The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 21, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1998
John S. Hendricks, Potomac, MD (US);
Alfred E. Bonner, Bethesda, MD (US);
Richard E. Wunderlich, Alpharetta, GA (US);
Eric C. Berkobin, Woodstock, GA (US);
John S. Hendricks, Potomac, MD (US);
Alfred E. Bonner, Bethesda, MD (US);
Richard E. Wunderlich, Alpharetta, GA (US);
Eric C. Berkobin, Woodstock, GA (US);
Sedna Patent Services, LLC, Philadelphia, PA (US);
Abstract
The invention relates to apparatus and methods for upgrading a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. A hardware upgrade or expansion card is connected to a set top terminal to enhance the functionality of the set top terminal and to allow the set top terminal to receive digital audio programs. The hardware upgrade includes audio signal processing circuitry such as a tuner, demodulator, demultiplexor, decryptor, and decompressor. A microprocessor in the hardware upgrade enables the upgrade to accept subscriber inputs so as to select a particular digital audio program for listening. Subscriber inputs may be generated from a remote control and a menu system of the set top terminal.