703 results about "Tuner" patented technology

A media content manager residing at a user premises having a tuner coupled to at least one media source operable to selectively receive at least one media stream of at least one type of media content. The media content manager also including a media processor coupled to the tuner and operable to receive the at least one media stream and convert the media stream to a predetermined data format, the at least one media stream comprising metadata. Additionally, the media content manages has a media manager coupled to the media processor and operable to receive the at least one media stream in the predetermined data format and direct the media stream to a selected media player device coupled to the media processor. Furthermore, the media content manager includes a storage device coupled to the media manager and operable to receive and store the at least one media stream in the predetermined data format.

A method, transceiver integrated circuit (IC), and communications device for generating antenna tuning states derived from a pre-established trajectory of tuning states to adjust a detected signal level towards a preset, given value. A tuning state generation (TSG) controller determines whether a detected signal level matches a given value. If the detected signal level does not match the given value, the TSG controller selects an initial preset tuning state from a pre-established trajectory corresponding to a pre-identified operating condition that best matches a current operating condition. The TSG logic forwards the initial preset tuning state to the antenna tuner to trigger impedance transformation. Following generation of the initial preset tuning state, the controller receives an updated detected signal level. If the updated detected signal level fails to match the given value, the controller generates an incremental tuning state that is interpolated between the initial and a final preset tuning states.

A Digital Design Method which may be automated is for obtaining timing closure in the design of large, complex, high-performance digital integrated circuits. The methodincludes the use of a tuner on random logic macros that adjusts transistor sizes in a continuous domain. To accommodate this tuning, logic gates are mapped to parameterized cells for the tuning and then back to fixed gates after the tuning. Tuning is constrained in such a way as to minimize “binning errors” when the design is mapped back to fixed cells. Further, the critical sections of the circuit are marked in order to make the optimization more effective and to fit within the problem-size constraints of the tuner. A specially formulated objective function is employed during the tuning to promote faster global timing convergence, despite possibly incorrect initial timing budgets. The specially formulated objective function targets all paths that are failing timing, with appropriate weighting, rather than just targeting the most critical path. Finally, the addition of multiple threshold voltage gates allows for increased performance while limiting leakage power.

It is determined, in accordance with a signal supplied by a tuner and indicating a signal reception state of the tuner, whether or not signal reception has been performed normally. Then, power supply to the tuner is stopped when it is determined that signal reception has not been performed normally. Further, it is detected whether or not an antenna has been connected to the tuner apparatus. Then, power supply to the tuner is stopped when it is determined that the antenna has not been connected to the tuner apparatus.

A display system that displays a mixture of 2D and 3D video content is provided. A switching mechanism in the display system turns the 2D / 3D mode of different portions of the screen on and off independently and automatically. Any type (2D, 3D, mixed) of video content can be displayed on any part of the screen simultaneously. The switching between different modes (2D, 3D, mixed) is performed automatically according to input control signals received from an internal device, or determined by a 2D / 3D content detector in a computer, set-top-box, and / or cable / satellite tuner / receiver.

A single deck dual tape path videocassette recorder / playback system enabling near simultaneous multiple functions with respect to a broadcast or cable communicated television signal. The system consists of standard elements which allow the receipt of a videocassette, the extracting and return of video tape from and to the videocassette, and the recording of a broadcast or cable communicated signal. The system also consists of two tape path assemblies and a videotape compartment consisting of a tape feed channel, a storage assembly, and a vacuum system. All elements are included within a single housing utilizing a common power supply, tuner, controls, and switching and control circuitry enabling simultaneous multiple functions using both tape paths, as well as additional function selections.

Systems and methods for providing media planners for planning a user's media content viewing activities are provided. The media planner may include an interactive grid of content with scheduled viewing, recording, or reminders set within a user-selectable time window. The media planner may prioritize content within the planner grid and automatically resolve conflicts when the number of available tuners within the user equipment device has been exceeded. Programs matching a user's viewing interests may also be automatically recorded in the user's absence. Coming-soon announcements may be received for programming outside the current program schedule window. Conditional media guidance application functions may be scheduled based on preliminary availability and attribute data associated with a coming-soon asset.

A wireless terminal includes an RF transceiver, an auto tuner, and an antenna. When a remote signal is received at the wireless terminal, the auto tuner is adjusted in accordance with the received signal to optimize OTA performance of the wireless terminal. As further remote signals are received by the wireless terminal, the tuner is readjusted. As a user inputs information to be transmitted, the tuner is also readjusted in accordance with the transmission signals to optimize OTA performance of the wireless terminal, and a best compromise between the TX OTA performance and the RX OTA performance is calculated. Current / temperature information may also be obtained for readjusting the tuner.

A method, transceiver integrated circuit (IC), and communications device for generating antenna tuning states derived from a pre-established trajectory of tuning states to adjust a detected signal level towards a preset, given value. A tuning state generation (TSG) controller determines whether a detected signal level matches a given value. If the detected signal level does not match the given value, the TSG controller selects an initial preset tuning state from a pre-established trajectory corresponding to a pre-identified operating condition that best matches a current operating condition. The TSG logic forwards the initial preset tuning state to the antenna tuner to trigger impedance transformation. Following generation of the initial preset tuning state, the controller receives an updated detected signal level. If the updated detected signal level fails to match the given value, the controller generates an incremental tuning state that is interpolated between the initial and a final preset tuning states.

A highly integrated terrestrial and cable tuner for receiving digital and analog television signals is disclosed. It achieves high performances in sensitivity, image rejection, dynamic range, channel selectivity and power consumption. A major-images rejection converter disclosed rejects third- and fifth-order images. Thus it significantly relaxes RF filter design in a tuner of a single-stage or a first-stage zero-IF / low-IF downconversion architecture. Different architectures and frequency planning are disclosed in accordance with specifications of TV standards to improve the overall performance of the tuner with a different or configurable IF output. The tuner is integrated by using standard processes, with minimal off-chip components excluding SAW and LC filters. Small tuner modules cost less than discrete (can) tuners. They can be used in digital / analog TV sets and portable and handheld TV devices and for mobile-phone TV reception.

The invention provides a laser system (100) wherein the output may be selected from two or more different wavelengths of output laser light. The system (100) comprises a laser capable of having at least two different wavelengths of laser light resonating in the cavity (105) simultaneously. One of the frequencies is generated by a Raman crystal (135) which shifts the frequency of light generated by the lasing medium (125). A tunable non-linear medium (140), such as LBO, is provided in the cavity for selectively frequency converting at least one of the at least two different wavelengths of laser light. The conversion may be SHG, SFG or DFG for example. A tuner (145) is provided to tune the non-linear medium to select the particular wavelength to convert. Temperature tuning or angle tuning of the non-linear medium can be used. A Q switch (130) may also be provided in the cavity. The output laser beam can be used for treatment, detection or diagnosis of a selected area on or in a subject, and can be used in opthalmological and dermatological fields.

An RF tuner tunes received transmission signal to an OFDM signal of a desired wave and converts the same into intermediate frequencies. After digital conversion in an ADC, an OFDM demodulation unit obtains a demodulated-wave symbol signal of the orthogonal frequency signal. A transmission channel distortion estimating unit extracts pilot signals and estimates distortion of a transmission channel. A decision unit compares the distortion of the transmission channel estimated and a reference value stored in a memory, and outputs the result of comparison to the control unit, thereby switching antennas selectively. Thus, the receiver always selects an optimum receiving condition in a manner adaptive to variations in the state of reception of the transmission signal and the characteristics of the receiver such as the modulation method of the transmission signal received.

An apparatus for adjusting the wavelength of a laser capable of lasing at multiple wavelengths by using a single acousto-optical modulator and a pair of optical reflectors inside a laser cavity. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the radio-frequency source to the acousto-optical modulator, undesired wavelengths are suppressed in the laser cavity, leaving appreciable gain only at the desired wavelength.

A personal video recorder (PVR) enables delivery of audio-visual content and associated metadata to storage devices. The PVR is configured to access a plurality of services using a plurality of storage modules. Each storage module is dedicated to a single designated content provider. One or more of the storage modules are removably coupled to the PVR. A disconnected storage module can be reconnected to another PVR different from the PVR from which the storage module was disconnected. Where authorization is required to access content stored on the storage module, authentication is performed each time the removable storage module is reconnected to a PVR.

A method and system for reliably returning to a traffic channel in a wireless communications system having at least one communication channel, after performing E911 GPS or other types of signal measurements is provided. A communications link is established using a device in the communications system configured to establish communication over the communication channel, which also includes a processor and a tuner. Communication is based upon receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal including data frames. The method includes tuning to receive a second RF signal, which action interrupts reception of the first RF signal. Communication over the communication channel is maintained during the interruption. The method also includes processing data frames during the tuning, updating a signal search space associated with the first RF signal during processing, and searching for the first RF signal within the updated search space, so that the first RF signal is then re-acquired.

A method and apparatus for receiving conditional access information (CAI) on one or more of a plurality of tuners while the user is selecting different channels is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving the CAI on a first tuner tuned to a first channel; identifying the first tuner as the tuner receiving the CAI; and commanding the second tuner to receive the CAI after receiving a command to retune the first tuner from the first channel to a second channel.

An LCD for use in a particular region comprises an electronics board within a housing of the LCD, at least one access slot to the electronics board from outside of the housing; and an at least one insertable module which mates with the electronics board through the at least one access slot, wherein the at least one insertable module is configured for a particular region and comprises at least one of a tuner, an extended audio and video connector, and a power supply.

A television (10) for use in a home cinema or surround sound system is provided with an additional audio input (58) for a center audio channel signal from a multi-channel surround sound receiver / amplifier (38). Through system control logic, a control and switching stage (28) within the television couples (72) the televisions internal audio channel signal processing and amplifier stages (GTV,ATV) in parallel to the input (58) when in the surround sound mode, at the same time disabling the audio signal path from the televisions tuner (60) to the audio signal processors (GTV,ATV) and setting (74) the volume level on all channels to a predetermined level to allow volume control (63) from the remote source (38). A home cinema system featuring such a television configuration is also described.

An attention marker can be transmitted to a radio receiver using an out-of-band transmission. One or more watermarks can be inserted in an over-the-air broadcast. A radio can include a tuner for receiving the over-the-air broadcast; an out-of-band receiver to receive substitute media content and the attention marker; memory to store the substitute media content; a user interface to play out media content to a user; and processing circuitry implementing multiple modules such as a marker detection module, a watermark detection module, and a local playout control module. The marker detection module can detect the out-of-band attention marker, and in response to detection of the attention marker trigger or schedule activation / deactivation of the watermark detection module. If the watermark detection module detects a watermark, the substitute content stored in the memory can be played out in place of the broadcast content.

A receiving apparatus receives a broadcast program in a manner convenient for users depending on the content of the broadcast program. A tuner selects a broadcast program that matches the preference of users of respective rooms in a building in which the receiving apparatus is installed on the basis of preference information stored in a memory. Sensors disposed in the respective rooms detect whether the users are present in the respective rooms. A controller controls selectors so as to select displays and speakers located in rooms in which users are present so that the users in the respective rooms can view and / or listen to the program. The receiving apparatus may be applied to a television set or the like.

The invention provides systems and methods for simultaneously recording multiple programs using a single tuner. A content source generates a digital transport multiplex having multiple programs. An interactive television application tunes to the digital transport multiplex using a tuner and simultaneously records the programs. The content source may create a personalized digital transport multiplex having programs requested from one or more interactive television applications.

The tuner is a constituent component for constructing a tunable or switchable spectral filter, including single and multiple stage filters and filters without intermediate polarizer, over a wavelength range. It has elements arranged in cascade along a light beam axis including a dispersive polarization rotator that has its rotation angle ρ(λ) varying as a function of light wavelength λ over the wavelength range, an orientation-sensitive polarizing element and means for rotating the polarizing element or / and varying the rotation angle ρ(λ). The polarization rotator and the polarizing element are arranged in series in the spectral filter along the light beam axis with the polarizing element oriented at a predetermined orientation angle related to the structure of the spectral filter. The tuner is operated by rotating the polarizing element to change its orientation in the filter or / and by changing the rotation angle ρ(λ).

A method and support structure for integrating audio and video components includes integrating a plurality of components having diverse functions, e.g., tuners, media player / recorders, amplifiers and a surround sound unit, into a single supportive enclosure configured as a unitary system rather than one with many boxes or modules requiring additional space. The modules may share a common power supply and heat dissipation components. The enclosure provides a stand to support a video display unit or a television set. A shelf support and an interface are optionally provided for a discrete component such as a cable box. In an alternative embodiment, the enclosure does not support a video display unit but houses a center channel speaker unit in a structure unitary with the enclosure.

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder / players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder / players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.

A broadband tuner includes a tracking filter with calibration to compensate for component errors and drift. The filters use off-die inductors that are preferably within a system-in-package (SIP) with other critical tuner components, which produces a highly integrated tuner front end with high Q filters within a single package. High voltage varactors with a large tuning range can be used for variable capacitors. The integration of the tuner into a SIP allows the tuner design to be optimized for cost and performance while keeping the critical RF layout requirements within the tuner. A configurable tuner front end enables modes for low noise, high linearity, good input return loss (S11) across the entire RF band, and applying a test tone in the calibration mode. The switchable mode enables the tuner to be effective during weak terrestrial reception, strong terrestrial reception, and connection to a cable plant.

A direct conversion tuner down-converts television signals, cable signals, or other signals directly from an RF frequency to an IF frequency and / or baseband, without an intermediate up-conversion step for image rejection. The direct conversion tuner includes a pre-select filter, an amplifier, an image reject mixer, and a poly-phase filter. The pre-select filter, amplifier, and the image reject mixer can be calibrated to provide sufficient image rejection to meet the NTSC requirements for TV signals. The entire direct conversion tuner can be fabricated on a single semiconductor substrate without requiring any off-chip components. The tuner configuration described herein is not limited to processing TV signals, and can be utilized to down-convert other RF signals to an IF frequency or baseband.

A receiver to process a RF input signal having a plurality of channels includes a direct down conversion circuit, a demodulation circuit, and a local oscillator circuit. The direct down conversion circuit provides a downconverted signal based on the RF input signal and a local oscillator signal. The demodulation circuit receives the downconverted signal and provides a demodulated signal. The local oscillator circuit sets a frequency of the local oscillator signal based on a selected channel of the plurality of channels.

A digital broadcast receiver and a one-touch channel setting method are disclosed. In order to set channels, the digital broadcast receiver tunes a tuner corresponding to an applied channel setting value chosen from available channel setting values that are made from combinations of channel setting value factors by referencing a transponder list corresponding to the applied channel setting value, and sets an antenna and a tuner to correspond with the applied channel setting value in accordance with the tuning result. Thus, the antenna and tuner may be set automatically for searching channels.

The invention discloses a high-frequency high-power Ni-Zn base magnetic ferrite material and a manufacturing method thereof. The Ni-Zn base magnetic ferrite material comprises a main ingredient, an ionic substitute ingredient and a compound composite and doped ingredient, wherein the main ingredient comprises Fe2O3, ZnO and the balance of NiO; the ionic substitute ingredient comprises one or more kinds of Co3O4, MnCO3 and CuO containing Co3O4; and the compound composite and doped ingredient comprises 2-3 kinds of V2O5, Bi2O3, Ta2O5, ZrO2, CuO, Nb2O5 and Co3O4. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a Ni-Zn base ferrite main ingredient mixture; (b) preparing a main ingredient pre-sintered material; (c) preparing micro-fine ferrite powder; (d) preparing a raw blank of a magnetic core; and (e) sintering the magnetic core. The invention obtains the Ni-Zn base magnetic ferrite material with high electromagnetic performance, high strength, high frequency and low loss by optimizing the composite design of a formulation and adopting the manufacturing method of the high-frequency high-power Ni-Zn base magnetic ferrite material. The Ni-Zn base magnetic ferrite material is used for high-power equipment of 1-30MHz and used as the magnetic core for a transformer, an inductor, a filter, a tuner, and the like.

An agile RF tuner circuit capable of converting a wide portion of RF signal into an IF signal suitable for analog-to-digital conversion. The circuit up converts a received RF signal to a high IF signal and then down converts the high IF signal to a low IF signal. Embodiments of the RF circuit incorporate harmonic reject mixers to suppress harmonies and intermodulations typically associated with the frequency conversion process.