Patent ID: 9338503
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: H04N

Claim Text:
1. A decoding apparatus comprising: a decoder for decoding programs in a first encoded format; a first output that outputs a control signal that, when coupled to a compatible set-top box that is capable of decoding programs in a second encoded format but incapable of decoding programs in the first encoded format, identifies the decoding apparatus to the compatible set-top box as a slave decoder; a first input that receives from the compatible set-top box a demodulated transport stream that includes a desired encoded program in the first encoded format; wherein the decoder decodes the desired encoded program in the first encoded format into content; a second input, not necessarily different from the first input, for receiving graphics from the compatible set-top box, wherein the decoding apparatus also can receive control signals from the compatible set-top box that indicate that the graphics are to be overlaid on the content and that indicate how to perform the overlay, an overlay circuit that, when overlay graphics and control signals are received, overlays the graphics on the content in accordance with the control signals to generate overlaid content; and a second output that outputs the content, overlaid by the graphics when the graphics are received, to a display device.