The Directv Group, Inc.

Nathan B Zerbe

Thomas H James

Daniel A Lotocky

Harish N Patel

An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.

Audio/video satellite broadcast network

A direct broadcast system having a high altitude communication device that transmits broadcast signals, which are received by an antenna, is provided. The system includes an outdoor unit (ODU) electrically coupled to the antenna. The ODU includes a low noise block converter (LNB) that receives and amplifies the broadcast signals. An ODU receiver is electrically coupled to the ODU and selects a desired frequency of the broadcast signals. Integrated receiver and decoders (IRD(s) are electrically coupled to the ODU receiver via a single distribution cable. The IRD(s) convert the broadcast signals into IRD output signals. Methods of performing the same are also provided, herein, including a transport select method and a service select method for receiving the broadcast signals. A direct broadcast system installation method and wireless communication between the ODU and the IRD(s) are also provided.

Direct broadcast signal distribution methods

An integrated receiver decoder is provided for allowing simultaneous transmission of compressed and uncompressed signals for an audio/video program. The integrated receiver decoder includes a demodulator for receiving a modulated carrier signal and extracting a baseband signal therefrom. The demodulator transmits the baseband signal to a demultiplexor. The demultiplexor extracts a selected compressed signal from the baseband signal. The demultiplexor then transmits the selected compressed signal to a compression decoder for converting the selected compressed signal into a selected uncompressed signal. The compression decoder then transmits the selected uncompressed signal to a graphics overlay device for blending the selected uncompressed signal with user interface graphics. Thereafter, a digital transport device combines the selected compressed signals with a blended uncompressed signal so as to produce a multiplexed signal for transmission through a universal interface output.

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El Segundo, CA, United States of America

Nathan B Zerbe