Abstract: A video on demand system includes a head-end coupled through a proxy server to plural client terminals. The proxy server performs (or cooperates with another component in performing) various functions, including user interface definition, security, system administration (e.g. channel management, load distribution, and failover), and protocol translation.

Abstract: A virtual dictionary contains keywords extracted from metadata describing multimedia content. A virtual keyboard of alphanumeric characters is configured for display on a display device such that as a character is selected from the virtual keyboard using navigation and selection controls associated with a set-top appliance only those alphanumeric characters which appear in sequence in one or more of the keywords contained in the virtual dictionary are displayed on the display device for a next selection.

Abstract: Information regarding new programs available for viewing within a video-on-demand (VOD) service is added to a program guide used by subscribers for downloading and viewing such programs through a user interface configured for use by content providers. In one embodiment, the content itself and metadata describing it are passed to the VOD service; while in other embodiments, only the location of the content is provided with the metadata. The content and metadata may be reviewed at the discretion of the service provider before it appears in the program guide.

Abstract: A set-top appliance for a video on demand service through which Internet content is available for download is identifiable through a unique identification number but becomes associated with the service (e.g., during an installation of the set-top appliance) using a pass phrase automatically generated from a database (e.g., dictionary of words and phrases) and provided to a customer of the VOD service via the set-top appliance. Use of such a pass phrase during the installation process relieves the user from having to remember the often lengthy and complex unique identification number for the set-top appliance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enhancing user experience in a VOD system by providing a facility to remotely control a client device is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method to synchronize in-band and out-of-band settings of the client device is provided. In another embodiment, a method to perform synchronization of content catalogue on the client device with network-side counterpart with minimal burden on network bandwidth is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing download of content to a client device are disclosed. In one aspect, the download process is optimized for bandwidth usage by using criteria such as time of day, level of network activity and priority of download. In another aspect, download of content is prioritized based on certain rules, user inputs and pre-emptive events on the client device. A computer program embodying these methods and a multimedia client device adapted to run this program are also disclosed.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and presenting data such as advertisements from a host server to a browsing device through a communications network. The method involves preloading data from the host server to the browsing device though the communications network, storing the data in the browsing device, detecting a second period of idle time in browsing device operation, and presenting the data through the browsing device upon detection of the second period of idle time.

Abstract: A method is described, comprising: searching for portable device software configured on a client; automatically installing the portable device software if the portable device software is not configured on the client; searching for a portable device attached to the client; and logging in a user of the portable device upon identifying the portable device.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A network-oriented component system efficiently accesses information from a network resource located on a computer network by creating an encapsulated network entity that contains a reference to that resource. The encapsulated entity is preferably implemented as a network component stored on a computer remotely displaced from the referenced resource. In addition, the encapsulated entity may be manifested as a visual object on a graphical user interface of a computer screen. Such visual manifestation allows a user to easily manipulate the entity in order to display the contents of the resource on the screen or to electronically forward the entity over the network.

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying at a user interface device a richly-detailed video or TV file upon selecting a link to a web page corresponding to the file. After the video or TV file has played, the web page is displayed, inserting a television or video experience into a web surfing experience. The video or TV file is downloaded to the user interface device during an otherwise idle time when bandwidth for downloading is available. Clicking the link to the web page may send a specialized URI from the device to a service center that signals the device to play the video or TV file and retrieve the web page, allowing the service center to manage display of the video or TV files. This has particular utility for links that are banner advertisements and provide video or TV advertisements upon clicking the banner to access a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and presenting data such as advertisements from a host server to a browsing device through a communications network. The method involves preloading data from the host server to the browsing device though the communications network, storing the data in the browsing device, detecting a second period of idle time in browsing device operation, and presenting the data through the browsing device upon detection of the second period of idle time.