Hardware decoding of media streams from multiple sources
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A set top box (STB) for decoding media streams from multiple sources, the STB comprising:
- a processor;
a hardware decoder, coupled to the processor, for decoding media streams;
a first stream receiver configured to receive a media stream from a first source;
a second stream receiver configured to receive a media stream from a second source; and
a stream selector having first and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the first stream receiver, the second input coupled to the second stream receiver, and the output coupled to the hardware decoder, wherein the stream selector is configured to selectively direct one of the media streams to the hardware decoder under control of the processor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Digital media streams are received by a cable set top box (STB) from multiple sources, such as cable television and IP (Internet Protocol) sources. The STB includes a standard video tuner and a demodulator/demultiplexer for receiving an encoded media stream from a cable television source. In addition, the STB includes a modem device and CPU for receiving an encoded media stream from an IP source. The STB further includes a stream selector, which selectively receives an encoded media stream from either (1) the video tuner and demodulator/demultiplexer or (2) the modem device and CPU, for transmission to a hardware-based decoder.
121 Citations
41 Claims
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1. A set top box (STB) for decoding media streams from multiple sources, the STB comprising:
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a processor;
a hardware decoder, coupled to the processor, for decoding media streams;
a first stream receiver configured to receive a media stream from a first source;
a second stream receiver configured to receive a media stream from a second source; and
a stream selector having first and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the first stream receiver, the second input coupled to the second stream receiver, and the output coupled to the hardware decoder, wherein the stream selector is configured to selectively direct one of the media streams to the hardware decoder under control of the processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method in a set top box (STB) for decoding media streams from multiple sources, the STB comprising a hardware decoder and a processor, the method comprising:
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receiving a first media stream from a first source;
receiving a second media stream from a second source;
using a stream selector, under control of the processor, to selectively direct one of the media streams to the hardware decoder for decoding. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A companion device for enhancing a set top box for an entertainment system, the companion device comprising:
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a processor;
a hardware decoder, coupled to the processor, for decoding media streams;
a first stream receiver, coupled to the set top box, for receiving a media stream therefrom;
a second stream receiver for receiving a media stream from an alternative source; and
a stream selector having first and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the first stream receiver, the second input coupled to the second stream receiver, and the output coupled to the hardware decoder, wherein the stream selector is configured to selectively direct one of the media streams to the hardware decoder under control of the processor. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A set top box (STB) for decoding media streams from multiple sources, the STB comprising:
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processing means;
means, coupled to the processing means, for decoding media streams;
means for receiving a media stream from a first source;
means for receiving a media stream from a second source; and
stream selection means having first and second inputs and an output, the first input coupled to the means for receiving a media stream from the first source, the second input coupled to the means for receiving a media stream from a second source, and the output coupled to the decoding means, wherein the stream selection means are configured to selectively direct one of the media streams to the decoding means under control of the processing means.
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31. A multimedia communications apparatus comprising:
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a receiver for receiving a video signal and a streaming media signal from a multimedia communications network;
a first processing path coupled to the receiving device for tuning to the video signal;
a second processing path coupled to the receiving device for demodulating the streaming media signal;
a selector for selecting between an output of the first processing path and an output of the second processing path; and
a decoder for decoding selected output from the selector. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A multimedia communications apparatus comprising:
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a receiver for receiving a video signal and a streaming media signal from a multimedia communications network;
a first processing path coupled to the receiving device for tuning to the video signal;
a second processing path coupled to the receiving device for demodulating the streaming media signal;
a first decoder for decoding output from the first processing path; and
a second decoder for decoding output from the second processing path. - View Dependent Claims (41)
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Specification