A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may allow execution of ETMP scripts that specify remote control commands to send to a desired plurality of multimedia handling devices representing emulated MCDN clients. The ETMP scripts may be manually or automatically initiated and may be configured with execution parameters specifying, among other aspects, a number of iterations to repeat. Results recorded when the ETMP script executes may be retrieved and used to generate reports.

An apparatus and method for providing operational status for multiple communication networks is described. The apparatus includes a first transceiver circuit configured to communicate with first devices using a first communication network medium and including a visual indicator representing the status of communication, a second transceiver circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of second devices using a second communication network medium, and a controller determining the status of communication between the apparatus and the plurality of second devices and providing the status to the visual indicator. The method includes determining if a device is operating in a first communication network, determining if the device is operating in a second communication network, and displaying a visual indication that the device is operating in the first communication network using a visual indicator on the device, the visual indicator being shared by the first communication network and the second communication network.

An apparatus and method for providing operational status for multiple communication networks is described. The apparatus includes a first transceiver circuit configured to communicate with first devices using a first communication network medium and including a visual indicator representing the status of communication, a second transceiver circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of second devices using a second communication network medium, and a controller determining the status of communication between the apparatus and the plurality of second devices and providing the status to the visual indicator. The method includes determining if a device is operating in a first communication network, determining if the device is operating in a second communication network, and displaying a visual indication that the device is operating in the first communication network using a visual indicator on the device, the visual indicator being shared by the first communication network and the second communication network.

A system which synchronizes audio and video, that uses a sensor sensing the display of video and audio from an external device. The sensor creates timestamps for each of the video and audio, and then calculates a difference between those timestamps. The differences sent to the external device which then compensates for the difference.

The present application relates to set top boxes and relates to the inclusion of a diagnostic function in the set top box which may be activated remotely or respond internally to the detection of faults or changes in status. The diagnostic function may emulate key presses from an infrared remote control to perform a test.

The present application relates to set top boxes and relates to the inclusion of a diagnostic function in the set top box which may be activated remotely or respond internally to the detection of faults or changes in status. The diagnostic function may emulate key presses from an infrared remote control to perform a test.

A marker generating method is provided for facilitating the finding of positions which correspond to one another among a plurality of images associated with a video signal. A position within an image (800) associated with a video signal is selected, with a cursor (802, 804) to display a marker (812, 822-826) at a position corresponding to the selected position, in a different image (810, 820) associated with the video signal.

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.

Technologies are described herein for enabling the automated testing of remote control units by providing a suitable test station. The test station includes features that allow it to interact with the remote control units inputs, such as buttons and microphone, and outputs, such as IR and RF remote control codes, status LEDs, and audio output. The test station may be controlled by a controller that executes test scripts or other routines that exercise the functionality of the remote control unit as desired.