Block Guide for Simultaneous Multi-Channel Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital video recorders (DVRs) do not provide a way to link or present content in an order other than it was recorded, and users face challenges in accessing multiple instances of content broadcast simultaneously across different channels without requiring multiple tuners and smart cards to decrypt multiple control words.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a single tuner and smart card to receive and decrypt multiple instances of content using a single control word, allowing users to access and present content in a block list format, enabling simultaneous recording and playback of multiple channels by grouping content based on broadcast time, channel, or episode number.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tuners and smart cards are used to receive and decrypt multiple instances of content simultaneously, then the ability to access multiple channels at the same time is improved, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple content instances into a single multiplexed stream that can be received by one tuner. Multiple channels are merged into one signal, allowing a single tuner to access content from multiple channels simultaneously through time-division or frequency-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
A single smart card is designed to handle decryption for multiple content instances by using multiple control words stored on the card. The smart card performs multiple functions (decrypting different channels) using one physical component, eliminating the need for multiple separate smart cards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is recorded and stored individually by traditional DVRs, then each program can be recorded separately, but the content cannot be linked or presented in an order other than the recording order
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization of content by embedding metadata and timestamps during the recording process. Content is pre-sorted and linked in the storage system according to original broadcast order, episode numbers, or other criteria, so that when playback is requested, the content is already structured and ready for flexible presentation without requiring manual reorganization.
3Device complexity
If a single tuner receives multiple instances of content from the same frequency band, then hardware requirements are reduced, but the ability to decrypt and access all content simultaneously becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of using multiple control words stored on a single smart card instead of requiring multiple physical smart cards. Each control word corresponds to a different channel or content instance, allowing the single smart card to provide decryption keys for multiple channels by varying the control word parameter rather than requiring additional hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of providing access to a block of stored content includes transmitting a general EPG at a content receiver for display on a presentation device, the EPG including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available at a plurality of times, receiving input from a user to display a block guide, and transmitting the block guide wherein, the block guide is associated with the block of stored content for accessing the block of stored content, the block guide including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available for a selected airing time.