Methods and the systems for providing an interactive, program based product introduction experience are described. In one example, video content may be captured, enriched with product data, and provided on-demand to interactive user devices. Users viewing the content may be presented with supplemental information or resources allowing those users to obtain more information about objects appearing in the video, or purchase products that may be a sociopathic with those objects. The objects appearing in the video may be passively up hearing, rather than explicitly introduced or offered for sale as part of the original video content. However, the supplemental information allows such users to discover and/or purchase new products through interactivity with the video content.

There is a problem that video data cannot be relayed from a transmission device having an HDMI connector to a receiving device having a USB Type-C connector. In order to solve the above problem, each of a receiving device having an HDMI reception function unit and a relay device, such as a conversion cable for relaying video data from a transmission device, is made to have a function of determining the other devices. By performing switching of a terminator or a protection element between valid and invalid or performing signal connection switching based on the determination result of the function unit, the above problem can be solved. In addition, it is also possible to realize reverse insertion connection for reversing the video data transmission direction of the relay device.

Methods and apparatus for selectively enforcing required insertion or viewing of secondary content, such as advertisements or promotions, in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network is a managed network (e.g., cable television, satellite, or the like), and the method includes identifying secondary content with a particular attribute or property (e.g., an advertisement that a user has watched before), and selectively enabling one or more “trick mode” functions relating to that secondary content. In one implementation, audio codes or watermarks are inserted into the secondary content and detected when the content is accessed or rendered; if the detected content matches a database or listing of previously played content for that user or premises, the trick mode functionality (e.g., FF or “skip”) is enabled, thereby allowing the user to bypass the content.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a gimbal assembly is described for use with an image capturing device. The gimbal assembly includes a motor assembly, a first housing defining an internal compartment that is configured and dimensioned to receive the motor assembly, and a second housing that is mechanically connected to the motor assembly such that actuation of the motor assembly causes relative rotation between the first and second housings. The first housing includes a first guide that is configured and dimensioned to support transmission media adapted to communicate electrical and/or digital signals. The second housing defines a channel that is configured and dimensioned to receive the first guide such that the first guide extends into the second housing through the channel. The transmission media is supported on the first guide such that the first guide routes the transmission media from the first housing into the second housing.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a gimbal assembly is described for use with an image capturing device. The gimbal assembly includes a motor assembly, a first housing defining an internal compartment that is configured and dimensioned to receive the motor assembly, and a second housing that is mechanically connected to the motor assembly such that actuation of the motor assembly causes relative rotation between the first and second housings. The first housing includes a first guide that is configured and dimensioned to support transmission media adapted to communicate electrical and/or digital signals. The second housing defines a channel that is configured and dimensioned to receive the first guide such that the first guide extends into the second housing through the channel. The transmission media is supported on the first guide such that the first guide routes the transmission media from the first housing into the second housing.

An entry adapter configured to communicate cable television (CATV) signals from a CATV network to one or more network devices and to communicate Multi-Media over Coaxial Alliance (MoCA) signals with a MoCA server, the entry adapter including one or more MoCA ports, and a signal combination device configured to direct the CATV signals toward one or more access ports without substantial attenuation, to substantially attenuate the CATV signals directed toward the one or more MoCA ports, to pass the MoCA signals from the one or more MoCA ports to the one or more access ports, and to pass the MoCA signals from the one or more access ports to the one or more MoCA ports.

A method for automatic selection of video sequences to fill a break in a broadcasted program, including determining an estimated duration of the break (b.sub.i) and selecting from a collection of videos, such as advertisements, a sequence of videos to be played out. The sequence has a second duration which is shorter than the estimated duration and the selection depends on broadcast priority criteria associated with at least some of said videos. The method also includes broadcasting the sequence of videos and broadcasting a fill-in video signal until the end of the break.

A Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) gateway splitter that includes a directional coupler (including a first transmission path and a second transmission path), a gateway port and a cable television (CATV) input port each electrically connected to the first transmission path, and a MoCA port electrically connected to the second transmission path such that the MoCA port is isolated from the CATV input port and coupled to the gateway port. Multiple MoCA ports may be electrically connected to the second transmission path (e.g., via a resistive splitter). The second transmission path may be electrically connected to ground. The MoCA gateway splitter may include multiple (e.g., two or three) gateway ports, each electrically connected to the CATV input port via a directional coupler (and, e.g., one or more hybrid splitters). In those embodiments, each directional coupler may be electrically connected to the MoCA port(s), for example, via a common microstrip node.

Techniques are provided herein for secure display device communications. In one example, a video communications device provides, to a display device over a first connection, communication information that enables the display device to contact a server over a second connection. The video communications device further provides, to the display device over the first connection, a command configured to initiate an interaction with the server. The server obtains, from the display device over the second connection, a message initiating the interaction in response to the command based on the communication information.

Techniques are provided herein for secure display device communications. In one example, a video communications device provides, to a display device over a first connection, communication information that enables the display device to contact a server over a second connection. The video communications device further provides, to the display device over the first connection, a command configured to initiate an interaction with the server. The server obtains, from the display device over the second connection, a message initiating the interaction in response to the command based on the communication information.