Home network system which supports legacy digital set top box devices
First Claim
1. A system for distributing content to a set-top box connected to a home distribution network, the system comprising:
- a home media server connected to said home distribution network;
a reflector; and
an entry point device having entry terminal for connection to a cable network, a first output terminal for connection to said home distribution network and a second output terminal for connection to said reflector, wherein said content is sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, wherein said content sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, is distributed over said home distribution network, and wherein said content sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, is playable by said set-top box.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A home content distribution solution that provides distribution capabilities between a Home Media Server (HMS) and remote units, such as a thin Client stand-alone box or an existing legacy digital set-top box (STB). The invention permits combined video and data home networking while leveraging the numbers of already deployed digital set-top boxes. Embodiments of the system and methods are employed to distribute content to a set-top box connected to a home distribution network, which preferably includes a home media server connected to the home distribution network; a reflector, and; an entry point device having entry terminal for connection to an external cable network, a first output terminal for connection to the home distribution network and a second output terminal for connection to the reflector. Content is typically obtained from both the home media server and the cable network and distributed over the home distribution network. The content obtained from both the home media server and the cable network is displayable by an analog television connected to the set-top box.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for distributing content to a set-top box connected to a home distribution network, the system comprising:
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a home media server connected to said home distribution network;
a reflector; and
an entry point device having entry terminal for connection to a cable network, a first output terminal for connection to said home distribution network and a second output terminal for connection to said reflector, wherein said content is sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, wherein said content sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, is distributed over said home distribution network, and wherein said content sourced from both said home media server and said cable network, is playable by said set-top box. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for distributing content from a cable network and a home media server to a set-top box connected to a home distribution network, the method comprising the steps of:
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passing content carried by a first predetermined frequency band from said cable network to said set-top box over said home distribution network;
passing control signals carried by a second predetermined frequency band from said set-top box to said home media server over said home distribution network; and
passing content carried by a third predetermined frequency band from said home media server to said set-top box over said home distribution network. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification