Thomson Licensing

Aaron Michael Smith

Thomas Anthony Stahl

Steven Charles Rhoads

Darrel Wayne Randall

Gary Robert Gutknecht

Keith Robert Broerman

Files associated with the operation of gateway and client devices in a network may be downloaded with minimal operator intervention. Accordingly, a method includes receiving data including a first file, a first authentication element, and a second authentication element, the first authentication element being unique to a client device associated with the gateway device. The method also includes determining if the second authentication element is valid for the gateway device and storing the first authentication element and the second file for the client device if the second authentication element is valid for the gateway device. An apparatus includes a receiver that receives data, a processor that determines if the second authentication element is valid for the gateway device, and a memory that stores the first authentication element and a portion of the data for the client device if the second authentication element is valid for the gateway device.

Method and apparatus for software downloads in a network

A mobile content distribution system in an airplane, a train, or a bus is capable of receiving wireless broadcast channels from a wireless service provider. The system offers a user purchase of wireless services including one or more broadcast channels provided by the wireless service provider, receives information indicative of a route from an originating location to a destination location, and determines if the content distribution system is authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information; and if the content distribution system is not authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information, the system provide a refund to the user. If the system is within an authorized area, the system determines if the system is authorized to provide full service from the wireless service provider according to the information and if the system is not authorized to provide full service, the system provides a partial refund to the user.

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Noblesville, IN, United States of America

Aaron Michael Smith