Abstract: A system including a recording device in which multiple lesser quality recordings of a program, e.g., recordings at a reduced bit rate, are determined by transcoding a high quality version of the program. Since transcoded recordings are determined with respect to the high quality version, they will have the best quality available for a given bit rate. The system allows a user to manage recordings by associating retention policies and relative ranking attributes with recordings, where a policy manager may use these associated policies and attributes to select which high and lesser quality copies of the program are retained over time, thus gradually degrading retained copies in accord with user preferences.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an end-user's subjective assessment of streaming media quality includes obtaining reference data characterizing the media stream, and obtaining altered data characterizing the media stream after the media stream has traversed a channel that includes a network. An objective measure of the QOS of the media stream is then determined by comparing the reference data and the altered data.

Abstract: A method includes storing a frame of video data in a location in a memory. A pointer to the location is transmitted to a queue manager circuit. The pointer is stored in a queue. The pointer is transmitted from the queue to an interface unit. The pointer is then transmitted from the interface unit to a video display controller.

Abstract: A media signal is controlled using a portable media content device. The media signal is received and encoded into an encoded media signal for a portable media content device. The encoded media signal is stored for playback on the portable media content device.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an end-user's subjective assessment of streaming media quality includes obtaining reference data characterizing the media stream, and obtaining altered data characterizing the media stream after the media stream has traversed a channel that includes a network. An objective measure of the QOS of the media stream is then determined by comparing the reference data and the altered data.

Abstract: A media signal is controlled using a portable media content device. The media signal is received and encoded into an encoded media signal for a portable media content device. The encoded media signal is stored for playback on the portable media content device.

Abstract: A media signal is controlled using a portable media content device. The media signal is received and encoded into an encoded media signal for a portable media content device. The encoded media signal is stored for playback on the portable media content device.

Abstract: A media signal is controlled using a portable media content device. The media signal is received and encoded into an encoded media signal for a portable media content device. The encoded media signal is stored for playback on the portable media content device.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an end-user's subjective assessment of streaming media quality includes obtaining reference data characterizing the media stream, and obtaining altered data characterizing the media stream after the media stream has traversed a channel that includes a network. An objective measure of the QOS of the media stream is then determined by comparing the reference data and the altered data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and remotely displaying the audio and visual portion of a person speaking so that the audio and visual signals are synchronized. The audio signal is constantly transmitted to the receiver and is also used to create a predicted image of the lips of the talking head. The actual lip image is compared to the predicted lip image. Based upon this comparison, it is determined which of three signals is to be transmitted to the receiver: no signal corresponding to the video signal, a signal corresponding only to the differences between the actual lip image and a predicted lip image, or the actual lip image. The receiver reconstructs a lip image based upon the audio signal received and the signal received, if any, corresponding to the video image and inserts it into the previously received video frame or modifies the previous frame accordingly.