit modules receiving a first plurality of channel signals and generating a first plurality of IP encoded signals from the first plurality of channel signals and a first router routing the first plurality of encoded signals to the IP network. The system also includes a second local collection facility comprising a second plurality of receiving circuit modules receiving a second plurality of channel signals and generating a second plurality of IP encoded signals from the second plurality of channel signals and a second router routing the second plurality of encoded signals to the IP network. The system also includes a remote facility having a statistical multiplexer in communication with the IP network. The remote facility includes a compression system controller configuring the statistical multiplexer and at least one of the first plurality of receiving circuit modules and at least one of the second plurality of receiving circuit modules to form a multicast group so that at least one of the first plurality of encoded signals and at least one of the second plurality of encoded signals are multiplexed together with the statistical multiplexer to form an output signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070825 | Method and System for Monitoring and Controlling Receiving Circuit Modules at a Local Collection Facility From a Remote Facility - A system and method for controlling receiving circuit module includes a remote facility, an IP network and a local collection facility in communication with the remote facility through the IP network. The local collection facility includes a plurality of primary receiving circuit modules having a first encoder. The local collection facility generates a receiving circuit module monitoring signal. The local collection facility communicates the monitoring signal to the remote facility through the IP network. The monitoring system generates a receiving circuit module control signal in response to the monitoring signal communicates the receiving circuit module control signal to the receiving circuit module through the IP network. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070824 | Method and System for Monitoring and Switching Between Primary and Back-up Uplink Signal Processing Circuits in a Satellite Communication System - A system and method includes a first uplink signal processing circuit, a second uplink signal processing circuit and an IP network communicating the plurality of channel signals to the first uplink signal processing circuit to form a first output signal. A monitoring system monitors the first uplink signal processing circuit and generates a monitoring signal. The monitoring system redirects the channel signals to the second uplink signal processing circuit to form a second plurality of output signal signals. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070823 | Method and System for Monitoring and Switching Between a Primary and Diverse Site in a Satellite Communication System - A system and method for generating an output signal includes a diverse site, a communication network and a primary site in communication with the diverse site through the communication network. A transport processing system at the primary site communicates a first signal to the diverse site through the communication network. The diverse site generates a first diverse modulator signal at a first diverse modulator and a second diverse modulator signal at a second diverse modulator. The diverse site having a switch coupled to the first diverse modulator and the second diverse modulator and generating a switch output signal corresponding to the first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal. The primary site monitors first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal and controls the switch in response thereto. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070822 | Method and System for Monitoring and Simultaneously Displaying a Plurality of Signal Channels in a Communication System - A system includes a ground segment and a monitoring system displaying first thread view for a first channel and displaying a second thread view for a second channel. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070821 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method of monitoring a signals include an occasional router generating a first output signal, a first service access processing system generating a second output signal and a second service access processing system generating a third output signal. A secondary service access processing system router receives the first output signal, the second output signal and the third output signal. A monitoring system selects at least one of the first output signal, the second output signal and the third output signal for monitoring and generates a video output signal. A monitoring display displays the output signal on a first display. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070808 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING ACTUAL CHANNEL CONTENT OUTPUT - A system and method includes a first automation system generating a first run log a first on air status and a second automation system generating a second run log having a second on-air status. A billing module receives a consolidated run log corresponding to the first on-air status from the first run log and the second on-air status from the second run log. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070807 | Method and System for Placing Inserts into a Broadcast Television Signal - A system and method includes a content repository storing insert material therein and a scheduling system assigning an insert material identification to the insert material and generating an insertion schedule having an insertion time corresponding to the insert material identification. The system also includes an automation server in communication with the scheduling system. The automation server receives the insertion schedule, retrieves the insertion material from the content repository, stores the content therein in response to the insertion time, receives a content signal with a trigger and inserts the insert material into the content signal in response to the trigger and the trigger time to form a modified content signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070803 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME RECONCILIATION FOR UNUSED CONTENT - A method and system includes a scheduling system generating a pre-break window and a post-break window and an automation system in communication with the scheduling system receiving a content signal and generating a deviation signal when an expected trigger for an insert material is not within the pre-break window or post-break window. The scheduling system reschedules the insert material in response to the deviation signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070802 | Method and System for Interrupting Inserted Material in a Content Signal - A system and method includes an automation system generating a modified content signal from a content signal by inserting insertion material into the content signal during a break and a monitoring system monitoring the content signal. The automation system controls the automation system to return to the content signal in response to monitoring the content signal when the break ends on the content signal before an end of the insertion material. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070799 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING ACTUAL CHANNEL CONTENT PLAYOUT IN THE EVENT OF AN ENCODER FAILURE - A system and method includes an automation system receiving a content signal and generating a run log in response to the content signal, an encoder and a monitoring system monitoring an encoder and generating an encoder status signal. The automation system updates the run log in response to the encoder status signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069021 | Method and System for Monitoring and Switching Between a First Uplink Signal Processing Circuit and a Second Uplink Signal Processing Circuit - An uplink signal processing system and method of operating the same includes a primary signal processing circuit generating a primary output signal and a secondary signal processing circuit generating a secondary output signal. The uplink signal processing system includes a switch communicating with the primary signal processing circuit and the secondary signal processing circuit. A monitoring and control system monitors the primary signal processing circuit and the secondary signal processing circuit and generates a monitoring signal and controlling the switch to switch from the primary signal processing circuit to the secondary signal processing circuit in response to the monitoring signal. The switch forms an output signal in response to switching. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068959 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A RECEIVING CIRCUIT FOR MULTIPLE TYPES OF INPUT CHANNEL SIGNALS - A receiving circuit module for receiving different types of channel signals includes a housing having a first input, a second input and an input-output port disposed therein and a controller receiving a control signal. The controller switches between the first input and second output and generates an output signal corresponding to the first input or the second input in response to the control signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068953 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MINIMIZING CO-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE - Methods and apparatuses for minimizing co-channel interference in communications systems are disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises scrambling a first frame using a first scrambling code, attaching a first header to the first frame to create the first signal, scrambling a second frame using a second scrambling code, attaching a second header to the second frame to create the second signal, and transmitting the first signal and the second signal over different channels of the communication system. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068941 | Method and System for Monitoring and Displaying Signals Corresponding to a Transponder of a Satellite in a Satellite Communication System - A method and system for monitoring signals corresponding to a satellite having a first transponder generating a first plurality of channel signals, a plurality of integrated receiver decoders receiving the first plurality of signals and generating a first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first plurality of channel signals and a monitoring system displaying all of the first plurality of received channel signals corresponding to the first transponder. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067490 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND SWITCHING BETWEEN A PRIMARY ENCODER AND A BACK-UP ENCODER IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for switching to a back-up encoder includes a first encoder processing a first channel signal to form a first encoded signal, a second encoder an uplink signal processing system generating a first uplink signal from the first encoded signal. A monitoring system previews the first channel signal encoded through the second encoder while the uplink signal processing system generates the first broadcast signal using the first channel signal encoded through the first encoder. The monitoring system redirects the first channel signal through the second encoder to form a second encoded signal. The uplink signal processing system generates a second broadcast signal with the first channel signal through the second encoder. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067489 | Method and System for Monitoring a Content Signal - A system and method for monitoring a signal includes a monitoring display and an automation system receiving the content signal and either captures an I-frame of the content signal or encodes the content signal into an MPEG signal. The automation system communicates the I-frame or MPEG encoded signal to a display. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067480 | Method and System for Monitoring Various Signals in a Continuous Processing Circuit for a Single Channel in a Communication System - A method and system for monitoring includes a transfer switch and a first receiver decoder circuit for a first channel coupled to the first transfer switch. The first receiver decoder circuit generates a first receiver decoder circuit signal. A second receiver decoder circuit for the first channel is coupled to the first transfer switch. The second receiver decoder circuit generates a second receiver decoder circuit signal. A monitoring display is formed in response to the first receiver decoder circuit signal and the second receiver decoder circuit signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067433 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A BACK-UP NETWORK ADAPTER IN A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY FROM A REMOTE FACILITY - A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a local collection facility that has a plurality of receivers receiving a plurality of channel signals a plurality of encoders generating a first plurality of encoded signals from the plurality of channel signals, a multiplexer multiplexing the first plurality of encoded signals at a multiplexer to form first multiplexed signals, an ATM switch forming a primary ATM circuit between the local collection facility and the remote facility, and an ATM network adapter forming first ATM signals from the multiplexed signals and communicating the first ATM signals to a remote facility through the primary ATM circuit and the ATM switch. The system also includes a remote facility that includes a monitoring system generating control signals to tear down the primary ATM circuit and communicating the control signal to tear down the primary ATM circuit to the local collection facility. The ATM switch tears down the primary ATM circuit in response thereto. The multiplexer multiplexes a second plurality of encoded signals at the multiplexer to form second multiplexed signals. The ATM network adapter and the ATM switch forms a secondary ATM circuit between the local collection facility and the remote facility and forms secondary ATM signals from the second multiplexed signals. The ATM adapter communicates the secondary ATM signals to the remote facility through the secondary ATM circuit. The remote facility generates an output signal at the remote facility in response to the secondary ATM signals. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067432 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A BACK-UP MULTIPLEXER IN A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY FROM A REMOTE FACILITY - A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a remote facility and a local collection facility in communication with the remote facility. The local facility has a plurality of receivers receiving a plurality of channel signals and a plurality of encoders generating a plurality of encoded signals from the plurality of channel signals. The local collection facility includes a primary multiplexer multiplexing the plurality of encoded signals to form a first multiplexed signal and communicates the first multiplexed signal to the remote facility. A monitoring system at a remote facility commanding switching to a back-up multiplexer at the local collection facility. The back-up multiplexer multiplexing the plurality of encoded signals to form a second multiplexed signal and communicating the second multiplexed signal to the remote facility. The remote facility generating an output signal in response to the second multiplexed signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067365 | Method and System for Switching to an Engineering Signal Processing System from a Production Signal Processing System - A system and method for transitioning to a back-up or engineering signal processing system includes a remote facility having multiplexers and a primary signal processing system generating a first output signal, an IP network, and a plurality of local collection facilities generating a plurality of channel signals through a plurality of receiving circuit modules having respective encoders encoding the plurality of channel signals into a plurality of encoded signals. The plurality of local collection facilities communicating the plurality of encoded signals to the remote facility having a first signal processing system through the network. A first compression system controller is associated with the remote facility storing first configuration data for monitoring and controlling the plurality of receiving circuit modules and the multiplexers. An engineering compression system controller has an engineering signal processing system. The first compression system controller communicates the first configuration data to the engineering compression system controller. The engineering compression system controller configures the engineering signal processing system with the first configuration data. A router associated with the plurality of receiving circuit modules routing the plurality of encoded signals to the engineering signal processing system. The engineering signal processing system generates a second output signal from the plurality encoded signal. The first signal processing system discontinues generating the first output signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066848 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A BACK-UP RECEIVER AND ENCODER IN A LOCAL COLLECTION FACILITY FROM A REMOTE FACILITY - A system and method suitable for processing television signals includes a local collection facility that has a primary receiver and a primary encoder forming a broadcast signal in response to a first channel signal received at the receiver. The system also includes a remote facility having a monitoring system monitoring the local collection facility at the remote facility. A back-up receiver at the local facility tuning to the first channel, generating a back-up receiver signal for the first channel and communicating the back-up receiver signal to the remote facility from the local collection facility. The monitoring system displays the back-up receiver signal. The remote facility switches the broadcast signal to correspond to the back-up receiver signal. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090064237 | USER-SELECTABLE VARIABLE-SIZED CHIP OVERLAY OF VIDEO BROADCAST - The present invention comprises an interactive system and method for displaying a chip (or overlay video) on a video monitor. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a first video stream presenting at least video information, the first video stream comprising a viewer channel, and an overlay video, displayed simultaneously with the first video stream, wherein the overlay video has a universal functionality with respect to at least one of a plurality of other video streams. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090055876 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AN OVERLAY CODE FOR A SET TOP BOX FROM AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - A communication system | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052590 | LAYERED MODULATION FOR DIGITAL SIGNALS - Signals, systems and methods for transmitting and receiving layered modulation for digital signals are presented. A layered signal for transmitting data, comprises a first signal layer including a first carrier and first signal symbols for a first digital signal transmission and a second signal layer including a second carrier and second signal symbols for a second signal transmission disposed on the first signal layer, wherein the layered signal has the first carrier demodulated and first layer decoded to produce the first signal symbols for a first layer transport, the first signal symbols are remodulated and subtracted from the layered signal to produce the second signal layer, and the second signal layer has the second carrier demodulated and decoded to produce the second signal symbols for a second layer transport. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052503 | SHIFTED CHANNEL CHARACTERISTICS FOR MITIGATING CO-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE - Methods and apparatuses for minimizing co-channel interference in communications systems are disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises shifting a characteristic of the first signal with respect to a like characteristic of the second signal to mitigate co-channel interference, and transmitting the first signal and the second signal over different channels of the communication system. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090049479 | USER INTERFACES TO PRESENT SHARED MEDIA - User interfaces to present shared media are described. An example includes a user interface for use with a media presentation system including a main page and a plurality of pages operatively linked to the main page; one or more interactive sections to present information associated with one or more media files, wherein the user interface integrates control over one or more presentations of media files of various formats from one or more media storage devices, and wherein the one or more media storage devices are peripheral devices in relation to the media presentation system. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090049475 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO TRANSFER CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods and apparatus to transfer content to a mobile device are described. An example includes a main page to be displayed upon an activation of a transfer feature; a display section to present content being presented prior to the activation of the transfer feature; a plurality of pages operatively linked to the main page; and a list of programs stored on a media storage device, wherein the programs of the list are selectable by a user for a transfer between the media storage device and a mobile device. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090037972 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO PRESENT AUDIO AND VIDEO AT NON-NATIVE RATES - Methods and apparatus to play audio and video content at non-native rates are described. An example method includes playing a video portion of audiovisual content at a non-native rate, playing an audio portion of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate to correspond with the video portion, wherein a presentation of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate and a presentation of the audiovisual content at a native rate are substantially indistinguishable to an audience. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090037961 | ON-DEMAND SYSTEM INTERFACES AND FEATURES - Broadband system interfaces and features are described. An example includes a user interface for use with a content delivery system including an on-demand service comprising at least one channel dedicated to an on-demand content provider, wherein the channel is accessible in a same manner as a broadcast channel of the content delivery system; and at least one homepage to be presented when a user navigates to the at least one channel, wherein the homepage includes a template of sections to provide a single-level user interface by altering the contents of at least one section in response to an input. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090037956 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ONE TOUCH FIND AND RECORD - Methods and apparatus of finding related programs in a media presentation program are described. An example method includes displaying a current program associated with a program data of the media presentation program, receiving an input from an interface, searching the program data in response to the input, and displaying a search results in the media presentation program. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090037955 | ADVERTISEMENTS FOR USE IN A PROGRAM GUIDE - Row advertisements for use in a program guide are described. An example includes a program guide to aid a user navigate a media presentation system; a list of entries to represent a plurality of programs; an advertisement positioned within the list of entries, wherein the advertisement is interactive to allow a user to manipulate the advertisement, and wherein the advertisement is associated with one of the plurality of programs. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036086 | REDUCING SPECTRAL ROLL-OFF FACTORS TO INCREASE SPECTRAL EFFICIENCY - Systems for delivering a plurality of broadcast programs where the transmitter and receiver roll-off factors are mismatched. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a transmitter comprising a modulator, and a plurality of receivers, each receiver in the plurality of receivers receiving the plurality of broadcast programs, each receiver in the plurality of receivers further comprising a demodulator; wherein the modulator has a first root-raised cosine filter having a first roll-off factor and each receiver has a second root-raised cosine filter having a second roll-off factor, the first roll-off factor being smaller than the second roll-off factor. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090031389 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MANAGING FILES WITHIN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM BASED ON PUBLICATION TIME - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031388 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING CONTENT AT A SET TOP BOX - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031377 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECEIVING CONTENT IN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM USING A WORKFLOW SYSTEM - A system and method for receiving data in a content processing system includes a receiving system receiving content and metadata, an incoming folder storing the content and a content management system receiving a notice signal corresponding to receiving of content and metadata. The content management system generates a material identification for the content, creating an inventory list at the content management system and communicating the matter identification to the workflow system. The workflow system processes the content into formatted files and storing the formatted files in a broadcast folder. The content management system communicates conditional access data to video transport processing system. The workflow system communicates a status message to the content management system when the formatted files are stored in the broadcast folder. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031376 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CONTENT IN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORKS - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031371 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING A FORMATTED CONTENT STREAM | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031370 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING BROADBAND CONTENT AVAILABILITY THROUGH A SATELLITE - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031369 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING VIDEO CONTENT FROM AN INTERACTIVE INTERFACE - A system and method for ordering content for a user device includes an ordering interface such as an interactive interface having available content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to a content from the interactive interface and communicating a customer identifier and a material identification to a transaction system. A content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the material identification. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031368 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A USER DEVICE AND A CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK - A system and method for communicating between a content delivery network and a user device includes the user device generating a first request for a content file at a user device and communicating the request to the content delivery network. The content delivery network authenticates the first request, generates a redirection response and communicates the redirection response to the user device. The user device authenticates the redirection response, generates a second request for a content file in response to the redirection request and communicates the second request from the user device. The content delivery network communicates the content file from the content delivery network in response to the second request. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031367 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING MULTIPLE CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORKS FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031364 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CONTENT LIFECYCLE IN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031363 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT TO A USER DEVICE THROUGH A SATELLITE NETWORK AND A BROADBAND NETWORK - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031360 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING A SERVICE USING A WELCOME VIDEO - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031359 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ROW ADVERTISING IN A PROGRAM GUIDE - A system includes a content processing system receiving row ad metadata for a row ad, communicating the row ad to a user device and communicating program guide information to a user device. The program guide information defines a plurality of rows. The user device populates a row from the plurality of rows in response to the metadata and displays the row ad and the program guide on a display associated with the user device. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031358 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A USER DEVICE TO RECEIVE CONTENT - A system and method for recording events includes a user device having a recording service module receiving a booking and recording request, reserving recording resources of the user device in response to the booking request. A conflict resolving module resolves conflicts between previously booked events and the recording request. The recording service module books the recording request, determines a start time from the recording request and when the start time is reached, initiates recording of content, receives the content and provides recording information to a memory write module. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031356 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING AND DISPLAYING BROADBAND CONTENT AVAILABILITY USING INFORMATION RECEIVED THROUGH A SATELLITE - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031354 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT TO A USER DEVICE THROUGH ALLOCATED ASSETS OF A SATELLITE NETWORK AND A BROADBAND NETWORK - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031348 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TUNING VIRTUAL CHANNELS AND LINEAR CHANNELS IN A USER DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM - A system for tuning virtual channels and linear channels includes a user device receiving program guide data for linear channels and receiving homepage data for a virtual channel. The user device stores the program guide data and the homepage data for the virtual channel in a memory. The user device has a user interface generating a channel number selection. The user device tunes to the linear channel when the channel number selection corresponds to a linear channel and retrieves the homepage data from the memory. The homepage information is displayed when the channel number selection corresponds to a virtual channel. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031347 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSOCIATING CONTENT AND CONTENT INFORMATION IN A MENU STRUCTURE - A system and method includes a user device and a content processing system receiving content from a content provider, assigning a material identification to the content, receiving content information different than the content, associating the content information and the content and communicating the content information and material identification to the user device. The user device forms a menu from the content information and associated material identification, generates a menu selection from the menu, and communicates the material identification associated with the menu selection to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the menu selection to the user device. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031346 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POPULATING A MENU STRUCTURE ON A USER DEVICE - A method and system includes a user device and a content processing system establishing a structure for a menu. The content processing system receives content, receives metadata corresponding to the content from a content provider and communicates the metadata to the user device. The user device populates the menu with the metadata. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031345 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREORDERING CONTENT IN A USER DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM - A system and method for preordering content includes a content processing system and a user device in communication with the content processing system. The content processing system receives program guide data for linear channels and receives future available content data at the user device. The future available content data comprises an availability window having an availability start time and an availability end time. The user device stores the program guide data in the user device storing the future available content data in a memory of the user device, forms a future content selection, and stores the future content selection in a queue until the availability window is reached. When within the availability window, the user device communicates a material identification to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the material identification to the user device. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031344 | METHOD FOR ARRANGING VIRTUAL CHANNELS AND LINEAR CHANNELS FOR A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM - A method for arranging virtual channels and linear channels for a content processing system includes establishing a linear channel number assignment for linear channel, generating a virtual channel assignment and arranging the virtual channel assignments with a predetermined relationship to the linear channel number assignment. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031343 | INTUITIVE ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE DISPLAY - A method and system for generating an electronic program guide includes a receiving unit | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031338 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING ROW ADVERTISING IN A PROGRAM GUIDE - A method of arranging row ads system within a program guide includes communicating row ad metadata to a user device and communicating program guide information to a user device. The program guide information defines a plurality of rows, wherein at least a first row is associated with a first channel. The method includes associating positioning information with the row ad relative to the first row, populating a second row from the plurality of rows in response to the metadata and displaying the row ad and displaying the first row associated with the first channel within a program guide structure on a display associated with the user device in response to the positioning information. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031255 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING VARIOUS CONTENT AND CONTENT INFORMATION IN MULTIPLE MENU STRUCTURES - A system includes a user device and a content processing system establishing a provider homepage template and a plurality of content categories. The content processing system receives a first plurality of content and a first plurality of metadata from a first content provider, receives a first plurality of content categories corresponding to each of the respective first plurality of content. The content processing system receives a second plurality of content and a second plurality of metadata from a second content provider and receives a second plurality of content categories corresponding to each of the respective second plurality of content at a content processing system. The content processing system also receives homepage information for a first provider and communicates the first plurality of metadata, the second plurality of metadata, the first plurality of content categories and the second plurality of content categories to the user device. The user device forms a first menu structure with the first homepage information and the first plurality of metadata corresponding to the first content provider without the second plurality of metadata and forming a second menu structure with at least some of the first plurality of metadata and at least some of the second plurality of metadata and at least one of the first and second content categories. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031189 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING A FORMATTED CONTENT STREAM AND USING A CYCLIC REDUNDANCY CHECK - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030941 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECEIVING NORMALIZING CONTENT DATA IN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM USING A WORKFLOW SYSTEM - A methods and system for normalizing data in a content processing system includes a content receiving system receiving a content file having content file metadata in metadata categories associated therewith and an asset management system in communication with the receiving system and having a required metadata category list and a provider metadata category list. The asset management system generates a failure signal when the metadata for each metadata category in the metadata category list is not present and forms provider metadata from the content file metadata when the metadata for a provider metadata category in the metadata category is not present. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030879 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING MULTI-LEVEL PROGRAM GUIDE CATEGORY SEARCHES - A method and system for performing multi-level searches includes a user device and a display associated with the user device. A guide system receives a content provider category for a first content and receives a global guide category different than the content provider category for the first content. A communication network communicates the global guide category and the provider category to the user device. The user device performs a global search and displays on the display the first content in response to the global guide category and displays on the display a provider homepage with the first content displayed under the content provider category. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030764 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSOCIATING BUSINESS RULES WITH RECEIVED CONTENT IN A CONTENT PROCESSING SYSTEM | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090029644 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT USING DEVICE-SPECIFIC CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORKS | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028328 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING A CONTENT STREAM WITH CONDITIONAL ACCESS INFORMATION AND A CONTENT FILE - A communication system includes a content repository | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028317 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CALLBACKS FROM A USER DEVICE USING AN IP NETWORK - A system and method for providing callbacks includes a content processing system or head end and a user device generating a callback signal and communicating the callback signal to a head end or content processing system using an Internet protocol. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028087 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING CONTENT HAVING MODIFIED PACKET HEADERS THROUGH A SATELLITE - A communication system | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090016431 | MAXIMIZING POWER AND SPECTRAL EFFICIENCIES FOR LAYERED AND CONVENTIONAL MODULATIONS - Methods and apparatuses for maximizing power and spectral efficiencies in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The invention is particularly useful for layered modulation applications because power levels for such applications are relatively high. A layered modulation signal comprises an upper and a lower layer signal that interfere with each other within the same frequency band such that the upper layer signal can be demodulated directly from the layered modulation signal, and the lower layer signal can be demodulated after subtracting the first layer signal from the layered modulation signal. The invention applies one or more of the following four signal schemes in a communication signal including varying the symbol rate (rather than the code rate), reducing or eliminating the guard band, reducing excess signal bandwidth and employing layered modulation within the guard band of the legacy signal. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080313523 | ENCODING LOW DENSITY PARITY CHECK (LDPC) CODES THROUGH AN LDPC DECODER - An approach is providing for supporting broadcast transmission of low density parity check (LDPC) coded signals. A receiver includes a decoder configured to decode an LDPC signal to output a decoded signal. The decoder is further configured to operate as an encoder; as such, interference cancellation can be implemented by the encoder re-encoded the received decoded signal. The above approach has particular applicability to satellite broadcast systems. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080313474 | SUPER ENCRYPTED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF MEDIA PROGRAMS WITH SMARTCARD GENERATED KEYS - A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving program material for subsequent replay is disclosed. In summary, the present invention describes a system and method for storing and retrieving program material for subsequent replay. The method comprises the steps of accepting encrypted access control information and the program material encrypted according to a first encryption key, the access control information including a first encryption key and control data; decrypting the received access control information to produce the first encryption key; decrypting the program material using the first encryption key; re-encrypting the program material using according to a second encryption key; encrypting the second encryption key according to a third encryption key to produce a fourth encryption key; and providing the re-encrypted program material and a fourth encryption key for storage. The apparatus comprises a conditional access module, for accepting encrypted access control information and the program material encrypted according to a first encryption key, the encrypted access control information including the first encryption key and temporally-variant control data, the control access module comprising a first decryption module, for decrypting the access control information to produce the first encryption key; a first encryption module, for encrypting a second encryption key with a third encryption key to produce a fourth encryption key; and a second decryption module for decrypting the fourth encryption key to produce the second encryption key. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080298516 | INTEGRATED MULTI-SAT LNB AND FREQUENCY TRANSLATION MODULE - Systems and devices for receiving satellite signals are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of amplifiers, each amplifier in the plurality of amplifiers receiving the signals, a Frequency Translation Module, comprising a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein each amplifier in the plurality of amplifiers is coupled to a separate analog-to-digital converter in the plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein the plurality of analog-to-digital converters convert the signals into digital data streams, a digital signal processing section, coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein the digital signal processing section at least translates the frequency of the digital data streams and filters the digital data streams, a digital-to-analog section, coupled to the digital signal processing section; wherein the digital-to-analog section downconverts the satellite signals to an intermediate frequency band, and a receiver, coupled to the digital-to-analog section, wherein the receiver receives an output of the digital-to-analog section of the module at the intermediate frequency band, the output of the digital to analog section being on a single coaxial cable. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080298505 | HIERARCHICAL 8PSK PERFORMANCE - A method and receiver systems for demodulating and decoding a hierarchically modulated signal, e.g. an 8PSK signal, are disclosed. An exemplary method includes demodulating and processing ( | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080279386 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCRYPTING MEDIA PROGRAMS FOR LATER PURCHASE AND VIEWING - A system and method for storing and retrieving program material for subsequent replay is disclosed. The method includes accepting a receiver ID associated with a receiver key stored in a memory of the receiver, determining a pairing key for encrypting communications between the conditional access module and the receiver, encrypting the pairing key with the receiver key, and transmitting a message comprising the encrypted pairing key to the receiver. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving a data stream transmitting a media program encrypted according to a media encryption key and an encrypted media encryption key and a conditional access module, communicatively coupleable with the receiver. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080276282 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR EFFICIENT STORAGE OF DATA - A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080271106 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING THE BANDWIDTH FOR AN AUDIO/VIDEO NETWORK - A system for optimizing the usage of bandwidth on an audio/video network system includes at least one slave client in communication with a gateway box for receiving network services at the at least one slave client. The system includes a remote control unit for communicating with a television to control its operation, including turning it on and off. The remote control is also in communication with the at least one slave client such that when the television is turned on or off by the remote control, the slave client can determine the status of the television and turn itself on or off accordingly. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080216141 | ON DEMAND RF VIDEO FEED FOR PORTABLE VIDEO MONITOR - The present invention discloses systems for selectively viewing video information. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a portable monitor, a video router, and a controller, coupled to the video router, wherein the video router selectively sends requested video information to the portable monitor based on commands from the controller. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080216127 | LIVE VIDEO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention is displayed on a monitor with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the mosaic video channel, wherein the mosaic channel is changed via a controller which initiates a logo wipe across the mosaic video channel. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080209478 | Single-wire multiswitch and channelized RF cable test meter - Multiple embodiments of systems for testing the delivery of satellite and cable television signals are described. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080209476 | LIVE INTEGRATION OF PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) AUDIO WITH INDEPENDENT VIDEO FEED - The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A system in accordance with the present invention indicates an audio input for a mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell having a respective audio portion associated with the video cell, an announcer audio portion, and an indicator, coupled to the respective audio portions, for indicating to an announcer that at least one of the respective audio portions is active. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080198876 | EXPLOITATION OF NULL PACKETS IN PACKETIZED DIGITAL TELEVISION SYSTEMS - A system and method for adding auxiliary data D | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080198233 | VIDEO BIT STREAM TEST - The present invention is a method for MPEG compliance testing that designs test bit streams such that every frame of the expected decoded video is known. The test bit stream is generated, decoded and stored as an expected output decoded video. The test bit stream is fed to the device under test where it is decoded. Actual output video is compared with the expected decoded video on a frame-by-frame basis. The test results are indicated by discrepancies, which can be visually examined by human or by computer, through a comparison of the two videos. During generation of the test bit stream, for a given GOP structure, the subsequent P and B frames are determined by varying the selected testing MPEG parameter with the whole range of its possible values, while keeping other parameters constant. | 08-21-2008 |
