Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for generating fees using a receiving device, involves distributing censored video from a distributor video to a receiving device; and uncensoring the censored video using the receiving device upon payment of a fee. The receiving device uses overlay data received from the distributor to uncensor the censored video by overlaying the overlay data over the censored video using a video overlay frame to overlay a video frame containing the censored video data in accordance with boundaries determined by an alpha plane within the receiving device. This abstract should not be considered limiting since embodiments consistent with the present invention may involve more, different or fewer elements.

Abstract: A TV set (20) with a parental guide mode is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The TV set includes: a mode switching unit (204) for switching the TV set between a normal mode and the parental guide mode, under the normal mode the TV set being capable of broadcasting all channels and under the parental guide mode the TV set be capable of broadcasting one or more predetermined viewable channel(s); a memory (209) for storing identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels; and a MCU (202) for controlling the TV set to broadcast the viewable channel/channels under the parental guide mode according to the identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels stored in the memory.

Abstract: An integrated circuit restricts use of a data item and includes a data memory storing the data item; a value memory storing a value; a signature input that receives a signature derived from data in a data item field and a value in a value field, the signature being in a coded form; a decoding circuit that decodes the signature and outputs information representing the data in the data item field and the value in the value field; and a comparison circuit that receives the decoding circuit output, determines whether the information representing the data from the data item field corresponds to the stored data item and whether the information representing the value from the value field corresponds to the value stored in the value memory, and outputs a comparison signal according to the determinations. The circuit restricts the use of the data item according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A license update method and apparatus for a right-protected broadcast channel prevents interruption of the ongoing playback of the right-protected broadcast channel due to the expiration of the license without the user's awareness by controlling the license update timing before the expiration of the license. The license update method according to the present invention includes setting a timer; detecting an expiration time of the timer; and updating a short-term license having a periodic duration which is updated with a periodicity within an entire license duration for the right-protected broadcast channel at the expiration time of the timer.

Abstract: A system for controlling viewer access to media content, the system comprising a memory with logic and a processor configured by the logic to provide interactive user interfaces that enable an administrator to positively define media content for access by a user. The processor is further configured by the logic to enable the user to access the media content as defined by the administrator.

Abstract: A program viewing control apparatus includes: a detection unit for detecting rating information regarding a viewing lock level of contents, which is added to data of the contents; a storing unit for storing rating information regarding the viewing lock level; a control unit for locking the contents based on comparison between the rating information detected by the detection unit and the rating information stored in the storing unit; a selection unit for inputting a selection signal for selecting whether to limit viewing of the contents or not when contents video based on data of the contents is displayed on a display section; and an update unit for updating the rating information stored in the storing unit based on the selection signal inputted from the selection unit.

Abstract: A parental control method, including receiving a channel selection command from a user to select from a plurality of channels for playing, each of the channels having a plurality of programming content, performing a parental control procedure prior to allowing playing of the programming content of one of the channels, during at least one specific timeslot, and allowing playing of the programming content prior to performing a parental control procedure for at least one of the following the one channel outside of the at least one specific timeslot, and another one of the channels. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: A method of authorizing use of a network device is disclosed and includes receiving an internet protocol (IP) address from the network device and receiving an identification from the network device. The method also includes retrieving information that is associated with an account based on the IP address and determining whether the IP address and the identification are associated with a same account. Further, the method includes allowing service to the network device after determining that the IP address and the identification are associated with the same account.

Abstract: A disclosed access control application and an associated method for managing access to multimedia content include enabling an administrator, e.g., a parent, to create a user account for a user, e.g., a child, and a password and a profile for the user account. The method further includes assigning an access level to the user and generating an initial set of content access indicator (CAIs) based on the access level. The initial CAI influences or determines the user's ability to access content associated with the access level. The method further includes modifying at least one of the CAIs in response to a request from the administrator. When a user subsequently send a navigation signal or command while the user account is active, the navigation signal is processed based at least in part on the CAIs to prevent the user from accessing content that the applicable CAI indicates as being restricted.

Abstract: An AV Clip generated by multiplexing video and graphics streams is recorded on a BD-ROM. The graphics stream is a sequence of PES packets. The PES packets include ODSs (Object Definition Segments) carrying graphics data and PCSs (Presentation Control Segments) carrying control information. A PCS indicates that graphics data in a preceding ODS in the arrangement is to be displayed at a predetermined time in a state of being overlaid on the video stream. The PCS and the preceding ODS belong to different DSs, and the graphics data in the preceding ODS may be non-referenced graphics data that is not referenced by a PCS which belongs to the same DS as the preceding ODS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for previewing broadcasting data on a mobile terminal are provided. When a user selected broadcast channel is an authority-restricted channel, data associated with the selected broadcast channel is output according to a presence or non-presence of a preview authority for the selected broadcast channel.

Abstract: A method for performing parental control a channel for building a channel map in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver and the IPTV receiver thereof are provided. The method includes receiving a master service information (SI) table including a first element defining location of a virtual channel map table, parsing the first element in the received master SI table, receiving the virtual channel map table including a second element defining location of a virtual channel description table based on the parsed location element, parsing the second element in the received virtual channel map table, receiving the virtual channel description table, which includes a third element indicating a default parental guidance rating of a virtual channel service when present, based on the parsed second element, parsing the third element in the received virtual channel description table, and controlling to allow ratings based on the type of parental guidance system according to the parsed third element.

Abstract: A television having a program rating function according to a set-up value of a program rating set up by a user and a method for controlling the same. The television has: a judgment unit for judging the program rating based on a program rating signal included in a received broadcasting signal; a set-up value storage unit for storing the set-up value of a program rating set up by the user; a display unit for displaying the program rating judged by the judgment unit; and a control unit for controlling the display unit to display the program rating judged by the judgment unit, when there is no set-up value in the set-up value storage unit. Therefore, when the programs are broadcasted in a situation in which the user has not set up the set-up value of the program rating due to the inconvenience of a V-chip (Violence-Chip), it is reported to the user that the television includes the above function through a display unit.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service is practiced in a terminal of a conditional access system in which a user selects a service, the selected service being associated with a frequency, the terminal having a tuner and a secure element with at least one authorized entitlement unit number stored therein. The method includes receiving at least one encrypted entitlement control message corresponding to the service, and decrypting each of the at least one encrypted entitlement control message in the secure element, each decrypted entitlement control message revealing at least one first entitlement number associated with the selected service. The method further includes determining that the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service when any first entitlement number of any decrypted entitlement control message represents any number of the at least one authorized entitlement unit number.

Abstract: Parental control settings are provided to a display device by a user. In one embodiment, the display device generates a message, such as a consumer electronic control (CEC) message, which corresponds to the user-provided parental control settings. This message may then be transmitted to one or more source devices to which the display device is connected via an HDMI interface. The HDMI-connected devices may then modify or otherwise conform their own parental control settings in accordance with the parent control data in the received message. In one embodiment, the display device may then receive content from the HDMI-connected devices which has already been pre-filtered in accordance with the parental control settings that were provided directly to the display device.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: A method for determining whether the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service is practiced in a terminal of a conditional access system in which a user selects a service, the selected service being associated with a frequency, the terminal having a tuner and a secure element with at least one authorized entitlement unit number stored therein. The method includes receiving at least one encrypted entitlement control message corresponding to the service, and decrypting each of the at least one encrypted entitlement control message in the secure element, each decrypted entitlement control message revealing at least one first entitlement number associated with the selected service. The method further includes determining that the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service when any first entitlement number of any decrypted entitlement control message represents any number of the at least one authorized entitlement unit number.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address this need and others by updating the channel filtering information, e.g., whitelist, within the context of a streaming media system, e.g., an IMS-IPTV system. This updating of the channel filtering information occurs automatically through messages transmitted between a network node and an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) control function including intervening hardware.

Abstract: A system and method of enabling digital video broadcast access within an information handling system is disclosed. In one form, a method of enabling access to digital video broadcasts can include enabling use of a digital video broadcast (DVB) service access module within an information handling system. The method can also include determining an availability of a first DVB carrier using the DVB service access module and a DVB receiver module of the information handling system. The method can further include enabling access to the first DVB carrier, and receiving a first DVB signal including a first DVB channel data. The method can also include outputting the first DVB channel data using a media application of the information handling system.

Abstract: A key management apparatus which can be used to encrypt/decrypt content data in a content playback device includes a storing unit for storing a secret key, a key information decrypting unit for decrypting encrypted key information and an updating unit operable to update the secret key with an algorithm stored therein, when the decrypted key information is key-updating information. Seed information can be received for use with the algorithm to provide a new secret key, and preliminary trigger information can be used to poll a group of appliances to request key information to determine any duplication of appliances.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a packetized transport stream that determines whether a sequence of transport packets are received in a proper sequence and whether an error is present in a particular transport packet. The method includes the steps of determining a packet identifier for identifying transport packets associated with a selected program and parsing a packetized transport stream to identify and capture the desired sequence of transport packets in response to the packet identifier. The method further includes the steps of detecting a counter portion, determining whether a desired sequence of transport packets has been received in response to the counter portion, detecting a one bit toggle portion, and determining whether an error exits in the associated transport packet in response to the one bit toggle portion. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An information serving system includes a broadcasting station module (TV), user module (RV), and advertising agency module (AD). The broadcasting station module (TV) broadcasts pieces of broadcast information including at least video information. The user module (RV) receives the broadcast information, selects an image component composing an image from the received broadcast information, and produces specification information indicative of the selected image component. The user module (RV) transmits the produced specification information, while receiving component information to represent the received component information. The advertising company module (AD) acquires the specification information, and transmits to the user module (RV) the component information indicating an image component specified by the acquired specification information.

Abstract: A subscriber or other user is provided with access to a subscription service of a signal distribution system at a roaming location remote from a home location of the user. The subscription service comprises a plurality of selectable channels available to the user at the home location. In one aspect of the invention, a request for initiation of a roaming session is received, and responsive to initiation of the roaming session, at least one user interface is generated for presentation on a device at the remote location. The generated user interface is configured to provide access at the remote location to one or more of the channels available to the user at the home location, and represents an at least partial alteration of a normal user interface that would otherwise be presented on the device at the remote location in the absence of the roaming session.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for producing an output signal suitable for coupling to a display device to produce a displayed image, the video processing system having a system which blocks viewing of programs which are broadcast with ratings or spending information which is outside a profile set by a supervisor who has entered a password accepted by the control system, and which permits the supervisor to temporarily modify the ratings profile according to a set of override parameters. After completion of the time period(s) or supervisor-designated television broadcast(s), the system automatically returns to the normal ratings profile but retains the set of override parameters for easy reimposition by the supervisor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing a user from bypassing a viewer blocking system that uses program related information, such as content ratings, included in a program signal. The present invention prevents the user from exploiting the time delay associated with detecting, decoding and comparing the program related information by switching channels to observe portions of objectionable programs before the blocking system can react. The present apparatus comprises a processor (110) which provides an output signal (RGB OUT) derived from a selected program signal (VIDEO, VIDEO IN, AUDIO IN) of a selected signal channel and prevents or allows user access to the output signal in response to a determination of whether a user selected program blocking criteria is met.

Abstract: The encoded contents of a piece of delivered information is accompanied by an applicable time data indicating a specific time period for authorizing a particular mode of utilization. When a request for utilizing the contents is issued in an information utilization apparatus, it determines if the current time agrees with the time authorizing the requested utilization by referring to the time data annexed to the encoded contents. If the request is acceptable at the current time, a set of processing steps is carried out for decoding the encoded contents and other necessary operations. Thus, an information access control method can be adapted to have flexibility in setting charges and access requirements for the contents of information that can change the value and the mode of utilization with time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for bi-directional communications of voice, data, and alarms, and simultaneous transmission of video signals over a single cable such as coax. In more particular, it applies to a communications system that utilizes coax-type cabling to offer computer related in-room guest services such as on-television screen display of their bills, etc. The instant invention utilizes a digital communications protocol, preferably PCM, to fit a plurality of general purpose communications channels within conventional broadcast television frequencies. These communication channels might variously be used to carry telephone voice data, thereby obviating the need for a separate phone network, or, more generally, they might be used to transport any sort of digital data (e.g., room billing information, outgoing faxes, etc.) The instant invention also provides a means for directing broadcast video information to specific rooms within the structure.

Abstract: Video processing system having a blocking system which prevents viewing or recording of programs which exceed ratings, spending, and/or view time limits set by a supervisor who has entered a password accepted by the control system, an override system for entering instructions to temporarily override ratings, spending, and/or view time limits, and/or to permit specific programs to be viewed, and a conflict resolution system for resolving conflicts between or among multiple instructions. Related apparatus and processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a step S1, when the user executes a tuning operation (a service-number input operation) on an input section, the information is output to a control section. In a step S3, the control section determines whether the service number selected in the step S1 corresponds to a promotion channel. When it is determined that the service number corresponds to a promotion channel, the procedure proceeds to a step S11. In the step S11, the control section displays on the monitor a message indicating that the selected service number is not found.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for blocking specific television commercials from the viewer's television based upon the characteristics of the television commercial and replacing the commercial with television content located by a content interrogation program. The content interrogation program seeks out television content based upon a user search term specifically for use as contingent programming to replace the blocked commercial. The content interrogation program can have multiple search terms and provide prioritized multiple searches to identify multiple segments to play in spaces created by blocked commercials.

Abstract: A method and system for recording and publishing traditional media source programs over a network is disclosed. According to the method, a request for publication of one or more traditional media source programs in one or more encoding formats is received from a network client that is connected to the network. In response to receiving the request, the one or more traditional media source programs are captured from a traditional media source that broadcasts the one or more traditional media source programs at a particular broadcast time. The one or more traditional media source programs are encoded in one or more encoding formats to produce one or more encoded media programs and then published to the network client over the network at a time that is different from the actual broadcast time.

Abstract: A method of providing secure multicast over a local access network by means of a network access unit having a channel request vetting function and a permitted channel list. Channel requests from a subscriber are vetted with respect to the permitted channel list and forwarded only if permitted. The permitted list may be dynamically updated under headend control to allow users to subscribe to, and unsubscribe from, services upon request.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to supervise personal exposure to a program exhibited by a consumer electronics device, such as a television system. The consumer electronics device includes “V-chip” circuitry that analyzes a signal and either blocks or passes the signal based on certain content-based criteria. In this connection, a user can program the “V-chip” circuitry with the preset content-based criteria in the form of preset content-based specification sets, which are stored in the consumer electronics device by the manufacturer. The preset content-based specification sets specify either allowable or objectionable content within a program signal received by the consumer electronics device. The “V-chip” circuitry receives a content-based indicator set, which is indicative of the actual content of the program signal. One of the preset content-based specification sets is conveniently selected by a user.

Abstract: A method of and arrangement for providing access to a consumer device (101). A user can switch between multiple content providers. To switch, he calls up a set of representations (202-207) of offerings by content providers (107, 108, 109). He can then select a content provider. The selection is submitted to a gateway system (106), which then provides the selected content provider access to the consumer device (101), preferably in return for a fee paid by the selected content provider. The invention makes it easier for users to switch content providers even when descrambling boxes, subscriptions and other hassles are normally involved in switching. All these hassles are taken care of by the gateway (106).

Abstract: A CATV conditional access system equipped with a digital head end which transmits picture signals of digital programs in a batch mode to terminals provided within a plurality of areas. This digital head end transmits area codes for the respective areas and data about a list table to the terminals employed in the plural areas. In this list table, digital programs of not-yet-provided services for the respective areas are indicated. The area codes are used to recognize such areas belonging to the own terminals. Each of the terminals excludes the picture signal of the digital program of the not-yet-provided service in the related area by identifying the area code with the list table of the not-yet-service digital channel.

Abstract: In a CATV system, a digital head end transmits both an area code and such data containing a management number and a channel contrastive table to a terminal of each of areas; each terminal stores thereinto both the area code and the channel contrastive table; and the digital head end retrieves the corresponding management number by comparing a channel display number of an analog program set every area with the channel contrastive table based on this area code, and then, displays the analog program of this retrieved management number.

Abstract: A video reproduction apparatus includes a video player 3 which reproduces a video signal, a V-chip signal for restricting a display of a specific image being added to the video signal; a video processing circuit 5 which processes the video signal from the video player 3; a CRT 7 which displays the video signal that is processed by the video processing circuit 5; a control section 10 which reads out the V-chip signal and judges whether a screen is to be blocked or not; and a memory 11 which stores a result of the judgment. When a mode is transferred to a special play mode, a judgment result which immediately precedes the mode transfer is read out from the memory 11. If the judgment result is that the blocking is to be blocked, the screen of the CRT 7 is set to a blocked state.

Abstract: A channel matrix for use with a television receiver includes rows and columns of channel numbers, each corresponding to one channel in a group of channels. The matrix includes a group selector that is activated to display different groups of channels. The channel matrix is used to tune the television receiver, to perform other functions such as channel locking and favorite channel selection or to display channel status such as including minor channels or having certain V-chip ratings. A desired channel may be selected by navigating a cursor across the rows and columns of the matrix until the desired channel is beneath the cursor and then pressing a selection key. A channel status display, associated with the matrix, displays information about the selected channel or about the channel under the cursor before it is selected. Display enhancements include visual cues such as highlighting, underlining, and displaying of icons; audio cues; and the ability to select an entire group of channels.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a disc recording unit for recording each video section composing a broadcast program onto a rewritable optical disc; an electronic watermark reading unit for reading electronic watermarks embedded into the video section; and a recording flag storing unit for storing a recording flag. If the read electronic watermarks show that recording is permitted, the recording flag is set as “0” to record the next video section. If the read electronic watermarks show that recording is prohibited, the recording flag is set as “1” not to record the next video section. If a broadcast program is newly selected under a condition where the recording of the currently received broadcast program is prohibited, the recording flag is reset to “0” and the first received video section of the newly selected broadcast program is recorded onto the rewritable optical disc.

Abstract: A method of displaying rating information comprises the step of tuning in to a designated channel when a program selecting operation is performed and acquiring rating information, and the step of displaying the acquired rating information, together with a program image obtained by the tuning, on a display device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for flexible locking and unlocking programming content. Programming content and the content of the programming content is often described by electronic program guide (EPG) data or guide data. Using the guide data, a user is able to create, alter and unlock locks on the programming content. Locking and unlocking the programming content can be based on characteristics of the programming content such as the duration of the programming content, start times of the programming content, end times of the programming content, content descriptors and ratings of the programming content and the like. The ability to create and unlock locks is flexible and can be directed specifically to particular programs within a channel or to specific channels. The ability to create and unlock locks can further be based on user profiles such that the programming content provided to particular users is determined by the user's profile.

Abstract: A receiver apparatus accepts the registration/registration cancellation of a channel, while outputting a video signal for a picture based on channel information stored in a memory provided for a controller. Therefore, a user can perform a registration/registration cancellation of a physical channel, while examining the correlation between a virtual channel and a physical channel. Therefore, the user can easily register an unregistered physical channel, and the usability can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an integrated presentation of existing media program services and secondary media program services is described.

Abstract: A CPU stores, when there is a difference between current channel information and new channel information obtained by a new channel search, the new channel information in a memory while holding a state where the current channel information is registered (contents stored in a non-volatile memory). The CPU displays on a screen the channel information between which the difference is presented using an OSD circuit, and changes the contents of the registration of the current channel information on the basis of the new channel information by a user operation on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a television schedule guide which includes a detector for determining whether a previously scrambled program is unscrambled. If a previously scrambled program is momentarily unscrambled due to promotional efforts by the program provider, the system will visually distinguish the program on the guide, and a viewer may tune to or record the program from the guide. The view may also subscribe to the program provider through the guide during the promotional period.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for authenticating the right of a user to descramble and view scrambled television channels are provided. The set top box can use newer and faster technology to tune and descramble television channels and the right of the user to descramble those channels is authenticated by periodically examining all the television channels output by a cable box. If the cable box descrambles a particular channel, the right of the user to descramble that channel has been authenticated or verified and the set top box is enabled to descramble the same channel. As an additional security feature, the time base of the television channel output by the cable box can be compared to the time base of the same channel tuned and descrambled with the set top box. If the time bases match, then the right of the user to descramble and view that particular channel is authenticated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which a secure link between a transaction device and a kiosk is automatically created. Access to functions of the kiosk is facilitated automatically for the transaction device. Furthermore, the kiosk can facilitate the exchange of information for the transaction device. By accessing functions of the kiosk for the transaction device, the extended functions of the kiosk such as its input mechanism (e.g., keyboard) and output mechanism (e.g., display) can be used for the transaction device.

Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide is implemented on user television equipment. Potentially objectionable material such as the titles and descriptions of adult programs may be blocked. When adult program listing blocking is invoked, the program guide replaces adult program listings with unobjectionable material such as a blank region, a generic unobjectionable program listing, or an unobjectionable title based on the channel being blocked. The user may invoke blocking of titles, descriptions, or both titles or descriptions. Blocking may be based on the rating of the program listings. Access may be provided to blocked program listings by entering a parental control code. The user may temporarily disable adult program listing blocking. The user may also set parental control locks for any type of potentially objectionable programming and may temporarily disable such locks.