Abstract: A particular method includes receiving a video stream to be displayed on a display device. The method also includes, during a first time period, sending a low resolution version of the video stream to the display device while recovering a full resolution version of the video stream. The method further includes synchronizing the low resolution version of the video stream with the full resolution version of the video stream. The method also includes, during a second time period after the first time period, switching from sending the low resolution version of the video stream to the display device to sending the full resolution version of the video stream to the display device.

Abstract: A method includes determining an available bandwidth of a data interface connected to a media device. The method includes receiving a first portion of each of a plurality of video files and storing the first portion of each of the plurality of video files in a memory. A size of the memory to store each first portion is determined based on a pre-cache file size associated with a video file of the plurality of video files. The pre-cache file size is based on the available bandwidth. The method further includes, in response to detecting a change in the available bandwidth, adjusting the pre-cache file size associated with the video file, where the pre-cache file size decreases when the available bandwidth increases to a second available bandwidth.

Abstract: A method includes determining an available bandwidth of a data interface connected to a media device. The method includes receiving a first portion of each of a plurality of video files and storing the first portion of each of the plurality of video files in a memory. A size of the memory to store each first portion is determined based on a pre-cache file size associated with a video file of the plurality of video files. The pre-cache file size is based on the available bandwidth. The method further includes, in response to detecting a change in the available bandwidth, adjusting the pre-cache file size associated with the video file, where the pre-cache file size decreases when the available bandwidth increases to a second available bandwidth.

Abstract: A method of pre-caching video content is provided and includes measuring an available bandwidth of a data connection to a set top box. The available bandwidth measurement can be an average available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box or a minimum available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box. Each of a plurality of video files is divided into a first portion and a second portion and the size of each first portion is based on the available bandwidth measurement. The first portion of each of the plurality of video files is downloaded over the data connection and stored in a memory within the set top box. A list is displayed at a display device and includes a list of video titles that correspond to the plurality of video files that have only a first portion downloaded to the memory.

Abstract: A method at a first set top box includes transmitting to a second set top box a request to use a television tuner associated with the second set top box. The method further includes receiving a return recording option from the second set top box. The method also includes generating an indication of a rejection of the request from the second set top box based on the received return recording option. The indication includes a graphical message specifying the rejection of the request.

Abstract: A method of providing access to downloadable protected video content includes providing parental controls. The parental controls include a parental control password. Purchase controls are also provided and include a purchase control password. The purchase control password is different from the parental control password. Further, protected video content is downloaded and stored to a memory within a set top box when both the parental controls and the purchase controls are satisfied. A number of attempts to correctly input the parental control password or the purchase control password are monitored. When the number of attempts for either password exceeds a predetermined threshold, a user is prevented from further attempts to input the respective password. Moreover, the attempt to download protected video content is canceled, and further downloads of protected video content are prevented for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A device for detecting when a television is in a standby mode is provided. The device includes a housing and a plug receptacle is formed within a surface of the housing. Also, a plug extends from the housing. The device further includes a power detection circuit that detects when a television coupled to the device is in a standby mode. In a particular embodiment, the standby mode is a low power mode in which the television is not fully operational. Further, the device includes a cable that extends from the housing. A signal can be sent from the power detection circuit to a set top box via the cable. The signal indicates that the television is in the standby mode. An electrical cord from a television can be plugged into the plug receptacle and the plug that extends from the housing can be plugged into to a wall outlet.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first identification signal, where the first identification signal corresponds to a first control. The method also includes determining an active device function to which the first control corresponds, where the active device function is a first function of a first device when the first device is active and where the active device function is a second function of a second device when the second device is active. The method also includes triggering emission of an audible signal identifying the active device function.

Abstract: A user interface receives a user selection of a video content item. The video content item is available in a high definition (HD) format and a non-HD format via a broadband network access line. A format selector automatically selects which format of the video content item from the HD format and the non-HD format to retrieve via the broadband network access line. The format is automatically selected based on at least one rule. A receiver receives the video content item via the broadband network access line in the format automatically selected by the format selector. A television display displays the video content item received by the receiver and in the format automatically selected by the format selector.

Abstract: A method of emailing photographs from a set top box is disclosed and includes presenting a menu of photographs at a television coupled to the set top box. The photographs within the menu can be highlighted using a remote control device. The method further includes presenting an email button at the television and presenting an address book. The address book contains at least one recipient email address. Further, the method includes sending an email addressed to the at least one recipient email address. In particular, the email includes a return email address that causes a response to the email to be sent to a location other than the set top box.

Abstract: Systems and method to compress digital video based on human factors expressed as a desirability score are provided. A particular method includes selecting a compression level based on the desirability score for the particular media content. A first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a first desirability score and a second compression level that is higher than the first compression level is selected when the desirability score is a second desirability score that is higher than the first desirability score. The method also includes providing the compression level to an encoder. The encoder compresses the media content based on the compression level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to provide a caller with selectable activities and entertainment when the caller is on-hold. The system and method establishes a connection between a caller and a receiving system, wherein the receiving system is configured to access a plurality of entertainment sources utilizing a selectable link. The receiving system can determine a caller's selection and retrieve the selection from an entertainment provider that stores the selection. The caller can select an entertainment category from a plurality of entertainment categories and select specific audible selections within the categories to be played to the caller. The system and method can provide a menu driven interaction and respond to voice commands and touchtone input to provide the selected entertainment from specific artists, games, and entertainers.

Abstract: A particular method includes searching a database associated with a content provider. The database includes content items available from the content provider as well as content items that are not available from the content provider. The database is searched based on a search query received from a set-top box to generate a list of content items. The list of content items includes at least one entry corresponding to a particular content item that is unavailable and includes a feedback control. The method further includes receiving a request that the content provider make the particular content item available and automatically determining to acquire rights to provide access to the particular content item based at least in part on the request.

Abstract: A method of presenting instructions to a user sending an incoming communication to a service center includes presenting a menu to the user. The menu includes a plurality of procedure descriptors to the user. The user is presented, according to a selection of one of the procedure descriptors by the user, a sequence of instructions which enable completion of a procedure described by the selected procedure descriptor. The incoming communication is transferred at a position in the sequence of instructions to a representative. The incoming communication is also transferred back to the same position in the sequence of instructions.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing installation support to a user of a computer system. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include launching an installation tool in connection with installation of a peripheral driver. The tool may have capabilities that include, for example, capturing an install status at a plurality of predefined points in an install routine. During installation, an error may be detected at one of the predefined points and a diagnostic routine may be launched in response. The method may also include considering an accounting of the captured install states and using this information to help generate an action script crafted to resolve the detected install error.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method configured to establish a connection with a party at an interactive voice response (IVR) system and provide a plurality of virtual agents associated with virtual departments based on a current stage within the process. A caller or party can be prompted with a first virtual agent when addressing content related to a first virtual department and prompted by a second virtual agent when addressing content related to a second virtual department.

Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is transmitted that has been compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a method of making a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection to a remote network. The method includes detecting the presence of a powered-on network capable device that is connected to a DSL modem; establishing a network connection over a DSL line to the remote network after detecting the presence of the powered on network capable device; terminating the network connection over the DSL line after detecting an absence of network capable devices connected to the DSL modem; and releasing network resources supported by the remote network after the network connection is terminated.

Abstract: A particular method includes searching a database associated with a content provider. The database includes content items available from the content provider as well as content items that are not available from the content provider. The database is searched based on a search query received from a set-top box to generate a list of content items. The list of content items includes at least one entry corresponding to a particular content item that is unavailable and includes a feedback control. The method further includes receiving a request that the content provider make the particular content item available and automatically determining to acquire rights to provide access to the particular content item based at least in part on the request.

Abstract: A content provider has an associated database. The database is indexed with a plurality of content items available in a domain. The database includes a field to indicate an availability of each of the content items from the content provider. The database is searched based on a search query entered by a user to generate a search result list. The search result list may include a content item that is identified as being unavailable from the content provider based on the field. If so, the search result list is provided to the user to indicate the content item and to indicate that the content item is unavailable from the content provider. A user feedback control associated with the content item is also provided to the user. The user feedback control is to provide feedback from the user if the user desires the content provider to make the content item available.