FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates to displaying multimedia content and,
particularly, but not exclusively, to displaying recorded multimedia content.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Viewership of television programs has increased manifolds in recent years. With
the advancement in technology, users nowadays experience enhanced quality of content due to
several digitization techniques employed by the service providers. Digital processing
equipments, for example, a set top box, enable users to view television programs aired by the
service providers. For example, the users often install a set top box registered with a particular
service provider subscribed to by the users. The set top box receives and provides the content to
a display unit connected to the set top box. Moreover, the set top boxes nowadays come with in
built hard disk drives (HDD) that provide users with enhanced capabilities, such as digital video
recording (DVR) and playback features.
[0003] Typically, upon initiation, the set top box performs authentication and registration
procedures for establishing connection with the service provider and the setup time may vary
from few seconds to a couple of minutes in case the set top box is upgraded. Upon
authentication, the set up box may start displaying multimedia content on the display device.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to displaying recorded
multimedia content. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed
subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0005] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, a method for displaying recorded
multimedia content is disclosed. The method comprises ascertaining whether connection status
of a processing device is one of an idle state and an active state, wherein the idle state indicates
non-reception of multimedia content from a central server, and wherein the active state indicates
reception of multimedia content from the central server. The method further comprises, obtaining

3

recorded multimedia content based on the ascertaining, wherein the recorded multimedia content
is stored in the processing device. Thereafter, the recorded multimedia content is provided to a
display device coupled to the processing device.
[0006] In another embodiment, a processing device for providing recorded multimedia
content is disclosed. The processing device includes a processor and a state detection module
coupled to the processor. The state detection module determines whether a connection status of
the processing device is one of an idle state and an active state, wherein the idle state indicates
non-reception of multimedia content from a central server, and wherein the active state indicates
reception of multimedia content from the central server. The state detection module further
obtains recorded multimedia content based on the determination, wherein the recorded
multimedia content is saved in the processing device. The processing device further includes an
interaction module coupled to the processor. The processing module provides the recorded
multimedia content to a display device coupled to the processing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the
reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference
like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with
embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with
reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0008] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a network environment for displaying recorded
multimedia content, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a method for displaying recorded multimedia content, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0010] With advancement in technology, service providers nowadays provide enhanced
quality of multimedia content to users subscribed to the service provider. Typically, a digital
processing equipment, such as a set top box registered with the service provider is installed at the
user’s premises for receiving the multimedia content broadcasted by the service provider. For

4

example, a set top box receives signal through a receptor antenna and provides the multimedia
content to a display unit, for example, a television, connected to the set top box. With growing
technology, set top boxes nowadays are further compatible with digital video recorders (DVR)
including hard disk drives (HDD) for recording multimedia content.
[0011] Typically, upon initiation, a processing equipment performs several stages of
connection establishment and authenticates itself with the service provider. Such stages may vary
from few seconds to a minute depending upon the stages involved. For instance, in case where
the set top box receives system updates pushed through by the service provider, the set top box
may take several minutes for getting updated, i.e., the updating stage. During this time interval,
there is no reception of any multimedia content from the service provider as the hardware and the
software of the set top box has not been completely loaded. Thus, the set top box may not display
any multimedia content. Further, a corresponding system message indicating the status of the
stage is usually displayed to a user seeking to view the multimedia content. For instance, the set
top box may display "Receiving status updates" as the system message during updating of the set
top box. Moreover, in a scenario where the connection with the service provider is terminated
due to interruption in connection with the service provider, for example, due to bad weather, no
multimedia content is received by the processing equipment, thus resulting in display of the
corresponding system message. The display unit during such instances displays only the system
message. However, in case where the non-reception of multimedia content is for longer duration,
for instance in geographical regions with heavy rains, the service provider may lose out on
subscribed users due to non-availability of multimedia content for longer time durations. Further,
display of system messages during updating stage and connection establishment and
authentication stage may result in user dissatisfaction.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, a method and a system for
displaying recorded multimedia content is described. The processing equipment typically
receives multimedia content from the service provider and provides it to the display unit, such as
a television set, a monitor of a computing device, and a projector coupled to the processing
equipment. The multimedia content maybe understood as videos, songs, and images. Typically,
upon initiation by a user, the processing equipment establishes a connection with a central server
of the service provider. Upon establishment of the connection, the processing equipment may
start receiving the multimedia content from the service provider. However, in certain cases the

5

processing equipment may not receive the multimedia content from the service provider. In said
embodiment, a recorded multimedia content stored in the processing equipment is provided to
the display unit for displaying to a user during the period of non-reception of multimedia content.
[0013] In said embodiment, the recorded multimedia content is provided based on a
connection status of the processing equipment coupled to the display unit. In one
implementation, the connection status may be one of an active state and an idle state. The active
state may be defined as the state where the processing device is receiving the multimedia content
from the service provider. The idle state may be defined as the state where the processing device
is not receiving the multimedia content from the service provider.
[0014] For example, during boot-up stage, the processing equipment typically performs
preconfigured authentication and channel establishment procedures for establishing a connection
with a central server of the service provider and may thus not receive the multimedia content. In
another example, the processing equipment may receive and install any updates received from
the central server and thus may not receive the multimedia content from the service provider
during such reception and installation. In yet another example, the processing equipment may not
receive the multimedia content due to an interruption in the connection, for example, due to bad
weather condition. In aforementioned cases, the connection status of the processing equipment is
ascertained to be an idle state.
[0015] Upon ascertaining the connection status of the processing equipment as the idle state,
recorded multimedia content stored in the processing equipment is obtained. Examples, of
recorded multimedia content may include, but are not limited to, videos, music, advertisement,
and images. In one implementation, the recorded multimedia content may be updated by the
service provider after a predetermined interval of time. Further, in one implementation, the
recorded multimedia content may be based on a subscription package availed by a user. For
example, if a user is subscribed to a sports package as the main base package, the recorded
multimedia content may include sports videos and sports advertisements.
[0016] Thereafter, the recorded multimedia content is provided to the display unit. The
display unit may then display the recorded multimedia content. In one implementation, the
processing equipment may further provide a system message corresponding to the idle state to
the display unit. The display unit may thus display the system message along with the recorded

6

multimedia content. For example, during the updating stage, the processing equipment may
provide the recorded multimedia message and the system message corresponding to the updating
stage to the display device. The display device may then display the recorded multimedia content
and may further display the system message as a ticker at the bottom of the screen. In one
implementation, upon availability of the multimedia content from the service provider, the
processing equipment may be switched to the active state to provide the multimedia content to
the display unit.
[0017] Thus, the present subject matter results in an efficient utilization of the processing
equipment resources, for example, power may be utilized for displaying the recorded multimedia
content in addition to the system message corresponding to the idle state. For instance, since the
processing equipment needs to be connected to a power supply when getting updated and boot-
up process, the power may be utilized for simultaneously displaying the recorded multimedia
content to the user, thus efficiently managing the power consumption. Moreover, the recorded
multimedia content is updated as a background process and does not interfere with the regular
reception of the multimedia content, thereby leading to efficient utilization of bandwidth.
Additionally, since the recorded multimedia content is updated in the background, the user
experience is maintained. Further, in case of interruption in the connection, or in a case where
multiple users may be viewing and the multimedia content is paused, the recorded multimedia
content may be displayed to the users, thereby enhancing the user experience and maintaining
user interaction which otherwise gets reduced if no multimedia content is displayed during such
a case leading to user dissatisfaction.
[0018] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the
present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to
devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles
of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all
examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to
aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by
the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such
specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles,
aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to
encompass equivalents thereof.

7

[0019] The manner in which the systems and methods for displaying recording
multimedia content shall be explained in details with respect to the Figures 1-2. While aspects of
described systems and methods for displaying recording multimedia content can be implemented
in any number of different computing systems, transmission environments, and/or
configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary
system(s).
[0020] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words during, while,
and when as used herein are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an
initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation
delay, between the initial action and the reaction that is initiated by the initial action.
Additionally, the word “connected” and “coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the
description and can include either a direct connection or an indirect connection.
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a network environment 100 implementing one or more
processing devices 102-1, 102-2, …, 102-N, hereinafter collectively referred to as the processing
devices 102 and individually referred to as the processing device 102. Each of the processing
devices 102 are coupled to one or more display devices 104-1, 104-2, …, 104-N, hereinafter
collectively referred to as the display devices 104 and individually referred to as the display
device 104, respectively. In one implementation, the processing devices 102 may receive
multimedia content from a central server 106 of a content service provider through a network
108 and subsequently provide the content to the display device 104 coupled thereto. For the
purpose of explanation and clarity, only one central server 106 has been shown, however, one or
more central servers 106 pertaining to different service providers may exist in the network
environment 100.
[0022] Further, the central server 106 may also be implemented on one or more discrete
servers, mainframe computers, super-computers, and the like, located across different geographic
locations and coupled to each other. Further, the functioning of the central server 106 may also
be provided by locally installed systems, such as DSLAMs and broadband service routers,
configured to provide content to the processing devices 102.
[0023] The network 108 may be a combination of wired and wireless networks. The
network 108 may be implemented by the service provider systems through satellite
communication, terrestrial communication, or may be implemented through the use of routers

8

and access points connected to various Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs)
of wired networks. The network 108 can be implemented as one of the different types of
networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet,
and such.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present subject matter, the processing devices 102, for
example, a set top box, may be integrated into the display devices 104. However, in another
embodiment, the processing devices 102 may be non-integral with the display devices 104.
Further, the processing devices 102 can be implemented with any of a variety of display devices
known in the art, such as an electro luminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an
organic light emitting diode (OLED), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal
display (LCD), and a thin-film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD), and a projector coupled to a projector
screen. Further, these display devices 104 may perform functions of a television set and a
monitor of a computing device.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, a user subscribed to
the services of a content service provider may view multimedia content broadcasted by the
content service provider through a display device, say, the display device 104-1 coupled to the
processing device 102-1. In one implementation, a connection status of the processing device
102-1 may be one of an active state and an idle state. In active state, the processing device 102-1
receives multimedia content from the central server 106. However, in case of non-reception of
the multimedia content, i.e., in the idle state, the processing device 102-1 may provide recorded
multimedia content stored in the processing device 102-1 to the display device 104-1. The
recorded multimedia content, as used herein, may include any videos, songs, advertisement in
the form of videos, songs, and images, and any other multimedia content received from the
central server 106.
[0026] For the purpose, the processing device 102 includes one or more processor(s) 110,
I/O interface(s) 112, and a memory 114 coupled to the processor(s) 110. The processor(s) 110
may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital
signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices
that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the
processor(s) 110 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the
memory 114.

9

[0027] The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any
functional blocks labeled as “processor(s)”, may be provided through the use of dedicated
hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate
software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated
processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which
may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term “processor” should not be construed to refer
exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without
limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for
storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage. Other hardware,
conventional and/or custom, may also be included.
[0028] The I/O interface(s) 112 may include a variety of software and hardware
interfaces, for example, interfaces for peripheral device(s), such as data input output devices,
referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, network devices, etc. The I/O device(s) may include
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, Ethernet ports, host bus adaptors, etc., and their corresponding
device drivers. The I/O interface(s) 112 facilitate the communication of the processing device
102 with various networks, such as the network 108 and various communication and computing
devices, such as the display devices 104.
[0029] The memory 114 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art
including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only
memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and
magnetic tapes.
[0030] The processing device 102 may also include various modules 116. The modules
116, amongst other things, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc.,
which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules 116 may
also be implemented as, signal processor(s), state machine(s), logic circuitries, and/or any other
device or component that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.
[0031] Further, the modules 116 can be implemented in hardware, instructions executed
by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. The processing unit can comprise a computer,

10

a processor, such as the processor 110, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable
devices capable of processing instructions. The processing unit can be a general-purpose
processor which executes instructions to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the
required tasks or, the processing unit can be dedicated to perform the required functions.
[0032] In another aspect of the present subject matter, the modules 116 may be machine-
readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor/processing unit, perform
any of the described functionalities. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an
electronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or other machine-readable storage medium or
non-transitory medium. In one implementation, the machine-readable instructions can be also be
downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection.
[0033] The module(s) 116 further include a signal processing module 120, a state
detection module 122, an interaction module 124, and other module(s) 126. The other module(s)
126 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of
the processing device 102.
[0034] The processing device 102 may further include data 118, which amongst other
things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, associated, and generated by
one or more of the module(s) 116. The data 118 includes, for example, signal data 128, recorded
multimedia data 130, and other data 132. The other data 132 includes data generated as a result
of the execution of one or more modules in the other module(s) 126.
[0035] As described previously, the processing device 102-1 provides multimedia
content received from the central server 106 to the display device 104-1 coupled to the
processing device 102-1. In one implementation, upon initiation of the processing device 102-1,
the signal processing module 120 performs authentication and channel establishment procedures
to establish a link between the processing device 102-1 and the central server 106. Upon
establishment of the link, the signal processing module 120 may receive the multimedia content
broadcasted by the central server 106. In one implementation, the signal processing module 120
may perform known techniques of digitization and store the multimedia content in the signal data
128. Subsequently, the interaction module 124 provides the multimedia content to the display
device 104-1. As will be understood, the reception and processing of the multimedia content is a

11

real-time continuous process and the multimedia content is provided to the display device 104-1
without any undue delay.
[0036] For example, a user seeking to view a sports event being aired by the service
provider may switch on the television set and the processing device 102-1 coupled thereto. The
processing device 102-1 then establishes a link with the central server 106 upon successful
authentication and channel establishment procedures. Typically, upon establishment of the link, a
preconfigured default channel is displayed to the user. The user may then select the sports
channel and subsequently corresponding multimedia content is received from the central server
106 and provided to the television set.
[0037] In one implementation, the state detection module 122 may ascertain the
connection status of the processing device 102-1. For the purpose, the state detection module 122
may continuously monitor the reception of the multimedia content from the central server 106 to
determine whether the connection status of the processing device 102-1 is in the active state or
the idle state. For example, the state detection module 122 may analyze the signal data 128 to
determine whether or not the multimedia content is received from the central server 106, for
ascertaining the connection status of the processing device 102-1. In a case where the multimedia
content is received continuously, the connection status is ascertained to be the active state. For
instance, in the previous example of displaying the sports event, the state detection module 122
may ascertain that the signal data 128 is receiving the multimedia content and may thus ascertain
the connection status to be the active state.
[0038] However, in certain cases, there may be an interruption in the reception of the
multimedia content by the processing device 102-1. For example, the link between the
processing device 102-1 and the central server 106 may be interrupted due to bad weather
conditions. For instance, with reference to previous example of displaying the sports event, in
case of heavy rain the processing device 102-1 may not receive the multimedia content from the
central server 106. The user may thus not be able to view the sports event.
[0039] In another example, where the user tunes to an unsubscribed channel, there may
be a momentary interruption in the link. For example, the user may tune to an unsubscribed
channel. In such a case, the multimedia content may not be received.

12

[0040] In another case, there may be no reception of the multimedia content by the
processing device 102-1. For instance, during a boot up stage, the processing device 102-1
establishes the link with the central server 106 and may thus not receive the multimedia content
during the boot up stage until the link is established. Further, during an updating stage, the
processing device 102-1 may receive only an updating information from the central server 106
for being updated and may thus not receive the multimedia content. In such cases, the state
detection module 122 ascertains the connection status of the processing device 102-1 as the idle
state. For instance, in the previous example of displaying the sports event, the reception of the
multimedia content may be interrupted due to heavy rain. In such a case, the state detection
module 122 may ascertain that the signal data 128 has stopped receiving the multimedia content
and may thus ascertain the connection status to be the idle state.
[0041] In one implementation, the state detection module 122 may monitor the time
duration of non reception of the multimedia content and compare it with a predetermined
threshold value of time. In a case where the time duration is equal to or greater than the
predetermined threshold value, the state detection module 122 may then ascertain the connection
status of the processing device 102-1 as the idle state. In a case where the time duration is less
than the predetermined threshold value, the state detection module ascertains the connection
status as the active state.
[0042] In one implementation, where the state detection module 122 ascertains the
connection status of the processing device 102-1 to be the idle state, the interaction module 124
may obtain the recorded multimedia content stored in the recorded multimedia data 130. In one
example, the recorded multimedia content may be received by the signal processing module 120
upon completion of an initial boot up of the processing device. The initial boot up may be
understood as the first boot up of the processing device 102 after installation at a user's premises.
Thereafter, the recorded multimedia content may be updated periodically by the interaction
module 124. For instance, the interaction module 124 may receive periodical updates and may
subsequently update the recorded multimedia content stored in the recorded multimedia data 130
Further, the recorded multimedia content may be ascertained based on a subscription package of
the user. For example, if the user is subscribed to a base sports package, the multimedia content
may include videos, wallpapers, images, and advertisements related to sporting events.

13

[0043] The interaction module 124 may then provide the recorded multimedia content to
the display device 104-1. For the purpose, the interaction module 124 may access the recorded
multimedia data 130 and obtain the recorded multimedia content for transmission to the display
device 104.
[0044] Upon receiving the recorded multimedia content the display device 104-1 may
display the recorded multimedia content, thus facilitating in improving the user experience as the
user may now not sit idle during such a phase of non-reception of the multimedia content.
[0045] In another implementation, the interaction module 124 may further obtain a
preconfigured system message corresponding to the idle state stored in the other data 132 using
known mechanism. As will be understood, the preconfigured system message indicates the
information corresponding to the connection status of the processing device 102-1. For example,
in the signal disruption stage due to bad weather conditions, the corresponding preconfigured
system message may include the following information, "Video not available due to bad
weather". The display module may then transmit the preconfigured system message to the
display device 104-1 for being displayed along with the recorded multimedia content.
[0046] Upon receiving the recorded multimedia content and the preconfigured system
message, the display device 104-1 may display the preconfigured system message
simultaneously with the recorded multimedia content. For instance, the recorded multimedia
content may be displayed as a horizontal ticker at the bottom of a display unit of the display
device. In another example, the display device 104-1 may flash the preconfigured system
message in the middle of the display unit.
[0047] Upon availability of the multimedia content, i.e., when the connection status of
the processing device 102-1 is in the active state, the processing device 102-1 may provide the
multimedia content to the display device 104-1.
[0048] Figure 2 illustrates a method 200 for displaying recorded multimedia content, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The order in which the method
200 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described
method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 200, or an alternative
method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from

14

the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be
implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
[0049] The method(s) may be described in the general context of computer executable
instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular
functions or implement particular abstract data types. The method may also be practiced in a
distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices
that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage
media, including memory storage devices.
[0050] A person skilled in the art will readily recognize that steps of the method can be
performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover
program storage devices, for example, digital data storage media, which are machine or
computer readable and encode machine-executable or computer-executable programs of
instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or all of the steps of the described method.
The program storage devices may be, for example, digital memories, magnetic storage media,
such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data
storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover all the communication networks and
communication devices configured to perform said steps of the exemplary method.
[0051] At block 202, a connection status of a processing device coupled to a display
device is ascertained. In one implementation, the processing device may receive multimedia
content from a central server of a content service provider. In a case where the multimedia
content is received continuously, i.e., without any interruption or delay, the connection status is
ascertained as active state. However, in certain cases, the multimedia content may not be
received continuously. For example, due to bad weather conditions and a user tuning to an
unsubscribed channel. In such a case, there may be an interruption in reception of the multimedia
signal. In another case, where the processing device is in a boot up stage or where the processing
device is being updated, there may be no reception of the multimedia content. In such cases, the
connection status is ascertained as idle state. For example, the state detection module 122 may
ascertain the connection status of the processing device 102-1.

15

[0052] At block 204, recorded multimedia content stored in the processing device is
obtained based on the ascertaining. In one example where the connection status is ascertained to
be as idle state, the recorded multimedia content stored in the processing device is obtained.
Examples of the multimedia content may include, but are not limited to, videos, songs, images,
advertisements from other content providers, and wallpapers. In one implementation, the
recorded multimedia content may be received upon completion of initial boot up stage, i.e.,
completion of the boot up when the processing device is booted for the first time. Thereafter, the
recorded multimedia content may be updated periodically. For example, the recorded multimedia
content may be updated after every twenty days. Further, in another implementation, the
recorded multimedia content may be ascertained based on a subscription package subscribed by
a user. For instance, a user subscribed to a base package of sports channels, the recorded
multimedia content may include videos, advertisements, highlights of various sports, and the
like. Further, a preconfigured system message corresponding to the idle stage may also be
obtained. The preconfigured system message may indicate the nature of the idle state. In one
implementation, the interaction module 124 may obtain the recorded multimedia content stored
in the processing device 102-1.
[0053] At block 206, the recorded multimedia content is provided to the display device.
In one implementation, the recorded multimedia content is provided for displaying. In another
implementation, both the recorded multimedia content and the preconfigured system message
may be provided for displaying. For instance, the recorded multimedia may be displayed and the
preconfigured system message may be flashed as a ticker.
[0054] Although implementations for displaying recorded multimedia content have been
described in a language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that
the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described.
Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations for
providing television broadcast in a shared transmission environment.


16

I/We claim:
1. A method for displaying recorded multimedia content on a display device (104), wherein
the method comprises:
ascertaining, by a state detection module (122), whether connection status of a
processing device (102) is one of an idle state and an active state, wherein the idle state
indicates non-reception of multimedia content from a central server (106), and wherein
the active state indicates reception of multimedia content from the central server (106);
obtaining, by the state detection module (122), recorded multimedia content based
on the ascertaining, wherein the recorded multimedia content is stored in the processing
device (102); and
providing, by an interaction module (124), the recorded multimedia content to the
display device (104) coupled to the processing device (102).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:
monitoring, by the state detection module (122), a time duration corresponding to
non-reception of the multimedia content; and
comparing, by the state detection module (122), the time duration with a
predetermined threshold value of time for ascertaining the connection status.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the providing further comprises:
identifying, by state detection module (122), a preconfigured system message
corresponding to the idle state; and
providing, by the interaction module (124), the preconfigured system message to
the display device (104) for displaying along with the recorded multimedia message.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing device (102) enters the idle
state during at least one of a boot-up stage and an updating stage.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises receiving, by a
signal processing module (120), the multimedia content from the central server (106).
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises switching the
connection status to the active state upon availability of the multimedia content from the
central server (106).
7. A processing device (102) comprising:
a processor (110); and

17

a state detection module (122) coupled to the processor (110) to,
determine whether a connection status of the processing device (102) is one of
an idle state and an active state, wherein the idle state indicates non-reception of
multimedia content from a central server (106), and wherein the active state indicates
reception of multimedia content from the central server (106); and
obtain recorded multimedia content based on the determination, wherein the
recorded multimedia content is saved in the processing device (102); and
an interaction module (124) coupled to the processor (110) to provide the recorded
multimedia content to a display device (104) coupled to the processing device (102).
8. The processing device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the state detection module
(122) further:
monitors a time duration corresponding to non-reception of the multimedia
content; and
compares the time duration with a predetermined threshold value of time.
9. The processing device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the state detection module
(122) further identifies a preconfigured system message corresponding to the idle state.
10. The processing device (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interaction module (124)
further provides the preconfigured system message to the display device (104) for
displaying along with the recorded multimedia content.
11. The processing device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processing device (102)
further comprises a signal processing module (120) to, wherein the signal processing
module (120) receives the multimedia content from a central server (106).
12. The processing device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the signal processing module
(120) further receives the recorded multimedia content from a central server (106).
13. A computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for
displaying recorded multimedia content on a display device, the method comprising:
ascertaining, by a state detection module, whether connection status of a
processing device is one of an idle state and an active state, wherein the idle state
indicates non-reception of multimedia content from a central server, and wherein the
active state indicates reception of multimedia content from the central server;

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obtaining, by the state detection module, recorded multimedia content based on the
ascertaining, wherein the recorded multimedia content is stored in the processing device;
and
providing, by an interaction module, the recorded multimedia content to the
display device coupled to the processing device.