Content Receiver Multiplexing Single Tuner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content receivers require multiple tuners and resources to access and record different instances of simultaneously broadcast content, leading to inefficiencies and increased resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single tuner and smart card to receive and decrypt multiple instances of content using a single control word, allowing for simultaneous recording and playback of multiple channels by multiplexing them onto a single frequency band, and storing them in a single file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tuners are used to access different instances of simultaneously broadcast content, then content access capability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple content streams from different channels into a single multiplexed stream that can be received by one tuner. The system merges content from multiple frequency bands and channels, storing them as separate logical channels within a single physical receiver, thereby reducing the number of tuners needed while maintaining the ability to access multiple content instances simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal content delivery system where a single tuner can access multiple content instances by receiving multiplexed streams. The receiver is designed to handle multiple ECMs and decrypt multiple content streams using a single smart card, making the device multi-functional without requiring multiple identical components.
2Productivity
If multiple tuners are used to record different instances of content, then recording capability is improved, but resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple content streams into a single multiplexed signal that can be processed by one tuner. By combining the recording function for multiple channels into a single receiver unit, the patent reduces the total quantity of hardware resources (tuners, processors, memory) required while maintaining the ability to record multiple content instances simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ECMs are used to decrypt different content instances, then content decryption capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal decryption mechanism where a single smart card can handle multiple ECMs for different content streams. The system is designed to process and apply multiple encryption control messages through one decryption module, making the decryption system multi-functional without requiring multiple separate decryption units.
Data Source
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.