Abstract:
A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface. The functions of the remote commander's keys change depending on where the user is navigating and what device is being controlled, similar to so-called soft-keys.
Abstract:
An external module for use with a host television device consistent with certain embodiments wherein the host television device receives at least one content service has a connector for attaching to the module. Java™ code is received from the content service being received by the host television device over the connector. An application execution engine residing on the external module carries out execution of the Java™ code. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
Abstract:
An apparatus for facilitating use of OCAP (OpenCable™ Applications Platform) standard in a host cable television device, the host cable television device having a connector consistent with certain embodiments has a removable module. An OCAP engine resides on the removable module suitable for execution of Java™ code as specified by the OCAP specification. A module side connector is affixed to the removable module, the connector being suitable for mating with the connector of the host device. The module side connector has connections suitable for carrying graphics video data from the OCAP engine to the host device suitable presentation to a video display. The module side connector further has connections suitable for carrying Java™ code instructions to the OCAP engine for execution. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
Abstract:
A Set Top Box or other client/server device including an Internet appliance which runs an application and operates under any of several operating systems. The Set Top Box boots from boot code stored, for example, in a ROM which permits a user to select an operating system and application. The Set Top Box contacts a Master Server and obtains a URL for download of the operating system and application. The URL is contacted and the application and operating system are downloaded. The Set Top Box operates under the operating system to run the application until another application is selected.
Abstract:
A system and method for establishing recommended items for purchase or rental at a shopping kiosk, based on TV/DVD/CD etc. viewing profiles. A removable media such as a flash memory device can be inserted into an entertainment device receptacle, and the viewer's subsequent viewing (or listening) habits, including selected programming and related data such as TV program category, title, etc., recorded to establish a profile. The media can be removed and taken to the shopping kiosk, where it is inserted and used by the kiosk to present a list of recommended items for purchase or rental, based on the viewing habit profile of the viewer.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for dynamically synchronizing a plurality of streams of temporally related data generate compression time information regarding the time required to compression a first stream of data. The compression time information is transmitted together with the first and other compressed streams of data, and is utilized to delay at least one decompressed compressed stream of data to thereby synchronize such decompressed stream with a decompressed compressed first stream of data. The decompression time information is determined by selecting, from a look-up table, a delay time corresponding to the compression time information.
Abstract:
An Internet-enabled TV can display thumbnails of audio-video content available from an Internet server for selecting content to be displayed on the TV by a user manipulating a remote control. Internet information loading rules and thumbnail navigation rules are disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for obtaining filtered audiovisual content over a network for display on a television. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving a request for video content, the request including at least one factor that specifies an attribute of the requested video content, and communicating the request and the at least one factor to a content server. The method may also include receiving a response indicating video content available from the content server that satisfies the at least one factor. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the factor is data indicating a TV Parental Rating.
Abstract:
A TV-set is equipped with HDMI and USB connections that allow it to display and run audio-video content from a variety of conventional consumer devices. The TV-set is further equipped to provide a secure HDMI-USB interface that will allow the transfer of licensed high definition content and Internet subscriber services. Such secure HDMI-USB interface also enables a selection of proprietary application modules to be attached. Downloadable user interface templates, much like XML style sheets, are rendered to a user interface displayed on the screen. These are associated with corresponding thumbnails and URI's that allow a user to surf through lists and catalogs of materials, and then to play them in the appropriate formats and provide the machine with a customized controller. A remote commander is simplified, yet expanded to control all the attached devices through interactions with the user interface. The functions of the remote commander's keys change depending on where the user is navigating and what device is being controlled, similar to so-called soft-keys.