Patent ID: 8566882
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A satellite television receiver comprising: a set-top box located externally to a display device, wherein the set-top box is configured to receive and demodulate satellite television signals and to output the satellite television signals on the display device, the set-top box comprising: an input module that receives first audio-video content from an external broadcast content source, the input module comprising a tuner operable to receive and tune a satellite television signal; a processor communicatively coupled to the input module that outputs the first audio-video content for presentation on a presentation device; a wireless interface module communicatively coupled to the processor that: utilizes a first satellite antenna to transmit and receive data with a second satellite television receiver, wherein the first satellite antenna includes a first integrated wireless antenna that is operable to communicate with a plurality of satellite television receivers within a first wireless range; discovers the second satellite television receiver within the first wireless range, utilizing the first integrated wireless antenna, wherein the second satellite television receiver comprises a second set-top box located externally to a second display device, wherein the second satellite television receiver includes a second tuner operable to receive and tune a satellite television signal, wherein the second satellite television receiver utilizes a second satellite antenna to transmit and receive data with the satellite television receiver and a third satellite television receiver, wherein the second satellite antenna includes a second integrated wireless antenna that is operable to communicate with a plurality of satellite television receivers within a second wireless range; wherein the second satellite television receiver is in a location that is disparate with respect to the satellite television receiver and the third satellite television receiver, and communicates independently with the external broadcast content source to receive second audio-video content, wherein the second satellite television receiver is within wireless range of the third satellite television receiver, wherein the third satellite television receiver comprises a third set-top box located externally to a third display device, wherein the third satellite television receiver includes a third tuner operable to receive and tune a satellite television signal, wherein the third satellite television receiver utilizes a third satellite antenna to transmit and receive data with the second satellite television receiver, wherein the third satellite antenna includes a third integrated wireless antenna that is operable to communicate with a plurality of satellite television receivers within a third wireless range; wherein the satellite television receiver is out of the third wireless range; establishes a wireless connection with the second satellite television receiver; receives first data and second data from the second satellite television receiver, the first data including information regarding the usage of the second satellite television receiver, and the second data including information regarding the usage of the third satellite television receiver; and a network interface module that transmits the first data and the second data to a data collection system through a communication network, wherein the data collection system is: remotely located relative to the satellite television receiver, the second satellite television receiver, and the third satellite television receiver; and operable to analyze the first data and the second data to identify unauthorized usage; wherein the second satellite television receiver has no direct connectivity to the communication network; and wherein the third satellite television receiver has no direct connectivity to the communication network.