Abstract: An implementation of the disclosure provides a method. The method comprises receiving, by a processing device, a request for a video advertisement associated with a client device coupled to a network. The request comprises playback attributes of the client device. A video ad-serving template (VAST) data structure is generated for the video advertisement based on the request. An ad content item is identified based on the VAST data structure. The ad content item comprises information characterizing the video advertisement that includes a rich media, mezzanine and interactive components. The ad content item is transcoded into a plurality of transport streaming items comprising a representation of the video advertisement in context with the playback attributes associated with the request and the VAST data structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to streaming of media content. In one example embodiment, an electronic device for playing video content may comprise a user interface, a processor and a memory. The memory may comprise computer program code, which, when run in the processor causes the electronic device to receive a first request to play first video content associated with a first video stream at the user interface, and in response to receiving the first request, pre-buffer data related to the first video stream; while pre-buffering this data and before playing the first video content at the user interface; display (at the user interface) a still image corresponding to a portion of the first video content in a first video tile at a first size; and re-size the first size to a second size such that a zooming-out effect of the displayed still image is provided.

Abstract: Television tuner emulation techniques are described. In an implementation, a television tuner is emulated through execution of software on a processing system by a computing device, the emulated television tuner includes functionality to obtain television content over an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. The functionality of the emulated television tuner is exposed to one or more applications that are executed by the computing device such that the application is not aware that the television tuner is emulated through execution of the software.

Abstract: The provisioning of media content to computing devices that might not normally have access thereto. Example types of media or media content may include advertising media, broadcast media, social media, news media, and others.

Abstract: There is provided a reception device configured to receive content broadcast via a broadcasting network, the reception device including an application execution unit configured to execute a link application that is able to change a layout of a screen with reference to a video of the received content, and an application control unit configured to control the application execution unit based on application control information relating to the link application so that activation of the link application is restricted.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time DVR programming employ secure instant message protocol in a DVR environment. An embodiment sends an instant message to the DVR which causes the DVR to open a new secure connection with the service provider for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider. Another embodiment uses an already established connection with an instant message server for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider.

Abstract: A content distribution method including receiving in-band signals from respective content providers, where the in-band signals include video content. The method further includes: receiving at a placement opportunities information module first messages associated respectively with the content providers, where the first messages are advertisement messages and/or program messages and have respective formats; and mapping the first messages to second messages, where the second messages have a same format, and where the same format is different than the respective formats and is standardized for point of presence devices.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electronic system is presented which includes a remote control device and a first electronic device. In one embodiment, the remote control device is configured to accept a user input signifying a command for a second electronic device, as well as generate the command for the second electronic device, and an indication of the command. In another embodiment, the remote control device is configured to accept a user input that causes a mode change of the remote control device, wherein the mode identifies one of a plurality of electronic devices that receive commands from the remote control device. The remote control device is also configured to transmit the command to the second electronic device, if applicable, and transmit the indication of the command or mode change to the first electronic device. The first electronic device is configured to receive and process the indication to alter operation of the first electronic device.

Abstract: A hybrid, expandable electronic programming guide that may allow broadcast programming customers to view both broadcast programming options and over-the-top service options in a single electronic programming guide.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the rendering of digital content that is progressively downloaded on a content server in a wide-area communication network. The content can be accessed via at least one service gateway, and can be downloaded in order to be rendered on at least one rendering device that can communicate with the service gateway and that is equipped with a native remote control device. The method includes: reception, from the rendering device, of a datum relating to a command selected on the native remote control device; generation of a request for the progressive download of digital content associated with the selected command, based on the datum received; transmission of the progressive download request to the content server via the service gateway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiver including: a reception section adapted to receive AV, namely audio and visual content; a registration section adapted to register related content relating to the AV content based on control information included in an application program executed in response to the AV content; and a presentation control unit adapted to exercise control in such a manner that if the registered related content is selected, the selected related content is presented.

Abstract: A display device and a method of providing a contents list are provided. An apparatus/method is provided. The method includes: playing contents; determining whether the contents are played over a predetermined time; when the contents are played over the predetermined time, storing information on the contents in a previously-viewed-contents list; and once a request signal for displaying the previously-viewed-contents list occurs, displaying the previously-viewed-contents list.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that can include iconization and later play of video content items, such as advertisements. During presentation of an online video, video advertisements may be presented. Upon user selection, during or after presentation of a particular video advertisement, the advertisement may cease to be presented, but an icon may be displayed that represents the video advertisement. The icon may be displayed in an area adjacent to the online video display area, which area may include multiple icons. Later, upon user selection of the icon, the video advertisement may be played, or may continue playing, utilizing local storage of the video advertisement. This, in turn, may provide, for example, efficient, convenient user access to the video advertisement, leading to enhanced advertisement performance with minimal intrusive impact on the user experience as a whole.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate the detection of a closed caption standard and corresponding extraction of closed caption data according to the detected closed caption standard. A set-top box (STB) may receive content from multiple different networks and/or service providers, and closed caption data may be formatted differently in content received from the various networks and/or service providers. The STB may identify a relevant standard with which to process closed caption data in a received content stream based upon an identification of the network and/or provider from which the content stream is received, and the STB may extract and render closed caption data using a process associated with the identified network and/or provider.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a requesting media content processing subsystem and a network entity. The requesting media content processing subsystem is configured to transmit to the network entity a request to access a snippet of a media content instance. The network entity is configured to augment the snippet with additional media content and provide a user with access to the augmented snippet via the requesting media content processing subsystem.

Abstract: The distribution of content over a peer to peer (P2P) network can be improved by utilizing at least one broadcast of the content in order to quickly seed the P2P network. When content is first to be distributed across the network, a broadcast can be scheduled that each peer device with broadcast receiving capability and within range of the broadcast is able to receive. As soon as a peer device receives at least a portion of the broadcast content, that peer can begin redistributing the content across the P2P network. Any errors or missing portions of the received broadcast content can be corrected by requesting a copy of the missing or incorrect portion from another peer on the P2P network.

Abstract: Provided is a method of providing a broadcasting service and playing a broadcast by using an object state transmitting method, in which a data capacity of a video may be remarkably reduced to transmit a broadcasting image and image data of the broadcasting image may be received and played. Accordingly, according to the method of providing a broadcasting service and playing a broadcast by using an object state transmitting method, a broadcasting image having a small data capacity may be transmitted, received and provided at a high image quality at the same time.

Abstract: A method of setting controls on a digital communication device operated by an end user participant in a digital content event provided from a digital communication network includes operating a tracking control in the digital communication network to track activity of the digital communication device in a context of the digital content event, applying the activity to a content series detector, applying an output of the content series detector to a series gap detector, and applying the time-stamped set of ranking controls and content inputs from a digital content manager to operate a ranking control and digital filter to generate a control interface for the digital communication device, the control interface comprising a plurality of individually operable controls to configure the digital communication device with the control interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a transportation vehicle are provided. One method includes interfacing a PED with an IFE system that includes a function associated with an object; capturing an image of an object by the PED, identifying the function associated with the object using the captured image and an application of the PED; presenting an option by the application to activate the function; and upon selection of the option by a user, communicating a request to IFE system to activate the function.