Abstract: Methods and systems for compressing video content are presented. The methods and systems include analyzing a sequence of media frames stored in the memory device and calculating a displacement level of each of the media frames. The displacement level indicates how different each of the media frames is to a previous media frame. The sequence of media frames is divided into a plurality of cuts where each cut ends at a media frame having a substantially high displacement level. Frames to be removed from the sequence of media frames are identified in each cut based upon the frame's displacement level. The identified frames are then removed.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing is described. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director etc. Moreover, the system and method includes an on-screen remote control that can be utilized in conjunction with a physical input device for navigation and viewing one or more video assets. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for push-based dynamic bandwidth allocation deliver addressable, advertising content in a digital network. Bandwidth is allocated on a push basis in response to receiving a trigger from a content distribution stream. The trigger contains data indicating an addressable break. A portion of bandwidth is then allocated to an addressable content stream based on the data of the trigger. The addressable content stream is then streamed to a receiver during the addressable break and the receiver is tuned from the broadcast stream to the addressable content stream for the duration of the addressable break. The additional bandwidth is de-allocated at the end of the addressable break.

Abstract: Alternative approaches to the insertion of local commercials and messages into networks feeds are provided. Embodiments include digital commercial insertion for cable operators and others that not only offer more flexibility and features, but may also be significantly cheaper to implement. The actual “insert” of the local commercial or message into the digital program is performed by a standard set top box, with several methods of providing the local commercial to the set top box at the proper insertion time. Another embodiment allows a cable operator to significantly save on equipment in the form of splicers and ad inserters, by allowing easy and dynamic mapping of local commercials to insertion zones.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: A media content management application that allows a user to create and customize a version of media content based on semantic criteria is provided. Based on semantic criteria, the media content management application may use editing/assembly software packages to construct a version of the media content for an intended audience. In addition, the media content management application uses semantic criteria to provide the user with options for optimizing the cost of the version of media content, options for delivering the version of media content, and/or options for delivery mediums to transmit the version of media content.

Abstract: Systems which allow for the insertion of targeted advertisements or other messages into programming content, e.g., using Digital Video Recording (DVR) technology are disclosed. Systems use storage to pre-load advertisements, record content with commercials breaks, and merge the advertisements into the recorded content in the background, so that they are available when the content is viewed in time-shifted mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods enabling the send or “push” side of a cable transmission to dynamically obtain additional and/or temporary capacity. Bits and/or bandwidth of transmitted content is restricted by the service provider allowing gaps in the capacity to be filled with value-added content such as advertising, additional supplemental data feeds, or other media content.

Abstract: Methods and products to deliver at least a portion of an advertisement to a viewer at normal playback speeds after receiving a command from the viewer to fast-forward through an advertisement faster than normal playback speeds is described. In certain embodiments, the invention delivers a portion of the advertisement to be played at normal playback speeds to the viewer; and delivers the remaining portion of the advertisement to be played at a playback speed that is faster than the specified playback speed so that the combination of the portions delivered at normal and faster playback speeds is delivered to the user at the specified playback speed. In some other embodiments, the invention delivers at least a portion of the first advertisement to the viewer at normal playback speeds; and delivers one or more other advertisements to the viewer simultaneously with the first advertisement with the audio information muted based on the specified playback speed.

Abstract: A system and method for masking/reducing the switch time from an analog or digital television channel to another digital television channel and back. Various optimizations which may be used individually or in combination to minimize the potential disruption to the viewer. This optimization is especially important when the channel switch is made automatically by the receiver, such as the case where the presentation of one television program is temporarily continued on another channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging media and data for transmission over a broadband communications network link for display at a terminal destination. Features of the method included creating desired media segments for transmission to the terminal destination and for creating targeting information, for example in whole or in part in the form of metadata, for transmission to the terminal destination. Other features include packaging the created media segments and the created targeting information in a single package and unpacking the single package for display of the targeted media at the terminal destination.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, systems and methods that allow a television broadcast facility or a headend to insert in-band messages, where the inserted message allow receivers to switch to, insert, or otherwise show addressable advertisements to its viewers.

Abstract: A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging media and data for transmission over a broadband communications network link for display at a terminal destination. Features of the method included creating desired media segments for transmission to the terminal destination and for creating targeting information, for example in whole or in part in the form of metadata, for transmission to the terminal destination. Other features include packaging the created media segments and the created targeting information in a single package and unpacking the single package for display of the targeted media at the terminal destination.

Abstract: A system and method for the simultaneous creation, assembly and transmission of synchronous multiple personalized messages to specific targeted individuals or other entities. The system can send rich media distinctly personalized messages such as commercials to a small or large group of selected individuals through any appropriate distribution media. A personalized message is created based on segmenting a message into multiple slots, and providing different selectable segments for each slot. The multiple segments are then simultaneously broadcasted over multiple data streams to a receiver, wherein the receiver switches between the data streams to assemble the personalized message in a just-in-time fashion. Other data including overlays, animation, frame transitions etc. may also be transmitted and used to assemble the personalized message.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for allocating content elements addressed for a content opportunity in a transport stream within a household-addressable media network. A content opportunity may include an advertising slot in a programming stream. The content elements may include advertising content configured to be run during the advertising slot. The advertising slot may be transmitted in a programming stream providing television programming and the advertising content may be provided in a commercial feed. The media network may be configured to transmit various content formats, such as high definition (HD), standard definition (SD), and variations thereof. Systems may be configured to allocate the highest profile corresponding content elements if there is sufficient resources available. If sufficient resources are not available, the system may allocate lower profile versions of the content elements.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for storing or caching targeted content on a receiver device using existing bandwidth within a media network are described. For example, unused bandwidth within a transport stream may be detected and targeted content may be inserted into the transport stream within the unused bandwidth. The targeted content may include targeted advertisements for a household addressable media network. The transport stream may be transmitted to the receiver device which may access and store the targeted content responsive to various targeted content signals. For instance, the transport stream may include targeted content signals configured to trigger the receive device to access and store the targeted content. The transport stream may include a commercial feed transport stream.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for determining an outcome of a content promotional message are described. For example, a media network may be configured to transmit content to a plurality of content playback devices, such as a television or a computing device. The content may include a content promotion message configured to promote content, such as a television program or a website, available through the media network. The content promotion message and the content may be associated with network identifiers generated by the media network for tracked content. When the content is played by the content playback device, a device identifier may be generated for the content. The device identifiers may be compared with the network identifiers to determine which, if any, content tracked by the media network has been played by the plurality of content playback devices.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an information management application that provides users with the ability to create and customize matrix displays of information relating to a particular product or service for navigation by other users is provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.