A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) having a gateway configured to output signals on over data tunnels for transfer over a cable network to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). Each data tunnel is preferably characterized as a one-way data stream of out-of-band (OOB) messaging signals.

A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) having a gateway configured to output signals on over data tunnels for transfer over a cable network to Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). Each data tunnel is preferably characterized as a one-way data stream of out-of-band (OOB) messaging signals.

Provided is a mobile information terminal that performs data transmission and reception, the data transmission and reception including video data reception. The mobile information terminal includes a communication management execution module that obtains a communication amount of data transmitted and received by the mobile information terminal in a predetermined period, and a remote viewing execution module that compares the obtained communication amount to a preset predetermined value and makes an image quality of the video data selectable according to a relationship between the obtained communication amount and the predetermined value.

Provided is a mobile information terminal that performs data transmission and reception, the data transmission and reception including video data reception. The mobile information terminal includes a communication management execution module that obtains a communication amount of data transmitted and received by the mobile information terminal in a predetermined period, and a remote viewing execution module that compares the obtained communication amount to a preset predetermined value and makes an image quality of the video data selectable according to a relationship between the obtained communication amount and the predetermined value.

Improved technical functionality is provided to dynamically select and seamlessly play advertisements immediately before playing of a recorded program upon selection of the recorded program for playing, or upon other detected events and conditions associated with the set-top-box (STB) or user. In some embodiments, this is performed by using metadata which may be delivered to and stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) prior to recording the program, providing a technical solution to enable opportunities for additional advertisement impressions. Playing of the advertisement may also or instead occur upon the recorded program finishing playing. Thus, the technical solution provides the additional opportunity for the content creator and/or the satellite television or cable service provider to sell advertising spots in addition to those already sold for breaks within the recorded program.

A set-top box (STB), digital video recorder (DVR), video player or other host device receives and interacts with a transcode module to provide enhanced transcoding capabilities that may be useful in placeshifting or other applications. The transcode module includes a host interface that couples to and communicates with the host device. The transcode module also includes a processor that receives an encrypted media stream from the host device via the bus interface, decrypts the encrypted media stream, transcodes the encrypted media stream to a different format, re-encrypts the transcoded stream, and provides the re-encrypted media stream to the host device via the host interface. The transcoded media content may be placeshifted to a remote player, stored at the host, or used for any other purpose.

A set-top box (STB), digital video recorder (DVR), video player or other host device receives and interacts with a transcode module to provide enhanced transcoding capabilities that may be useful in placeshifting or other applications. The transcode module includes a host interface that couples to and communicates with the host device. The transcode module also includes a processor that receives an encrypted media stream from the host device via the bus interface, decrypts the encrypted media stream, transcodes the encrypted media stream to a different format, re-encrypts the transcoded stream, and provides the re-encrypted media stream to the host device via the host interface. The transcoded media content may be placeshifted to a remote player, stored at the host, or used for any other purpose.

A first playback device, while operating in a first media playback system, receives from a computing device over a WAN an indication that a second playback device operating in a second media playback system has initiated sharing of a playback session. The first playback device transmits a request to join the playback session, and then receives, from the computing device over the WAN, playback session information including indications of (i) one or more media items in a queue designated for playback by the second playback device and (ii) a playback position of the second playback device within the one or more media items. The first playback device retrieves, from a media service, the one or more media items in the queue designated for playback by the second playback device. The first playback device then plays back the one or more media items beginning at the playback position.

A system and method for creating and sharing synchronized video control data for sexual stimulation devices that allows for automated synchronization with any video of sexual activity and allows for comprehensive personalization and customization of the video selection, synchronization, and sharing experience based on the user's preferences and biometric data.

A system and method for controlling media devices over telecommunication networks is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the system and method utilize cellular telecommunication networks. The present system and method allows a user to control and, in some instances, unify a multitude of devices over the telecommunication network. Through telecommunication networks, such as cellular networks, media and entertainment can be shared between multiple devices.