ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160134926 | Televison receiver storage management - Various arrangements are presented that may involve receiving from a television service provider, timers that are used to record a managed channel array. Each of these timers define a television channel, a time period, and a date. The received timers may be set at a television receiver. User input may be received that specifies an undesired television channel that is not to be recorded according to the received plurality of timers, the undesired television channel being part of the managed channel array. An amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel may be calculated. Storage space may be allocated based upon the calculated amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel. | 05-12-2016 |
20160134833 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF MULTIPLE HEADSETS - Media device systems and methods synchronize video content with audio content presented by a plurality of wireless audio headsets. In an exemplary embodiment, a first time delay corresponds to a first duration of time between communication of the audio content from the media device and presentation of the audio content by a first wireless audio headset. A second time delay corresponds to a second duration of time between communication of the audio content from the media device and presentation of the audio content by a second wireless audio headset, wherein the first time delay is greater than the second time delay. Video content communicated to a display is delayed by the first time delay. Audio content communicated to the second wireless audio headset is delayed by a time delay difference between the first time delay and the second time delay. | 05-12-2016 |
20160127816 | VOICE INPUT HANDLING - In an input device it is determined that an input indicator mechanism is selected for a predetermined period of time. Speech is recorded based on the input indicator mechanism being selected. | 05-05-2016 |
20160127786 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDIA DEVICE SECURITY - Media device systems and methods are operable to provide security against unauthorized access to content or unauthorized control of the media device. An exemplary embodiment detects a wireless signal, with an identifier, that is emitted by at least one mobile electronic device that is currently in possession of a user, determines the identifier of the at least one mobile electronic device, retrieves a plurality of stored mobile device identifiers that identify each one of a plurality of mobile electronic devices, compares the identifier of the at least one mobile electronic device with the plurality of stored mobile device identifiers, and then permits access to restricted content or permits the media device to perform a restricted function only when the identifier of the at least one mobile electronic device matches one of the plurality of stored mobile device identifiers. | 05-05-2016 |
20160127783 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDIA CONTENT EVENT RECOMMENDATION BANNER - Systems and methods are operable to recommend media content events with a personalized user incentive. An exemplary embodiment generates a media content event recommendation banner that is concurrently presentable with a presented electronic program guide (EPG), wherein the media content event recommendation banner includes at least one identifier of a recommended media content event and at least one personalized user incentive that is configured to be selected by the user. | 05-05-2016 |
20160112758 | REMOTE MODE SELECTION FOR A SET-TOP BOX - A system includes a set-top box and a remote device. The remote device receives data representing an event from the set-top box. The remote device determines whether the event has occurred based on the data representing the event and generates a transition command to transition the set-top box from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. Further, the remote device transmits the transition command to the set-top box if the event has occurred. | 04-21-2016 |
20160105711 | Storing Multiple Instances of Content - Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to record these multiple instances from at least a single transponder. in some instances, multiple transponders may have a common control word so that content carried on each such transponder may be simultaneously received, decoded and recorded, Further, a single demodulator may be associated with multiple tuners, so that the single demodulator processes all content received from transponders with common control words and/or other encryption mechanisms. | 04-14-2016 |
20160100212 | SAVING ADDRESSABLE COMMERCIALS TO PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDER - A media content processing system includes a memory device, and input port, and a processing device. The input port receives a media content signal that includes at least one addressable commercial content instance and at least one non-commercial content instance. The processing device is programmed to process the media content signal, record the addressable commercial content instance independent of the non-commercial content instance, and store the recorded addressable commercial content instance in the memory device. | 04-07-2016 |
20160099787 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING PARTICULAR MEDIA CONTENT EVENT OF INTEREST THAT IS BEING RECEIVED IN A STREAM OF MEDIA CONTENT - Obscuring systems and methods are operable to obscure an intervening content segment that a user does not wish to view and/or listen to if that particular intervening content segment is again received at a later time. An exemplary embodiment includes at least a content segment obscuring system that samples the decoded stream of information corresponding to an initial portion of the intervening content segment, determines a vector signature of the sampled initial portion of the intervening content segment, wherein the vector signature corresponds to at least one location and an orientation of a vector in a multi-dimensional vector space, and compares the vector signature with a plurality of predefined reference vector signatures. In response to the vector signature substantially corresponding to at least one of the plurality of predefined reference vector signatures, the intervening content segment is obscured with replacement content. | 04-07-2016 |
20160080802 | HIGH THROUGHPUT DIGITAL VIDEO BROADCASTING - A system includes an antenna and a receiver. The antenna receives an encoded satellite signal having a plurality of frames. The receiver receives the satellite signal from the antenna and iteratively processes each frame a predetermined number of times. The number of times the frame is processed is based at least on part on a characteristic of the frame. Moreover, the receiver terminates frame processing earlier if a condition, associated with the processing of the frame, exists. An example receiver includes a decoder that decodes the satellite signal and extracts data from at least one frame by iteratively processing each frame the predetermined number of times. The receiver further includes a controller that generates a control signal representing the predetermined number of times the decoder is to iteratively process each frame. The controller generates the control signal based at least in part on a characteristic of the frame. | 03-17-2016 |
20160079987 | VARIABLE RATE INTERPOLATION WITH NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR - A numerically controlled oscillator includes a phase accumulator that outputs a phase word and a clock that periodically outputs a clock signal in accordance with a delay interval. The phase accumulator outputs a new phase word in response to receiving the clock signal. A clock controller calculates a timing drift and adjusts the delay interval to reduce the timing drift. A method includes receiving a plurality of frequency control words, calculating a delay interval, accumulating the frequency control words in accordance with the delay interval to generate a phase word, converting the phase word to a waveform, calculating a timing drift, and adjusting the delay interval to reduce the timing drift. | 03-17-2016 |
20160066050 | Matrix Code-Based User Interface - A method for presenting a matrix code may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to a remotely accessible program, generating, at a content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program, transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, and receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. A method for remotely controlling a set top box and a method for setting a recording time on a set top box are also described. A method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs. | 03-03-2016 |
20160050463 | ENHANCED RELIABILITY FOR SATELLITE DATA DELIVERY - A media device may be configured for receiving data from one or more satellites. The media device may include one or more processors and one or more storage devices. A first tuner of a media device may tune to a first data stream that came from a first satellite transponder. A second tuner of the media device may tune to a second data stream that came from a second satellite transponder. The first data stream and the second data stream may be derived from source data based at least in part on a data distribution scheme. The data distribution scheme may include distributing at least portions of the source data with the first data stream and the second data stream. The first data stream and/or the second data stream may be processed to store and/or output for presentation content. | 02-18-2016 |
20160042766 | CUSTOM VIDEO CONTENT - Characteristics of speech in a first audio portion of media content in a first language are retrieved, the first audio portion being related to a video portion of the media content. A second audio portion is stored related to the video portion, the second audio portion including speech in a second language. Characteristics of the speech are used to modify the second audio portion | 02-11-2016 |
20160037223 | USER-INITIATED CONTROL OF AN AUDIO/VIDEO STREAM TO SKIP INTERSTITIAL CONTENT BETWEEN PROGRAM SEGMENTS - Various embodiments are described for skipping, filtering, or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the stream, wherein the stream has segments of a show interspersed with commercial breaks. A method for processing the stream determines that a commercial break is currently being output for presentation, and monitors for receipt of a user-initiated command to skip the commercial break. When a user-initiated skip command is received during the commercial break, the method automatically skips to a location in the stream that is at or near an end of the commercial break, and seamlessly continues presentation of the stream from that location. If a skip command is not received during output of the commercial break, then output of the current commercial break continues as usual. This methodology is repeated for all subsequent commercial breaks in the stream. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035642 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIMITING TRAVEL DISTANCE OF A HEAT SINK - A heat sink embodiment has at least one anti-rocking tab that extends outwardly and downwardly from an edge of the body portion of the heat sink. A leading lower edge of the anti-rocking tab is above a top surface of the motherboard when the heat sink is being affixed to the motherboard over a flip chip. During installation of the heat sink to the motherboard, a travel distance limit is imposed by the leading lower edge of the anti-rocking tab, thereby limiting a force that is applied to the die of the flip chip so that an edge and/or a corner of the die of the flip chip is not crushed, or such that the die of the flip chip is not cracked. | 02-04-2016 |
20160021368 | MEASUREMENT OF IR EMISSIONS AND ADJUSTMENT OF OUTPUT SIGNAL - Various arrangements for monitoring and mitigating infrared (IR) interference from a display device are presented. IR emissions from a display device are measured the IR signaling characteristics may be adjusted to mitigate interference from the emissions. Calibration methods may be used determine display emission characteristics by displaying test patterns and video clips. Characteristics of the display patterns and video clips may be correlated to high IR emissions. | 01-21-2016 |
20150373415 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTENT AVAILABILITY NOTIFICATION - Systems and methods are operable to notify a user of content availability. An exemplary embodiment receives a content availability notification request that specifies at least one content of interest, searches current electronic program guide (EPG) information to identify the content of interest, determines that the information identifying the specified content of interest is unavailable based upon the search of the current EPG information, generates a content availability reminder that is associated with the specified content of interest, monitors a content database to determine an availability of the specified content of interest identified in the content availability reminder, determines that the specified content of interest is available when the monitored content database indicates availability of the specified content of interest, and generates a content availability reminder notification that indicates at least a title of the specified content of interest. | 12-24-2015 |
20150358688 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIEWER-INCENTIVIZED TARGETED COMMERCIALS - Various arrangements, including systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable mediums for incentivizing content viewer feedback are detailed herein. In some embodiments, a first television program with at least one commercial break is output. At least one television commercial for presentation during a first commercial break may be output. For the at least one television commercial, a rating from a viewer may be received. An incentive value determined based on at least the rating of the at least one commercial may be calculated. A second duration may be selected from a group comprising a first duration and a second duration based on the calculated incentive value, wherein the second duration is shorter than the first duration. A second commercial break of the selected second duration may be output. | 12-10-2015 |
20150358687 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIEWER DECISION-BASED TARGETED COMMERCIALS - Various arrangements for targeting advertising to a television viewer are presented. A user interface may be output for presentation that permits the television viewer to select from among a plurality of advertising options. One or more selections may be received from the television viewer from among the plurality of advertising options. A television program may be output for presentation to the television viewer. One or more commercials may be selected that match the one or more selections from among the plurality of advertising options. The one or more commercials that match the one or more selections from among the plurality of advertising options may be output for presentation during a first commercial break in the television program. | 12-10-2015 |
20150358661 | CUSTOMIZED CHANNEL - Various arrangements generating a customized channel are presented. A customized channel may be generated for a user. The programming for the customized channel may be gathered from different sources. The programming may be selected and scheduled based on user preferences, interests, and viewing habits of the user. The user viewing habits and preferences for programming may be used to refine the schedule and programming of the customized channel. | 12-10-2015 |
20150338876 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING A CONTROLLED-MODIFICATION CURRENT TIME VALUE - A method for employing a controlled-modification current time value is presented. In the method, the current time value is maintained. Also, requests for modification of the current time value are received. The requests are processed so that the requested modification associated with one of the requests is immediately incorporated into the current time value, and so that the requested modification associated with another one of the requests is not immediately incorporated into the current time value. | 11-26-2015 |
20150334471 | MULTIPLE SIMULTANEOUS AUDIO VIDEO DATA DECODING - A system includes a server configured to receive a data stream and at least one client device configured to receive the data stream from the server. The server is configured to synchronize playback of a media content instance by the server, one or more of the client devices, or both, in accordance with a timestamp associated with the data stream. | 11-19-2015 |
20150327092 | SIGNAL MEASUREMENT USING PAIRED REMOTE DEVICE - A system includes a remote device, a client device, and a server. The server is configured to measure a signal strength of the client device relative to the server and transmit signal strength measurement data representing the signal strength. The remote device is configured to output a representation of the signal strength in accordance with the signal strength measurement data. A method includes measuring a signal strength of a client device relative to a server, transmitting signal strength measurement data representing the signal strength to a remote device, and outputting via the remote device a representation of the signal strength in accordance with the signal strength measurement data. | 11-12-2015 |
20150326942 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE TRANSMISSION OF MEDIA CONTENT EVENTS - Systems and methods are operable for monitoring the transmission of media content events. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device from a media content transmission device at a first transmission rate, wherein the media content stream comprises at least one media content event selected for presentation on a media presentation device; stores at least a portion of the media content stream in a media device buffer; calculates a buffer metric; transmitting the buffer metric to the media content transmission device; and receives the media content stream from the media content transmission device at a second transmission rate based on the transmitted buffer metric. | 11-12-2015 |
20150326912 | SELECTIVE PLACEMENT OF PROGRESS BAR - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting the placement of a progress bar that is displayed on top of audiovisual content being presented on a display device when a viewer issues a “trick-play” command to change the rate at which the audiovisual content is being presented, such as rewind, pause, or fast-forward. The placement of the progress bar is selected such that it does not obscure audiovisual content used by the viewer to determine how long to issue the trick-play command. | 11-12-2015 |
20150326891 | PROVISIONING COMMERCIAL-FREE MEDIA CONTENT - Provisioning commercial-free or break-free media content. Example types of media or media content may include advertising media, broadcast media, social media, news media, and etc. In a satellite broadcast television implementation, subscribers may be provided the ability to search for and optionally access commercial-free programming. | 11-12-2015 |
20150312620 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECORDING A VIDEO PROGRAM FOR USER INSTRUCTION - The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing the user instructional information describing the operation of their television receiving device system. | 10-29-2015 |
20150312513 | USING IDLE RESOURCES TO REDUCE CHANNEL CHANGE TIMES - Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A tuner of a television receiver may tune to a first television channel and the first television channel may be output for presentation. One or more idle tuners of the television receiver may be identified. One or more television channels other than the first television channel may be selected for preparation. The one or more television channels may be selected prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the one or more television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner of the one or more idle tuners, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310199 | SECURE DATA ENTRY - A first computing device is configured to receive a request for validation, to generate, based on the request, a virtual data entry mechanism that includes randomly arranged data entry elements, and to provide the virtual data entry mechanism to a second computing device. | 10-29-2015 |
20150302890 | PAUSING AND RESUMING MEDIA PLAY - A request to play a second item of media content is received while playing a first item of media content. A determination is made whether a location for resuming play of the second item of media content is stored. If a location for resuming play of the second item of media content is stored, play of the second item of media content is resumed at the location in the second item of media content. If a location for resuming play of the second item of media content is not stored, play of the second item of media content is begun at a current location in the second item of media content. | 10-22-2015 |
20150281824 | METHODS TO CONSERVE REMOTE BATTERIES - A wireless headset receives audio data wirelessly from a television receiver and outputs audio to the user through earphones. The wireless headset includes an inertial sensor that detects an orientation of the user's head. If the orientation of the user's head indicates that the user is sleeping, then wireless headset turns off the wireless receiver, thereby saving battery life. | 10-01-2015 |
20150281625 | PREDICTING END OF BATTERY LIFE FOR A REMOTE CONTROLLER DEVICE - A remote control is powered by multiple batteries connected in series. The remote control includes a voltage comparison circuit configured to compare a midpoint voltage from a node connecting two of the batteries to a reference voltage. The remote control is able to determine if there is a non-uniform drain rate in the batteries based on the comparison. | 10-01-2015 |
20150280385 | CABLE CRIMP AND TRIM DEVICE AND METHODS TO USE THE SAME - A crimp tool for concurrently crimping and trimming includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first and second jaw members moveable between a crimp position and a release position. The crimp tool also includes a first crimp die coupled to the first jaw member and having a first recessed surface and a second crimp die coupled to the second jaw member and having a second recessed surface, the first and second recessed surfaces being complementary to each other and forming a crimping opening in the crimp position to receive a connector having a conductor received therein. The crimp tool includes cutting members that are spaced apart relative to the respective jaw members to trim an exposed inner conductor of the conductor when substantially abutting one another in the crimp position, and may be adjustable depending on the desired protrusion of the inner conductor. Related methods to use the same are also provided. | 10-01-2015 |
20150271572 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING AND SYNCHRONIZING PRESENTATION OF MEDIA CONTENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL MEDIA RICH CONTENT - Media rich content server systems and methods are operable to provide access to supplemental media rich content at a portable media device. An exemplary embodiment communicatively couples a portable media device to a media device that initially receives a media content stream comprising at least one supplemental media rich content trigger, wherein the supplemental media rich content trigger includes access information configured to access at least one media rich content server; receives a portion of the media content stream with the supplemental media rich content trigger at the portable media device; establishes a communication link between the portable media device and the media rich content server based upon the access information in the received supplemental media rich content trigger; receives supplemental media rich content from the media rich content server; and presents at least the received supplemental media rich content on a display of the portable media device. | 09-24-2015 |
20150271552 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RESOLVING RECORDING CONFLICTS OF A DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER - Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict. | 09-24-2015 |
20150264443 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING SHOPPING FOR ITEMS SHOWN IN MEDIA CONTENT EVENTS - Techniques for facilitating shopping for items shown in media content events are described. Some embodiments provide a shopping facilitator as part of a media device, such as a set-top box. As the media device presents a media content event showing multiple items, the shopping facilitator is configured to receive an indication that a viewer is interested in purchasing one of the multiple items. The shopping facilitator then identifies the item of interest, and at a later time provides a shopping facility that can be can be used by the viewer or some other user to purchase the item. In some embodiments, the media content event is presented without any indication that items shown in the media content event are for sale. Furthermore, the shopping facilitator may perform its functions without interrupting or otherwise disrupting the viewing of the media content event. | 09-17-2015 |
20150264323 | CHANNEL TUNING REDIRECT - Various arrangements for presenting an electronic programming guide are detailed. An indication of a first television channel for tuning may be received by a television receiver. The first television channel may be transmitted as part of a first transponder stream. Based on an inadequate downlink signal being received for the first television channel, it may be determined that the first television channel cannot be received and output. A plurality of unavailable television channels may be identified due to the plurality of unavailable television channels being transmitted as part of the first transponder stream. An electronic programming guide may be output to a display device that indicates the plurality of unavailable television channels and the first television channel are each unavailable. | 09-17-2015 |
20150256884 | NOTIFICATION CONTROLS FOR TELEVISION VIEWING - Notification controls regarding television viewing are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, a notification condition can be created and by one or more components of a notification system. Actions regarding viewing of television content are then monitored and compared with the notification condition. Once the notification condition is satisfied, a notification is sent, which can be in real time or near-real time, as the television is being watched. Notification conditions may be satisfied with any of a variety of triggers, and the notifications can be sent in a variety of forms to any of a variety of devices. The notification system can redirect a television to a predetermined television channel and/or request authorization to access certain content. Notification controls can be created, viewed, and/or managed using any of a variety of devices. | 09-10-2015 |
20150245113 | ALTERING PRESENTATION OF RECEIVED CONTENT BASED ON USE OF CLOSED CAPTIONING ELEMENTS AS REFERENCE LOCATIONS - A content receiver receives an captioning element and positional information regarding segments of a content instance. The captioning element corresponds to a component of captioning data included in content that can be utilized with the positional information to locate where the segments stop and/or start. The content receiver analyzes the content based on the captioning element and the positional information and alters how the content will be presented. Such alteration may involve skipping and/or deleting segments, starting/stopping presentation of content other than at the beginning and/or end of the content, altering recording timers, and/or replacing segments with alternative segments. In some implementations, the content may be recorded as part of recording multiple content instances received via at least one broadcast from a content provider wherein the multiple content instances are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same control word. | 08-27-2015 |
20150244480 | EMERGENCY RESPONDER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for aiding emergency responders are described. An exemplary system may include a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device may be configured to provide audio communication between the primary device and one or more of the plurality of secondary devices along a wireless communication path. The primary device may be configured to compress audio communication for transmission over a low bitrate band. The plurality of secondary devices may be configured as a network where each of the devices is configured to communicate with at least two other secondary devices. The secondary devices may also be configured to receive audio communication from the primary device and automatically transmit the received audio communication to one or more other of the secondary devices. | 08-27-2015 |
20150237455 | IMAGE STEERED MICROPHONE ARRAY - A system includes a microphone array having a plurality of microphones. The system further includes a camera configured to capture stream video and a processing device configured to steer the microphone array based at least in part on the video acquired by the camera. A method includes receiving video captured by a camera, processing the video, and steering a microphone array using signal processing where the steering direction is defined by the processed video. | 08-20-2015 |
20150237204 | CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL ROUTING - Customer service calls to media service providers are addressed by remotely monitoring and diagnosing the customer's installed equipment. Such remote diagnosis decreases the need for assistance from customer service representatives and on-site repair technicians. In a method of operating a customer service routing system for a media service provider, subscriber equipment is first identified and then data specific to the subscriber equipment is collected. Relevant data can be maintained as an equipment health history in a database that is updated periodically by automatic monitoring. The database can be located within a remote server. Equipment data can be extracted automatically and relayed directly to the subscriber, thereby bypassing interaction with a customer service representative. | 08-20-2015 |
20150230004 | TEMPORARY SUBSCRIPTION ACCESS VIA AN ALTERNATE TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various arrangements that permit temporary subscription porting are presented. A temporary subscription port request may be submitted by a subscriber. The temporary subscription port request may include an identifier of a visitor television receiver and authentication information for the subscriber. In response to the temporary subscription port request, a first command to a home television receiver may be transmitted that disables viewing a first set of television channels linked with the subscriber's subscription account. In response to the temporary subscription port request, a second command to the visitor television receiver may be transmitted that enables viewing the first set of television channels linked with the subscriber's subscription account. | 08-13-2015 |
20150228305 | TRANSFER OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS FROM CHANNEL-SPECIFIC FILES TO PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FILES - A television receiver including a tuner and one or more processors may be presented. The television receiver may be configured to tune the tuner to a television channel. The television receiver may be configured to create and store an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of television programs broadcast consecutively on the television channel over a period of time. The television receiver may be configured to, after a predefined period of time, select the omnibus channel file for deletion. The television receiver may be configured to determine a television program to receive extended storage. The television receiver may be configured to store a portion of the omnibus channel file as an individual program file, wherein the portion of the omnibus channel file corresponds to the television program. The television receiver may be configured to, after storing the portion of the omnibus channel file, delete the omnibus channel file. | 08-13-2015 |
20150215670 | ACQUIRING NETWORK CONFIGURATION DATA FOR A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various arrangements for acquiring network configuration data are presented. In response to a television receiver being booted, the television receiver may determine if it can communicate with a service provider's server. If so, the television receiver may request network configuration data from the television programming broadcast network configuration server via a network interface. The television receiver may receive the network configuration data from the television programming broadcast network configuration server via the network interface. Based on the network configuration data, the television receiver may process television programming data received via the tuner. | 07-30-2015 |
20150215667 | TIMER DISTRIBUTION ACROSS MULTIPLE CLIENT DEVICES - Various arrangements for managing digital video recorder timers are presented. A timer management computer system may receive a timer associated with a user account, wherein the timer specifies a television channel, a date, and a time period for recording. The timer management computer system may determine one or more television receivers associated with the user account. In response to the received timer, the one or more television receivers may be notified of the timer. | 07-30-2015 |
20150208119 | TELEVISION RECEIVER STORAGE MANAGEMENT - Various arrangements are presented that may involve receiving from a television service provider, timers that are used to record a managed channel array. Each of these timers define a television channel, a time period, and a date. The received timers may be set at a television receiver. User input may be received that specifies an undesired television channel that is not to be recorded according to the received plurality of timers, the undesired television channel being part of the managed channel array. An amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel may be calculated. Storage space may be allocated based upon the calculated amount of storage space for the managed channel array excluding the undesired television channel. | 07-23-2015 |
20150208062 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZATION OF 3-D SHUTTER GLASSES TO ONE OF A PLURALITY OF PRESENTATION DEVICES - Three dimensional (3-D) program content viewing system in a media environment with different media presentation devices detects a first synchronization signal transmitted from a first synchronization signal source, wherein the first synchronization signal is associated with first 3-D program content and includes a first signal identifier. The system detects a second synchronization signal transmitted from a second synchronization signal source, wherein the second synchronization signal is associated with second 3-D program content and includes a second signal identifier. The system then receives a selection of one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal and discriminates between the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal based upon the first signal identifier and the second signal identifier. The system then controls a left lens and a right lens of 3-D shutter glasses in accordance with the selected one of the first synchronization signal and the second synchronization signal. | 07-23-2015 |
20150208013 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IGNORING UNINTENTIONAL KEY PRESSES - Various arrangements are described for ignoring inadvertent remote control key presses. A remote control may detect multiple key presses associated with various commands. It may be determined whether the first key press and the second key press have occurred within a predefined threshold time period. If the key presses occurred within the threshold time period, the first command and the second command may be ignored. Additional or alternate factors may be considered in determining whether one or more key presses of the remote control should be ignored. | 07-23-2015 |
20150189376 | TRANSPONDER LOSS AND JOIN-IN-PROGRESS CHANNEL MONITORING - A set top box includes a first tuner configured to receive a first signal representing media content transmitted at a first resolution and a second tuner configured to receive a second signal representing the media content transmitted at a second resolution. A processing device is configured to monitor the second tuner to determine if the second tuner is receiving the second signal. | 07-02-2015 |
20150181367 | COMMUNICATIONS VIA A RECEIVING DEVICE NETWORK - A receiving device system arranged to distribute voice communications includes first and second receiving devices, each having a personal area network (PAN) transceiver, a programming transceiver to receive multimedia content, and a local area network (LAN) transceiver. The second receiving device is configured to accept input data via its PAN transceiver from a communications device, initiate communications with the first receiving device via the LAN, and communicate voice data received via the second PAN transceiver to the first receiving device via the LAN. The voice data is passed to a communications device via the PAN transceiver of the first receiving device. Users associated with each of the two communications devices may carry on a voice conversation via voice data being passed through each of the two receiving devices. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181337 | DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTED STEREO FOR PORTABLE DEVICES - A mobile device includes an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation of the mobile device and at least two speakers, each configured to output sound according to an audio signal. The mobile device further includes a processing device configured to group at least two of the speakers into a speaker pair based on the orientation detected by the orientation sensor. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181306 | SMARTPHONE BLUETOOTH HEADSET RECEIVER - Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user with a Smartphone to pair the Smartphone with another Bluetooth device to receive audio that is played to the user over headphones or through speakers on the Smartphone. Further, an audio processing module is used to modify the audio presented to the user, extract closed captioning text to be displayed to the user, find information relevant to the audio to be displayed to the user, and pause audio content sent to the Smartphone when phone calls or other Smartphone interruptions occur. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181300 | MEDIA CONTENT BOOKMARKING - Systems and methods that enable satellite television subscribers to bookmark and annotate sections of recorded media content, and also to share and access bookmarks with and created by others. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181293 | MIXED MODE TELEVISION RECEIVER - Systems and methods that enable satellite television subscribers to simultaneously watch video associated with a primary television channel and listen to audio associated with a different secondary television channel. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181279 | MOSAIC FOCUS CONTROL - A television receiver may be configured to receive, from a user of the television receiver, a set of viewing rules that define a focus preference of the user. The television receiver may output, to a presentation device, a video mosaic comprising a plurality of pieces of content presented as a plurality of tiles. Each piece of content may be linked with a corresponding audio stream from a plurality of audio streams. The television receiver may select a piece of content for focus from the plurality of pieces of content based on the set of viewing rules defined by the user. The television receiver may output only an audio stream linked with the piece of content being focused on from among the plurality of audio streams. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181275 | VIRTUALIZED CONTENT SOURCING - Systems and methods that enable simultaneous or concurrent access to, either for display or storage, an increased number of television programs of specific interest when compared to other systems having a similar or even greater number of tuners. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLE USERS CHANGING CHANNELS ON MULTIPLE DISPLAYS - Systems and methods are provided enable multiple users who are in an area containing multiple display devices presenting audiovisual content to easily change the channel on a selected display device by using a conditional access device to arbitrate the channel-changing requests in an organized and fair way. | 06-25-2015 |
20150181132 | CUSTOMIZED VIDEO MOSAIC - Various arrangements for outputting a customized video mosaic are presented. Based on received user input, it may be determined that a customized video mosaic is to be output for presentation. A plurality of television channels to be presented as part of the customized video mosaic may be determined. One or more tuners may be tuned based on the determined plurality of television channels to be presented. The plurality of television channels may be output for presentation to a presentation device. Each of these television channels may be presented by the presentation device as live video simultaneously as part of the customized video mosaic. | 06-25-2015 |
20150180678 | ACCESSING DEVICES VIA AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE - A map that associates each device in a set of devices, and each channel of media content in a set of channels of media content, with a respective channel number in a set of channel numbers. Input is received that includes a channel number. Information is retrieved related to one of the devices according to the channel number. | 06-25-2015 |
20150179222 | RECORDED CONTENT REPAIR - A television receiver may detect at least one gap in content within an instance of recorded programming. The television receiver may send to a computer system a request to repair the at least one gap in content within the instance of recorded programming. The television receiver may receive one of content associated with the at least one gap in content, and a notification that indicates unavailability of content associated with the at least one gap in content. The television receiver may edit the instance of recorded programming to include content associated with the at least one gap in content when content associated with the at least one gap in content is received. | 06-25-2015 |
20150179221 | RECORDED CONTENT REPAIR - A television receiver may detect during a primary recording of particular programming degradation of a received signal quality associated with the particular programming to at or below a predetermined threshold value. The television receiver may instantiate a secondary recording of the particular programming during the primary recording when the particular programming is accessible over at least one terrestrial network. The television receiver may query a computing system to acquire content associated with at least one gap in content within the primary recording present due to received signal quality. The television receiver may output during playback of the primary recording a notification to enable access to the secondary recording when content associated with the at least one gap in content within the primary recording is unavailable over the at least one terrestrial network. | 06-25-2015 |
20150163651 | HOME AUTOMATION COMMUNICATIONS - A system mobile computing device is at a first geographic location different from a second geographic location of a customer premises. The mobile computing device is configured to receive from the customer premises information including data indicating a status of the customer premises and an identifier for the customer premises. The device is further configured to receive user input to place an emergency call concerning the customer premises, to provide the identifier for the customer premises to a data store as part of a query for a location of the customer premises; to receive a response to the query including the second location, and send a request for a public safety answering point (PSAP) to request emergency services at the second location. | 06-11-2015 |
20150163560 | CREDIT-BASED TELEVISION COMMERCIAL SYSTEM - Various arrangements are provided for earning and using credit. Via one or more tuners, a first commercial may be received and stored, wherein the first commercial comprises video and audio. The commercial may be output for presentation for viewing by a user of the television receiver system, wherein the first commercial is associated with a first predefined amount of credit. It may then be confirmed that the first commercial has been viewed by the user. In response to confirming that the first commercial has been viewed by the user, an account of the user may be credited with the first predefined amount of credit. This credit may be used for viewing other content, such as pay-per-view (PPV) content, services, and/or products. | 06-11-2015 |
20150162006 | VOICE-RECOGNITION HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR SPEAKER-DEPENDENT COMMANDS - Systems and method for controlling a device in a home automation system based on a speaker-dependent command may include receiving a voice command for controlling the device connected to the home automation system, performing a voice recognition analysis to determine a speaker identity of the received voice command, and performing a speech recognition analysis to identify the device in the home automation system that is intended to be controlled. The systems and methods may include determining a permission status to control the identified device, whereby the determined permission status is based on the determined speaker identity and the identified device. The systems and methods may include controlling the identified device in the home automation system based on the determined status. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161882 | FALSE ALARM IDENTIFICATION - Methods and systems, such as home automation gateways and television receivers, are disclosed for distinguishing between false alarms and actual events. Aspects include transmitting sensor data, such as a video feed from a closed-circuit video system, to a display to allow a user to confirm whether an alarm event is a false alarm or an actual alarm event. Sensor data is optionally recorded to allow later review of the sensor data. | 06-11-2015 |
20150161856 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HOME AUTOMATION INTEGRATION WITH A DOORBELL - Various doorbell monitoring devices and methods are presented herein. Such arrangements may be configured to be integrated with a previously-installed doorbell and a previously-installed chime unit. A first power source may be configured to power the doorbell monitor device separate from the previously-installed doorbell and the previously-installed chime unit. A plurality of electrical connectors may be present and may be configured to be attached with preexisting terminals of the previously-installed chime unit. An actuation sensor may be present and configured to detect an actuation of the previously-installed doorbell via the two or more electrical connectors. A communication module may also be present and configured to transmit a wireless signal indicative of the ring to a receiver device. | 06-11-2015 |
20150160635 | Multi-Tiered Feedback-Controlled Home Automation Notifications - Various arrangements for providing home automation notifications to users are detailed. A selection of a home automation event to trigger transmission of a home automation notification and a first group of users may be received. When the event occurs, the home automation notification may be transmitted to the first group of users. A first communication path associated with each user of the first group of users may be used for transmitting the home automation notification. For a time, monitoring can be performed to determine if a receipt response from each of the plurality of destinations is received. For users for which the receipt response was not received, the home automation notification may be sent via an alternate communication path. | 06-11-2015 |
20150160634 | HOME AUTOMATION BUBBLE ARCHITECTURE - Systems and methods for controlling a plurality of devices in a home automation system may include providing a device proxy for a device connected to the home automation system and setting a new value in a value box of the device proxy, whereby the value box corresponds to at least one of a sensor, control, and metadata of the device. The systems and methods may further include determining one or more rules associated with the device proxy and running the determined one or more rules, whereby the determined one or more rules are indicative of interactive relationships between the device proxy and one or more other device proxies corresponding to one or more other devices connected to the home automation system. | 06-11-2015 |
20150160623 | MAINTAINING UP-TO-DATE HOME AUTOMATION MODELS - Embodiments detailed herein may involve a first status update of a home automation device installed as part of a home automation system in a home being received. An entry of a plurality of entries in a master home automation model may be updated based on the first status update of the home automation device. The master home automation model may be maintained by the home automation host system. The plurality of entries may correspond to home automation device characteristics of the plurality of home automation devices. A numerical identifier used to track status updates related to the home automation system in the home may be incremented. Within the master home automation model, the incremented numerical identifier may be assigned to the updated entry in the master home automation model. | 06-11-2015 |
20150159401 | Integrated Door Locking and State Detection Systems and Methods - Arrangements of integrated door lock and position sensor devices are presented. A wireless interface may be configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more remote computerized devices. A sensor may be incorporated into the device that detects when the door is open or closed. A lock may be incorporated into the device that, when engaged and the door is closed, prevents the door from being opened from at least one side of the door may be incorporated into the device. A controller may be configured to determine when the door is open, shut, locked, and/or unlocked using information from the lock and the sensor. | 06-11-2015 |
20150149366 | METHODS TO NOTIFY USER OF DEAD REMOTE BATTERIES - A method for providing technical support to a user of an electronic device includes requesting that the electronic device transmit a status message to a technical support network. The status message indicates that a component of the electronic device needs attention. The status message is automatically sent to the user to quickly resolve the technical support issue. | 05-28-2015 |
20150146879 | MULTIUSER AUDIOVISUAL CONTROL - Various audiovisual presentation arrangements are described. In some embodiments, a headset is configured to output audio to a user. A television receiver may be configured to output a plurality of video feeds for simultaneous presentation by a display device. Each video feed of the plurality of video feeds may be displayed in a different display region of the display device. The television receiver may receive a command indicative of a video feed of the plurality of videos feeds that the user is viewing on the display device. Based on the command, the television receiver may output, to the headset, an audio feed that corresponds to the video feed the user is viewing. | 05-28-2015 |
20150146625 | MITIGATING WIRELESS INTERFERENCE - A system includes a server configured to monitor wireless interference between at least two media content delivery devices. The server coordinates communication with the media content delivery devices to reduce wireless interference, and the communication is coordinated according to requirements of media content requests received from the media content delivery devices. A method includes monitoring wireless interference between at least two media content delivery devices and coordinating communication with the media content delivery devices to reduce wireless interference. | 05-28-2015 |
20150128203 | ENERGY SAVING SET TOP BOX - A system includes a satellite receiver and a set top box. The set top box is configured to receive signals from the satellite receiver and output a signal to a display device. The set top box detects whether at least one mobile device is near the set top box and enables a standby mode when no mobile devices are detected. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127780 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING EDGE CACHED MEDIA CONTENT TO MEDIA DEVICES BASED ON USER HISTORY - Systems and methods provide media content events to media devices. An exemplary system receives a request for a media content event from a first media device; communicates the media content event to an edge server that is communicatively coupled to the first media device based on an identifier of the requesting media device; identifies a second media device based on preferred media content event characteristics associated with the second media device, wherein at least one media content event characteristic of the requested media content event corresponds to at least one of the preferred media content event characteristics of the second media device, and wherein the second media device is able to communicatively couple to the edge server; and in response to identifying the second media device, communicates an identifier of the second media device to the edge server, wherein the requested media content event is communicated to the second media device. | 05-07-2015 |
20150121430 | EPG REALIGNMENT - Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program. | 04-30-2015 |
20150121428 | SET-TOP BOX PROXIMITY DETECTION - A first location of a user in a customer premises may be determined. A display is provided of a user interface that includes an adjustable element. A determination is made that the user has moved to a second location in the customer premises. The display of the user interface is adjusted such that the adjustable element is adjusted. | 04-30-2015 |
20150095948 | SATELLITE-BASED CONTENT TARGETING - Various arrangements are present for targeting content in a television distribution system. A multiregional television channel may be transmitted to television receivers. A plurality of regional television channels may also be transmitted. Each regional television channel of the plurality of regional television channels may be broadcast to geographically smaller regions than the multiregional television channel. Content among the regional television channels may vary. Data may be transmitted to the television receivers that causes the television receivers to output for presentation as a single television channel: content from the multiregional television channel and content from a regional television channel corresponding to the television receiver's location. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089548 | FIELD-PROGRAMMABLE LOW-NOISE BLOCK DOWNCONVERTER - A field-programmable low-noise block downconverter. The low-noise block downconverter may, as part of a system install or upgrade for example, be programmed in the field to source channels containing programming to a particular television receiver based on the particular configuration of the receiver. | 03-26-2015 |
20150089536 | WIRELESS TUNER SHARING - A system includes a server in communication with a first set top box and a second set top box. The server receives a request from the first set top box to access an available tuner of the second set top box, accesses account information associated with the first set top box, and commands the second set top box to stream content from the available tuner to the first set top box according to the account information. A method includes identifying available tuners of set top boxes assigned to different customers, receiving a request from a first set top box to access an available tuner of a second set top box, accessing account information associated with the first set top box, and commanding the second set top box to stream content to the first set top box according to the account information of the first set top box. | 03-26-2015 |
20150077224 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR SECURITY BY PAIRING OF DEVICES - A functionality of an accessible device such as a set-top box, computer, mobile device, media device, is unlocked or otherwise made available to a user by a security system dependent on an external paired device, such as a mobile device, a key fob or radio frequency identification (RFID) device paired to the accessible device being in a particular wireless communication range of the accessible device. When an authorized user carries the external paired device, this provides the authorized user of the accessible device the ability to conveniently restrict the use of the accessible device and access to various functionalities of the accessible device, such as access to particular television programming or streaming media at times when the authorized user is not in close proximity or in the same general area of the accessible device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150077021 | EASY-INSTALL HOME AUTOMATION LIGHT SWITCH - A light switch plate includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting control signals to a smart light assembly. The light switch plate is placed over a conventional light switch and prevents a user from further manipulating the conventional light switch. The light switch plate includes a further switch which a user can manipulate to cause the transmitter to transmit control signals to turn on or turn off a light of the smart light assembly. | 03-19-2015 |
20150065097 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO TRACK AND LOG MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE CALL STATUS WHEN THE DEVICE IS NOT IN POSSESSION - A mobile device logging and tracking system permits a communicative association between a mobile device and a receiving device. When the mobile device communicates data including an indication of an unanswered call to the receiving device, the receiving device is configured to store the data in a memory. The memory may be local or remote from the receiving device. The receiving device may then communicate information associated with the unanswered call to a first electronic device, which may be an appliance, a gaming system, another mobile communication device, or some other device having computing capability. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060616 | ADJUSTABLE TELEVISION NOOK MOUNT - In various embodiments, a television wall mount is provided that may be installed at a position in a television wall nook such that when the television monitor is bolted, screwed or hung on the television monitor mounting bracket, the television is located in front of and outside the television wall nook. In this manner, a television monitor that is too wide to fit in the television wall nook may be installed over the television wall nook by mounting the television on the television wall mount installed in the television wall nook. | 03-05-2015 |
20150058890 | TELEVISION RECEIVER ENHANCEMENT FEATURES - One or more of a system, method, apparatus, and computer-program product to enable implementation of one or more features that together or separately enhance Quality of Experience or Quality of Service as a particular user interacts with a television receiver. | 02-26-2015 |
20150058873 | CUSTOMIZED CONTENT CALENDAR - A customized content calendar may include reminders or invitations to access particular media content, where the reminders or invitations may be pushed to the content calendar based on user-specific preferences. | 02-26-2015 |
20150046952 | USE OF TELEVISION SATELLITE SIGNALS TO DETERMINE LOCATION - Various arrangements are directed to locating a television receiver. Multiple tuners of the television receiver may be simultaneously tuned to different television distribution satellites to receive timing signals. Using these timing signals, the location of the television receiver may be determined Based on a comparison between a stored, expected location of the television receiver and the determined location, the functionality of the television receiver may be adjusted. | 02-12-2015 |
20150026583 | MEDIA CONTENT BOARDS - A system, comprising a media device that includes a processor and a memory, is configured to receive from a first remote site a first set of data concerning a plurality of items of media content. Each of the plurality of items of media content is determined at the first remote site at least in part according to a descriptor provided from the first media device and data from a second remote site. The media device is configured to display a graphical user interface identifying each of the plurality of items of media content. | 01-22-2015 |
20150020142 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERSONALIZED TELEVISION VIEWING - A personalized television viewing system includes a head-end subsystem. The head-end subsystem includes a personality server configured to store a user preference regarding a television viewing format and a rendering server configured to provide digital media content in the television format of the user's preference. The viewing system further includes a client-end subsystem. The client-end subsystem includes a client server configured to electronically communicate with the head-end subsystem and provide the personality server with the user preference regarding the television viewing format. | 01-15-2015 |
20150009098 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING DISPLAYED IMAGE INFORMATION OF A MOBILE MEDIA DEVICE ON A LARGE DISPLAY AND CONTROL OF THE MOBILE MEDIA DEVICE THEREFROM - Systems and methods are operable to concurrently present images on a small display of a mobile media device and a large display of a media presentation system. An exemplary method receives emulated information from a mobile media device, wherein the emulated information corresponds to at least one image that is being currently presented on a display of the mobile media device; generates at least one image based upon the received emulated information, wherein the at least one image is configured for presentation on a display of a media system; and communicates the at least one image to a display of the media system. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially the same image presented on the display of the mobile media device. The image presented on the display of the media system is substantially larger than the image presented on the display of the mobile media device. | 01-08-2015 |
20140363139 | Multi-Program Playback Status Display - Various arrangements are described that may cause a recording of a television channel to be stored. The recording of the television channel may include a plurality of television programs. A graphical playback status element may be displayed via a display device. The graphical playback status element may indicate a start point for each television program of the plurality of television programs within the recording of the television channel. | 12-11-2014 |
20140351869 | MANAGING REMOTE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT RECORDED AT A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various arrangements for providing remote access to locally-recorded television programming is presented. In some embodiments, a DVR is presented that it is configured to receive input indicating a timer for recording a television channel during a time period. The DVR may record television programming on the television channel during the time period indicated by the timer. The television receiver may further receive input indicating the television programming is to be stored remotely. The DVR may transmit the television programming to a media distribution management system via a second network. The DVR may transmit an indication of a user account to the media distribution management system via the second network. | 11-27-2014 |
20140344858 | Recording of Multiple Television Channels - In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner. | 11-20-2014 |
20140341377 | SMARTCARD ENCRYPTION CYCLING - Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers. | 11-20-2014 |
20140333661 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMBINING IMAGES INTO A FILE USING MULTIPLE COLOR PALETTES - Image data systems and methods combine a plurality of images into a single multiple-palette image data file, or generate a selected image from the multiple-palette image data file. An exemplary embodiment receives first pixel information for a first pixel of a first image, the first pixel having a first color; receives second pixel information for a like-located second pixel of a second image, the second pixel having a second color; and specifies a color palette location value that identifies a first color palette array element in a first color palette of the first image and identifies a second like-located color palette array element in a second color palette of the second image. First color information stored in the first color palette array element defines the first pixel color. Second color information stored in the second image data color palette array element defines the second pixel color. | 11-13-2014 |
20140331260 | MISSED CONTENT ACCESS GUIDE - Arrangements for providing available playback options for missed portions of broadcast content may be presented. A request to present an electronic programming guide that comprises indications of a plurality of television programs currently being broadcast may be received. A missed portion of each television program of the plurality of television programs may have already been broadcast. For each television program of the plurality of television programs, a plurality of content resources from which the missed portion of each television program of the plurality of television programs may be retrievable may be analyzed. A first source from the plurality of content resources from which the missed portion of a television program is retrievable may be identified. The electronic programming guide may be configured and output to comprise an indication of availability of the missed portion of the television program. | 11-06-2014 |
20140317535 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING SOCIAL NETWORKING VIA A MEDIA DEVICE - Techniques for facilitating social networking via a media device are described. Some embodiments provide a social networking facilitator (“SNF”) as part of a media device, such as a set-top box that is configured to receive media content events from a broadcast system, such as a satellite broadcast system. As the media device presents a media content event, a user can share, via the SNF, information about the presented media content event with members of his social network. In particular, the SNF prepares a message that includes information about or from the presented media content event, such as a title, a channel, a summary, rating, video clip, or the like. This message can then be edited by the user, such as by adding a comment or rating, before being transmitted by the SNF a social networking system, to be forwarded as a notification to members of the user's social network. | 10-23-2014 |
20140282795 | OUTPUT OF BROADCAST CONTENT WITH PORTIONS SKIPPED - Various arrangements are described for skipping portions of content, such as commercials, from a broadcast television program. The programming content is presented at a reduced presentation rate with the broadcast content being buffered as received. The reduced presentation rate may be less than a broadcast rate at which the content was originally intended to be output for presentation. One or more undesired portions of content may be skipped due to the reduced presentation rate. Commercials may be tagged by a television service provider. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282790 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING MISSING TELEVISION PROGRAMMING WHEN CHANGING BETWEEN TELEVISION CHANNELS - A buffering and playback manager of a receiving device facilitates a user avoiding missing television programming on a television (TV) channel when the user is changes to another TV channel. When a user returns to a previously visited TV channel, the TV channel buffering and playback manager | 09-18-2014 |
20140282779 | TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDED SOCIAL NETWORKING SERVICE - A social network service for use by a television service provider is disclosed. The social network service allows a subscriber to connect and interact with other subscribers based on program ratings or other criteria. The social network service may comprise correlating program ratings of different subscribers of the social network service in order to suggest possible subscribers to join a first subscriber's social network. The social network service may allow for a subscriber or the television service provider to moderate the social network. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282744 | MAJORITY RULE SELECTION OF MEDIA CONTENT - A mobile device may be registered to participate in selection of television programming for presentation by a display device external the mobile device. An indication of selection of particular television programming for presentation by a display device may be received from the mobile device. A determination may be made, based on the indication of selection, whether a collective indication of selection tally of the particular television programming is greater than a collective indication of selection tally of other television programming. The particular television programming may be output for presentation by the display device when the particular television programming has a collective indication of selection tally greater than a collective indication of selection tally of other television programming. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282730 | VIDEO PREVIEW WINDOW FOR AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE RENDERED BY A VIDEO SERVICES RECEIVER - A video services receiver as presented herein has a display element operatively associated therewith. The receiver is operated to provide primary content for presentation on the display element, and to provide an interactive electronic program guide (EPG) for presentation on the display element concurrently with the primary content. The EPG has entries corresponding to listed program events. The operating method for the receiver continues by detecting focus of one of the entries to obtain a selected program event, generating a preview window for presentation on the display element concurrently with the primary content and concurrently with at least a portion of the interactive EPG, and providing secondary content in the preview window. The secondary content is associated with the selected program event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282715 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATED TO TAGGED ITEMS REPRESENTED IN VIDEO STREAM CONTENT - Systems and methods directed advertising via a tagged video stream are provided. Content and a tag associated with a product represented by at least a portion of the content may be received by a media device. The media device may be associated with at least one end user. The content may correspond to television programming. The content may be output by the media device for display. A user selection corresponding to the tag associated with the product represented by at least the portion of the content may be processed by the media device. The user selection may be received during display of at least the portion of the content. Responsive to the user selection, the media device may facilitate provision of information related to the product represented by at least the portion of the content to a second device and/or an account associated with the at least one end user. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282709 | RELEVANT VIDEO CONTENT PUSHED TO A MOBILE PHONE - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods used to identify video content that may be of interest to a viewer by examining the viewing habits of the viewer's geographic marketing area, recommendations from the viewer's social media sites, the viewer's past viewing patterns, the viewer's demographic information, the viewer's preferences, and the viewer's past purchase history. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282689 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY PROVIDING ADAPTIVE BIT RATE STREAMING MEDIA CONTENT ON-DEMAND - A system for securely providing adaptive bit rate streaming media content on-demand may include a security sever of a program distributor that selects, based on a received authorized request, which of a differently encrypted stored versions of a “special segment” of the requested program to deliver to the receiving device during the transmission of the requested program. The selection may be based on a pseudo-random selection process per request for the program based on an identifier of the request associated with the remote control device. The selection of which of the differently encrypted stored versions of the “special segment” of the ordered program to deliver may be based on the current session. The secure remote then sends to the receiving device the correct decryption key for the receiving device to decrypt the particular encrypted version selected of the “special segment” to be sent to the receiving device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282687 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY PROVIDING ADAPTIVE BIT RATE STREAMING MEDIA CONTENT ON-DEMAND - A system for securely providing adaptive bit rate streaming media content on-demand may include a security sever of a program distributor that selects, based on a received authorized request, which of a differently encrypted stored versions of a “special segment” of the requested program to deliver to the receiving device during the transmission of the requested program. The selection may be based on a pseudo-random selection process per request for the program based on an identifier of the request associated with the remote control device. The selection of which of the differently encrypted stored versions of the “special segment” of the ordered program to deliver may be= based on the current session. The secure remote then sends to the receiving device the correct decryption key for the receiving device to decrypt the particular encrypted version selected of the “special segment” to be sent to the receiving device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282647 | CUSTOMIZED COMMERCIAL METRICS AND PRESENTATION VIA INTEGRATED VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT DEVICES - A method of providing customized commercial content to a user includes providing first commercial content to a user, determining, using an integrated virtual environment device, whether the user substantially viewed the first commercial content, and providing second commercial content to the user based on the first commercial content and whether the user substantially viewed the first commercial content. | 09-18-2014 |
20140282632 | USING AUDIO DATA TO IDENTIFY AND RECORD VIDEO CONTENT - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying audiovisual content, such as a movie or television show, based on audio data of the show and then presenting options to a user for the identified content, including recording that content on the user's digital video recorder for later viewing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278969 | DERIVATIVE MEDIA CONTENT - A media device is configured to identify an indicia of user interest in at least one media content attribute. At least one segment of an item of media content that is associated with the indicia of interest is identified. An item of derivative content that includes the at least one segment is generated. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270716 | USE OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) TO TRANSFER DVR TIMERS - A mobile device running a mobile application accesses a remote content receiver to request the remote content receiver to retrieve a particular recording timer, and upon receiving the recording timer from the remote content receiver, establishes a radio communication link with a second mobile device and transfers the recording timer to the second mobile device over the established radio communication link. The radio communication link is preferably the Near Field Communication (NFC) link. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270704 | SHOW NUMBER OF SECONDS BEFORE PROGRAM RESTART - Provided are methods and apparatus to display a timer that counts down the time remaining in an interstitial of a recorded program stream before a next segment of the program content in the recorded program stream starts. In one embodiment, the interstitial contains at least one advertisement and the timer is displayed when the at least one advertisement is presented on a display device. The timer count is based on the calculated duration of the interstitial in the recorded program stream. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270691 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING THE PRESENTATION OF CONTENT - In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for processing an audio/video stream includes providing an audio/video stream including at least one segment of a show and at least one interstitial of the show, receiving location information to identify a video location within the audio/video stream, and processing the audio/video stream to identify boundaries of the at least one segment of the show based on the location information. Further, the method includes outputting the segment of the show for presentation by a display device without outputting the interstitial and outputting the interstitial for presentation by the display device subsequent to outputting the segment of the show. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270170 | ENHANCED SMARTCARD READER WITH MULTI-LEVEL READING CONTACTS - An enhanced smartcard reader having a row of first reading contacts, a row of second reading contacts, and a row of third reading contacts. The first reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a first mounting member of the reader, the second reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a second mounting member of the reader, and the third reading contacts have arm portions that are cantilevered off a third mounting member of the reader. The third mounting member is located vertically distanced from the second mounting member, and the arm portions of the third reading contacts directly overlay the arm portions of the second reading contacts. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267906 | ENHANCED EXPERIENCE FROM STANDARD PROGRAM CONTENT - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enhancing the viewing experience of video content by analyzing the content to determine where enhanced sensory experience events may be appropriate, by identifying devices at the viewing location and devices personal to the viewer that can be controlled to provide an enhanced sensory experience, and by activating those devices in a way that is synchronized with the presentation of the content. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259063 | SET-TOP BOX RECEIVER SOFT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253817 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC VOLUME PUNCH-THROUGH - Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253415 | INFORMATION SHARING BETWEEN INTEGRATED VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT (IVE) DEVICES AND VEHICLE COMPUTING SYSTEMS - Methods, systems and devices are described for sharing information between an integrated virtual environment (IVE) or other wearable computing device and a display system associated with an aircraft, automobile, boat, train, bus or other vehicle. As a user enters a vehicle with an IVE, the vehicle recognizes the IVE and transfers the data stream to a vehicle display. The IVE may also be disabled while it is present in the vehicle to prevent distraction to a driver or operator of the vehicle. | 09-11-2014 |
20140245362 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING RECOVERABLE PROGRAM CONTENT - Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244636 | DYNAMIC MEDIA CONTENT - Data associated with a user is collected from one or more remote sites. A first set of media data is received from a media content source. Metadata related to the media data is stored. An association is made between the data associated with the user and the metadata. In a computing device that includes a processor and a memory, the first set of media data is modified based at least in part on the association between the data associated with the user and the metadata. | 08-28-2014 |
20140189765 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING CONCATENATED TRANSPORT STREAMS FROM ADAPTIVE MEDIA STREAMS - Embodiments of a method executable by an adaptive stream concatenation server to deliver a concatenated transport stream to a video distribution system are provided, as are embodiments of adaptive stream concatenation servers. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an adaptive media stream containing television programming in an adaptive packet format at the adaptive stream concatenation server via a digital network. The contents of the adaptive media stream are concatenated by the adaptive stream concatenation server to create a concatenated transport stream containing the television programming in a streaming format different from the adaptive packet format and compatible with the video distribution system. The concatenated transport stream containing the television programming is then transmitted in the streaming format to the video distribution system. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189758 | WIFI VIDEO BRIDGE CIRCUIT IN QOS - A first television receiver provides media content wirelessly to a second television receiver. The first television receiver transmits video data to the second television receiver on a first wireless network. The television receiver transmits other kinds of data to the second television receiver on a second wireless network. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189756 | ENHANCED RELIABILITY FOR SATELLITE DATA DELIVERY - A media device may be configured for receiving data from one or more satellites. The media device may include one or more processors and one or more storage devices. A first tuner of a media device may tune to a first data stream that came from a first satellite transponder. A second tuner of the media device may tune to a second data stream that came from a second satellite transponder. The first data stream and the second data stream may be derived from source data based at least in part on a data distribution scheme. The data distribution scheme may include distributing at least portions of the source data with the first data stream and the second data stream. The first data stream and/or the second data stream may be processed to store and/or output for presentation content. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189755 | WIRELESS NETWORK ACCESS POINTS BY STB AND SATELLITE ANTENNAE - A satellite dish assembly and a set-top box are utilized to provide an internet wireless hotspot. The set-top box connects to the internet through a modem. The set-top box is coupled to the satellite dish assembly allowing the satellite dish assembly to connect to the internet through the set-top box. An antenna coupled to the satellite dish assembly broadcasts a wireless internet signal allowing a mobile electronic device to connect to the internet through the set-top box. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189747 | RAPID MOVEMENT THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE - Methods and apparatus to scroll through an electronic program guide at a first and a second scroll speed are provided. While viewing an electronic program guide (EPG) output by a receiving device, a user transmits a first command to the receiving device to start scrolling the time slots in the EPG such that the EPG displays program information for future time slots. The first command causes the time slots to scroll at a first speed. The user can increase the scroll speed by transmitting another command. The time slots in the EPG cease scrolling when there is no more data to display or when the user transmits a stop scrolling command to the receiving device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189746 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERRUPTED PROGRAM RECORDING - Program recording systems and methods are operable to adjust recording times of a program of interest in response to an occurrence of an interrupting program that alters the scheduled recording times of the program of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives an unscheduled program flag (UPF) corresponding to an occurrence of an unscheduled program; adjusts at least one of a scheduled recording start time associated with the program of interest to an updated record start time and a scheduled recording end time associated with the program of interest to an updated record end time in response to receiving the UPF; and records the program of interest based upon at least one of the updated record start time and the updated record end time. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189743 | AUTOMATIC LEARNING CHANNEL CUSTOMIZED TO A PARTICULAR VIEWER AND METHOD OF CREATING SAME - Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of a video program on a virtual channel. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a video stream that has plurality of video programs having program content. Each program has been preassigned for presentation on a particular channel. A virtual channel is linked to one or more users. The EPG manager tracks the types of programs that a user watches and records metadata associated with the programs that the user actually views. When sufficient data is stored in the data base, the virtual channel is provided that program that a user will likely wish to view based on this past viewing history. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189739 | USING IDLE RESOURCES TO REDUCE CHANNEL CHANGE TIMES - Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A tuner of a television receiver may tune to a first television channel and the first television channel may be output for presentation. One or more idle tuners of the television receiver may be identified. One or more television channels other than the first television channel may be selected for preparation. The one or more television channels may be selected prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the one or more television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner of the one or more idle tuners, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189736 | FAST CHANNEL CHANGE FROM ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE - Arrangements for preparing a television channel for presentation are presented. A set of one or more tuners that are idle may be identified. Being idle may correspond to not being used to receive any television channel data for presentation or recording. An electronic programming guide that indicates programming may be output for presentation. One or more television channels may be selected for preparation. The television channels may be selected based at least in part on one or more electronic programming guide operations and/or prior to receiving user input selecting a television channel of the one or more television channels for presentation. Each of the television channels may be prepared for presentation by tuning, by each tuner, to the one or more television channels prior to receiving the user input selecting the television channel of the television channels for presentation. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189734 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO USE GEOCODING INFORMATION IN BROADCAST CONTENT - Methods and apparatus to acquire and use geocoding information included in broadcast content to enhance content presentation to the user. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189733 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GATHERING AND USING GEOCODED INFORMATION FROM MOBILE DEVICES - Methods and apparatus for using geocoding information from a user's mobile device to determine program and advertising media content to deliver to the user. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189721 | INTELLIGENT RECORDING - An intelligent recording collects data associated with a user's viewing habit of live program contents and determines a viewing pattern by analyzing the collected data. The viewing pattern is used to identify a scheduled program content as a candidate for automatic recording, the identified scheduled program content having fallen within the determined viewing pattern. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189067 | DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE CLIENT MEDIA STREAMING - Methods, systems and devices to authorize access to a simultaneous media streams are described. After a first media stream is initiated with a first client device, an authorization service receives a request to establish the simultaneous second media stream with a second client device. The service determines whether the second client device is at a geographic location where simultaneous streaming is allowed, and grants or denies access to the second simultaneous stream accordingly. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188590 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPON DISPENSING BASED ON MEDIA CONTENT VIEWING - The present disclosure relates to dispensing coupons to viewers of media content and in particular, providing coupons to an individual to buy the product just after having viewed a commercial or other media program featuring that product. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187332 | VIDEO PROCESSING USING CONCURRENT OUTCOME SIMULATION THREADS - A method of processing video information is presented here. The method may begin by executing, with at least one processor, a plurality of concurrent simulation threads for an interactive video application, wherein each of the concurrent simulation threads corresponds to a predicted outcome of the video application. The method may continue by receiving user input intended to control the interactive video application, processing at least one of the concurrent simulation threads in response to the received user input to obtain an intended outcome of the video application, and providing the intended outcome of the video application for presentation to a user. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186012 | CONTENT-BASED HIGHLIGHT RECORDING OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMING - A media device for content-based highlight handling of television programming may be provided. Criteria of interest corresponding to user input may be processed. Idle tuner(s) not being used to receive any television channels for presentation or recording may be identified. A television channel identified based at least in part on the criteria of interest may be tuned to with an idle tuner. Content received at the media device may be processed. Update data associated with a subject matter of the content may be received separately from the television channel. A portion of the content that corresponds to the criteria may be identified based at least in part on the criteria of interest and the update data. A portion of a television program may be recorded and/or marked. The portion of the television program may correspond to the portion of the content identified based at least in part on the criteria. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184922 | DETERMINING REMOTE CONTROL STATE AND USER VIA ACCELEROMETER - Methods, and system, and entertainment device are provided for identifying a user. A method includes detecting acceleration of a user manipulated component, comparing the detected acceleration with user acceleration that is associated with a user of the electronic device, identifying the user of the electronic device based on the comparison of the detected acceleration and the user acceleration, and operating the electronic device based on the identified user of the electronic device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140181876 | PERSONALIZED STANDBY AND TRANSITION SCREENS - Methods, system, and set-top box are provided. A method for personalizing a home screen of an electronic device includes entering a standby mode of the electronic device, loading modules based on personalization indicators, retrieving content that is associated with the modules, and generating a video signal while the electronic device is in one of the standby mode and a startup mode. The video signal includes the content. The entertainment system and the set-top box are provided for performing the method. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176808 | DELIBERATE COLLISION TRIGGERING IN MULTI-CHANNEL REMOTE CONTROL COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENTS - Methods, devices, and system for controlling communication between set top boxes and remote controls are presented. A set top box communication module may be configured to receive remote control data transmissions from a plurality of set top boxes. A first amplifier may be configured to receive the remote control data transmissions from the set top box communication module and amplify the remote control data transmissions on a plurality of remote control communication channels. The first amplifier may be configured to output the amplifier remote control data transmissions to one or more antennas. A jamming module may be configured to transmit a jamming signal to the plurality of set top boxes when the communication control device is receiving a remote control data transmission from a set top box of the plurality of set top boxes. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176807 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR NOTIFICATION OF REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE MODES - Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for the current mode of one or more remote control devices to be displayed or played as an audio message either continuously or at various opportune times on other devices such as a presentation device (e.g., a television set). In this way, a user is able to quickly see the current mode of their remote control while watching programming on the display to determine if the remote control mode needs to be changed to control a particular device on the premises. Remote control command mode information may be communicated from the remote control in a separate remote control message or within remote control commands generated by the remote control. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176313 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING DEVICES TO ACCEPT AND PROCESS REMOTE CONTROL COMMANDS - A particular device may configure one or more of other devices to accept and execute remote control commands from the particular device's remote control unit. This may be performed via one or more various communication links between the devices on that enables the devices to communicate with each other. For example, the remote control of a set-top box can be used to control both the set-top box and a television without a user having to specially program the set-top box or other universal remote control. One example of a communication link between the devices that enables the devices to communicate with each other is a device-to-device messaging protocol such as that provided by the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard. | 06-26-2014 |
20140168054 | AUTOMATIC PAGE TURNING OF ELECTRONICALLY DISPLAYED CONTENT BASED ON CAPTURED EYE POSITION DATA - A method of controlling page turning operations for content displayed on a display element of an electronic device is presented here. The method begins by displaying a current page of content on the display element. The method continues by capturing eye position data that indicates position of an eye of a user of the electronic device, analyzing the captured eye position data to detect an eye-related condition corresponding to a page turning command, and executing the page turning command to display a new page of content. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165094 | ROAMING TARGETED ADVERTISING FOR A VIDEO SERVICES SYSTEM - A targeted advertising method for a video services system is presented herein. The method begins by determining that a mobile device is within local proximity to a video services receiver, using a wireless communication capability of the mobile device. In response to the determining, the method identifies a current user of the mobile device and accesses a subscriber profile for the current user. The subscriber profile includes user-specific targeted advertising data for the current user. The method continues by performing targeted advertising directed to the current user, wherein the performing is influenced by the user-specific targeted advertising data. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158762 | PERFORMING SOCIAL NETWORKING FUNCTIONS USING MATRIX CODES - A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code, which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation. | 06-12-2014 |
20140153927 | DETECTION OF REMOTE CONTROL FOR CONFIGURATION OF UNIVERSAL REMOTE - A system and method for detection of a remote control for configuration of a universal remote control is provided. The system and method compare a received identifying signal from a first remote control to a database of known remote control signals and corresponding remote control programming codes. The system and method then select a corresponding remote control programming code for programming the universal remote control. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152899 | USER PROXIMITY RECOGNITION AND HANDS-FREE CONTROL - A set-top box provides for touch free operation of home entertainment system. The set-top box detects the mobile phone of a of a user and initiates a configuration of the home entertainment system according to the preferences of the user. | 06-05-2014 |
20140133830 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARENTAL CONTROL SYNCHRONIZATION WITH MOBILE MEDIA DEVICES - Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132844 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMIC VOLUME PUNCH-THROUGH - Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130094 | USER INTERFACE - 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. | 05-08-2014 |
20140126889 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING RECORDING PARAMETERS - Content receivers may be configured to simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to dynamically adjust recording parameters to account for instances of content with a start time and/or end time that falls outside of predefined recording parameters. The dynamically adjusted recording parameters may adjust the number of channels recorded and/or instances of content recorded. The content receiver may compare programming information received at a processing unit with predefined recording parameters and may dynamically adjust the recording parameters based on the comparison. The content receiver may generate on screen display content to include information on the dynamically adjusted recording parameters and may transmit the on screen display content to a content display device for notifying the user of the dynamically adjusted recoding parameters. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125465 | AUDIBLE FEEDBACK FOR INPUT ACTIVATION OF A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE - A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device is presented. In the method, user activation of one of the inputs of the remote control device is detected. An audible signal associated with the activated input is determined. Each of the inputs of the remote control device is associated with a unique one of a plurality of audible signals. The audible signal associated with the activated input is produced to inform the user of the identity of that input. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123170 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY PROVIDING STREAMING MEDIA CONTENT ON-DEMAND - A system for securely providing streaming media content on-demand may include a plurality of receiving devices in which each receiving device may request the same or different streaming media content (e.g., stored at a content storage system of a content delivery network) on-demand using VOD or other available on-demand services and/or applications associated with, in communication with or running on the respective receiving devices. In response, the content storage system of the content delivery network will encrypt the requested content uniquely for each received request (e.g., according to an encryption key that is unique for each or virtually each request) and deliver the encrypted requested content to the appropriate respective receiving device of the receiving devices. The respective receiving devices will then each decrypt the streaming content as it is being received according to the corresponding decryption key communicated from a respective individual secure remote to the respective receiving device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122119 | MEDICAL DATA STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL - Systems and methods for medical data storage and retrieval are described. An exemplary method may include receiving identifying information from a patient at an electronic terminal over a first communications channel. The method may further include transmitting from the electronic terminal a request for recorded information specific to the patient, where the recorded information is stored externally to a facility containing the electronic terminal. The request may include the received identifying information and may be transmitted over a second communications channel. The method may still further include receiving the recorded information specific to the patient at the electronic terminal. | 05-01-2014 |
20140109155 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING AN INITIAL PORTION OF A MEDIA CONTENT EVENT - Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device. | 04-17-2014 |
20140082677 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE STORAGE OF MEDIA CONTENT EVENTS - Techniques for facilitating recording of media content events by media devices on remote storage devices are described. Some embodiments provide a remote storage manager as part of a media device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, the remote storage manager causes a media content event to be recorded on a remote persistent storage device by receiving the media content event from a program distributor, and then transmitting the media content event to the remote persistent storage device. In another embodiment, the remote storage manager instructs the remote persistent storage device to obtain the media content event from the program distributor, so that the remote persistent storage device can record the media content event without the media content event first being received by the remote storage manager. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076963 | 3-D MATRIX BARCODE PRESENTATION - A method for processing a matrix barcode displayed in three dimensions to extract data represented thereby involves capturing the component images of the three-dimensional representation. The method includes receiving a first component image of the matrix barcode and receiving a second component image of the matrix barcode as the two images are displayed on a display device. After the two images have been received, the first component image and the second component image of the matrix barcode are captured on an image capture device. Then depth information between elements of the matrix barcode presented in the first and second component images is determined and additional data represented in such depth information is extracted. | 03-20-2014 |
20140068666 | ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS PROVIDING A COLLAPSIBLE CHANNEL LISTING - A television receiving device includes a memory configured to store an electronic program guide. The electronic program guide is divided into channel listings including program information corresponding to television programs being broadcast currently and to television programs scheduled for future broadcast. The device further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input and a processor in communication with the memory and the user interface. The processor is configured to output the electronic program guide to be displayed with, alternatively: 1) at least one channel listing including an expansion icon, where upon the user input indicating a selection of the expansion icon, a single channel listing expands into a plurality of channel listings, or 2) at least one channel including a collapsing icon, where upon the user input indicating a selection of the collapsing icon, a plurality of channel listings collapse into a single channel listing. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063338 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERSONALIZED TELEVISION VIEWING - A personalized television viewing system includes a head-end subsystem. The head-end subsystem includes a personality server configured to store a user preference regarding a television viewing format and a rendering server configured to provide digital media content in the television format of the user's preference. The viewing system further includes a client-end subsystem. The client-end subsystem includes a client server configured to electronically communicate with the head-end subsystem and provide the personality server with the user preference regarding the television viewing format. | 03-06-2014 |
20140050462 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEMORY JUMPING WITHIN STORED INSTANCES OF CONTENT - Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to perform memory jumping operations within files having the simultaneously recorded multiple instance of content stored therein. The memory jumping operation may jump locations within the file corresponding to a predetermined memory jumping operation timeframe, and in order to account for the variability in the recording bit rate and therefore the playing of the instance of content, the jump locations in the memory jumping operation may be dynamically adjusted based on recording bit rates. | 02-20-2014 |
20140047477 | ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDES COMBINING STORED CONTENT INFORMATION AND CONTENT PROVIDER SCHEDULE INFORMATION - A receiver provides an ERG. The ERG includes schedule information for content accessible by the receiver from a content provider presented as slots in a grid arranged by time and source. The receiver may determine recorded content is stored and incorporate content information for the recorded content in the ERG. The content information may include one or more portions of the instance of recorded content. The receiver may automatically incorporate the content information or may incorporate such information in response to user input. The receiver may incorporate additional information and/or access recorded content in response to user selection of content information. In some implementations, the recorded content may be recorded as part of an automatic system for recording multiple instances of content received via a multi-frequency signal from a content provider wherein the instances of content are all included in a same frequency and encoded utilizing the same control word. | 02-13-2014 |
20140033259 | SATELLITE SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION - Disclosed is a system and method for receiving satellite television signals. A centralized system component may be provided in association with the satellite antenna. The centralized system component includes at least one or more tuners and one or more demodulators. The centralized component may provide output through a network adaptor that provides output through a single output, which is a coaxial cable in one embodiment. The centralized component may send output in the form of packetized data directed to one or more set-top boxes by way of a network transaction. The set-top box or boxes may be operable to receive the network transaction and to process the data, as appropriate, for display on a TV/monitor. | 01-30-2014 |
20140033258 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSPONDER STACKING - Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling each wideband tuner of a television converter device such as a set-top box to receive transponders from any satellite location and provide a unique feed per television converter device (e.g., per set-top box) input, giving each television converter device tuner its own set of six, eight or more transponders. The capacity of transponder stacking in the digital domain is extended to a system and method to make use of wideband tuner/demodulators. Each television converter device has a single wideband tuner/demodulator for six, eight or more transponders with each transponder being from any of all possible satellite locations. Bandwidth to each television converter device is thereby usefully increased. | 01-30-2014 |
20140033240 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING VIEWER INTEREST IN CONTENT AND ADVERTISEMENTS - A method for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements may include receiving an indication regarding a content playback mode change (e.g., a change from a skip or fast-forward mode to a pause or rewind mode) occurring during playing of a media content segment such as a television program or movie. The method then proceeds to associate the playback mode change with a sub-segment of the television program, such as an advertisement or commercial, and a level of interest of a user in the advertisement or commercial is determined based on the associated content playback mode change. An item, such as an advertisement or promotional offer can be selected to be presented to the user based on the determined level of interest of the user in the advertisement or commercial. Systems for assessing viewer interest in content and advertisements include devices and components configured to perform or enable such methods. | 01-30-2014 |
20140022456 | ALTERNATIVE AUDIO CONTENT PRESENTATION IN A MEDIA CONTENT RECEIVER - Presented herein is a method of presenting alternative audio content for an audio/visual content segment, such as a television program or a motion picture. In the method, the audio/visual content segment is received into a media content receiver. The audio/visual content segment includes primary visual content and primary audio content. A request to receive alternative audio content for the audio/visual content segment is transmitted. After transmitting the request, the alternative audio content is received into the media content receiver. The primary audio content is replaced with the alternative audio content to generate a revised audio/visual content segment. The revised audio/visual content is transferred for presentation to a user. | 01-23-2014 |
20140013344 | PRESENTATION OF AUDIOVISUAL EXERCISE SEGMENTS BETWEEN SEGMENTS OF PRIMARY AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT - A method of operating a video services system is presented here. The method presents an audiovisual stream to a user of a video services receiver. The audiovisual stream includes a first segment of primary audiovisual content, a second segment of primary audiovisual content, and a segment of secondary audiovisual content between the first segment of primary audiovisual content and the second segment of primary audiovisual content. The method continues by detecting presentation of the segment of secondary audiovisual content, obtaining a segment of audiovisual exercise content at the video services receiver, and presenting the segment of audiovisual exercise content concurrently with the segment of secondary audiovisual content. | 01-09-2014 |
20130342329 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PAIRING A CONTROLLED DEVICE WITH AN RF REMOTE CONTROL USING AN RFID TAG - Systems and methods are operable to initiate a pairing process and a de-pairing process between a controlled device and a radio frequency (RF) remote control. An exemplary embodiment detects presence of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag in an interrogation zone established by an RFID tag reader, automatically initiates a pairing process in response to detecting the presence of the RFID tag in the interrogation zone, and completes the pairing process between the RF remote control and the controlled device, wherein the pairing process identifies a unique identifier associated with the RF remote control. A subsequently received RF signal emitted by the RF remote control includes at least one command configured to control operation of the controlled device and includes the unique identifier. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340002 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE DEVICE PAIRING - A system and method for optimizing pairing between a remote device and a plurality of devices including establishing a list of pairing-capable devices, the list comprising a portion of the plurality of devices, measuring a plurality of link qualities between the remote device and the pairing-capable devices, comparing, with a processor, the plurality of link qualities with one another and determining a highest link quality, selecting, by a computing device, an available pairing-capable device having the highest link quality, pairing with the selected device, and controlling a presentation device, the controlling including checking if the selected device is the associated device and where the selected device is not the associated device, relaying commands via the network to the associated device. | 12-19-2013 |
20130293574 | AUTOMATED OVERSCAN ADJUSTMENT - Techniques are disclosed for automatically calibrating content shown on an electronic display. According to certain embodiments, a picture of the display is taken while a calibration image is shown on the display. The picture is then analyzed to determine whether any adjustments need to be made. The analysis can, for example, include a comparison between the picture of the calibration image and a stored calibration image. If it is determined an adjustment needs to be made to correct how content is shown on the display, an adjustment is made accordingly. | 11-07-2013 |
20130293359 | AUTOMATIC DEVICE DETECTION BY REMOTE CONTROL - A system includes a remote control and a processing device. The processing device includes an RFID tag. An identification code is stored in the RFID tag. The remote control includes an RFID reader and a transmitter. The RFID reader transmits an interrogation signal. The RFID tag receives the interrogation signal and transmits the identification code in response to the interrogation signal. The RFID reader receives the identification code and the transmitter transmits control signals to control the processing device including a control code associated with the identification code. | 11-07-2013 |
20130254807 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RICH MEDIA ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDES - Electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to incorporate image information into an EPG generated at a media device. An exemplary embodiment receives an image associated with a program, processes the received image into a rich media EPG image, receives program presentation schedule information that specifies a presentation schedule of a plurality of programs, wherein the program is one of the plurality of programs scheduled for presentation, associates an identifier with the rich media EPG image and the program, and generates a rich media EPG schedule based upon the received program presentation schedule information and the identifier. | 09-26-2013 |
20130254801 | INCREMENTAL TRANSMISSION OF DATA - In one form, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus for broadcasting an event. The method includes receiving data related to an event via an uplink. Another aspect of the method includes determining whether the data is broadcast on a recurring basis. The method also includes determining whether a transponder channel associated with multiplexed program channels has any unused data or bandwidth to broadcast a portion of the data along with the multiplexed program channels. Additionally, the method includes broadcasting the portion of the data in a data stream. | 09-26-2013 |
20130251350 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGITAL VIDEO HIGH ACCURACY FAST FORWARD, REWIND AND SKIP - In various embodiments, a recording and playback manager of a digital video recorder (DVR), set top box, receiver or other device stores and accesses statistics in a statistics file related to average distances between reference frames (e.g., intra frames or I-frames) within blocks of the video data of the recording. Accessing these statistics during playback enables the system to more accurately locate reference frames to display while executing the playback in a trick mode such as fast forward, rewind or skip. The average distance between reference frames for a particular block of video data may be used to jump from one reference frame to the next reference frame in that block during playback in trick mode. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247115 | RECORDING OF MULTIPLE TELEVISION CHANNELS - In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner. | 09-19-2013 |
20130247111 | TRANSFER OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS FROM CHANNEL-SPECIFIC FILES TO PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FILES - A television receiver including a tuner and one or more processors may be presented. The television receiver may be configured to tune the tuner to a television channel. The television receiver may be configured to create and store an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of television programs broadcast consecutively on the television channel over a period of time. The television receiver may be configured to, after a predefined period of time, select the omnibus channel file for deletion. The television receiver may be configured to determine a television program to receive extended storage. The television receiver may be configured to store a portion of the omnibus channel file as an individual program file, wherein the portion of the omnibus channel file corresponds to the television program. The television receiver may be configured to, after storing the portion of the omnibus channel file, delete the omnibus channel file. | 09-19-2013 |
20130247107 | EPG REALIGNMENT - Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program. | 09-19-2013 |
20130247106 | ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE - An indication of user interest of a program of a particular television channel may be identified based on user interaction with a programming guide that displays first content. A selectable icon positioned in association with a descriptor that identifies the particular television channel may be generated in response to identifying the indication of user interest and for display within the programming guide. An interactive pane that identifies at least one particular program that is stored within an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of programs broadcast consecutively on the particular television channel over a predefined period of time may be generated in response to user selection of the selectable icon for display within the programming guide. | 09-19-2013 |
20130247090 | SMARTCARD ENCRYPTION CYCLING - Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers. | 09-19-2013 |
20130247089 | DESCRAMBLING OF MULTIPLE TELEVISION CHANNELS - Various arrangements for descrambling multiple television channels concurrently are presented. A set-top box may receive a first plurality of television channels as scrambled data packets. A previously-received locally-stored networking information table may be accessed that associates each of the multiple television channels with the same entitlement control message, as indicated by a packet identifier. An entitlement control message having the same packet identifier may be received. A smartcard may be used to decrypt the entitlement control message having the same packet identifier to obtain a first control word and a second control word. Scrambled data packets corresponding to the multiple television channels may be descrambled using the first control word and the second control word. These television channels may be stored and/or output for presentation by the set-top box. | 09-19-2013 |
20130246645 | NETWORK PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Various embodiments of network performance assessment apparatus, systems and processes collect performance information pertaining to a current capacity utilization of a network, identify an occurrence of a capacity constraint on a portion of the network that is communicating the program to at least one presentation device, and modify at least one characteristic of the program and/or the communication thereof over the network so that a total capacity utilization of the network is less than a peak capacity of the network. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243406 | MULTI-PROGRAM PLAYBACK STATUS DISPLAY - Various arrangements are described that may cause a recording of a television channel to be stored. The recording of the television channel may include a plurality of television programs. A graphical playback status element may be displayed via a display device. The graphical playback status element may indicate a start point for each television program of the plurality of television programs within the recording of the television channel. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243405 | SUCCESSIVE INITIALIZATION OF TELEVISON CHANNEL RECORDING - In various arrangements, a television receiver system for successive initialization of television channel recording is presented. The system may include a control processor, configured to determine a plurality of television channels are configured to begin recording at a same time. The control processor may transmit a first request for recording of a first television channel of the plurality of television channels. The system may include a tuning management processor, configured to configure a first recording of the first television channel in response to the first request. The tuning management processor may also transmit an acknowledgement to the control processor following the first recording of the first television channel being configured. The control processor may, in response to receiving the acknowledgement, transmit, to the tuning management processor, a second request for recording of a second television channel of the plurality of television channels. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243403 | ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE - A first program recording timer may be scheduled to record a particular program broadcast on a particular television channel by a television service provider. A second program recording timer may be scheduled to record a plurality of programs broadcast consecutively on the particular television channel by the television service provider, including the particular program. A first graphical indicator that identifies scheduling of the first program recording timer, and a second graphical indicator that identifies scheduling of the second program recording timer may be simultaneously output for display within a programming guide and in association with a descriptor of the particular program. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243402 | FACILITATING CONCURRENT RECORDING OF MULTIPLE TELEVISION CHANNELS - An arrangement for grouping multiple television channels for recording is presented. Television channel usage data indicative of television programs being requested by users of the television receivers may be received. The television channel usage data may provide usage data for television channels being transmitted using a plurality of transponders. The television channel usage data may be analyzed to determine a grouping of television channels. Based on the television channel usage data, a television channel may be reassigned from a first transponder to a second transponder for transmission to the plurality of television receivers such that the grouping of television channels are transmitted using the second transponder. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243401 | AUTOMATICALLY RECORDING SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT - A content provider transmits instructions to a content receiver to record multiple instances of content. The instances of content are included in the same frequency band of a broadcast transmitted by the content provider via a first communication link and scrambled utilizing the same control word. The content provider determines to supplement the multiple instances of content and transmits an instruction to record a supplemental instance of content from a second content provider via a second communication link. The content receiver receives the instructions and accordingly receives, descrambles, and stores the multiple instances of content and the supplemental instance of content. In some implementations, the first communication link may be a satellite communication link and the second communication link may be a different type of communication link such as a terrestrial broadcast communication link and/or an Internet protocol communication link. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243399 | Television Receiver Storage Management - Various arrangements for managing television programming storage at a television receiver are presented. User input specifying a number of days for retention of each managed array of a plurality of managed arrays of television channels to be recorded by the television receiver may be received. A television service provider may select a plurality of television channels for recording as the plurality of managed arrays of television channels. Also, the television service provider may define times for recording of the plurality of television channels of the plurality of managed arrays of television channels. A first amount of storage space for storage of the plurality of managed arrays of television channels may be calculated based on the number of days for retention. The first amount of storage space of a storage medium to the plurality of managed arrays of television channels may be allocated. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243398 | DYNAMIC TUNER ALLOCATION - In response to receiving a request, a current status of each one of a number of tuners of a television receiver may be determined. A ranking may be assigned to each one of the number of tuners based on an associated determined status. A listing may be generated based on the ranking and, when selected, a particular tuner of ranking greater than other ones of the plurality of tuners may be allocated for the recording of a particular broadcast program. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243397 | RECORDING OF MULTIPLE TELEVISION CHANNELS - A first user interface may be presented comprising a single selection option that enables recording of multiple television channels. A first user input, in response to the first user interface may be received enabling the option for recording of the multiple television channels. Data indicating a time period during which a television channel of the multiple television channels is to be recorded may be received from a television service provider. A record timer for the television channel of the multiple television channels may be set based on the user input enabling recording of multiple television channels and the data indicating the time period. The television channel of the multiple television channels may be recorded based on the record timer. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243396 | TIMER DISTRIBUTION ACROSS MULTIPLE CLIENT DEVICES - Arrangements for managing a digital video recorder timer at a plurality of television receivers are presented. A plurality of television receivers may be present. Each television receiver of the plurality of television receivers may be linked with a particular user account. Each television receiver may use separate receiving hardware to receive television programming from a television service provider. A timer management computer system may receive a timer associated with the particular user account. The timer may specify a date, a time, and a television channel to be recorded. Based on the received timer, the timer management computer system may notify each television receiver of the plurality of television receivers of the timer for recording. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243395 | MANAGING REMOTE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT RECORDED AT A TELEVISION RECEIVER - Various arrangements for providing remote access to locally-recorded television programming is presented. In some embodiments, a DVR is presented that it is configured to receive input indicating a timer for recording a television channel during a time period. The DVR may record television programming on the television channel during the time period indicated by the timer. The television receiver may further receive input indicating the television programming is to be stored remotely. The DVR may transmit the television programming to a media distribution management system via a second network. The DVR may transmit an indication of a user account to the media distribution management system via the second network. | 09-19-2013 |
20130239157 | FACILITATING PLACESHIFTING USING MATRIX CODES - A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network. | 09-12-2013 |
20130239135 | APPARATUS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SECURELY SHARING CONTENT WITH A PLURALITY OF RECEIVING DEVICES - Various embodiments facilitate secure content sharing between a plurality of receiving devices, such as set-top boxes. One embodiment is a system with a distribution server communicatively coupled via a satellite communication system to a plurality of set-top boxes that are located at different customer premises. The distribution server is operable to provide access control information via the satellite communication system to a first set-top box and a second set-top box of the plurality, with the access control information enabling the first set-top box to securely share content of the first set-top box with the second set-top box. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 09-12-2013 |
20130232535 | REMOTE CONTROL VIDEO MODULATOR - A video modulator is presented. The modulator includes a video input interface, a video modulation circuit, a video output interface, a communication interface, and control circuitry. The video input interface is configured to receive a video signal to be modulated, the video modulation circuit is configured to modulate the video signal, and the video output interface is configured to transmit the modulated video signal. The communication interface is configured to receive a command via a communication link to control the video modulator. The control circuitry is configured to receive the command from the communication interface and to control at least one of the video input interface, the video modulation circuit, and the video output interface based on the command. | 09-05-2013 |
20130229344 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HAND GESTURE CONTROL OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Systems and methods of generating device commands based upon hand gesture commands are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment generates image information from a series of captured images, generates commands based upon hand gestures made by a user that emulate device commands generated by a remote control device, identifies a hand gesture made by the user from the received image information, determines a hand gesture command based upon the identified hand gesture, compares the determined hand gesture command with the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands to identify a corresponding matching hand gesture command from the plurality of predefined hand gesture commands, generates an emulated remote control device command based upon the identified matching hand gesture command, and controls the media device based upon the generated emulated remote control device command. | 09-05-2013 |
20130227622 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING AND SYNCHRONIZING PRESENTATION OF MEDIA CONTENT AND SUPPLEMENTAL MEDIA RICH CONTENT IN RESPONSE TO SELECTION OF A PRESENTED OBJECT - Media rich content systems and methods are operable to provide access to supplemental media rich content in response to user selection of a presented object of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives at a media device a video stream comprising at least a plurality of video frames, wherein at least one of the video frames is configured to present an object of interest; processes a supplemental media rich content trigger associated with the at least one video frame, wherein the supplemental media rich content trigger comprises information that identifies a region where the object of interest is presented in the video frame, and comprises information configured to access supplemental media rich content associated with the object of interest; receives a user selection of the object of interest presented in the at least one video frame; and presents the supplemental media rich content on a presentation device. | 08-29-2013 |
20130223814 | ALTERING PRESENTATION OF RECEIVED CONTENT BASED ON USE OF CLOSED CAPTIONING ELEMENTS AS REFERENCE LOCATIONS - A content receiver receives an captioning element and positional information regarding segments of a content instance. The captioning element corresponds to a component of captioning data included in content that can be utilized with the positional information to locate where the segments stop and/or start. The content receiver analyzes the content based on the captioning element and the positional information and alters how the content will be presented. Such alteration may involve skipping and/or deleting segments, starting/stopping presentation of content other than at the beginning and/or end of the content, altering recording timers, and/or replacing segments with alternative segments. In some implementations, the content may be recorded as part of recording multiple content instances received via at least one broadcast from a content provider wherein the multiple content instances are all included in a same frequency band of the broadcast and are all encoded utilizing a same control word. | 08-29-2013 |
20130219435 | CHANNEL TUNING REDIRECT - Various arrangements for television channel tuning are presented. Receiving equipment may receive an indication of a first television channel for tuning. The receiving equipment may determine the first television channel is not available. A second television channel that carries the same content as the first television channel may be identified. The second television channel may be available for tuning. The receiving equipment may tune to the second television channel. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216208 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING RECORDING PARAMETERS - Content receivers may be configured to simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to dynamically adjust recording parameters to account for instances of content with a start time and/or end time that falls outside of predefined recording parameters. The dynamically adjusted recording parameters may adjust the number of channels recorded and/or instances of content recorded. The content receiver may compare programming information received at a processing unit with predefined recording parameters and may dynamically adjust the recording parameters based on the comparison. The content receiver may generate on screen display content to include information on the dynamically adjusted recording parameters and may transmit the on screen display content to a content display device for notifying the user of the dynamically adjusted recoding parameters. | 08-22-2013 |
20130215331 | RADIO FREQUENCY POWERED REMOTE CONTROL - Described herein is a remote control for controlling audio/visual equipment. The remote control may include an input device, a transmitter, and a power generation device. The input device may be for receiving commands from a user. The transmitter may be for transmitting instruction signals to audio/visual equipment, where the instruction signals may be based at least in part on the commands received from the user. The power generation device may be for providing power to the transmitter. The power generation device may receive at least a first radio frequency signal and convert at least the first radio frequency signal into direct current power. | 08-22-2013 |
20130210404 | LOCAL DOWNLOADING OF TEMPORARY APPLICATIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A system and related methods of managing computer-executable applications for a mobile device are provided. The method determines when the mobile device is located within an application support area corresponding to an application provider, and wirelessly downloads a temporary application at the mobile device. The downloaded temporary application is installed at the mobile device, resulting in an installed temporary application. Thereafter, the method detects when the mobile device has left the application support area and, in response to the detecting, the mobile device is configured such that the installed temporary application cannot be executed. | 08-15-2013 |