Abstract: A method for blocking objectionable information on a terminal. The method includes receiving header information corresponding to a particular multimedia content, extracting grade information from the header, determining if the extracted grade information is an allowable grade indicating that the particular multimedia content can be received by the terminal, receiving the particular multimedia content if the determining step determines the extracted grade information is the allowable grade, comparing the received multimedia content with objectionable information determination data stored in the terminal to determine if the multimedia content is objectionable, and assigning an objectionable grade to the header of the multimedia content when the comparing step determines the received multimedia content is objectionable.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for conserving bandwidth. Inputs to a user interface are accumulated and compared to a historical pattern of inputs. When inputs are accumulated, the method predicts that a user is present. When inputs are expected, but no inputs are received, then the method predicts that no user is present. Actions are them implemented to and conserve bandwidth.

Abstract: Media system control and advertisement technology, in which input related to advertising preferences of a user of a media system that is connected to a content delivery network is received. An advertisement control policy is defined for the user of the media system based on the received input. During viewing, on the media system, of a channel provided by the content delivery network, the media system is controlled to deliver advertisements based on the defined advertisement policy.

Abstract: A server receives a source signal stream having a channel identifier and an indication that an advertisement placement opportunity is located in the signal stream a time period prior to an advertisement signal point. The server transmits the channel identifier to a session manager. The server receives from the session manager a list of sessions corresponding to a number of recipients currently viewing a channel corresponding to the channel identifier. The server transmits to an ad decision service an ad call for each session in the list. The server receives from the ad decision service a plurality of advertisements targeted to the list. The server stores the plurality of advertisements in at least one cache prior to expiration of the time period, where the advertisement signal point is detected by the programmed computer.

Abstract: A control server receives a local input to control a remote video device and sends an indication of the local input to the remote video device to control, access, or operate the remote video device. Video data indicative of images provided by the remote video device in response to the local input are relayed to the control server by the remote video device or associated components. A plurality of remote video devices can be simultaneously controlled, accessed, or operated. Control code sets for remote video devices are mapped to a local interface control set. Local input is translated to a remote video device command based on such mappings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying instances of media programming available within a media distribution system. An exemplary method involves searching a listing of media programming available from a first content source using search criteria indicative of a desired media program to identify an instance of the desired media program available from the first content source, obtaining a target program identifier associated with the desired media program from that instance, identifying another instance of the desired media program in a second listing of media programming available from another content source using the target program identifier, and providing a combined search result that indicates availability of the desired media program from the content sources.

Abstract: A method for providing program image information in a digital broadcasting receiving device. The method includes receiving image broadcasting information segments containing pre-edited program image information about a plurality of channels to be displayed by displaying in a plurality of areas of a display screen and displaying the received image broadcasting information segments. The method allows display of program image information about a plurality of channels on a single screen, thus enabling a user to easily monitor a program being played back on each channel.

Abstract: During tuner manufacture, the unique power parameters as a function of frequency and channel are stored on a memory unique to each tuner. When the tuner is subsequently incorporated into another device, such as a modem, the stored power parameters are made available to the subsequent device, thereby overriding the need for subsequent calibration tests to be run. The stored parameters aid in remote testing of the communication device and also allow for individual channel by channel setting of TOP levels.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a cable network to acquire electronic programming guide (EPG) content signals from one or more EPG vendors. The system includes a set-top box (STB) for receiving cable signals and EPG signals from a headend controller so that the STB can output the signals to a media output device for display. A conversion table is provided to each STB for use by the STB in determining source IDs associated with a given channel for each EPG vendor, the source IDs for use in acquiring the EPG content signals.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for transmitting and receiving ESG fragments associated with an event or program. The event or program may have an interaction service component in which a subscriber can interact with the program in real-time. The program content information, such as audio and video data associated with the program may be transmitted to a subscriber in an ESG fragment. The ESG fragment may have associated metadata in which information pertaining to the interaction service component of the event or program may be mapped. The subscriber terminal or receiver can parse the ESG fragment data to determine attributes for displaying a message template associated with the interaction service component of the event or program. Subscriber interaction with the program can be provided through the message template.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to have a pay television distributor set timers for the user. The timers record programs either requested by the user or by the pay television distributor.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to read media content from an optical storage medium inserted into an optical drive of the communication device, obtain one or more preferences of a set top box for presentation of the media content, adjust the media content from a current format into a target format based at least in part on the one or more preferences, and transmit the media content in the target format to the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Controlling the admission of interactive television iTV applications to an iTV application distribution system is accomplished through the use of iTV application profiles that enumerate sets of allowed functions and behaviors for the iTV applications within the distribution system. In general, the profiles comprise filters that enable various functions within the distribution system, and may be applied to the iTV applications according to any of a number of bases. The distribution system includes an interface or console adapted to permit a system operator to create the application profiles and establish rules for attaching the profiles to the iTV applications, and an application profile engine configured to automatically validate the iTV applications against the profiles according to those rules.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying user selection preferences of an identified user having accessed the network, the identifying based on an accumulation of user selection inputs executed by the identified user, relative to input options presented to the user and identifying respective available network items, the accumulation including an identification of the input options not having been selected by the identified user; determining a group of network users having a highest correlation of shared interests with the identified user, based on identifying preferred network items for the identified user, and identifying first network users providing highest relative user affinity values for each of the preferred network items; and determining at least one of new network items most likely to be preferred by the identified user, based on determining, from among network items not presented to the identifier user, the preferred network items for each of the first network users in the group.

Abstract: The invention provides a retransmission manager for use in a digital content delivery system, wherein the delivery system comprises a plurality of user devices, a set of content providers for delivering digital content to the user devices in the form of bursts of content through a source unit. The retransmission manager is connected to the user devices to receive notifications therefrom, each notification received from a given user device identifying a burst received by the given user device which is candidate for retransmission. The retransmission manager selects a set of bursts among the bursts identified by the notifications based on the amount of available bandwidth at the source unit and on negotiation messages received from at least one of the plurality of content providers, the negotiation message being related to at least one burst identified in the notifications and including, for each burst, a negotiation parameter.

Abstract: A method for connecting a media player to a remote server is provided. The method comprises processing a request for connecting to an remote server while reproducing data recorded on an enhanced navigation medium, processing connection information recorded on the enhanced navigation medium to determine whether connection to the remote server is permitted, and requesting connection to the remote server, if connection to the remote server is permitted in accordance with the connection information.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for accelerating advertising placement decisions is disclosed. A server receives a source signal stream having a channel identifier and an indication that an advertisement placement opportunity is located in the signal stream a time period prior to an advertisement signal point. The server identifies a list representative of a plurality of recipient signal streams having the channel identifier and at least one audience attribute prior to expiration of the time period. The server obtains a plurality of targeted advertisements corresponding to the list representative of the plurality of recipient signal streams. The server stores the plurality of advertisements in at least one cache.

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.