Abstract: A media presentation and distribution system includes a verification server that handles dynamic verification of playback of media assets on a client device. The client device generates support information for a media asset based on an associated asset identifier that is detected during a playback of the media asset on a client device. The client device further encrypts the support information for the media asset based on a client private key associated with the client device and an asset public key for the media asset. The playback of the media asset on the client device is verified based on a verification message, the support information, an encrypted verification message, and the associated asset identifier. A defined asset delivery criteria is satisfied and a deviation or an error with the playback of the media asset is identified based on the verification of the playback of the media asset.

Abstract: A system for controlling turning on and off of closed captioning receives information regarding a program content stream and automatically determines whether to turn on or off closed captioning based on thresholds being crossed regarding an estimated current loudness level of ambient noise and an estimated current loudness level of the audio of the program content stream. The estimated current loudness level of audio of the program content stream is, or is based on, one or more indications of current volume level in an audio signal representing the audio of the program content stream and current audio settings of a device outputting the audio of the program content stream. The system may estimate the loudness level of the ambient noise by use of a loudness meter that causes the ambient noise to be sampled with a microphone and a decibel level of the sampled ambient noise to be determined.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to utilize audio watermarking for people monitoring are disclosed. Example people monitoring methods disclosed herein include determining, at a user device, whether a first trigger condition for emitting an audio watermark identifying at least one of the user device or a user of the user device is satisfied. Such example methods also include, in response to determining that the first trigger condition is satisfied, providing a first audio signal including the audio watermark to an audio circuit that is to output an acoustic signal from the user device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for determining boundaries within a content asset. A server may collect user interaction data for one or more content assets. Using the user interaction data, the server may determine commercial breaks or scene changes for the content asset. The server may apply best fit curves to the user interaction data, and determine commercial breaks or scene changes based on the best fit curves.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus including: a user input unit; an audio output unit; and a processor configured to identify whether a changing pattern of audio volume levels is present based on a history of the audio volume levels set by a user for a predetermined period of time, perform automatic volume-level control, by which an audio volume level of the audio output unit is controlled based on the changing pattern of the audio volume levels, based on presence of the corresponding pattern, and perform no automatic volume-level control, based on absence of the changing pattern of the audio volume levels.

Abstract: Circuitry for detecting an audio standard of a sound intermediate frequency signal includes an intermediate frequency to baseband circuit, a detection circuit and a demodulator/decoder. The intermediate frequency to baseband circuit is configured to process the sound intermediate frequency signal to generate a main tone and a sub-tone. The detection circuit is configured to determine if the sound intermediate frequency signal belongs to a first standard or a second standard according to if the sub-tone has a pilot signal or a digital frame, to generate a detection result. The demodulator/decoder is configured to demodulate/decode at least the main tone to generate an output audio signal.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which is capable of reliably switching display languages in response to depression of a language switching button. A display language on a display unit is switched to a language selected by a user from a list of languages displayed on the display unit. In response to selection of a language switching button by the user, the display language on the display unit is switched to one of a plurality of languages associated with the language switching button. Currently-displayed language information indicating a language currently displayed on the display unit is obtained when the language switching button is selected by the user. When the language switching button is selected by the user, the display language on the display unit is switched to one of the plurality of languages associated with the language switching button and different from a language currently displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which is capable of reliably switching display languages in response to depression of a language switching button. A display language on a display unit is switched to a language selected by a user from a list of languages displayed on the display unit. In response to selection of a language switching button by the user, the display language on the display unit is switched to one of a plurality of languages associated with the language switching button. Currently-displayed language information indicating a language currently displayed on the display unit is obtained when the language switching button is selected by the user. When the language switching button is selected by the user, the display language on the display unit is switched to one of the plurality of languages associated with the language switching button and different from a language currently displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to perform an automated gain control protocol with an amplifier based on historical data corresponding to contextual data are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein include a first controller to, in response to a trigger to identify an automatic gain control (AGC) parameter for an AGC protocol, determine the AGC parameter for the AGC protocol based on historical data corresponding to contextual data. Disclosed example apparatus also include a processor to perform the AGC protocol based on the selected AGC parameter. Disclosed example apparatus further include a second controller to update the historical data based on the contextual data and a result of the AGC protocol.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for audio signal processing, for example by a codec. An audio signal processing module has at least one input for receiving first and second input signals and an output path for outputting an output audio signal. The first and second input signals may be supplied by a first audio component and may correspond to the same source audio data. A controller is configured to compare the first and second input signals and to select one of the first or second input signals as the basis for a signal to be supplied to said output path based on the comparison. The controller may determine a measure of similarity in content between the first and second input signals.

Abstract: An electronic device and an equalizer adjustment method thereof for adjusting gain settings of an equalizer according to the volume of the output signal are disclosed. The method includes the steps of: setting a volume gain value table including a plurality of volume values through a gain value setting module, which are a first volume value to an Nth volume value with volume incrementally increasing, each of the plurality of volume values including a set of correction parameters which including a plurality of compensation gain values corresponding to a plurality of target frequencies, respectively; storing the volume gain value table in a storage module; obtaining a volume of the output signal; loading the volume gain value table according to the volume of the output signal to obtain the corresponding set of correction parameters; and adjusting gain value settings of an equalizer for different frequencies of sound.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: a first processing unit generating third image information about a third image which is a combined image of a first image and a second image, by using first image information about the first image and second image information about the second image, and outputting a first signal including the third image information synchronously with a first synchronization signal; a second processing unit outputting a second signal including the second image information, switching between a first state where the second signal is synchronized with the first synchronization signal and a second state where the second signal is synchronized with a second synchronization signal different from the first synchronization signal, based on a state of the input first synchronization signal; and an output unit having the first signal and the second inputted and selecting and outputting the first signal or the second signal.

Abstract: A display device includes, a display component, a speaker, a setting component, and a controller. The speaker outputs a first signal having guidance information pertaining to an operation performed on the display device or a status of the display device and a second signal having audio information pertaining to content displayed on the display component. The setting component sets a volume setting value of the display device to performs volume setting. The controller sets output levels of the first signal and the second signal to values corresponding to the volume setting value, respectively, such that the output level of the first signal is greater than or equal to the output level of the second signal, and the output level of the first signal is greater than zero when the volume setting value is set to zero.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method and system for analyzing a user's facial responses to determine an appropriate progression of outputs. Such a system may comprise open-source or commonly-implemented facial recognition hardware and software on smartphones, tablets, or computers, and may interface with the media-playing hardware on such devices. The system may prompt for and respond to facial gestures that may be associated with an approving or disapproving response to such played media, and these responses may be recorded in a central server for data related to the individual and users in the aggregate. Such a system may further comprise eye-tracking hardware and software to ensure the viewer is actively viewing the media being played, and may automatically select and advance the played media based on the viewer's recorded preferences.

Abstract: Described embodiments generally relate to an audio system comprising at least one display device configured to display images; at least two speakers configured to generate audio output; housing structure configured to accommodate the at least one display device and the at least one speaker, the housing structure defining at least one sound delivery aperture extending at least partially along at least two sides of a perimeter of the at least one display device; and a waveguide defined within the housing structure and configured to guide the audio output generated by the at least one speaker through the at least one sound delivery aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for audio signal processing, for example by a codec. An audio signal processing module (301) has at least one input (303, 304) for receiving first and second input signals (Din1, Din2) and an output path for outputting an output audio signal (Vout). The first and second input signals may be supplied by a first audio component (100) and may correspond to the same source audio data. A controller (305) is configured to compare the first and second input signals and to select one of the first or second input signals as the basis for a signal to be supplied to said output path based on the comparison. The controller may determine a measure of similarity (Sim) in content between the first and second input signals.

Abstract: A system and a method for activating a widget based on sound volume adjustment are provided. The system includes a remote controller, an electronic device and a display device. When a trigger button is pressed, the remote controller outputs a first sound volume adjusting signal to be transmitted to the display device through the electronic device to control the display device to adjust a sound volume of an original video signal to output a first sound source signal, and may output a reminder signal. When the trigger button is pressed again, the remote controller outputs a second sound volume adjusting signal for controlling a sound volume of the display device to adjust the first sound source signal to output a second sound source signal, the electronic device activates the widget and controls the display device to display an operation interface of the widget.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for providing a recommended volume level in presentation of media content. In some embodiments, volume adjustment events made by a user and/or similar users while watching media content can be detected and automatically recorded. The media content may include a plurality of segments. A normalized volume level for at least one segment of the media content can be determined by aggregating the recorded volume adjustment events corresponding to the at least one segment of the media content. When the media content is played back on a user device, at least some embodiments cause the at least one segment of the media content to be played back at a recommended volume level determined based at least in part upon one of the normalized audio level of the corresponding segment, the audio system of the user device, or historical data and personal profile of the user.

Abstract: An electronic device providing a smart sound mode is provided. The electronic device includes: a user command receiver; an inputter; an outputter; and a processor configured to: in response to a predetermined event occurring, provide a user interface (UI) for guiding setting of a smart sound mode; in response to the smart sound mode being selected according to a user command input through the user command receiver, individually render a first sound signal which is a common component among a plurality of channels forming the sound signal and a second sound signal which is a differential component among the plurality of channels based on whether the first sound signal comprises a voice and whether the second sound signal comprise a sound effect, mix the first and second sound signals which are rendered into a multi-channel sound signal and control the outputter to output the multi-channel sound signal.

Abstract: A system for providing media content in a vehicle includes a content component, a noise component, and a closed captioning component. The content component is configured to receive content from a content provider, wherein the content is configured for rendering by the media system of a vehicle. The noise component is configured to determine a noise level within a cabin of the vehicle. The closed captioning component is configured to, in response to determining that the noise level exceeds a threshold, trigger display of closed captioning for the content.

Abstract: Examples associated with analog device connection are disclosed. One example includes a control device detecting an analog connection to an audio playback device. The control device transmits a first signal to the audio output device using the analog connection. The control device selectively enables a feature of the control device when a second signal is received by the control device from the audio output device using the analog connection. The second signal indicates the audio output device is an approved audio output device for the feature.

Abstract: A control device may include a control unit to switch an output information to a predetermined output information, when a transition of contents of a controlled device is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless speaker arrangement. The present invention also relates to a wireless speaker system comprising at least a pair of such speaker arrangements, to a method for operating a wireless speaker arrangement and to a corresponding computer program product.

Abstract: A wireless communication method of a hearing aid includes extracting an audio signal through a first hearing aid, determining a beam forming vector as a beam toward a rear of a user wearing the first hearing aid and a second hearing aid. The method may also include pre-coding of the audio signal using the beam forming vector, and transmitting the pre-coded audio signal to the second hearing aid through a first antenna. The first hearing aid may include the first antenna and the second hearing aid includes a second antenna.

Abstract: A television volume control method and system are provided. According to the television volume control method, a television performs a process of a mutely turn-on mode after receiving a turn-on instruction, the process of the mutely turn-on mode comprising: acquiring a system time and determining whether the system time is within a preset rest time period or not; and the television being turned on mutely if it is determined to be within the preset rest time period, and being turned on normally if it is determined to be not within the preset rest time period. The problem of disturbing others due to a sound with a large volume being output suddenly when the TV is turned on is solved.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic processing device capable of providing a high-quality sound even in a standby through mode. A controller is characterized by supplying power from an auxiliary power supply to a sound signal processing unit in the standby through mode. In the standby through mode, the controller extracts a sound signal included in an input HDMI signal, outputs a high-frequency sound component from an input/output unit to, for example, a television, and outputs a low-frequency sound component from a sound output terminal to a speaker (for example, a subwoofer) with an amplification function. As a result, the user can listen to content with powerful bass on the television, without operating an amplifying circuit, which consumes most of the power consumed by the acoustic processing device, using a main power supply, that is, while suppressing the power consumption of the acoustic processing device.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for detecting whether a presentation video stream in a conference call includes motion video. In an embodiment, this can be done by detecting the presence of audio. The presence of audio suggests that the presentation video stream may include motion video. If audio is not detected, then the presentation video stream is encoded at a first frame rate. If audio is detected, then the presentation video stream is encoded at a second, higher frame rate to accommodate the motion video. The higher frame rate allows for a better viewing experience by conference participants.

Abstract: Techniques are described for processing an audio signal to reduce the total harmonic distortion caused when it is reproduced by a loudspeaker, which is located within an audio reproduction device having an enclosure with an associated resonant frequency. After receiving the input audio signal, which includes the resonant frequency of the enclosure, the level of the input audio signal at the resonant frequency is reduced, thereby producing a first processed signal. In addition, the level of said input audio signal is reduced at all frequencies, producing a second processed signal. The first and second processed signals are combined to produce an output audio signal. The degree to which the level of the audio signal at both the resonant frequency and at all frequencies is reduced may be dependent upon the current volume level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducing multimedia content are provided. Content selected through user input unit is reproduced, and if it is requested that part of the reproduced content be registered as content of interest, metadata about the part of the reproduced content is generated and stored using metadata about the reproduced content. The generated metadata is generated and stored as metadata of interest about the content of interest according to input of a user input unit.

Abstract: A system and method provide a soundtrack recommendation service for recommending one or more soundtrack for a video (i.e., a probe video). A feature extractor of the recommendation service extracts a set of content features of the probe video and generates a set of semantic features represented by a signature vector of the probe video. A video search module of the recommendation service is configured to search for a number of video candidates, each of which is semantically similar to the probe video and has an associated soundtrack. A video outlier identification module of the recommendation service identifies video candidates having an atypical use of their soundtracks and ranks the video candidates based on the typicality of their soundtrack usage. A soundtrack recommendation module selects the soundtracks of the top ranked video candidates as the soundtrack recommendations to the probe video.

Abstract: A virtual screen sound source is spatially synchronized with a visual object displayed on a display. A plurality of loudspeaker sets, which each include at least three of a plurality of loudspeakers installed at the periphery of a display, are selected, individual sound sources corresponding to the respective selected loudspeaker sets are generated, and a multi-sound source is generated by overlapping the generated individual sound sources and output through loudspeakers included in the loudspeaker sets.

Abstract: A portable audio/video playback apparatus of the present invention comprises an apparatus main body 1 and a broadcast receiver unit 4 removably attached to the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body 1 includes interfaces 32, 33 for connecting thereto the broadcast receiver unit; an audio processing circuit 22 connected to one interface 32 for processing and feeding an external audio signal to a speaker 24; and a video processing circuit 27 connected to the other interface 33 for processing and feeding an external video signal to a display 13. The broadcast receiver unit 4 includes interfaces 55, 56 connected to the foregoing interfaces 32, 33 and decoders 47, 48 for feeding an audio signal and a video signal included in a received television broadcast signal to the interfaces 55, 56.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a transparent projection screen material with sound dampening properties and methods for using a screen to manipulate light and sound. Methods and materials of the invention can improve live sound and sound recordings by inhibiting ambient sound from reaching listeners or microphones and reducing feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and tool that performs glass-to-glass testing of a test AV system. The test AV system may be a transmitter device that senses AV stimuli and transmits an AV signal to a receiver device that displays video and provides an audio out/speaker of the audio. A light source and a sound source may be placed at the transmitter device. A light sensor and microphone/direct audio out connection may be placed at the receiver device. The automatic test tool may cycle synchronized light/sound stimuli to the transmitter device and measure the delay/latency times for audio, video, and AV synchronization at the receiver device. The automatic test tool may be comprised of a computer running user interface/test management software connected to a low cost FPGA that controls the video/sound sources and sensors to accurately measure both video and audio glass-to-glass latency/synchronization in a continuous, automatic, and self-calibrating manner.

Abstract: An application for present invention includes a television with a set of speaker outputs including at least a left speaker and a right speaker. On screen displays are used to properly configure the speakers and assure maximum audio quality from the television. In some embodiments, a cross-point switch connects the speakers attached to the television with the correct outputs of an internal amplifier.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display, a speaker, a connector, a multi-display module, an audio driver, and an audio-output controller. The connector is configured to output a video signal and an audio signal. The multi-display module is configured to control an outputting of the video signal in order to display a part of an image on the display and another part of the image at an external apparatus connected to the connector. The audio driver is configured to control an outputting of the audio signal at the speaker and the connector. The audio-output controller is configured to control the audio driver to output the audio signal to the speaker or the connector in accordance with the state of displaying the image at the display or the external apparatus, if the multi-display module displays the parts of the image on the display and the external apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video reproducing device includes a separation controller and a processor. The separation controller is configured to receive a video signal and an audio signal synchronized with the video signal, and to separate a background sound and a voice in the audio signal. The processor is configured to select at least one of a plurality of image quality improvement processing schemes based on an analysis of the voice and the background sound, and to apply the selected image quality improvement processing scheme to the video signal.

Abstract: A television (TV) includes an audio signal processing unit which processes a audio signal, a display unit which displays an audio quality setting state, a determination unit which determines if an event for checking audio quality has occurred, and a control unit which controls the display unit to display an audio quality setting state showing improved audio quality if the event has occurred.

Abstract: An audio processing device including a feature calculation unit, a boundary calculation unit and a judgment unit, detects points of change of audio features from an audio signal in an AV content. The feature calculation unit calculates, for each unit section of the audio signal, section feature data expressing features of the audio signal in the unit section. The boundary calculation unit calculates, for each target unit section among the unit sections of the audio signal, a piece of boundary information relating to at least one boundary of a similarity section. The similarity section consists of consecutive unit sections, inclusive of the target unit section, which each have similar section feature data. The judgment unit calculates a priority of each boundary indicated by one or more of the pieces of boundary information and judges whether the boundary is a scene change point based on the priority.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing device including an audio adjustment unit configured to adjust focus values each indicating a degree of highlighting of audio data of each content displayed in a plurality of display areas.

Abstract: Practical speaker connection is identified using a device having a sound channel of a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel, and a device is provided that can easily reproduce the optimum multiple channels. Actual speaker arrangement can be identified by, for example, measuring the impedance of a terminal at the side of an audio amplifier. If incorrect connection is found, a warning is issued. This information is transmitted to a signal source with an EDID and a signal with the optimum a number of sound channel is sent. The EDID is also used for the connection with a display unit and the speaker connection with which the display unit is provided uniquely. For example, a sound through the 7.1 channel is easily reproduced using the speaker of the display unit in the channel of the front speaker.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to electrical/electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, portable, wearable, and stationary media devices. RF transceivers and/or audio system in each media device may be used to wirelessly communicate between media devices and allow configuration and other data to be wirelessly transmitted from one media device to another media device. The proximity detection system may be configured to detect a presence of a user or multiple users and upon detecting presence, access content on a user device, and record the content while also playing back the content on the media device. One or more user devices in proximity of the media device post detection may wirelessly communicate with the media device and the media device may orchestrate handling of content from those devices or from a wirelessly accessible location such as the Cloud or Internet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A remote audio rebroadcasting and monitoring system has been disclosed which consists of a transmitter device and one or more remote wireless broadcast receiver devices. An audio input signal is extracted from an external universal output port integrated with a T.V. set and propagated into the transmitter device through an audio transfer linkage. Broadcast proceeds over a set programmed radio wave channel compliant with wireless transfer and reception of the audio signals described. The broadcast receiver device senses the channel at a remote location, removed from said transmitter device. Two additional auxiliary devices that comprise a transmitter to broadcast receiver interaction provide a means for broadcasting an overriding vocal audio signal globally via the transmitter to broadcast receiver device pathway with the coincident interruption of the audio input signal.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for adjusting audio output based on eye tracking input. In some embodiments, a memory stores data defining a boundary based on a coordinate system. The boundary corresponds to a display element of displayed content. An input receives data indicating coordinates of a gaze point location of a user viewing the displayed content. A processor compares the received coordinates of the gaze point location to the boundary corresponding to the display element to determine whether the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element. In response to determining that the gaze point location is inside the boundary corresponding to the display element, the processor adjusts an audio setting of the displayed content.

Abstract: An audio video system is described that includes an AV receiver with a wireless audio module (WAM) host and without audio amplifier functionality. The system further includes a plurality of wireless speakers each having a WAM device to enable unidirectional or bidirectional communications with the WAM host. Each wireless speaker includes an amplifier that may be matched to a driver of the speaker to optimize the frequency response of the driver.

Abstract: Provided is an analog front end of a digital TV, a digital TV system having the same, and a method of operating the same. The analog front end includes: a first selection circuit which selectively outputs differential sound intermediate frequency signals or differential TV broadcast signals in response to a first selection signal; a second selection circuit which outputs a clock signal among a plurality of clock signals having a different sampling frequencies, in response to a second selection signal; and an analog-to-digital converter which converts output signals output from the first selection circuit to a digital code, according to a sampling frequency of a clock signal output from the second selection circuit.

Abstract: Audio perception in local proximity to visual cues is provided. A device includes a video display, first row of audio transducers, and second row of audio transducers. The first and second rows can be vertically disposed above and below the video display. An audio transducer of the first row and an audio transducer of the second row form a column to produce, in concert, an audible signal. The perceived emanation of the audible signal is from a plane of the video display (e.g., a location of a visual cue) by weighing outputs of the audio transducers of the column. In certain embodiments, the audio transducers are spaced farther apart at a periphery for increased fidelity in a center portion of the plane and less fidelity at the periphery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving device for an audio-video system. The receiving device comprises a connector, a video processing unit, an audio processing module, and a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit detects a status of an inputted signal received by the connector and controls the operation of at lease one of the video processing unit and the audio processing module in accordance with the detected result to avoid the audio-video system display abnormal image or play noise when the receiving device did not receive the inputted signal by accident.