Small changes in a broadcast version of a base media item can be identified by performing a multi-level comparison of digital fingerprints. A fingerprint of a base media item is compared to a fingerprint of a media broadcast to determine whether a media item embedded in a broadcast is likely, to a first level of certainty, to be the base media item. A second, more stringent, match between the fingerprint of the base media item and loosely matched items can be used to identify potentially-altered versions of the base media item. Potentially-altered versions can be compared against each other, and resulting matches are flagged as altered base media items, which can be fingerprinted and tested against broadcast fingerprints in the same manner as the base media item.

Small changes in a broadcast version of a base media item can be identified by performing a multi-level comparison of digital fingerprints. A fingerprint of a base media item is compared to a fingerprint of a media broadcast to determine whether a media item embedded in a broadcast is likely, to a first level of certainty, to be the base media item. A second, more stringent, match between the fingerprint of the base media item and loosely matched items can be used to identify potentially-altered versions of the base media item. Potentially-altered versions can be compared against each other, and resulting matches are flagged as altered base media items, which can be fingerprinted and tested against broadcast fingerprints in the same manner as the base media item.

A transmitter is configured to transmit data to a receiver over a communications network. The transmitter includes a memory for storing computer-executable instructions and a processor in operable communication with the memory. The processor is configured to (i) collect spectrum data of a spectral band over a first sampling interval, and (ii) store the collected spectrum data in the memory. The transmitter further includes a common path distortion (CPD) detection unit configured to (i) sample the collected spectrum data, over a second sampling interval less than the first sampling interval, for a plurality of sub-bands within the spectral band, (ii) analyze the spectral band and each sub-band for indications of common path distortion, and (iii) inject a test signal configured for detection at a headend of the communications network. The transmitter further includes a modem portion configured to operably communicate with the headend and the receiver.

A method for determining the magnitude of leakage in a subscriber's premises CATV installation; a frequency multiplexer for coupling between an antenna and a receiver for the multiplexed frequencies; and, a method for a technician to certify a CATV subscriber's premises for the provision of CATV services are disclosed.

A method for determining the magnitude of leakage in a subscriber's premises CATV installation; a frequency multiplexer for coupling between an antenna and a receiver for the multiplexed frequencies; and, a method for a technician to certify a CATV subscriber's premises for the provision of CATV services are disclosed.

Embodiments disclose systems and methods for testing and determining outages of communication systems. A server can receive signal-reception-related information from set-top boxes (STBs) in a particular geographical region, where a STB: receives signals having a predefined pattern, generates a comparison of the predefined pattern to reference patterns stored on the STB, generates the signal-reception-related information based on the comparison, and sends the signal-reception-related information. The server can determine an outage status for the particular geographical region based on the signal-reception-related information. The server can generate an output based on the outage status. The output is configured to provide information related to the outage status of the particular geographical region and information for possible responses related to the outage status. The server can send the output.

Embodiments disclose systems and methods for testing and determining outages of communication systems. A server can receive signal-reception-related information from set-top boxes (STBs) in a particular geographical region, where a STB: receives signals having a predefined pattern, generates a comparison of the predefined pattern to reference patterns stored on the STB, generates the signal-reception-related information based on the comparison, and sends the signal-reception-related information. The server can determine an outage status for the particular geographical region based on the signal-reception-related information. The server can generate an output based on the outage status. The output is configured to provide information related to the outage status of the particular geographical region and information for possible responses related to the outage status. The server can send the output.

Methods for locating noise in a CATV system are disclosed. The methods may use a probe or instrument configured to be coupled to a port of the CATV system. The probe may be operable to selectively filter signals in the CATV system to suppress the frequencies at which noise may be present in the CATV system. In some embodiments, the methods may also use a signal level meter, and the probe may be configured to be coupled to the signal level meter to detect and locate noise in the CATV system.

Methods for locating noise in a CATV system are disclosed. The methods may use a probe or instrument configured to be coupled to a port of the CATV system. The probe may be operable to selectively filter signals in the CATV system to suppress the frequencies at which noise may be present in the CATV system. In some embodiments, the methods may also use a signal level meter, and the probe may be configured to be coupled to the signal level meter to detect and locate noise in the CATV system.

A communicator in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a connector, a communication circuit, and a communication controller. The connector is electrically coupled to an electric working machine. The communication circuit performs wireless communication. The communication controller cyclically transmits operational information without specifying a recipient via the communication circuit in response to an operating mode of the communication controller being set to an operation-transmission mode. The operational information indicates an operating state of the electric working machine.