79 results about "Integrated receiver/decoder" patented technology

A satellite TV security system including a TV satellite operated by a satellite TV provider directed to a television set of a satellite TV subscriber that defends the satellite TV provider from illegal reception of TV signals from a TV satellite. An addressable integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) positioned in the TV set top box has an assigned identification number and a smart card positioned in the IRD has an assigned identification number. A security module is provided that is integrated with the IRD. Upon command of the satellite TV provider or automatically, the security module makes a periodic verification of a match of the two identification numbers. Lack of verification of a match triggers a signal from the security module to the IRD to stop transmitting TV signals to the subscriber television. As an alternative verification, the security module initiates periodic verifications of the operability of the telephone line connection between the satellite TV provider and the IRD of the subscriber. Lack of verification of the operability of the telephone line triggers a signal from the security module to the IRD to stop transmitting TV signals to the subscriber TV. The two systems of verification can be operated independently or simultaneously. The subscriber telephone number can be added as an assigned identification number, so that a three-way verification of identification numbers by the security module is required for continued transmission of TV signals to the subscriber television.

Apparatus and methods that allow detection and authentication of multiple devices within a subscriber dwelling. A system is described generally comprising multiple devices, each adapted to receive a broadband signal and including a modem coupled to a telephone line. At least one of the devices is configured to receive entitlement information corresponding to the other devices via the broadband signal, and to use the entitlement information to periodically authenticate the other devices via the telephone line. Several methods are disclosed for detecting a device connected to a telephone line. A described method for authenticating a device connected to a telephone line includes receiving entitlement information corresponding to each of the devices via a broadband signal, and using the entitlement information to authenticate each of the devices via the telephone line.

The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a direct-to-home integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) and a program for storing and displaying digital objects associated with an electronic television program guide using fuzzy logic. The method and apparatus maintains and adapts a user profile in order to efficiently select digital objects associated with an electronic program guide. The fuzzy logic based user profile may be used to select digital program guide objects for deletion from memory and / or to efficiently select digital program guide objects for display in an electronic program guide. Selection is based on fuzzy variables associated with the objects. In this manner, memory requirements and the number of programs displayed are reduced to decrease cost and reduce the amount of time a user must spend viewing the program guide.

The present invention relates to an interactive entertainment system and method comprising: a system server (110), said system server (110) residing at a communication center (100); a system database (120), said system database (120) residing at the communication center (100) and accessible by the system server (110); a plurality of entertainment files stored on the database (120), where the system server (110) retrieves the plurality of entertainment files for transmission over a first communication network; a reception device (30), where the reception device (30) includes an integrated receiver decoder (IRD), where the IRD selectively retrieves the plurality of entertainment files via the first communication network from the system server based a user's preferences; a user input device (35), where said user input device (35) enables a user to interact with the system server (110) and system database (120) via the reception device (30), where the user provides real time feedback regarding said entertainment files; and a user output device (34), where said output device (34) plays selected entertainment files.

Methods and apparatus for broadcasting high quality audio “studio direct” with the same digital information employed in the studio by the video producer with AC-3 digital audio signals for broadcast to integrated receiver decoders (IRD). The methods and apparatus permit proper handling of AC-3 data by switching signals to encoders in response to detection of the encoded signals representing compression of the data. Control over individual data bits such as copyright bits is maintained by determining the bit status, comparing it to a preferred status, changing the status if it does not comply with the preferred status, and reevaluating cyclical redundancy check value in each data packet to avoid disruption in the data transmission. In addition, the system includes an uplink device which automatically checks, logs and reports errors in Dolby Digital AC-3 signals by a monitor which employs a processor, a digital audio card and an SMPTE timecode reader. As an option, an ethernet interface may be provided to permit AC-3 transmission to expedite storage and transmission of the audio data by media such as compact disks. The monitor employs a state machine that finds AC-3 packets, locks into the packets and detects discontinuities or loss of signal. The monitor then computes and checks the cyclical redundancy check value of the AC-3 packet found. In addition, the system enables the device to play AC-3 signals such as Dolby Digital out in sync with video signals, regardless of the storage media for the files. A sound card having an input for receiving house reference AES clock pulses enables the AES clock of the playback signal to be locked to the frequency of a production house master as a time code reader or an editor's contact closure match video and audio signals playback.

A digital video broadcast network comprises a content provider and several transmitters. Each transmitter may transmit more than one signal, different signals having different frequencies, multiplexes and the like and relating to different network types. An integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) is mobile in the area around the transmitters. As well as transmitting service information as part of a network information table on a data layer, the transmitters provide in their output signals transmitter parameter information as TPS data on a physical layer. This TPS information includes information identifying whether there are other networks available, and preferably the number of other networks. Transmission parameters relating to the other networks are included in an other_network_descriptor, forming part of an NIT actual or a BAT, or alternatively in an NIT_other. This information is used by the IRD in signal scan. Using the described broadcast signals, signal scan can be made more efficient, resulting in reduced power consumption and scanning time. IRDs may also receive free field three dimensional models of signal levels created for a group of cells. The models may be in the form of bitmaps and used during handover procedures.

Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB); and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signal received by the LNB to an output of the multiswitch, at least one tuner, coupled to the output of the multiswitch, for tuning to a specific portion of the satellite signal, the specific portion of the satellite signal selected based on commands received from a new Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), at least one demodulator, coupled to the at least one tuner, for demodulating the specific portion of the signal into a plurality of demodulated signals, and an interface for delivering a specific demodulated signal to the new IRD, wherein the specific demodulated signal is selected based on the commands received from the new IRD, and the specific demodulated signal is mapped to a new address based on a private channel number associated with the new IRD.

Digital data objects containing video-based advertisement information are broadcast via satellite and received by one or more integrated receiver decoders (IRDs). Each IRD selectively discards or caches advertisement objects (AOs) in a local memory. AOs that are incompatible with the sophistication level of the IRD and / or user preferences / characteristics are discarded without being cached and AOs that have a lower priority than currently cached AOs are discarded. The IRD arranges cached AOs into ordered lists to schedule them for display and each ordered list corresponds to a unique display position within a program guide. When the user initiates a program guide session, the IRD cyclically displays the AOs in the program guide according to the ordered lists.

A method and apparatus for ensuring a correct satellite signal connection. Specifically, a user selects a satellite signal via an integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) from at least one satellite, and the IRD sends a command signal to a selector switch to acquire and lock onto said satellite signal. The IRD repeats transmission of the command signal to the selector switch once the IRD has acquired and locked onto said information signal. Thus, in the event that the selector switch failed to switch to a low noise block converter (LNB) corresponding to the initial command signal, then the repeated command signal helps to ensure that the selector switch switches to the LNB corresponding with the latest command signal sent by the IRD.

An integrated receiver decoder is provided for allowing simultaneous transmission of compressed and uncompressed signals for an audio / video program. The integrated receiver decoder includes a demodulator for receiving a modulated carrier signal and extracting a baseband signal therefrom. The demodulator transmits the baseband signal to a demultiplexor. The demultiplexor extracts a selected compressed signal from the baseband signal. The demultiplexor then transmits the selected compressed signal to a compression decoder for converting the selected compressed signal into a selected uncompressed signal. The compression decoder then transmits the selected uncompressed signal to a graphics overlay device for blending the selected uncompressed signal with user interface graphics. Thereafter, a digital transport device combines the selected compressed signals with a blended uncompressed signal so as to produce a multiplexed signal for transmission through a universal interface output.

The system and method stores event data, including timing data associated with each event referenced against a reference time, in an index table within the memory of an integrated receiver decoder (IRD) such as a set-top-box. The event data is typically transmitted in advance of a broadcast signal received by the IRD and stored within IRD memory in anticipation of the broadcast program. The reference time is generated by any one of a variety of different means, such as by time date table, time plus offset table, or within a data (e.g. MPEG) stream. Time relative to the reference time, where the reference time can be periodically reset to accommodate interruptions or changes in the original broadcast programming to which the events are synchronized, are compared to the event times stored in memory. If a match occurs, the event triggers at that appropriate relative time. This event data, alone or in conjunction with additional transmitted triggering data, is compared to a reference timing signal generated by one of several means. This combination of data is then used to control the local execution of the application on each IRD.

In a television broadcasting system intended to present information pertaining to a main broadcast program to viewers, a ground-wave broadcast station produces and broadcasts the main program in the conventional manner and a CS (communication satellite) broadcast station which is supplied with main program composition information and various source data from the ground-wave station produces supplemental broadcast programs for the main program. The CS station also produces symbolic labels indicative of the content of the supplemental programs, and broadcasts the supplemental programs and symbolic labels together. An IRD (integrated receiver / decoder) unit of a viewer's receiver set receives the broadcast signals from the ground-wave station and CS station, and displays the main program and the symbolic labels of supplemental programs together on a display unit. The IRD unit operates in response to the selection of a symbolic label by the viewer to display a supplemental program corresponding to this symbolic label.

A bandwidth-limited system for delivering satellite video signals. The system comprises a receive antenna that includes at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signal received by the LNB to an output of the multiswitch a tuner, coupled to the output of the multiswitch, for tuning to a specific portion of the satellite signal, the specific portion of the satellite signal selected based on commands received from a new Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), a demodulator, coupled to the tuner, for demodulating the specific portion of the signal into a plurality of demodulated signals, and an interface for delivering a specific demodulated signal to the new IRD, wherein the specific demodulated signal is selected based on the commands received from the new IRD, and the commands and the demodulated signal are carried on a single connection between the at least one IRD and the interface.

An automatic level controlled system for delivering satellite signals to at least one Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The system includes a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, an automatic level controller, coupled to the inputs, for adjusting a signal strength associated with each the satellite signals such that each of the signal strengths are within a predetermined range, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one input of the multiswitch is coupled to the automatic level controller, and an interface, wherein at least one of the outputs of the multiswitch provides a signal to the interface, such that at least one new IRD coupled to an output of the interface receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands sent to the interface from the new IRD.

A system and method for monitoring direct broadcast satellite signals. In a most general embodiment, the invention (10) includes a mechanism (20) for receiving direct broadcast wireless signals encoded in accordance with a DSS transport protocol. The received signals are analyzed with respect to various parameters and an output is provided in response thereto. In a specific embodiment, the wireless signals are transmitted via satellite and plural integrated receiver decoders (20) are used, one with an associated channel, to receive the wireless signals and provide audio, video, program guide and conditional access signals in response thereto. These signals are analyzed by software (100) running on a computer (56) which outputs alarm data on the detection of anomalies in the received signals.

A terrestrial digital video broadcast (DVB-T) network includes a content provider and first to third transmitters. Each transmitter may transmit more than one signal, different signals having different frequencies, multiplexes and the like and relating to different network types. An integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) is mobile in the area around transmitters. As well as transmitting service information as part of a network information table on a data layer, the transmitters provide in their output signals transmitter parameter information as TPS data on a physical layer. This TPS information includes one bit identifying the type of the network to which the signal relates and information identifying whether or not the signal contains time-sliced data streams. This information is used by the IRD both in signal scan, or initialising the IRD with parameters needed for OSI layers service discovery, and for deselecting signals as handover candidates. Since the transmission parameter information is transmitted more frequently and in a lower OSI layer than the network information table, the IRD can more efficiently make decisions as to whether or not a signal is suitable for handover, or is otherwise a signal of interest.

A signal distribution and control system where signals are distributed and control signals transmitted via a single coaxial cable. Integrated Receiver / Decoder (IRD) units communicate with a Frequency Translation Module (FTM) for construction of a custom data signal for delivery to all IRDs coupled to a given FTM. The commands sent by the IRDs to control the FTM inform the FTM which signals are of interest and should be placed on the custom data signal, also called the combined IRD channels. Previously installed IRDs that cannot generate the new commands are still supported in the system via legacy ports in the multiswitch.

The invention is a caption coding device, which makes TV broadcasting device able to use bitmap to support the display of caption containing uncommon Chinese characters and will detect Chinese characters not supported by DTV (digital TV) IRD (integrated receiver-decoder). As identifying a character not supported, a bitmap is generated and replaces this character not supported and similarly and the position of this bitmap is to be calculated so as to seamless display a bitmap object with this character object. The characters supported by the DTV IRD are still transmitted in character form to the DTV IRD, and thus the character and bitmap are both transmitted, and the DTV IRD will be able to display all the Chinese characters to TV screen but does not waste too many bandwidths.

Intelligent switching networks for selectively delivering satellite video signals. A network in accordance with the present invention comprises an antenna for receiving the satellite video signals, a plurality of amplifiers, coupled to the antenna, each amplifier receiving and amplifying specific satellite video signals based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite video signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of amplifiers in a respective fashion, an interface, coupled to the multiswitch, and at least one Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), coupled to the interface, wherein the IRD sends signals to the interface to determine a type of the interface.

An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.

A bandwidth-limited system for delivering satellite video signals. The system comprises a receive antenna that includes at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signal received by the LNB to an output of the multiswitch a tuner, coupled to the output of the multiswitch, for tuning to a specific portion of the satellite signal, the specific portion of the satellite signal selected based on commands received from a new Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD), a demodulator, coupled to the tuner, for demodulating the specific portion of the signal into a plurality of demodulated signals, and an interface for delivering a specific demodulated signal to the new IRD, wherein the specific demodulated signal is selected based on the commands received from the new IRD, and the commands and the demodulated signal are carried on a single connection between the at least one IRD and the interface.

An integrated multi-beam antenna receiving system controls signal flow to a set of frequency translation devices in order to provide the required signals requested by Integrated Receiver Decoder units (IRDs, or set-top-boxes) within the home. The receiving system is compatible with legacy IRDs, or can support delivery of the requested signals in digital format allowing single coaxial cable or twisted pair delivery into the home. The system supports satellite reception from a mixed constellation of Direct Broadcast Satellites (DBS) and Fixed Satellite Service platforms operating in multiple frequency bands.

In a digital video system, high availability distribution is provided using spare modules such as an integrated receiver decoder, multimedia transcoder and streaming module in support of the primary modules. The primary modules multicast status messages which are monitored by the spare modules. When failure of a primary module is detected, the spare module takes over the role of the failed module, for example by joining the same multicast groups as the failed module and taking over processing of the streams of the failed module. Multiple redundancy schemes are described.

A host receiver and a client receiver are operatively in a direct broadcast satellite system. Program materials received by the host receiver from the direct broadcast satellite system are decrypted by the host receiver. The decrypted program materials are then encrypted at the host receiver using a copy protection key. The copy protection key is encrypted at the host receiver using a host-client pairing key shared between the host receiver and client receiver. The encrypted program materials and the encrypted copy protection key are transferred from the host receiver to the client receiver. The transferred copy protection key is decrypted at the client receiver using the host-client pairing key. The transferred program materials are then decrypted at the client receiver using the decrypted copy protection key.

A digital video broadcast network comprises a content provider and several transmitters. Each transmitter may transmit more than one signal, different signals having different frequencies, multiplexes and the like and relating to different network types. An integrated receiver / decoder (IRD) is mobile in the area around the transmitters. As well as transmitting service information as part of a network information table on a data layer, the transmitters provide in their output signals transmitter parameter information as TPS data on a physical layer. This TPS information includes information identifying whether there are other networks available, and preferably the number of other networks. Transmission parameters relating to the other networks are included in an other_network_descriptor, forming part of an NIT actual or a BAT, or alternatively in an NIT_other. This information is used by the IRD in signal scan. Using the described broadcast signals, signal scan can be made more efficient, resulting in reduced power consumption and scanning time. IRDs may also receive free field three dimensional models of signal levels created for a group of cells. The models may be in the form of bitmaps and used during handover procedures.

The system supports monitoring of receiver network status by providing an email return path for receiver status information. Remote locations provide access to an internet capable LAN, which the integrated receiver decoders use to send parameter information to the central server using the internet protocol. Unit status and parameter information is sent in a binary format using standard email protocols to transfer the data. The server translates the binary data and stores the receiver status, allowing the user to browse the latest status of any receiver which has sent back a report.

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.

Methods and apparatus for broadcasting high quality audio “studio direct” with the same digital information employed in the studio by the video producer with AC-3 digital audio signals for broadcast to integrated receiver decoders (IRD). The methods and apparatus permit proper handling of AC-3 data by switching signals to encoders in response to detection of the encoded signals representing compression of the data. Control over individual data bits such as copyright bits is maintained by determining the bit status, comparing it to a preferred status, changing the status if it does not comply with the preferred status, and reevaluating cyclical redundancy check value in each data packet to avoid disruption in the data transmission. In addition, the system includes an uplink device which automatically checks, logs and reports errors in Dolby Digital AC-3 signals by a monitor which employs a processor, a digital audio card and an SMPTE timecode reader. As an option, an ethernet interface may be provided to permit AC-3 transmission to expedite storage and transmission of the audio data by media such as compact disks. The monitor employs a state machine that finds AC-3 packets, locks into the packets and detects discontinuities or loss of signal. The monitor then computes and checks the cyclical redundancy check value of the AC-3 packet found. In addition, the system enables the device to play AC-3 signals such as Dolby Digital out in sync with video signals, regardless of the storage media for the files. A sound card having an input for receiving house reference AES clock pulses enables the AES clock of the playback signal to be locked to the frequency of a production house master as a time code reader or an editor's contact closure match video and audio signals playback.

A program distribution system enabling a user to easily buy a program includes a video server for storing a plurality of distributable programs, and a video on demand controller which receives a request for the distribution of a distributable program from an integrated receiver decoder. The distribution request is formed in a free-style text format described in the arbitrary style of the user of the receiver decoder. The controller compares a word described in the distribution request with each title of the distributable programs stored in the video server, and if a title that corresponds to the word described in the distribution request is found, the controller reads out the corresponding distributing program from the video server and distributes it to the receiver decoder.