Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

Time Warner Cable Inc.

Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc.

Comcast Cable Communications, LLC

Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC

Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.p.

Bigband Networks Inc.

Ngna, LLC

Aol Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc.

John B Carlucci

William Lynn Helms

Louis Dew Williamson

John Callahan

Jeffrey Paul Markley

Erik Gwyn Urdang

Joseph G Buehl

Thomas L Gonder

David M Kimble

Michael T Hayashi

Jason Kazmir Schnitzer

Chris Cholas

Vipul B Patel

James W Fahrny

Steven Ernest Riedl

John Bevilacqua

Srinivas Guduru

Michael L DeHart

Shrikant Apsangi

Jason Kazimir Schnitzer

Tom Gonder

Jay Thomas

Craig Mahonchak

Hugh Josephs

John A Stebbins

Jon C Honhart

James A Chiddix

Ran M Oz

Kevin J Leddy

Jo A Friedman

John W Fahrny

James William Fahrny

John W Callahan

Apparatus and methods for provisioning of customer premise equipment (CPE) equipped with a secure microprocessor to receive e.g., digital video content by entering unique identification of the CPE at one or more servers located at the headend or other location of a content-based network. In one embodiment, the CPE comprises a download-enabled (e.g., DCAS) host with embedded cable modem and embedded set-top box functionality, and the provisioning includes enabling DOCSIS functionality of the CPE, assigning an IP address to the CPE and providing the CPE with a client image for the conditional access system chosen by the network operator. In one variant, the network operator can deactivate a provisioned device while connected to the network, as well when disconnected from the network. The network operator can also add, delete or replace conditional access client image in a provisioned device.

Apparatus and methods for provisioning in a download-enabled system

A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a 'wideband' configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger 'pool' of constituent inputs and available carriers.

Method and apparatus for multi-band distribution of digital content

Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure 'output' domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported. A network security architecture comprising an authentication proxy (AP), provisioning system (MPS), and conditional access system (CAS) is also disclosed, which can interface with a trusted authority (TA) for cryptographic element management and CPE/user device authentication.

Downloadable security and protection methods and apparatus

A technique for securely transferring content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. In one embodiment, the first device is a device in a trusted domain and the second device is outside of the trusted domain. Transfer of protected content to another device may require authentication of the receiving device. A rights file which specifies the rights of the receiving device to use the protected content, according to its security level is also transferred. These rights may concern, e.g., the number of times the receiving device may transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the receiving device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the receiving device, the more rights accorded thereto. A minimum security level requirement may be imposed in order for protected content to be transferred to a device.

Technique for securely communicating programming content

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g., effective segmentation of programming content; encapsulation of programming content data as a UDP/IP datagram; associating programming content with provider and dedicated resource attributes; monitoring staging processor activity; effectively segmenting programming content that is scrambled; developing a unicast and multicast; compensating for missing or delayed programming content; and propagating video servers of varying manufacturers.

Programming content processing and management system and method

At least one voice server uses a voice protocol requiring both a server component and a client component. At least one client device lacks the client component. The at least one client device is located in a premises remote from the voice server. A translator device is located in the premises, and a video content network, configured for communication in accordance with the voice protocol, interconnects the voice server and the translator device. A premises network interconnects the translator device and the at least one client device. The premises network is configured in accordance with a premises network protocol. The translator is provided with the client component of the voice protocol and is configured to translate between the voice protocol and the premises network protocol. In some instances, the voice server is a voice mail server and the voice protocol is a voice mail protocol. In other cases, the voice server is a session initiation protocol (SIP) server and the voice protocol is SIP.

Internet protocol multimedia subsystem voice-video mail service over a home network

Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) Local Area Network (LAN), and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implements a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Methods and apparatus for premises content distribution

Methods and apparatus for centralized content, media and data delivery and access within a premises such as, e.g., a residence. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a remotely manageable premises device that acts as a centralized client networking platform, providing gateway services such as network management as well as traditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. The device also acts as the shared internet connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, music and photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, and providing both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephony services utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device. The device can also provide a trusted domain for content or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in the home.

Methods and apparatus for centralized content and data delivery

Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Program storage, retrieval and management based on segmentation messages

Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Use of messages in or associated with program signal streams by set-top terminals

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

John B Carlucci