As an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information terminal comprising: an input/output part for performing input and output with respect to an image storage device for storing image information captured by an imaging terminal; a storage part for associating and storing image identification information for identifying the image information, summary image information that includes less information than the image information, and device identification information for identifying the image storage device; and a display part; wherein the device identification information stored in the storage part is displayed by the display part, the summary image information that is associated with device identification information selected from the device identification information displayed by the display part is displayed by the display part, and the image information associated with the summary image information selected from the summary image information displayed by the display part is displayed by the display part.

Apparatus and methods for provisioning of customer premise equipment (CPE) equipped with a secure microprocessor to receive e.g., digital video content by entering unique identification of the CPE at one or more servers located at the headend or other location of a content-based network. In one embodiment, the CPE comprises a download-enabled (e.g., DCAS) host with embedded cable modem and embedded set-top box functionality, and the provisioning includes enabling DOCSIS functionality of the CPE, assigning an IP address to the CPE and providing the CPE with a client image for the conditional access system chosen by the network operator. In one variant, the network operator can deactivate a provisioned device while connected to the network, as well when disconnected from the network. The network operator can also add, delete or replace conditional access client image in a provisioned device.

A method of setting user viewing conditions of a video display apparatus including detecting a peripheral terminal via a wireless communication; determining whether the detected terminal is registered by receiving address information of the detected terminal; confirming a viewer rating of the detected terminal, if the detected terminal is registered; comparing the viewer rating of the detected terminal user profile with the viewer rating of a preset user profile, if the viewer rating of the detected terminal is confirmed; loading the detected user profile of the terminal, if the viewer rating of the detected terminal user profile is lower than the viewer rating of a preset user profile; and setting user viewing conditions based on the loaded user profile.

A dongle is configured to connect to a set top box. The dongle includes a memory for storing data, such as callback data files, and a wireless communication module for forwarding the stored data to an access point, for delivery to a television service provider head end. The dongle can also receive information to be provided to the set top box. Authentication and authorization of the dongle ensure only authenticated and authorized devices can access the system. A communication technology is used that allows for a large coverage area and simultaneous communication with many set top boxes.

The invention prevents intercepted keys from being used in unauthorized whitebox descrambler modules for the decryption of a ciphertext. Hereto a receiver with a personalized whitebox descrambler is proposed, whereby a part of the descrambling operation of the personalized descrambler is performed in a preprocessing module external to the descrambler.

A video pushing method, a video pushing apparatus, and a video pushing system that recommend video to a user more precisely are described. An identity of a terminal device is received. User information associated with the identity is acquired where the user information includes personal information of a user and a viewing history of the user. Video content is selected according to the user information, and the selected video content is pushed to a smart television. The smart television plays video according to the video content. Further, a current user may be automatically identified according to an identity of a terminal device. Video content is selected for the user according to the user information, and the video content is pushed to a smart television and played. In this way, video content can be recommended to the user more precisely.

A control method implemented by a smart device is provided. The method includes: receiving control data sent by a terminal device. The control data contains a control instruction and signature data. The signature data was sent by a server to the terminal device. The method further includes verifying the signature data and if the verification is passed, causing the smart device to perform an operation corresponding to the control instruction.

Apparatus and methods are provided to implement a technique for using a second display with a content playback device. In one implementation, this feature allows users to easily return to a recently-accessed service when browsing on a second display. The most recent service may appear at the top of the list. Such systems and methods may be particularly advantageous when a user normally only visits a few services in an entire list of available services on a regular basis. The recently-accessed service may be specific to the user account, a user profile within the user account, the second display, or the content playback device. In some implementations, the second display may be a smart phone that can often be found beside the user, a laptop or tablet PC, or the like.

A method includes obtaining an association of a client device with the secondary device. The method further includes identifying a triggering event related to an operation of the secondary device. The method also includes responsive to identifying the triggering event, sending, by the secondary device via a network, a message to the client device with a request for information related to the operation of the secondary device. The client device may have a client device interface configured to present the message and to receive input pertaining to the message. The method includes receiving, via a network, input pertaining to the information from the client device. The method further includes configuring the secondary device to perform the operation at the secondary device using the input received from the client device.

An audio output system comprising: a key device including a communication tag; a main device configured to store a first playlist and to output audio content related to the communication tag based on the first playlist; a server configured to store a second playlist and to manage the first playlist based on the second playlist; and a user device configured to update the second playlist by accessing the second playlist, wherein if the second playlist is updated, the server provides a playlist update message to the main device, and wherein the main device updates the first playlist by comparing the first playlist and the updated second playlist with each other.