Patent ID: 7577971
Filing Date: 2009-08-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An emergency alert signaling method for use by a cable TV system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether a minor details channel number included in an emergency alert message is set to a null value, the emergency alert message being included in a cable signal and a minor details channel number defining a service within a group of services defined by a major details channel number in a two-part channel number; (b) configuring a first details channel number based on a major details channel number included in the emergency alert message when the minor details channel number is set to the null value; (c) determining whether the first details channel number exists in a digital channel number list including channel numbers of a list of viewable digital channels; and (d) tuning to a channel frequency of a digital cable channel corresponding to the first details channel number when the first details channel number exists in the digital channel number list.