Abstract: A non-transitory tangible computer readable medium is disclosed, containing a computer program for distributing video data over an electrical power line, the computer program including but not limited to instructions to receive first video data and second video data concurrently at a first internet protocol television client device over an electrical power line from a second and third controllable devices in response to the detecting the first event data in the first location at the first controllable device; instructions to create at a first client end user device, a client created internet protocol television channel and insert the client created channel into an existing electronic program guide for the first and second video data; and instructions to send the electronic program guide to a second client end user device for selection and display of the first and second video concurrently at a display for the second client end user device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and non-transitory storage mediums provide a program handoff between user devices. The program handoff permits a user to select a user device with which to resume a playing of the program. The program handoff also permits a user to set a reminder for playing the program. Methods, devices, and non-transitory storage mediums provide for an application layer-based network offloading of programs. A program is buffered based on a network offloading time and the program is played from a buffer during an execution of a network offload. Network offload prediction is used to minimize network offload time and buffering.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus which can be used in first and second modes and to the manner in which the change in modes of operation can be achieved. In a first mode, the apparatus operates to receive data which is received typically from a television programme broadcast system and process the same and in the second mode the apparatus has the additional feature of a data storage device in which received data can be stored and be made available for subsequent retrieval. The data storage device can be provided as part of an assembly which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the apparatus housing and which allows the transfer of data between the assembly and the remainder of the apparatus. In one embodiment the assembly also includes cooling means which allow a cooling functionality to be provided to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of surveying watching image content, and a broadcast receiving apparatus and server employing the same are provided. The method includes displaying image contents on a screen; capturing and storing signature images of the image contents; and in response to receipt of a query, comprising a target image of image contents to be surveyed, from an external server, determining whether one of the stored signature images is identical to the target image, and transmitting a result of the determining to the external server.

Abstract: A method and system of providing access to related content includes a primary display that is tuned to a desired program. Information that identifies the desired program is retrieved from an electronic program guide using a content processor. A plurality of locations on a communication network are automatically searched for additional episodes of the desired program using the retrieved information via an interne interface. Links for accessing the additional episodes of the tune program are provided via a user interface display processor on a secondary display.

Abstract: A video server controller has an instruction receiver, a command forming unit, and a command issuing unit. The instruction receiver receives the first instruction for recording the material data name of the program material data and the time code indicating the site of interruption of broadcasting of the program material data, and a second instruction for restarting broadcasting of the program material data from the interruption site. The command forming unit, upon receiving the first instruction, stores the material data name and the time code, and upon receiving the CUE UP WITH DATA command as the second instruction, which is standard to the VDCP protocol, the stored material data name and time code are read out. The command issuing unit issues the CUE UP WITH DATA command, the material data name, and the time code to the video server.

Abstract: A system for streaming media content to a remote media streaming device, wherein the system is operative to handle remote requests for the media content, and broker the authorization and broadcasting rights between a primary content provider and a secondary content provider, wherein the secondary content provider holds the rights to broadcast the requested content to the remote media streaming device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to implement a technique for using a second display with a network-enabled television. In one implementation, this feature allows the user to conveniently enter search terms and other commands for control of their IPTV device directly from a second display device using voice commands. Such is particularly convenient when the second display is a device such as a smart phone or tablet computer with limited display space for user data entry.

Abstract: Information included within metadata broadcast within an overhead flow of a mobile broadcast network enables receiver devices to determine when metadata updates will occur. The mobile broadcast network can include within metadata messages information related to a time for the next metadata update. Using this information, receiver devices can determine when the next metadata update will occur and de-energize the receiver until that time. Enabling mobile devices to remain de-energized until the next metadata update improves their power efficiency. Synchronizing mobile devices to access the overhead flow for updated metadata reduces the content delivery latency that the system must accommodate, thereby improving system flexibility and bandwidth efficiency. Specify the time of a next metadata update enables the broadcast system to change the rate and timing at which metadata updates are performed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing companion services to video are described. In one example embodiment, the method includes: identifying text contained within a video; determining, by performing pattern matching, if the identified text in the video contains actionable text; and if the identified text in the video contains actionable text, providing access to one or more features based on the actionable text.

Abstract: A system and method includes a user device and a content processing system receiving content from a content provider, assigning a material identification to the content, receiving content information different than the content, associating the content information and the content and communicating the content information and material identification to the user device. The user device forms a menu from the content information and associated material identification, generates a menu selection from the menu, and communicates the material identification associated with the menu selection to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the menu selection to the user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing a first and second media stream are describe, wherein said first and second media stream are being transmitted by at least one media source in a network via a first and second media path to one or more terminals. The method comprises: measuring timing information associated with arrival times of media packets in said first and second media stream using a measuring module positioned at a first location in said first and second media paths; in said network generating buffer instructions for at least one buffer on the basis of said timing information, said buffer being positioned at a second location in at least one of said first or second media path; and, delaying one or more media packets transmitted over said media path to said one or more terminals such that arrival times of media packets at said one or more terminals are substantially synchronized.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed in which an estimated time a user will have to wait before a user selected video begins playing is calculated. The estimated time may be calculated based on, for example, speed of the connection, quality of the video (e.g., HD versus standard definition), length of the video, load on the server at the current time, etc. A game may be selected based at least in part on the calculated estimated wait time and the approximate time to finish the game. In some embodiments, one or more advertisements may be selected based on, for example, the type of video selected by the user (e.g., Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy, etc.), the search term(s) used by the user to search for the video, history of games played (e.g., what games, if any, has the user played previously), etc. The selected game and the one or more advertisements may be served to the user substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A digital video program is obtained. The program includes: (i) at least one broadcast segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one broadcast advertisement, and (ii) at least one time-shifted segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one time-shifted advertisement. The program is broadcast with at least one broadcast advertisement in accordance with the at least one broadcast segmentation message, and is made available to a subscriber at a time after the broadcasting, with at least one time-shifted advertisement in accordance with the at least one time-shifted segmentation message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to identify exposure to 3D media presentation. An example apparatus includes 3D glasses components to enable presentation of a 3D media presentation. The example apparatus includes 3D glasses to enable viewing of a 3D media presentation. The example apparatus includes a motion sensor carried by the 3D glasses to generate a movement signal. The example apparatus includes a transmitter carried by the 3D glasses to transmit the movement signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of interactive advertising service are provided. The method includes: receiving first advertising contents from a broadcasting advertisement platform; displaying broadcasting according to the first advertising contents on the overall screen together with at least one second advertisement contents interactive indicator indicating that the first advertising contents are linked with second advertising contents; receiving indicated information triggering at least one second advertising contents interactive indicator from an input device; receiving the second advertising contents indicated by the at least one second advertising contents interactive indicator from the broadcasting advertisement platform; and displaying broadcasting according to the second advertisement contents.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a content delivery network and a user device includes the user device generating a first request for a content file at a user device and communicating the request to the content delivery network. The content delivery network authenticates the first request, generates a redirection response and communicates the redirection response to the user device. The user device authenticates the redirection response, generates a second request for a content file in response to the redirection request and communicates the second request from the user device. The content delivery network communicates the content file from the content delivery network in response to the second request.

Abstract: A content library may be provided. First, a video on demand content program may be received. Then, video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be added to a video on demand information list. The video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be maintained in the video on demand information list after a rental window for the video on demand content program is over.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a media device is configured so that it automatically causes a first predetermined channel to be displayed on an output device when a user sends a request signal to the media device to turn the output device off. The media device may be configured so that it causes the output device to shut off after the first predetermined channel has been on for a dwell period of time after the request signal has been received. The dwell period of time may be approximately two seconds. In some embodiments, a media device is configured so that it automatically causes a first predetermined channel to be displayed on an output device when a user sends a request signal to the media device to turn the output device on. In some embodiments, the media device is a television device. In other embodiments, the media device is a radio device.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus is provided. The signal processing apparatus includes: a memory unit in which a plurality of channels and Internet addresses corresponding to the channels are stored; a network connecting unit which is connectable to the Internet; and a control unit which controls the network connecting unit to connect to an Internet address corresponding to a channel selected by a user and to receive content provided from the connected Internet address.