A network cooperation-based low power type charged broadcasting set-top box and a controlling method therefor, the set-top box sub-dividing a standby mode of the set-top box into an active standby mode, in which only background functions are processed without processing a main function, and a passive standby mode, in which no functions are processed; extending the passive standby mode occupation time to more than that of the active standby mode; and including a way of transitioning between operating modes by exchanging information regarding the set-top box through an inter-cooperation between a charged broadcasting network and the set-top box, thereby reducing the power consumption of a processor (SoC) which processes multimedia contents and minimizing the power consumption while the set-top box is in standby mode.

A method and a system relates to a cellular-network assisted Pay-Per-View (PPV). An issue arises in reconciling PPV purchase balance data when a Set-top Box (STB) lacks a communication link to the PPV headend server. The present disclosure addresses the issue by using a mobile computing device for delivering the PPV balance data from the STB to the PPV headend server over a cellular-network. The mobile computing device receives the PPV balance data from the Conditional Access Module (CAM) on STB through near-field communications. The mobile computing device, when it is moved to inside a service coverage area of a cellular or Wi-Fi-network, transmits the PPV balance data to the PPV headend server. The PPV headend server updates the PPV balance data and transmits the updated PPV balance data to the CAM on STB via the satellite broadcasting network.

Devices, systems, and processes for facilitating seamless use of tuners across multiple devices within a LAN are described and may include use of a first user device, communicatively coupled to the LAN, that includes a first hardware processor configured to execute first, non-transient, computer instructions for facilitating a first seamless tuner engine configured to identify at least one first tuner. A second user device, communicatively coupled to the LAN, may include a second hardware processor configured to execute second, non-transient, computer instructions for facilitating a second seamless tuner configured to identify at least one second tuner. At least one of, if not each, of seamless tuner engines may be configured to generate a universal tuner directory identifying availability of each the tuners. The universal tuner directory may be populated and tuners allocated based upon an emergency broadcast, auto-tune, PPV, original content, re-run, or Joey request type.

In some embodiments, a subscription to a collection of content services and/or applications enables a user to access content through a plurality of content services. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates a process to subscribe to a collection of content services and/or applications. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates a process to unsubscribe from a collection of content services and/or applications.

Provided is an image display device including: a communication unit configured to receive, from a control device, a control command for controlling an operation of the image display device; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the one or more instructions to: receive first user information about a first user corresponding to a user of the control device and authentication state information representing a user authentication state in the control device; when the control command includes an operation request that requires authentication, perform the authentication based on the first user information, the authentication state information, and second user information about a second user corresponding to a user of the image display device; and perform the operation in response to the control command.

Devices, systems, and processes are described for seamless use of timers across multiple user devices on a LAN. A system may include a first user device, communicatively coupled to the LAN, having at least one first tuner and a first hardware processor configured for facilitating a first timer manager. A second user device communicatively coupled to the LAN may include at least one second tuner and a second hardware processor configured for facilitating a second timer manager. Each of the first timer manager and the second timer manager may be configured to populate a universal timer schedule that identifies at least one of a future availability and a future use for each of the at least one first tuner and the at least one second tuner. The universal timer schedule is populated based upon a request type, such as an auto-tune, PPV, original content, re-run, and a Joey request type.

A digital system including virtual seating, includes at least hardware, software, data storage and a network for interconnecting the system. The digital system includes a user device including an application facilitating selection of a virtual seat corresponding to a physical seat at an event venue. The virtual seat has a seat position and a unique perspective relative to the event venue. The user device displays a 360° view of the stadium from the unique perspective relative to the event venue. The user device, after selection of the virtual seat, receives and displays live stream audio and video corresponding to the seat position and unique perspective.

The disclosure generally relates to a method for accessing media content, said method being used in a receiver (10). The method comprises a preparation phase and a use phase. The preparation phase comprises the steps of obtaining, by said receiver (10), a catalog of media content items, each media content item corresponding to a media content and comprising at least an item description and an item identification data and storing said catalog of media content items in a local database in a memory (13) of the receiver (10). The use phase comprises the steps of accessing, by a mobile display device (11), said catalog of media content items through a local communication channel (16); displaying at least a part of the catalog of media content items on the mobile display device (11); selecting, by said mobile display device (11), at least one media content item displayed on the mobile display device; transmitting, by said mobile display device (11), a request to a content provider (12), the request comprising the item identification data corresponding to said selected media content item and additional data allowing for the receiver (10) to be identified, said transmission using a first remote communication channel (17) distinct from said local communication channel (16); and obtaining by the receiver (10), the media content corresponding to the media content item identified by the identification data contained in said request. The disclosure further relates to a receiver (10) and a mobile display device (11) for implementing the above described method and a system comprising at least said receiver and said mobile display device.

A media system includes a plurality of set-top boxes coupled to a coax network and a controller. The controller displays a first passkey to a user in response to receiving a request from the user to activate playback of a media content on a particular set-top box. The set-top box receives the first passkey from the user and determines whether the user is authorized to activate playback of the media content by comparing the first passkey received from the user with a second passkey obtained from a passkey module on the set-top box. When the user is determined by the set-top box to be authorized to activate playback of the media content, the set-top box determines a radio frequency channel of the coax network according to the first passkey received from the user and begins playback of the media content received on the radio frequency channel on a display device.

Mechanisms for presenting media content items using multiple devices are provided. In some embodiments, methods for presenting media content are provided that include: detecting an offer to initiate a purchase of a content item being presented using the media device, wherein the media device has not been authenticated with a content service that provides the content item; in response to detecting the offer to initiate the purchase of the content item when the media device has not been authenticated with the content service that provides the content item, causing the media device to be discoverable by one or more mobile devices that are connected to a same local area network as the media device; encoding offer data corresponding to the detected offer to initiate the purchase of the content item; in response to receiving a status request from a mobile device that is connected to the same local area network as the media device, transmitting the encoded offer data associated with the purchase of the content item to the mobile device, wherein the encoded offer data causes a payment user interface to be presented on the mobile device; receiving a cast request from the mobile device to cast the content item on the media device; and in response to the cast request, executing a receiver application on the media device that accepts the cast request from the mobile device and causes the content item to be presented using the media device.