Abstract: In one embodiment, a capability is disclosed for a user to pause a VOD program being viewed at a first video service provider (“VSP”), such as a cable service provider. The user then requests to resume viewing of the remaining portion of the VOD program using a separate display device, typically in another location using a different VSP. The streaming of the remaining portion can originate by a connection from the separate display device to the first VSP using a connection through the second VSP. Or, the streaming of the remaining video can occur by the second VSP streaming the remaining portion of the video. In the later case, the bookmark location must be communicated from the first VSP to the second VSP. Other embodiments allow transferring the remaining portion of the video program from the first VSP to the second VSP for streaming.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing a social mashup in a content provider environment. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods provide a mashup that may be published for viewing by a plurality of subscribers of the content provider and may allow for content to be posted by various subscribers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is disclosed allowing a cable subscriber to identify a movie title that is available for viewing using a VOD service offered by a cable service provider to be included in a list of favorite movie titles, where the list is associated with the viewer. The viewer can be informed of a point in time when one or more movies on the viewer's favorite list will no longer be available for viewing using the VOD service. In another embodiment, the viewer can be informed of a point in time when one or more movies on the viewer's favorite list will be available for viewing using the VOD service. The viewer can request recommendation of similar movie titles relative to a title identified in the list of favorite movie titles. Various other functions can be indicated by the viewer when viewing the list.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable medium providing licensing rights for media content that follows a subscriber so that the subscriber may experience the media content on various content distribution platforms. In particular embodiments, the systems, methods, and computer-readable medium transfer licensing rights for a user for particular media content that is associated with a first device on a first distribution platform so that the rights are associated with a second device on a second distribution platform. As a result, in various embodiments, the user is able to experience the particular media content with the use of the second device on the second distribution platform.

Abstract: A cable service provider system provides a subscriber of a cable system access to a program in response to the subscriber entering a coupon code, where the program would otherwise not be viewable, or a discount is provided for viewing the program. The cable system can use the coupon code to then select an advertisement to stream with the program, where the ad is associated with a merchant distributing the coupons. The subscriber provides the coupon code to the cable service provider when selecting a video-on demand program, allowing the subscriber to either receive a discount on a pay-per-view movie, or accessing a program that otherwise would not be accessible. The coupon code can be associated with data identifying the merchant and purchasing history of the viewer, and an Ad Selection system uses that data to select an ad.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a roaming video wanted list and roaming video preferences. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods provide a first video service provider with a video wanted list and/or video preferences for a subscriber of a second video service provider so that the first video service provider can identify content available on the first video service provider's system that is listed on the subscriber's wanted list and/or is based on video preferences for the subscriber.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: A video brokerage system provides a subscriber of a cable system access to a program in response to the subscriber entering a coupon code, where the program would otherwise not be viewable, or a discount is provided for viewing the program. In one embodiment, a coupon system interacts with a computer system operated by a merchant, which distributes the coupon code to the subscriber when acting as a customer of the merchant. The subscriber then provides the coupon code to the cable service provider when selecting a video-on demand program, allowing the subscriber to either receive a discount on a pay-per-view movie, or accessing a program that otherwise would not be accessible. Various validations tests are defined in conjunction with the cable service provider processing the coupon code, including checking: an expiration date of the coupon code, rating qualifiers, content provider qualifiers, etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transaction server facilitates a purchase transaction for goods or services between users at two mobile phones. The Purchaser initiates a request for a purchase transaction to a server, and is provided with a unique code (“purchasing nonce”) that is uniquely associated with the request. The user of the first mobile phone provides the purchasing nonce to the Seller, who enters that value into the selling mobile phone. The selling mobile phone initiates a request to join the transaction as identified by the purchasing nonce. After confirmation of the Purchaser that the Seller can join the transaction, the Seller can itemize the goods for sale, which are electronically presented to the Purchaser for approval. After all items are selected, the Purchaser approves the transaction, and the transaction server can then transfers funds. An electronic receipt is provided to the Purchaser's mobile phone for confirmation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing a mashup in a content provider environment. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods provide a mashup that is customized based on a subscriber's preferences on what content to include in the mashup and on what format the content is presented. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the mashup is provided to the subscriber through a content provider's environment such as a video on demand (VOD) service.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing dynamically determined closed caption translations for video on demand (VOD) content. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods deliver a video program selected by a viewer from a VOD service over a unicast stream in a preferred language identified by the viewer. In addition, in particular embodiments, the systems and methods deliver the video program over the unicast stream along with a voice track in the viewer's preferred language.

Abstract: A video encryption/decryption scheme is provided allowing an originator of video content to encrypt the video content using a session key, wherein the encrypted content and an encrypted form of the session key are provided to a destination. The session key is encrypted using a long term key value, and the long term key value itself is encrypted using shared secret information that is only stored in the main memory of the originator and destination's systems. The long term key is encrypted, typically by a third party, and provided to the originator and destination systems for encrypting/decrypting the session key. The third party also provides a pass phrase file, which the originator and destination systems can use as input with shared secret information to a certain cryptographic hashing algorithm to encrypt/decrypt the long term key.

Abstract: A social networking service defines a community group of cable system viewers as members, who share a common experience or interest based on viewing a common video. Various attributes define how the community group is created and how membership is defined. Members can invoke the service and join an active session thereby allowing them to view and potentially post content that is then displayed in a chat window. A software application downloaded to the set top box creates the chat window on the television screen. Content may comprise text and/or video clips identified by the member. Members can post messages by using their remote control or other device to provide text entry which is processed by the set top box application. Input is received by a social networking server which then distributes the content to the group members.

Abstract: An intrusion protection system is disclosed for an Internet based television service (IPTV) that detects unexpected conditions, including rogue terminals sending unexpected message. The system comprises one or more firewalls that may implement a mirrored state machine which is specific to an application level protocol. The state machine is typically maintained for each user, and each message from a user may be analyzed to determine if it is an expected message. The message may also be analyzed to determine if it represents an unusual volume of messages from the user or otherwise represents some other unusual aspect associated with a rogue terminal or terminals. Information regarding unusual events are reported from the firewall to an intrusion protection system which can further analyze the events, other data, and report possible attacks to a network operations center.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for tagging a segment of media content. In various embodiments, a beginning location and an ending location indicating the segment are recorded and are used to retrieve the segment from the media content. Various embodiments provide systems and methods for communicating the segment with a user. In various embodiments, the user requests the segment and the position of the segment in the media content and the storage location of the media content are used to extract the segment from the media content. In addition, various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a license to the user to observe the segment. In various embodiments, a request for the license includes a player identifier and a user identifier that are used to verified the player is associated with the user and the user has rights to observe the segment.

Abstract: A user initiates a request for program content to a cable services provider by providing a token authorizing the user to receive program content that otherwise would not be available. Typically, the token is provided to the user by a third party promoter. The token indicates a token code that the user provides to the cable provider, which authorizes the user to view a program. The promoter can offer tokens, which can be provided to the viewer in conjunction with purchasing a product, entering a contest, etc., as an incentive to purchase the product or enter the contest in order to receive the token. The cable service provider typically has, or can obtain the program content available for downloading to the viewer, and uses the information on the token to retrieve a digital license, which is provided to the viewer's set top box, allowing viewing of the program content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a user to initiate a request for program content to a cable services provider wherein the program content is not stored locally at the cable service provider. The cable services provider headend queries a librarian as to a location from which the content may be downloaded. Additionally, the librarian may inform the cable service provider if a license is required in order to download the content. The cable service provider obtains a license, if necessary, and initiates a request for the download from the appropriate content provider. Once obtained, the cable services provider informs the viewer the content is available and streams the content to the viewer.

Abstract: A user on a cable network can request and receive a digital license for viewing certain requested content provided to the user at a set top box on the cable network. The set top box generates a request for a license to the Cable Service Provider, which screens the request, and if allowed, ascertains a Content Provider for fulfilling the request. The cables services provider forwards the request to the Content Provider, and receives a response thereto, which includes a license for viewing the previously requested content. The cable services provided forwards the license to the set top box, which processes the license allowing the user to view the requested content. Both the Cable Service Provider and the Content Provider screen and analyze the request against various criteria and record the information for future processing.