NETWORKABLE DECODER
First Claim
1. A network including a headend, the network serving a geographical area, the network including at least one source for providing a first signal related to a current or predicted condition of the geographic area, a decoder for decoding the first signal, the decoder transmitting the decoded first signal across the network, an encoder for receiving the decoded first signal and generating a second signal for transmitting across the network to user apparatus in the geographic area for reproduction by the user apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for delivering a decoded first signal related to a current or predicted condition of a geographic area across a network serving the geographical area to user apparatus. The network includes a headend, at least one source for providing an undecoded first signal related to the current or predicted condition of the geographic area, at least one decoder and at least one encoder. The method comprises decoding the first signal, transmitting the decoded first signal across the network, receiving the decoded first signal and generating a second signal for transmitting across the network to user apparatus in the geographic area. The apparatus and methods permit the collection of information, bringing of the information to a common point, decoding of the information if necessary, and distribution of the information to the appropriate address(es) on the network to which data can be addressed, received, assembled and displayed or played back. Networks of this type include, for example, CATV (cable) systems and IPTV.
31 Citations
42 Claims
- 1. A network including a headend, the network serving a geographical area, the network including at least one source for providing a first signal related to a current or predicted condition of the geographic area, a decoder for decoding the first signal, the decoder transmitting the decoded first signal across the network, an encoder for receiving the decoded first signal and generating a second signal for transmitting across the network to user apparatus in the geographic area for reproduction by the user apparatus.
- 19. A method of delivering a decoded first signal related to a current or predicted condition of a geographic area across a network serving the geographical area to user apparatus, the network including a headend, at least one source for providing an undecoded first signal related to the current or predicted condition of the geographic area, the method comprising decoding the first signal, transmitting the decoded first signal across the network, receiving the decoded first signal and generating a second signal for transmitting across the network to user apparatus in the geographic area and reproducing the second signal on the user apparatus.
- 37. A device including an input port for receiving Emergency Alert System (EAS)-formatted information, the device translating the EAS-formatted information to a second format, the device including an output port at which the information translated into the second format is provided.
Specification