Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

Time Warner Cable Inc.

George W Sarosi

Chris Cholas

Patrick G Ladd

William Lynn Helms

David Bell

Wilfred Jaime Miles

Jeffrey Paul Markley

Kenneth Gould

Eric B Miller

Aaron James Kamienski

Louis Dew Williamson

Jay Thomas

Bryan Santangelo

Albert Straub

Apparatus and methods to manage recording of streaming packetized content (such as for example live IP packetized content) for access, retrieval and delivering thereof to one or more users. In one embodiment, the foregoing is accomplished via communication between a recording manager and a receiver/decoder device. The recording manager manages and schedules recording of content on behalf of the receiver/decoder device (and/or mobile devices) disposed at a user's premises. The recording manager runs one or more computer programs designed to receive requests to record packetized content from one or more consumer devices, and use metadata contained within the requests to cause a cloud storage entity or premises storage device to record the content at its scheduled date/time (either via the receiver/decoder device itself, or another network entity). In this manner, the recording manager provides digital video recording (DVR) functionality to devices that would be otherwise incapable of scheduling a recording and/or recording such content.

Apparatus and methods for storing, accessing, and delivering data

Apparatus and methods for recording, accessing, and delivering packetized content

Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Methods and apparatus for display element management in an information network

Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.

Methods and apparatus for hardware registration in a network device

Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Apparatus and methods for device authorization in a premises network

Apparatus and methods for downloading selected multimedia content and applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods enable various options or functionalities for programming content over a home network. A web-based user interface on a consumer device controls a set-top box (STB) over a local home network is utilized. An initial process connects the consumer device to an application server for the necessary web software. After discovery of both the consumer device and the STB on the local home network, an initial page of the application is loaded and the application calls the web services on the STB via the home network to retrieve data and control the STB with a compatible web browser on the consumer device.

Method and system for device discovery and content management on a network

Apparatus and methods for transfer and management of protected content in a network. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises server and renderer devices including, for example, consumer premise equipment (CPE) having a content handler application adapted to run thereon. The content handler directs requests for content, directs searches of a device's storage, and directs transfers of content into the device as well as within the device. The content handler may, in another embodiment, be adapted to include a scheduler entity which maintains a schedule of upcoming content, and is adapted to maintain and manage requests for the upcoming content by reserving tuner resources. The content handler may be further adapted to implement authentication and authorization procedures.

Methods and apparatus for premises content distribution

A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.

Apparatus and methods for controlling digital video recorders

Apparatus and methods for providing emergency alert system (EAS) data to subscribers of a content-based network for multiple locations including via mobile devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data, transport of the EAS data to client devices over an IP or other packet-switched network, and use of applications running on the client devices to decode and display the EAS data. In one variant, a centralized EAS (CEAS) entity is used to aggregate and distribute EAS messages to video registration servers (VRS), which use stored client device data and user preferences to map delivery of relevant EAMs over the IP network. In another variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to deliver and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process.

Methods and apparatus for centralized and decentralized alert messaging

Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or 'orgID' of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.

Growing community of inventors

Niwot, CO, United States of America

George W Sarosi