Field of the Invention:
The present invention generally relates to an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions. In particular, the present invention provides a device and a method for un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions.
Background of the Invention:
Satellite TV Ku-Band signal interruption during periods of adverse weather (e.g., dust storms, snow, ice, dense cloud cover, rain, etc.) and due to some other circumstances is a known issue.
Users of satellite television services may therefore experience brief service outages due to adverse weather conditions. In some cases, the signal is fully disrupted and the user experiences a total loss of the viewing channel. Users must wait until the weather clears and the signal is returned to normal.
Many attempts were made in this direction but generally efforts were aimed towards providing a lower quality replacement for received broadcast signal from a network service. Lower quality alternatives may include lower quality video streams, audio streams, text tickers, web pages or the like.
By way of example European Patent Application EP2890143 discloses a system, devices and methods to obtain a lower-quality replacement when the reception of a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) or other broadcast television signal becomes weak or unavailable due to weather, maintenance or other circumstances. The received broadcast television signal is monitored by a receiver, antenna, outdoor unit or the like. When the received broadcast signal becomes weak or unavailable, the television receiver obtains a lower quality replacement for received broadcast signal from a network service or other alternate source to thereby continue the playback of the television program.
With the advent of Hybrid Smart STB, as and when the user sees a "No signal" message on the screen, the user has to manually switch from Satellite to Internet streaming content and then user is required to search and select any alternative content or even

same content, if that content is either available for free or the user has subscribed to such paid or DRM protected content. Also to watch that paid or DRM protected content, the user has to login to such content providing site. Even if the user is pre-logged in the content providing site, the user is still required to find that same program/content and the point of time from where the viewing got interrupted. Also, the resumption of the satellite TV signal is not communicated to the user thereby burdening him to check for network resumption, a multiple times, which is frustrating. Apart from the above, generally, the user may end up missing some part of the content as there is no intimation about resumption of the satellite TV signal. The non-communication of satellite TV signal can be very discouraging to users who may be enjoying a favourite television program or sporting event.
Thus, there exists a need to address aforesaid disadvantages and providing an effective mechanism for providing un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions.
Summary of the Invention:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method to provide an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa. Furthermore, the invention provides a device that allows for un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these

drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect,
reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to
the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or
functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a
detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and
serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and
advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein
Figure 1 illustrates a simplified flow chart for providing un-interrupted program viewing
experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted
TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a case study of switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to
viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a detailed flow chart of the process for providing un-interrupted
program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from
viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice
versa in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of some additional steps that can be involved in the
process for providing un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal
interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet
based digital content and vice versa in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a detailed flow chart of the process of establishing communication
with the server providing a desired internet based contentin accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of some additional steps that can be involved in the
controlling the adaptive streaming bit rate which is involved in the process for providing

un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by
switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital
content and vice versa in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of some additional steps that can be involved prior to
providing the second interactive screen for display on the screenin accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of some additional steps that can be involved during
switching from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV
signal in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 illustrates a block diagram of a device, which may in the form of a set top box,
for providing un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal
interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet
based digital content and vice versa in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the first local database and the second local
database which may form part of the device as shown in Figure 9 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 11 illustrates an architecture of the STB in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a flow chart for a method (10) to provide an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa. The method (10) is implemented by a satellite signal receiving device such as a set top box. The method (10) generally comprises the satellite signal receiving device booting up (12) and tuning to an initial satellite signal channel (14) (such as channel number 100). The set top box then provides the audio/video satellite signals (16). While continuing to provide the audio/video satellite signals, the satellite signal receiving device (such as a set top box) checks for degradation in quality of the satellite broadcast signal (18). The degradation in quality of the satellite broadcast signal may occur due to adverse weather (e.g., dust storms, snow, ice, dense cloud cover, rain, etc.) or due to some other circumstances.

In case there is degradation in the quality of satellite broadcast signal, the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) causes display of an interactive screen, thereby providing an option to the user to "switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content" (which may be obtained for examples using WiFi network).In case the user does not opt for viewing of internet based digital content, the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) shows a home screen (22).
In case the user opts for viewing of internet based digital content, the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) opens a native media player (24) and checks for availability (26) of internet streamed version of the television program and ascertains (28) user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program. The satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) may furthermore check (30) for subscriber concurrency i.e. it may determine user's identification parameters.
In case for availability (26) of internet streamed version of the television program, the user being entitled (28) to watch the internet streamed version of the television program, and satisfaction of the check (30) for subscriber concurrency; the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) starts playing the internet streamed version of the television program (32). Thereafter, satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) monitors for receipt of channel up/down signal. In case such a signal is received, the satellite signal receiving device tunes to the appropriate channel (34) and provides the audio/video satellite signals (16).
The satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) furthermore checks for improvement in the quality of the satellite broadcast signal (36). In case of improvement in the quality of the satellite broadcast signal, the satellite signal receiving device may provide a prompt (40) the user to revert to viewing the satellite broadcast signal. For example, the satellite signal receiving device may show "Go to Live Icon" on the media player thereby prompting the user to revert to viewing the satellite broadcast signal. If however, the quality of the satellite broadcast signal has not improved, the satellite signal receiving device does not show (38) "Go to Live Icon" on the media player.

A case study of switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa (50) is shown in Figure 2. At the initial stage, a television which may be connected to the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box)is shown as rendering an initial satellite signal channel (52) (such as channel number 100).Degradation in quality of the satellite broadcast signal is shown as occurring due to adverse weather (54).
In case there is degradation in the quality of satellite broadcast signal, the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) causes display of an interactive screen (56). The interactive screen provides an option to the user to "switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content". The interactive screen may also provide a first error message for display on the screen (which may be in response to detecting a drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below a predetermined level).
In response to receiving user's input indicative of the switch and other tests, which may be performed in the background (as shown by the screen 58); the satellite signal receiving device (such as the set top box) starts playing the internet streamed version of the television program (60).
After starting to play the internet streamed version of the television program, the satellite signal receiving device keeps on determining on a regular basis the quality of satellite broadcast signal (62). In case the quality of the satellite broadcast signal is greater than a present threshold (64), the satellite signal receiving device may enable the "Go to Live Icon" (66) while if the quality of the satellite broadcast signal is not greater than the preset threshold (64), the satellite signal receiving device may disable the "Go to Live Icon" (68).
In case the "Go to Live" (70) is enabled, the satellite signal receiving device may show "Go to Live Icon" on the media player (72) thereby prompting the user to revert to viewing the satellite broadcast signal. In case the user chooses the "Go to Live" option, the satellite signal receiving device exits playing of the internet streamed version of the television program and reverts to playing of the satellite broadcast signal (52).

While in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the method for providing an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions by switching from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content and vice versa is depicted in simplified form; a more detailed version of the method is depicted in Figures 3 to 8.
Referring to Figure 3 for instance, the method (100) comprises detecting quality of the satellite TV signal (102). The method further comprises detecting whether the quality of the satellite TV signal falls below a predetermined level (104). In case the quality of the satellite TV signal does not fall below the predetermined level (104), the method reverts to detecting the quality of the satellite TV signal (102).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the quality of the satellite TV signal falls below the predetermined level (104), the method (100) further comprises causing display of a first error message (106). The method (100) further comprises causing display of an interactive screen (108), thereby providing an option to the user to "switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content". In an embodiment of the invention, causing display of the first error message (106) and causing display of the interactive screen (108) may occur simultaneously.
The method thereafter monitors for receipt of user input indicative of switch (110). In case user input indicative of switch is not received, the method reverts back to causing display of a first error message (106) or causing display of the interactive screen (108) or causing display of the first error message and the first interactive screen (108) simultaneously.
In case user input indicative of switch is received, the method (100) determines (112) whether the user is entitled to watch the internet streamed version of the program.
In response to ascertaining user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program case, the method (100) further comprises establishing (114) communication with a server providing a desired internet based digital content. The method (100) further comprises receiving (118) the desired internet based content from

the server.The method (100) further comprises invoking a native application level media player and playing the internet based digital content thus received from the server (120).
The method (100) further comprises detecting (122), while playing the internet based digital content, quality of the satellite TV signal. The method (100) further comprises detecting whether the quality of the satellite TV signal is above the predetermined level (124). In case the quality of the satellite TV signal is above the predetermined level (124), the method (100) further comprises providing a second interactive screen for display on a screen, the second interactive screen enabling the user to provide a user input indicative of a switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal. On the other hand, if case the quality of the satellite TV signal is not above the predetermined level (124), the method reverts to detecting the quality of the satellite TV signal (122).
Now referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated some additional steps that may be performed. The additional steps include:determining (128) a channel number being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; determining (130) meta data pertaining to a program being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; recording (132) a time stamp when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; and detecting (134) availability of internet connection. These four steps may be performed either simultaneously or in any sequence.
In case it is determined that internet connection is not available, the method (100) may further comprise prompting (136) the user to make the internet connection available.
The method (100) further comprises searching for a match (138) for the channel number being viewed in a first local database. The first local database stores the internet based digital content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible. In case a match for the channel number being viewed is found in the first local database, the method further comprises searching for match(140) for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed in a first portion of the first local database.

If a match for the channel number being viewed is not found in the first local database, the method further comprises performing a search for match (142) for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed in a second portion of the first local database. In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion a super-set of the first portion. If a match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed is found either in the first portion or the second portion of the first local database, it indicates availability of internet streamed version of the television program which the user was viewing when the signal quality fell below the predetermined level. This aspect of the invention is described in detail with respect to Figure 10, whose description is provided below.
It may be noted that steps 128 to 142 may be performed after any one of steps 104 or 106 or 108 or 110. If the steps 128 to 142 are performed after step 104, then after performing step 142, the method returns to 106. On the other hand, if steps 128 to 142 are performed after step 106, then after performing step 142, the method returns to 108. If the steps 128 to 142 are performed after step 108, then after performing step 142, the method returns to 110. Lastly, if steps 128 to 142 are performed after step 110, then after performing step 142, the method returns to 112.
In an embodiment of the invention, if internet streamed version of the television program is not available, the method may include, without limitation, providing (142) a third interactive screen which provides an option to the user to "view internet based digital content which is not correlated to the television program being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level".
It may be noted that the user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program is ascertained from the first local database based on user's identification parameters.
Now referring to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the step of establishing communication with the server (114) may further comprise:determining (114a) a need to provide user's identification parameters to the server for accessing the internet based digital content. In case there is need to provide user's identification, the method (114) further comprises obtaining (114b) the user's identifications parameters from the first

local database. The method (114) further comprises fetching (114c) address of the server which is providing the internet based digital content; and transmitting (114d) to the server at the address thus fetched a request for the internet based digital content, optionally along with the user's identification parameters.
In an embodiment of the invention, the request for the internet based digital content may further comprises time stamp pertaining to a time period when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level.
In an embodiment of the invention, invoking the native application level media player comprises invoking a native adaptive bit rate media player. In particular, the native adaptive bit rate media player adopts a streaming rate which corresponds to available bandwidth of the internet connection at the user's end and the user's identification parameters.
Referring to Figure 6, after invoking the native adaptive bit rate media player, in an embodiment, the method may further comprise determining (120a) whether the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality. In an embodiment of the invention, determination of whether the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality, may be based on the user's identification parameters, as retrieved from the first local database. If the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is NOT authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality (i.e. the user is only authorised to view television broadcast signal of standard definition quality), the device informs(120b) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is less than a first threshold value. On the other hand, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality, the device informs (120c) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is higher than the first threshold value.
Referring to Figure 7, the method (100) may comprise some additional steps. For instance, the method (100) may comprise detecting (122), while playing the internet based digital content, quality of the satellite TV signal. The method (100) further comprises detecting whether the quality of the satellite TV signal is above the

predetermined level (124). If the quality of the satellite TV signal is not above the predetermined level, the method may revert back to step 122. On the other hand, if the quality of the satellite TV signal is above the predetermined level, the method may further proceed to determine (124a) as to whether the quality of the TV signal remains above the predetermined threshold level for a predetermined minimum time period. If the quality of the TV signal does not remain above the predetermined threshold level for the predetermined minimum time period, the method may revert back to step 122 or to step 124. If however, the quality of the TV signal remains above the predetermined threshold level for the predetermined minimum time period, the method (100) may detect (124b) whether the user has pre-selected an option pertaining to revert to viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal.
If the user has pre-selected the option to revert to viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the TV signal, the method (100) may further comprise checking availability (124c) of the internet based digital content being viewed as a television broadcast signal. If the user has not pre-selected the option to revert to viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the TV signal, the method (100) may continue to play the internet based digital content (124d).
If it is determined that the internet based digital content being viewed is available as a television broadcast signal, the method proceeds to cause display (126) of the second interactive screen for display on the screen. If however, it is determined that the internet based digital content being viewed is not available as a television broadcast signal, the method may continue to play the internet based digital content (124d).
Now referring to Figure 8, the step of checking availability (124c) of the internet based digital content being viewed as a television broadcast signal may further comprise determining (124e) details of the internet based digital distributor and internet based digital content being viewed currently (OTT viewing data). The method (100) may furthermore comprise searching (124f) in a second local database to find a match for the OTT viewing data, wherein the second local database stores the TV signal broadcasters details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible. If a match for the OTT viewing data is found in the second local database, the method (100) proceeds to cause display (126) of the second interactive screen on the screen.

The method (100) furthermore comprises determining (146) receipt of a user input indicative of the switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal. The step of 146 may be performed in response to causing to display (126) the second interactive screen on the screen. The method (100) further comprises exiting (148) playing of the internet based digital content and start playing (150) of the television broadcast signal.
Now referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated a block diagram (200) of a device for providing an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions. The device (200) can be in the form of a set top box. The device (200) comprises a user input receiving unit (202) adapted to receive user input. The device (200) further comprises a satellite TV signal receiving unit (204) adapted to determine a quality of the satellite TV signal. The device (200) further comprises a processor (206) operably coupled to the satellite TV signal receiving unit (204) and the user input receiving unit (202). The processor (206) is adapted to detect a drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below a predetermined level. The processor (206) is further adapted to provide a first error message for display on a screen, in response to detecting the drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below the predetermined level.
The processor (206) is further adapted to provide a first interactive screen for display on a screen, the first interactive screen enabling the user to provide a user input indicative of a switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content. The processor (206) is further adapted to ascertain user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program based on user's identification parameters, in response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch.
The device (200) further comprises a communication unit (208) being operably coupled to the processor (206). The communication unit (208) is being adapted to establish communication with a server providing a desired internet based digital content, in response to the processor (206) ascertaining user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program.

The processor (206) is further adapted to invoke a native application level media player which is adapted to play the internet based digital content thus received from the server. The processor (206) is further configured to monitor, while the internet based digital content is being played, recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level. The processor (206) is furthermore adapted to provide a second interactive screen for display on a screen. In an embodiment of the invention, the second interactive screen enables the user to provide a user input indicative of a switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal, in response to detecting recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor (206) is further configured to implement additional steps which may include determining a channel number being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; determining meta data pertaining to a program being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; recording a time stamp when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level; and detecting availability of internet connection. These four steps may be performed either simultaneously or in any sequence.
In case it is determined that internet connection is not available, the processor (206) may prompt (via an interactive screen) the user to make the internet connection available.
The processor (206) is further adapted to be operably connected to a local storage medium (210). Referring to Figure 10, in an embodiment of the invention, the local storage medium (210) comprises a first local database (212). The first local database stores the internet based digital content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible. The processor (206) is further adapted to search for a match for the channel number being viewed in the first local database (212). In case a match for the channel number being viewed is found in the first local database, the processor (206) is further adapted to search for match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed in a first portion (212a) of the first local database.

If a match for the channel number being viewed is not found in the first local database (shown as network DB) (212), the method further comprises performing a search for match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed in a second portion (212b) of the first local database (212). In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion (212b) a super-set of the first portion (212a). If a match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed is found either in the first portion (212a) or the second portion (212b) of the first local database (212), it indicates availability of internet streamed version of the television program which the user was viewing when the signal quality fell below the predetermined level.
In an embodiment of the invention, if internet streamed version of the television program is not available, the processor (206) may provide a third interactive screen which provides an option to the user to "view internet based digital content which is not correlated to the television program being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level".
In an embodiment of the invention, the first local database (212) is adapted to store thereupon user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program in a mapped relationship (212c) with the user's identification parameters and the processor (206) is configured to ascertain user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program by on the basis of the user's identification parameters as stored in the first local database.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor is further configured to determine a need to provide user's identification parameters to the server for accessing the internet based digital content; obtain the user's identifications parameters from the first local database, in case of the need; fetch address of the server which is providing the internet based digital content from the first local database; and cause the communication unit (208) to transmit to the server at the address thus fetched a request for the internet based digital content, optionally along with the user's identification parameters.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor is further configured to send along with the request for the internet based digital content a time stamp pertaining to a time period when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level.

In an embodiment of the invention, the native application level media player as invoked by the processor is a native adaptive bit rate media player. In an embodiment of the invention, the native adaptive bit rate media player is configured to adopt a streaming rate which corresponds to available bandwidth of the internet connection at the user's end and the user's identification parameters.
In an embodiment of the invention, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of standard definition quality, the processor informs the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is less than a first threshold value. On the other hand, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality, the processor informs the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is less than a second threshold value, the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor while monitoring for recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level additionally monitors for the quality of the satellite TV signal remaining above the predetermined level for a predetermined minimum time period.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor provides the second interactive screen for display on the screen if the user has pre-selected an option pertaining to revert to viewing of viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor ascertains availability of the internet based digital content being viewed as a television broadcast signal prior to providing the second interactive screen for display on the screen.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor is in operational interconnection with a second local database (214) and the processor is configured to:determine details of the internet based digital distributor and internet based digital content being viewed currently (OTT viewing data); search in the second local database (214) to find a match for the OTT viewing data, wherein the second local database stores the TV signal broadcasters

details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible; and if a match for the OTT viewing data is found in the second local database (214), providing the second interactive screen for display on the screen.
In an embodiment of the invention, the processor is further configured to exit playing of the internet based digital content and start playing of the television broadcast signal, in response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal.
The working of the invention will be explained in detail hereinafter using the following non-limiting example:
The method comprises causing display of a first error message on a screen in response to detecting a drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below a predetermined level. The method further comprises causing display of an interactive screen, thereby providing an option to the user to "switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content". In response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch, a native application level media player is displayed. Further, some identification parameters such as Service ID, Event ID, Group ID etc are checked locally to ascertain whether the user is entitled to watch the internet streamed version of the television program. If the checks are successful and the user is entitled to watch the internet based digital content, communication is established with a server providing a desired internet based digital content and the identification parameters are sent to the server. In case the server provides the desired internet based digital content, the same is caused to be displayed on the screen. The method further checks for recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal. Once a recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal is detected, the method further comprises causing display of an interactive screen, thereby providing an option to the user to "switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal".
This routing from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content is availed using ABR streaming protocol. In an embodiment of the invention, the protocol used is ABR Protocol MPEG-DASH.

As and when the quality of the satellite TV signal is restored or exceed a predetermined threshold and remain above such predetermined threshold for a predetermined minimum time period, the interactive screen for the user appears, thereby providing an option to the user to "Go to Live". In response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch, an attempt to call the landing channel is made and the landing channel would be displayed on the TV screen.
In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold and predetermined time period can be determined by a predefined method.
In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined threshold may be considered as 12dB and the predetermined minimum time period may be considered as 3 minutes.
While the number of internet based digital content distributors is increasing day-by-day; currently, only a limited of TV signal broadcasters are also acting as internet based digital content distributors. Also, there exist a set of distributors who are solely involved in internet based digital content distribution and do not broadcast TV signals. In some cases, the internet based digital content thus available is protected by certain digital rights protection mechanism while in some cases, the internet based digital content are not protected by any sort of digital rights protection mechanism.
Thus, when the strength of the received television broadcast signal degrades below an acceptable level, the process that may be followed while making the switch becomes critical. To ensure that the STB recommends the most suitable alternative and in the least amount of time period, a STB Application/Middleware which is implemented in a processor in the STB performs the following actions:
(a) The STB Application/Middleware which is implemented in a processor (hereinafter after simply referred to as "processor") records the channel number being viewed currently i.e. the channel number being viewed when the broadcast signal degraded below the acceptable level;
(b) The processor records details of the program being viewed currently i.e. the meta data pertaining to the program being viewed when the broadcast signal degraded below the acceptable level (shortly referred to as "DTH program viewing data");

(c) The processor records a time stamp of the interruption i.e. time period when the broadcast signal degraded below the acceptable level;
(d) The processor checks whether the internet connection is available, if the internet connection is NOT available, the processor prompts the user to make the internet connection available;
(e) The processor performs a search of the recorded channel number on a first local database to find a match, wherein the first local database stores the internet based digital content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible (shortly referred to as "network based EPG data");
(f) In case a match for recorded channel number is found, the processor performs a search for a match for the "DTH program viewing data" in the "network based EPG data corresponding to the internet based digital content distributor details";
(g) In case a match for recorded channel number is NOT found, the processor performs a search for a match for the "DTH program viewing data" in the "network based EPG data stored in the local database". This search may take more time compared to the search as mentioned in step (f) above.
(h) In case a match for the "DTH program viewing data" is found either in step (f) or step (g) above, the processor informs to the user about availability of internet based digital content which matches with the program being viewed currently and prompts the user to switch for experiencing an "uninterrupted viewing experience".
(i) In case a positive response to the prompt is received from the user, the processor determines a need to provide user credentials for accessing the internet based digital content;
(j) The processor retrieves the user credentials and address of the server which is providing the internet based digital content and shares the user credentials to the server along with details of the "program";
(k) In case the internet based digital content can be accessed without sharing the user credentials, processor retrieves the address of the server which is providing the internet based digital content and shares details of the "program";
(1) The processor then retrieves the time stamp of the interruption and sends the same to the server thereby allowing for receipt of internet based digital content which corresponds to the time stamp of the interruption.

(m)Once the processor receives the internet based digital content, the same is played
using ABR Player, (n) If no match is found in steps (f) and step (g) above, the processor opens the ABR
player and presents the menu option pertaining to playing of the internet based
digital content, (o) Once the user makes a choice of the internet based digital content for playing, the
processor determines a need to provide user credentials for accessing the internet
based digital content; (p) The processor retrieves the user credentials and address of the server which is
providing the internet based digital content and shares the user credentials to the
server along with details of the "program"; (q) In case the internet based digital content can be accessed without sharing the user
credentials, the processor retrieves the address of the server which is providing
the internet based digital content and shares details of the "program"; (r) Once the processor receives the internet based digital content, the same is played
using ABR Player.
It has been observed that playing the internet based digital content via IPTV player is a huge challenge as the IPTV player relies upon distributing a fixed bitrate video stream. If the network connection quality at the user end could not support the fixed bitrate video stream, the user would experience dramatic buffering, which significantly affects the user's viewing experience. Thus, the present invention adopts an adaptive bit rate based player as part of the STB (ABR Player).
The ABR Player allows the user to stream video across the Internet, with both point to point streaming and OTT services to multiple devices. For point to point streaming, ABR player adopts a single Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) or Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) stream to fit the available bandwidth between the server and the STB. For point to point video streaming, the player needs to be able to adapt the compression level of a stream in real-time, as available bandwidth is constantly changing. This is also known as network adaptive encoding or NAE.
For OTT services, the player will usually rely on an ABR packaging protocol such as HLS or MPEG-DASH where multiple streams are defined by profiles such as low,

medium, and high quality. The ABR streams are divided into chunks of video, between 1 -15 seconds, so that individual viewing devices can dynamically pick and choose the video chunk that best fits available bandwidth at a given time. ABR streaming for OTT requires the use of an encoder or transcoder which can encode a single video source at multiple bitrates.
In an embodiment of the invention, the ABR streaming rate for OTT may be governed by the user credentials. For instance, a user who is authorized to view television broadcast signal of standard definition quality may be allowed to stream the internet based digital content at a value less than a first threshold value while a user who is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality may be allowed to stream the internet based digital content at a value less than a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value. This is depicted in the table provided herein below:

Service Type Bit Rate kb/s
HD 3000
HD 2300
HD 1800
SD HD 1200
SD HD 800
SD HD 400
SD HD 180
Once the processor starts playing the internet based digital content, the processor keeps monitoring for recovery of signal quality of the broadcast signal to a value equal to or above the acceptable level. In particular, the processor monitors in background for recovery of signal quality of the broadcast signal to a value equal to or above the acceptable level. In other words, the processor monitors for recovery of signal quality of the broadcast signal to a value equal to or above the acceptable level while playing the internet based digital content.
In response to determining recovery of signal quality of the broadcast signal to a value equal to or above the acceptable level and remaining above the acceptable level for a

predetermined amount of time period, the processor may check of whether the user has selected "return to live" as an option.
If "return to live" has been selected by the user (for example, as user setting) the processor may determine availability of the internet based digital content as television broadcast signal.
To determine availability of the internet based digital content as television broadcast signal, the processor records details of the internet based digital distributor and internet based digital content being viewed currently i.e. the meta data pertaining to the internet based digital content being viewed (shortly referred to as "OTT viewing data"). The processor may thereafter perform a search for "OTT viewing data" in a second local database to find a match, wherein the second local database stores the TV signal broadcasters details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible (shortly referred to as "DVB based EPG data").
In case the internet based digital content distributor is also providing a TV broadcast signal in the form a channel and if "return to live" has been selected by the user, the processor may provide a notification to the user about availability of a channel providing the internet based digital content distributor as TV broadcast signal and prompts the user to switch back to live viewing of the television broadcast signal.
In case the internet based digital distributor (whose internet based digital content was being viewed currently) is solely involved in internet based digital content distribution and does not broadcast TV signals, processor may thereafter perform a search for "OTT viewing data" in a second local database to find a match. Once a match has been found, the processor may provide a notification to the user about availability of a channel providing the internet based digital content distributor as TV broadcast signal and prompts the user to switch back to live viewing of the television broadcast signal.
In case the program which the user is viewing via the internet based digital content is available as television broadcast signal, in an embodiment of the invention, the processor may indicate an amount of time lag between the internet based digital content being played and the television broadcast signal.

In case the user selects to switch back to live viewing of the television broadcast signal, the processor exits from the ABR player and starts playing the television broadcast signal.
Since the internet based digital content being played to the user may be lagging in time compared to the television broadcast signal, in an embodiment of the invention, the program which the user is viewing via the internet based digital content may no longer be available as television broadcast signal (because the program has ended), in such a case, the processor may indicate non-availability of the program in the form of television broadcast signal. In such a scenario, the processor exits from the ABR player and presents the menu option pertaining to the television broadcast signals.
Architecture (300) of a set top box implementing the process as described above is shown in Figure 11, wherein the set top box comprises a TV Application (302) which resides within an Android Application (304). The set top box further comprises a TV input framework (306) which is in operational communication with the Android Application. The TV input framework comprises a TV input service component (308) and a DTV input component (310) which are in operational communication. The TV input framework (306) further comprises a TV provider component (312) and a database component (314). The TV provider component (312) and the database component (314) are in operational communication with the DTV input component (310). The database component comprises two parts namely Network EPG part (316) and DVB EPG part (318). The Network EPG part (316) acts as the first local database (212) and stores the internet based digital content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible (shortly referred to as "network based EPG data"). The DVB EPG part (318) acts as the second local database (214) and stores TV signal broadcasters details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible (shortly referred to as "DVB based EPG data"). Apart from the above, the database component may comprise a channel DB (320), which contains a listing of the channels.
In the set top box, the data in the DVB EPG part (318) is synchronized with the data in the Network EPG part (316). In particular, the service events in the DVB EPG part are synchronized with the service events in the Network EPG part. Synchronization of the

service events between the DVB EPG part and the Network EPG part is done by mapping Service ID, Event ID and Group ID. Apart from the above, Network EPG part also holds ABR Stream URL and DVB Triplet for respective service. During Switching, the Frontend TV app uses Service ID, Event ID to switch to Network ABR path and use respective ABR URL to start the streaming. An example of the data been set on each of the DVB EPG part and the Network EPG part DB to sync between Satellite and Network Switch is shown in Figure 10.
Once the Satellite Signal Strength improves (for example, becomes greater than 12db), the TV App will use DVB Triplet on Network DB to switch back and tune to Satellite Signal. User is shown "Go To Live" option once satellite signal improves and get stable for more than a predetermined time period, which may be configurable from backend and can have for example, a value equal to 3min.
Since the Network ABR stream on backend is cached for 4 hours, in case user took time in accepting the message to switch to Network, due to caching the player can request the Network Stream from Timestamp of lost signal event.
The drawings the foregoing descriptions give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of process described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the disclosure.

WE CLAIM:

1. A method (100) to provide an un-interrupted program viewing experience during
satellite signal interruptions, said method comprising:
providing (106) a first error message for display on a screen, in response to
detecting (102, 104) a drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below a
predetermined level;
providing (108) a first interactive screen for display on a screen, the first
interactive screen enabling the customer to provide a user input indicative of a
switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based
digital content;
ascertaining (112) user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the
television program based on user's identification parameters, in response to
receiving (110) a user input indicative of the switch;
establishing (114) communication with a server providing a desired internet
based digital content, in response to ascertaining user's entitlement to watch the
internet streamed version of the television program;
invoking (120) a native application level media player and playing the internet
based digital content thus received (118) from the server;
monitoring (122, 124), while playing the internet based digital content, recovery
in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level; and
providing (126) a second interactive screen for display on a screen, the second
interactive screen enabling the customer to provide a user input indicative of a
switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted
TV signal, in response to detecting recovery in the quality of the satellite TV
signal above the predetermined level.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
determining (128) a channel number being viewed when the quality of the
satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level;
determining (130) meta data pertaining to a program being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level;

recording (132) a time stamp when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped
below the predetermined level;
detecting (134) availability of internet connection and prompting (136) the user to
make the internet connection available, in case of non- availability of internet
connection;
searching (138) a first local database to find a match for the channel number
being viewed, wherein the first local database stores the internet based digital
content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are
currently accessible;
performing a search (140) in a first portion of the first local database to find a
match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed, if a match for the
channel number being viewed is found in the first local database; and
performing a search (142) in a second portion of the first local database to find a
match for the meta data pertaining to a program being viewed, the second portion
being a super-set of the first portion, if a match for the channel number being
viewed is not found in the first local database.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program is ascertained in the first local database based on user's identification parameters.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein establishing communication with the server further comprises:
determining (114a) a need to provide user's identification parameters to the
server for accessing the internet based digital content;
obtaining (114b), in case of the need, the user's identifications parameters from
the first local database;
fetching (114c) address of the server which is providing the internet based digital
content; and
transmitting (114d) to the server at the address thus fetched a request for the
internet based digital content, optionally along with the user's identification
parameters.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the request for the internet based digital content further comprises time stamp pertaining to a time period when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein invoking the native application level media player comprises invoking a native adaptive bit rate media player.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the native adaptive bit rate media player adopts a streaming rate which corresponds to available bandwidth of the internet connection at the user's end and the user's identification parameters.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method further comprises: determining (120a) whether the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality;
inform (120b) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is less than a first threshold value, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is NOT authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality; and
inform (120c) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is higher than the first threshold value, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises monitoring for the quality of the satellite TV signal remaining above the predetermined level for a predetermined minimum time period (124a).
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises detecting (124b) whether user has pre-selected an option pertaining to revert to viewing of viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises ascertaining (124c) availability of the internet based digital content being viewed as a television broadcast signal.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein ascertaining (124c) availability of the internet based digital content as television broadcast signal comprises: determining (124e) details of the internet based digital distributor and internet based digital content being viewed currently (OTT viewing data); and searching(124f) in a second local database to find a match for the OTT viewing data, wherein the second local database stores the TV signal broadcasters details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising exiting (148) playing of the internet based digital content and start playing (150) of the television broadcast signal, in response to receiving (146) a user input indicative of the switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal.
14. A device (200) for providing an un-interrupted program viewing experience during satellite signal interruptions, said device (200) comprising: a user input receiving unit (202) adapted to receive user input; a satellite TV signal receiving unit (204) adapted to determine a quality of the satellite TV signal;
a processor (206) operably coupled to the satellite TV signal receiving unit (204) and the user input receiving unit (202), the processor being adapted to detect a drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below a predetermined level, provide a first error message for display on a screen, in response to detecting the drop in quality of the satellite TV signal below the predetermined level, provide a first interactive screen for display on a screen, the first interactive screen enabling the user to provide a user input indicative of a switch from viewing of broadcasted TV signal to viewing of internet based digital content, ascertain user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program based on user's identification parameters, in response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch;

a communication unit (208) being operably coupled to the processor and being adapted to establish communication with a server providing a desired internet based digital content, in response to the processor ascertaining user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program; the processor (206) being further adapted to invoke a native application level media player and play the internet based digital content thus received from the server; monitor, while the internet based digital content is being played, recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level; and providing a second interactive screen for display on a screen, the second interactive screen enabling the customer to provide a user input indicative of a switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal, in response to detecting recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor (206) is further
configured to:
determine a channel number being viewed when the quality of the satellite TV
signal dropped below the predetermined level;
determine meta data pertaining to a program being viewed when the quality of
the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level;
record a time stamp when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the
predetermined level; and
detect availability of internet connection and prompting the user to make the
internet connection available, in case of non-availability of internet connection.
16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the processor (206) is in operational interconnection with a first local database (212) and the processor (206) is configured to:
search the first local database (212) to find a match for the channel number being viewed, wherein the first local database (212) stores the internet based digital content distributor details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible;

if a match for the channel number being viewed is found in the first local
database (212), performing a search in a first portion (212a) of the first local
database (212) to find a match for the meta data pertaining to a program being
viewed;
if a match for the channel number being viewed is not found in the first local
database (212), performing a search in a second portion (212b) of the first local
database (212) to find a match for the meta data pertaining to a program being
viewed, the second portion (212b) being a super-set of the first portion (212a);
and
providing the first interactive screen for display on a screen, if a match for the
meta data pertaining to a program being viewed is found either in the first portion
(212a) or the second portion (212b) of the first local database (212).
17. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first local database is adapted to store thereupon user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program in a mapped relationship (212c) with the user's identification parameters and the processor (206) is configured to ascertain user's entitlement to watch the internet streamed version of the television program by on the basis of the user's identification parameters as stored in the first local database.
18. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor (206) is further
configured to:
determine a need to provide user's identification parameters to the server for
accessing the internet based digital content;
obtain the user's identifications parameters from the first local database, in case
ofthe need;
fetch address of the server which is providing the internet based digital content
from the first local database;and
cause the communication unit to transmit to the server at the address thus fetched
a request for the internet based digital content, optionally along with the user's
identification parameters.
19. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the processor (206) is further configured to send along with the request for the internet based digital content a

time stamp pertaining to a time period when the quality of the satellite TV signal dropped below the predetermined level.
20. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the native application level media player is a native adaptive bit rate media player.
21. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the native adaptive bit rate media player is configured to adopt a streaming rate which corresponds to available bandwidth of the internet connection at the user's end and the user's identification parameters.
22. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein processor (206) is further adapted to: determine whether the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality;
inform (120b) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is less than a first threshold value, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is NOT authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality; and
inform (120c) the server to transmit digital content at an adaptive streaming rate which is higher than the first threshold value, if the user's identification parameters indicate that the user is authorized to view television broadcast signal of high definition quality.
23. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor (206) while monitoring for recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal above the predetermined level additionally monitors for the quality of the satellite TV signal remaining above the predetermined level for a predetermined minimum time period.
24. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor (206) provides the second interactive screen for display on the screen if the user has pre-selected an option pertaining to revert to viewing of viewing of broadcasted TV signal in case of recovery in the quality of the satellite TV signal.
25. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein processor (206) ascertains availability of the internet based digital content being viewed as a television

broadcast signal prior to providing the second interactive screen for display on the screen.
26. The device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the processor (206) is in operational
interconnection with a second local database (214) and the processor (206) is
configured to:
determine details of the internet based digital distributor and internet based digital
content being viewed currently (OTT viewing data);
search in the second local database (214) to find a match for the OTT viewing
data, wherein the second local database (214) stores the TV signal broadcasters
details and meta data pertaining to the programs that are currently accessible; and
if a match for the OTT viewing data is found in the second local database (214),
providing the second interactive screen for display on the screen.
27. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor (206) is further configured to exiting playing of the internet based digital content and start playing of the television broadcast signal, in response to receiving a user input indicative of the switch from viewing of internet based digital content to viewing of broadcasted TV signal.