Abstract:
A method of managing bandwidth usage at a customer premises includes receiving a content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device. The method also includes receiving a power-off command for the display device. Furthermore, the method includes displaying a prompt on the display device, wherein the prompt comprises an instruction to confirm that the display device is active via a confirmation input. The method further includes directing, responsive to the determining that the confirmation input has not been received, a source device to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/609,043, filed Jan. 29, 2015, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/625,399, filed Sep. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,079, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/274,907 filed Nov. 20, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,302,145 which issued on Oct. 30, 2012, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to communications networks, and more particularly relates to managing a content stream. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Telecommunications service providers can offer an array of services to customers. A single service provider can provide telecommunications services including Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services, telephone services and Internet services over a broadband data connection to a customer premises. Each service requires a portion of the total bandwidth available over the data connection. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. 
           [0005]    Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings presented herein, in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a system to manage a content stream; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating another particular embodiment of a system to manage a content stream; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an additional embodiment of a system to manage a content stream; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a method of managing a content stream; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating another particular embodiment of a method of managing a content stream; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of an external power interface that can be used in conjunction with a system to manage a content stream; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a system to manage a content stream; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a system to manage a content stream; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a general computer system. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that this class of embodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed systems, methods or computer-readable media. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, a method of managing a content stream includes receiving the content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device. The method also includes receiving a signal at the set-top box device from an external power interface. The signal indicates that a low power state has been detected at a power outlet of the external power interface, the power outlet associated with the display device. Further, the method includes sending a signal to a source of the content stream in response to receiving the signal indicating the low power state. The signal indicates that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, a method of managing a content stream includes detecting a power-off command issued by a remote control device associated with a display device coupled to a set-top box device. The method also includes outputting a prompt to indicate whether the display device is in a powered-on state in response to detecting the power-off command and sending a signal to a source of the content stream after determining that the display device is not in a powered-on state. The signal indicates that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. 
         [0019]    In yet another embodiment, a set-top box device includes processing logic and memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to receive a content stream from a content source via an access network of an Internet Protocol Television system. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processing logic to receive a signal from an external power interface. The signal indicates that a low power state has been detected at a power outlet of the external power interface, the power outlet associated with the display device. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processing logic to send a signal to the content source via the access network, the signal indicating that the content source is to cease sending a content stream to the set-top box device. 
         [0020]    In yet another embodiment, a set-top box device includes processing logic and memory accessible to the processing logic. The memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to detect a power-off command via a wireless interface coupled to or integrated with the set-top box device, the power-off command issued by a remote control device associated with a display device coupled to the set-top box device. Further, the memory includes instructions executable by the processing logic to send a signal to a source of the content stream after determining that the display device is not in a powered-on state, the signal indicating that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. 
         [0021]    In a further embodiment, a computer-readable medium includes processor-readable instructions executable by processing logic to execute a method, the method comprising receiving a content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device; receiving a signal at the set-top box device from an external power interface, the signal indicating that a low power state has been detected at a power outlet of the external power interface, the power outlet associated with the display device; and sending a second signal to a source of the content stream, the second signal indicating that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a particular embodiment of a system  100  to manage a content stream. The system  100  includes a set-top box device  102  coupled to a display device, such as a television  104 . The set-top box device  102  communicates with a content source  106 , such as a video head-end of a video service provider, via a private access network, such as an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network  108 . The system  100  also includes a power interface external to the set-top box device  102  and the television  104 , such as the power strip  110 , through which the television  104  can receive electrical power. The set-top box device  102  can also receive power via the power strip  110 . The power strip  110  includes at least one power outlet  112  through which power to a device coupled to the power outlet  112  can be monitored. 
         [0023]    In a particular embodiment, the set-top box  102  device is adapted to receive a content stream, such as a video stream, an audio stream, or a combination thereof, from the content source  106  via the IPTV access network  108 . The set-top box device  102  can be adapted to send the content stream to the television  104  after decoding the content stream, buffering the content stream, otherwise processing the content stream, or any combination thereof. In addition, the set-top box device  102  is adapted to determine whether it has received a low power state indicator from the external power interface  110 . The low power state indicator can indicate that a device coupled to the power outlet  112  has entered a low power state, such as a powered-off state, a standby state, an unplugged state or other low power state. 
         [0024]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the external power interface  110  can include a current sensor, another component adapted to monitor electrical power or current associated with equipment connected to the power outlet  112  via a power cable, or a combination thereof. For example, the external power interface  110  can include a component adapted to detect a reduced current or power draw, an approximately zero current or power draw, or another indication that the television  104  has been powered off or has been placed in a standby mode, at the power outlet  112 . The set-top box device  102  is adapted to receive a low power state indicator from the external power interface  110 . For instance, the external power interface  110  can be adapted to send a low power state indicator to the set-top box device  102  via a power cable  116 , using X10 protocol or another method. In some embodiments, the external power interface  110  can be adapted to detect a high power state, such as a powered-on state, and to signal the set-top box device  102  that the television  104  has been powered-on. 
         [0025]    The set-top box device  102  is adapted to signal the content source  106  to cease sending the content stream when the set-top box device  102  has received a low power state indicator from the external power interface  110 . In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to determine whether it is tuned to a digital music channel and to signal the content source  106  to cease sending the content stream when the set-top box device  102  is not tuned to a digital music channel (for example, because music may still be heard through other speakers or the set-top box device  102  when the television  104  is not powered-on). In another illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to prompt a user to indicate whether the television  104  is in a powered-on state, in response to receiving the low power state indicator from the external power interface  110 . The set-top box device  102  can be adapted to display a prompt via a display screen  118  or to send the prompt to the television  104 . In another embodiment, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to prompt a user to indicate whether the television  104  is coupled to the power outlet  112 . If nothing is connected with the power outlet  112 , or another device is coupled to the power outlet  112 , and the television  104  is powered-on, the prompt can be displayed at the television  104  and the user can input a response. If the television is coupled to the power outlet  112  and is powered-off, the prompt will not be displayed and the user will not enter a response. 
         [0026]    The set-top box device  102  is adapted to send a signal to the content source  106  indicating that the content source  106  is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device  102 , after the set-top box device  102  determines that it has received input indicating that the television  104  is powered-off; has not received input indicating that the television  104  is powered-on within a response time; or has not received input indicating that the television  104  is coupled to the power outlet  112  within a response time. In one embodiment, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to enter a standby mode, and the signal sent to the content source  106  can indicate that the set-top box device  102  has entered the standby mode. 
         [0027]    In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to receive a high power state indicator from the external power interface  110  indicating that a device coupled to the power outlet  112  has been powered-on. In response to the high power state indicator, the set-top box device  102  can be adapted to request a content stream from the content source  106 , where the content stream is related to a default channel, a last channel to which the set-top box device  102  was tuned, or another channel. The set-top box device  102  can be adapted to exit a standby mode before requesting the content stream. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates another particular embodiment of a system  200  to manage a content stream. The system  200  includes a set-top box device  202  coupled to a display device, such as a television  204 . The set-top box device  202  communicates with a content source  206  via a private access network, such as an IPTV access network  208 . The system  200  also includes a power interface, such as the power strip  210 , through which the television  204  can receive electrical power. The set-top box device  202  can also receive power via the power interface  210 . The power interface  210  includes at least one power outlet  212  through which power to the television  204  can be monitored. 
         [0029]    In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device  202  is adapted to receive a content stream from the content source  206  via the IPTV access network  204 . The set-top box device  202  can be adapted to send the content stream to the television  204  after decoding the content stream, buffering the content stream, otherwise processing the content stream, or any combination thereof. Further, the set-top box device  202  is adapted to detect a power-off command issued by a remote control  214  associated with the television  204 . For instance, the set-top box device  202  can include a sensor  216  that is adapted to detect a radio signal, an infrared signal, or another wireless signal transmitted by the remote control  214 . The sensor  216  can be coupled to or integrated with the set-top box device  202 . In another embodiment, the sensor  216  can be coupled to the power strip and can send power state information to the set-top box device  202  via a power cable coupled to the set-top box device  202  in response to detecting commands issued by the remote control device  214 . In response to detecting the power-off command, the set-top box device is adapted to signal the content source  206  to cease sending a content stream to the set-top box device  202 . The set-top box device can be adapted to enter a standby mode after signaling the content source  206  to cease sending the content stream. 
         [0030]    The set-top box device  202  can be adapted to detect a power-on command issued by the remote control  214  and to request a content stream from the content source  206 , such as a content stream associated with a default channel, a last channel to which the set-top box device  202  was tuned, or another channel. If the set-top box device  202  is in standby mode when it detects the power-on command, the set-top box device  202  can exit standby mode before requesting the content stream from the content source  206 . 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the power-on and power-off commands can comprise power state toggle commands The set-top box device  202  can be adapted to prompt a user via the television  204  to indicate whether the television  204  is powered-on, before requesting the content stream from the content source  206 . The set-top box device  202  can be adapted to request the content stream when a particular key of the remote control device  214  is pressed and to not request the content stream when a selection of the particular key is not communicated to the set-top box device  202  within a response time. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates an additional embodiment of a system  300  to manage a content stream. The system  300  includes a set-top box device  302  coupled to a display device, such as a television  312 . The set-top box device  302  includes a network interface  308  that is adapted to facilitate communication between the set-top box device  302  and a content source  336 , such as a video head-end of a video service provider, via a private access network, such as an IPTV access network  338 . The system  300  also includes a power interface, such as the power strip  330 , through which the television  312  can receive electrical power. The set-top box device  302  can also receive power via a power strip  330 . The power strip  330  includes at least one power outlet  332  through which power to a device coupled to the power outlet  332  can be monitored. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the power strip  330  can be adapted to communicate with a power cable interface  314  at the set-top box device  302 . 
         [0033]    The set-top box device  302  includes processing logic  304  and memory  306  accessible to the processing logic  304 . In a particular embodiment, the memory  306  includes a plurality of modules  320 - 326 . The modules  320 - 326  can include computer instructions that are readable and executable by the processing logic  304  to implement various functions of the set-top box device  302  with respect to managing a content stream. For example, the modules  320 - 326  can represent various aspects of one or more software applications, operating systems, or other computer programs. In other embodiments, the modules  320 - 326  can be implemented as hardware logic or a combination of hardware logic and computer instructions. 
         [0034]    For example, the memory  306  can include a content module  320  that is executable by the processing logic  304  to receive a content stream from the content source  336  via the IPTV access network  338 . The content module  320  can be executable by the processing logic  304  to send the content stream to the television  312  after decoding the content stream, buffering the content stream, otherwise processing the content stream, or any combination thereof. 
         [0035]    The memory  306  also includes a power state module  322  that is executable by the processing logic  304  to determine whether the set-top box device  302  has received a low power state indicator via the power cable interface from the power strip  330 , the low power state indicator indicating that a device coupled to the power outlet  332  has entered a low power state, such as a powered-off state, a standby state, an unplugged state or other low power state. In a particular embodiment, the power state module  322  can be executable by the processing logic  304  to receive a high power state indicator from the power strip  330  indicating that the television  312  has been powered-on. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , low power state indicators and high power state indicators can be received at the set-top box device  302  via the power cable interface  314 , from the power strip  330 . 
         [0036]    The memory  306  also includes a prompt module  324  that is executable by the processing logic  304  to prompt a user to indicate whether the television  312  is in a powered-on state, in response to receiving the low power state indicator from the external power strip  330 . In another embodiment, the prompt module  324  can be executable by the processing logic  304  to prompt the user to indicate whether the television  312  is coupled to the power outlet  332 . Further, the prompt module  324  is executable by the processing logic  304  to determine whether the set-top box device  302  has received input indicating that the television  312  is powered-on. In one embodiment, the prompt module can be executable by the processing logic  304  to start a response timer concurrently with or after the prompt and to determine that the television  312  is powered-off if a response is not received before the response timer expires. 
         [0037]    The memory  306  also includes a stream module  326  that is executable by the processing logic  304  to send a signal to the content source  336  to cease sending the content stream after the set-top box device  302  has received a low power state indicator from the power strip  330 . In one embodiment, the stream module  326  can be executable by the processing logic  304  to activate a standby mode at the set-top box device  302 . The stream module  326  can also be executable by the processing logic  304  to request a content stream from the content source  336  in response to receiving a high power state indicator from the power strip  330 , where the content stream is related to a default channel, a last channel to which the set-top box device  302  was tuned, or another channel The stream module  326  can be executable by the processing logic  304  to deactivate a standby mode before the content stream is requested. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates a particular embodiment of a method of managing a content stream. At block  400 , a set-top box device receives a content stream from a content source via a private access network associated with a video distribution service. The set-top box device can send the content stream to a display device after decoding the content stream, buffering the content stream, otherwise processing the content stream, or any combination thereof. Moving to decision node  402 , the set-top box device determines whether it has received a low power state indicator from an external power interface. The low power state indicator indicates that the display device coupled to the set-top box device has entered a low power state, such as a powered-off state, a standby state, an unplugged state or other low power state. In one embodiment, the low power state indicator can indicate a reduced current or power draw, an approximately zero power draw, or another indication that the display device has been powered off or has been placed in a standby mode, at an electrical outlet associated with the display device at the external power interface. The low power state indicator can be received from the external power interface via wireless signal or via a cable or other physical link between data ports at the set-top box device and external power interface. 
         [0039]    If the set-top box device determines that it has not received a low power state indicator from the external power device, the method can return to block  400 , and the set-top box device can continue receiving the content stream from the content source. Conversely, if the set-top box device determines that it has received a low power state indicator from the external power device, the method can proceed to block  404 , and the set-top box device can prompt a user to indicate whether the display device is in a powered-on state. For example, the set-top box device can display the prompt via a display screen at the set-top box device. 
         [0040]    Continuing to decision node  406 , the set-top box device determines whether it has received input indicating that the display device is powered-on. If the set-top box device determines that it has received such input, the method returns to block  400 . On the other hand, if the set-top box device determines that it has not received input indicating that the display device is powered-on, the method advances to decision node  408 , and the set-top box device determines whether a response time has expired. If the response time has not expired, the method returns to decision node  406 . Whereas, if the response time has expired, the method moves to block  410 , and the set-top box device sends a signal to the content source indicating that the content source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. In one embodiment, the signal can indicate that the set-top box device has entered a standby mode. The method terminates at  412 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  illustrates another particular embodiment of a method of managing a content stream. At block  500 , a set-top box device receives a content stream from a content source via a private access network associated with a video distribution service. The set-top box device can send the content stream to a display device after decoding the content stream, buffering the content stream, otherwise processing the content stream, or any combination thereof. Moving to bock  502 , the set-top box device detects a power-off command issued from a remote control associated with a display device coupled to the set-top box device. Proceeding to block  504 , the set-top box device can prompt a user to indicate whether the display device is in a powered-on state. For example, the set-top box device can display the prompt via a display screen at the set-top box device. 
         [0042]    Continuing to decision node  506 , the set-top box device determines whether it has received input indicating that the display device is powered-on. If the set-top box device determines that it has received such input, the method advances to block  508 , and the set-top box device sends a signal to the content source indicating that the content source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. At block  510 , the set-top box device enters a standby mode, and the method moves to decision node  514 . 
         [0043]    Returning to decision node  506 , if the set-top box device determines that it has not received input indicating that the display device is powered-on, the method advances to decision node  512 , and the set-top box device determines whether a response time has expired. If the response time has not expired, the method returns to decision node  506 . Whereas, if the response time has expired, the method moves to decision node  514 , and the set-top box device determines whether it has detected a power-on command issued by the remote control associated with the display device coupled to the set-top box device. If the set-top box device detects a power-on command, the method proceeds to block  516 , and the set-top box device can exit standby mode and request a content stream from the content source, such as a content stream associated with a default channel or a last channel to which the set-top box device was tuned. If the set-top box device does not detect a power-on command, the method can terminate at  518 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the methods described herein can be performed as described. In other embodiments, various elements of the described methods can be performed in alternate sequences or simultaneously. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a particular embodiment of an external power interface  600  that can be used in conjunction with a system to manage a content stream, such as the system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The external power interface  600  includes one or more monitored power outlets, such as the power outlet  604  and one or more other power outlets, such as outlets  606  and  608 . Each power outlet  604 ,  606  and  608  is adapted to receive a power cable, such as the power cable  612  coupled to the set-top box device  614 , and to transmit power to a device via the power cable. 
         [0046]    The power outlet  604  is coupled to a current sensor  608  that is adapted to detect an amount of electrical current drawn via the outlet  604 . The current sensor  608  can include a current transducer, an alternating current (AC) line monitor, a direct current (DC) current sensor, an AC current sensor, another electrical current sensing device, or any combination thereof. The current sensor  604  is coupled to processing logic  610 . The processing logic  610  is adapted to send a signal to the set-top box device  614  via the power cable  612  in response to the current sensor  608  detecting a zero current or power draw, a reduced current or power draw, or another indication of a low power state at equipment connected with the outlet  604 . The signal sent to the set-top box device  614  can indicate the low power state. In one example, the signal can be sent via X10 protocol or another protocol adapted to send information via a power line. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, the processing logic  610  can be adapted to send another signal to the set-top box device  614  via the power cable  612  in response to the current sensor  608  detecting a positive current draw, an increased current draw, or another indication of a high power state at equipment connected with the outlet  604 . The other signal sent to the set-top box device  614  can indicate the high power state. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates a further particular embodiment of a system  700  to manage a content stream. The system  700  includes a set-top box device  702  coupled to a display device  704 , such as a television. The set-top box device  702  communicates with a content source  706  via an IPTV access network  708 . In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  702  is coupled to the display device  704  via an audio connector  710  and a video connector  712 . In another embodiment, the audio connector  710  and video connector  712  can comprise a single connector, such as a single cable. The set-top box device  702  is adapted to send audio and video associated with a content stream received from the content source  706  to the display device  704  via the connectors  710  and  712 . In one embodiment, the set-top box device  702  can be adapted to buffer the audio and video content, otherwise process the audio and video content, or a combination thereof, prior to sending the audio and video content to the display device  704 . 
         [0049]    The display device  704  can include an audio/video (A/V) processor  716  that is adapted to process audio and video received from the set-top box device  702 , such that the audio and video content can be presented at the display device  704 , for example, via a video screen, audio speakers, other presentation elements, or any combination thereof. In addition, the display device  704  includes a relay circuit  718  that is adapted to send audio, video, or a combination thereof that is received at the display device  704  back to the set-top box device  702  via an auxiliary return connector  714 . The relay circuit  718  is adapted to relay a signal in response to power received from another circuit at the display device  704 , such that the relay circuit sends audio, video or a combination thereof to the set-top box device  702  when the display device  704  is powered-on and not when the display device  704  is powered-off. 
         [0050]    The set-top box device  702  is adapted to signal the content source  706  to cease sending a content stream when the set-top box device  702  detects that no content is received at the set-top box device  702  via the auxiliary return connector  714 . For example, the set-top box device  702  can determine whether any content has been received via the auxiliary return connector  714  within a pre-determined period. If the set-top box device  702  determines that no content has been received via the auxiliary return connector  714  within the pre-determined period, the set-top box device can send data to the content source  706  indicating that the content source  706  is to cease sending content to the set-top box device  702 . 
         [0051]    In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  702  can be adapted to determine whether it is tuned to a digital music channel and to signal the content source  706  to cease sending the content stream when the set-top box device  702  is not tuned to a digital music channel In another illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  702  can be adapted to prompt a user to indicate whether the display device  704  is in a powered-on state, in response to detecting that no content is received via the auxiliary return connector  714 . The set-top box device  702  can be adapted to send a signal to the content source  706  indicating that the content source  706  is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device  702 , after the set-top box device  702  has received input indicating that the display device  704  is powered-off or has not received input indicating that the display device  704  is powered-on within a response time. 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  illustrates yet another particular embodiment of a system  800  to manage a content stream. The system  800  includes a set-top box device  802  coupled to a display device  804 , such as a television. The set-top box device  802  communicates with a content source  806  via an IPTV access network  808 . The set-top box device  802  is adapted to send audio and video associated with a content stream received from the content source  806  to the display device  804 . In an illustrative embodiment, the set-top box device  802  is coupled to a heat sensor  812  at the display device  804 . The heat sensor  812  can include a heat flux sensor or other transducer that is adapted to produce a signal when the chassis of the display device  804  exceeds or falls below a temperature, when air emitted at or near vents of the display device  804  exceeds or falls below a temperature, when another emission of the display device  804  exceeds or falls below a temperature, or any combination thereof. 
         [0053]    The set-top box device  802  is adapted to determine whether the display device  804  is powered-on or powered-off based on a signal received from the heat sensor  812 . For example, where the heat sensor  812  is adapted to produce a signal when it detects an emission above a temperature, the set-top box device  802  can be adapted to determine that the display device  804  has been powered-off when a signal has not been received from the heat sensor  812  within a predetermined period. In another example, where the heat sensor is adapted to produce a signal when it detects an emission that is below a temperature, the set-top box device  802  can be adapted to determine that the display device  804  is powered-off when it receives a signal from the heat sensor  812 . 
         [0054]    The set-top box device  802  is adapted to signal the content source  806  to cease sending a content stream when the set-top box device  802  determines that the display device  804  is powered-off. In one embodiment, the set-top box device  802  can be adapted to prompt a user to confirm whether the display device  804  is in a powered-on state, in response to preliminarily determining that the display device  804  is powered-off. The set-top box device  802  can be adapted to send a signal to the content source  806  indicating that the content source  806  is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device  802 , after the set-top box device  802  has received input indicating that the display device  804  is powered-off or has not received input indicating that the display device  804  is powered-on within a response time. 
         [0055]    In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device  802  can be adapted to determine that the display device  804  is powered-on based on a signal received from the heat sensor  812  (or based on not receiving a signal from the heat sensor  812  within a predetermined period) and, in response, to request a content stream from the content source  806 , where the content stream is related to a default channel, a last channel to which the set-top box device  802  was tuned, or another channel 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of a general computer system. The computer system  900  may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices. In an illustrative embodiment, such standalone and peripheral devices can include, for example, set-top box devices, content sources, other network elements, or any combination thereof, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0057]    In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system  900  can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment, the computer system  900  can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single computer system  900  is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions. 
         [0058]    The computer system  900  may include a processor  902 , e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system  900  can include a main memory  904  and a static memory  906  that can communicate with each other via a bus  908 . As shown, the computer system  900  may further include a video display unit  910 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Additionally, the computer system  900  may include an input device  912 , such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device  914 , such as a mouse. The computer system  900  can also include a disk drive unit  916 , a signal generation device  918 , such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device  920 . 
         [0059]    In a particular embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the disk drive unit  916  may include a computer-readable medium  922  in which one or more sets of instructions  924 , e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions  924  may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions  924  may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory  904 , the static memory  906 , and/or within the processor  902  during execution by the computer system  900 . The main memory  904  and the processor  902  also may include computer-readable media. The network interface device  920  can provide connectivity to a network  926 , e.g., a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other network. 
         [0060]    In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 
         [0061]    In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein. 
         [0062]    The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions  924  or receives and executes instructions  924  responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network  926  can communicate voice, video or data over the network  926 . Further, the instructions  924  may be transmitted or received over the network  926  via the network interface device  920 . 
         [0063]    While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. 
         [0064]    In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. 
         [0065]    Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein 
         [0066]    In accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, a system and method to manage a content stream are provided, in which a set-top box device signals a content source to cease sending a content stream to the set-top box device in response to receiving an indication that a low power state at a display device has been detected by an external power interface. By signaling the source of the content stream to cease sending the content stream, the content stream&#39;s portion of total bandwidth allotted to the customer premises can be used for other services provided at the customer premises, such as Internet service, phone service, or other network services. Additionally, the set-top box device can use less power when the display device is powered-off by entering a standby mode, even where a user does not power-off the set-top box device. Further, the bandwidth savings can have positive effects on upstream resources, such as an IPTV access network that serves multiple customer premises. 
         [0067]    The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized Accordingly, the disclosure and the FIGs. are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
         [0068]    The foregoing Detailed Description of the Drawings, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description of the Drawings, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
         [0069]    The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosed subject matter. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosed subject matter is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.