Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.

This disclosure relates to a devices and methods related to satellite information broadcasting. Example embodiments may include frequency shifting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal down-conversion from the microwave-band. As an example, down-conversion involving local oscillators may lead to frequency drift due to varying temperature and/or humidity conditions. Correcting for the frequency drift may provide an opportunity to remove or filter excess bandwidth. Further embodiments may include receiving, in a tuning request, information about a transponder type. A frequency translation module may be adjusted based, at least in part, on the transponder type related to the IF signal being input into the frequency translation module. Such frequency-shifting and transponder-specific filtering may allow Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) devices to provide output signals with narrower bandwidth, which may improve signal quality, cable run length, reduce power demands, etc.

Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

A receiving unit 28 includes a tuner that receives a first signal that may include a satellite signal. A demodulator demodulates the satellite signal to form a second signal. The second signal may be internet protocol (IP) encapsulated to form an IP encapsulated signal. The IP encapsulated signal may be communicated through an IP network to a decoder. The decoder 144 decodes the second signal or the IP encapsulated signal. A modulator 146 modulates the decoded signal which is communicated to user devices through a network 147. In addition, IP encapsulated signals may also be communicated to various user devices through the network.

A control terminal and a method of controlling thereof, include receiving and group setting tasks or steps. The receiving task/step receives a selection of a first device, from among a plurality of devices, and a group setting operation for the first device. The group setting task/step, when the first device was previously selected, receives a first client selection of at least a second device, from among the plurality of devices, as a client, and generates a group setting that includes the first device and the at least the second device.

A control terminal and a method of controlling thereof, include receiving and group setting tasks or steps. The receiving task/step receives a selection of a first device, from among a plurality of devices, and a group setting operation for the first device. The group setting task/step, when the first device was previously selected, receives a first client selection of at least a second device, from among the plurality of devices, as a client, and generates a group setting that includes the first device and the at least the second device.

A media system providing customized media functions at a hospitality establishment includes a first device operable to display a first passkey to a user attempting to activate a media function on a particular media device. The hospitality establishment includes a plurality of media devices installed at a plurality of different locations therein. A second device is operable to receive the first passkey from the user, determine whether the first passkey received from the user matches a second passkey associated with the particular media device, and activate the media function on the particular media device in response to determining that the first passkey received from the user matches the second passkey associated with the particular media device.

A media system providing customized media functions at a hospitality establishment includes a first device operable to display a first passkey to a user attempting to activate a media function on a particular media device. The hospitality establishment includes a plurality of media devices installed at a plurality of different locations therein. A second device is operable to receive the first passkey from the user, determine whether the first passkey received from the user matches a second passkey associated with the particular media device, and activate the media function on the particular media device in response to determining that the first passkey received from the user matches the second passkey associated with the particular media device.

There is provided a cable television (CATV) cable tap device comprising a cable tap unit having a front section with electrical circuitry connected to a plurality of tap ports and a rear section connectable to a broadband network, wherein an amplifier unit is disposed between the front section and the rear section and is in electrical communication with both the front section and the rear section. The amplifier unit is a separate module and comprises one or more amplification circuits for upstream and/or downstream amplification of signals.