Abstract: A system includes a primary playback system and a secondary playback system. The primary playback system plays back selected content. The secondary playback system plays back supplemental media associated with the content played back on the primary playback system. A media playback function (such as associated with the secondary playback system) monitors playback of the content on the primary playback system. For example, a first processing thread of the media playback function initially synchronizes playback of supplemental media on the secondary playback system with respect to playback of the content on the primary playback system. Based on further monitoring of playing back the content on the secondary playback system, a second processing thread of the media playback function verifies synchronization (and, when needed, initiates re-synchronization) of playback of the supplemental media on the secondary playback system with respect to playback of the content on the primary playback system.

Abstract: A content recording apparatus includes an obtaining unit which obtains a content having a variable-length packet structure, an encrypter which generates encrypted data by encrypting the content, and a recorder which records the encrypted data in a block unit having a fixed length in a recording medium. The encrypted data includes an invalidated region unnecessary for reproduction of the content. The recorder records a size of the invalidated region in the recording medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for synchronizing audio and video. The systems and methods may perform operations including: obtaining a data stream including a sequence of video frames and a sequence of audio samples; inputting the sequence of video frames into a video channel, the sequence of video frames being processed and outputted from the video channel; inputting, for processing, the sequence of audio samples into an audio channel, the audio channel including a data buffer configured to buffer processed audio samples, a volume threshold of the data buffer being determined according to a time for processing one or more successive video frames; determining that a data volume of audio samples buffered in the data buffer exceeds the volume threshold; and in response to a determination that the data volume of buffered audio samples exceeds the volume threshold, outputting the buffered audio samples from the audio channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a controllability indicator at a portable communication device, the controllability indicator received from a stationary communication device. The controllability indicator indicates whether a trickplay feature is available for controlling a presentation of multimedia content, and is determined from a characterization of the multimedia content. The method further includes presenting a trickplay indicator at the portable communication device according to the controllability indicator to indicate whether the trickplay feature is available. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated fault-tolerant augmented area viewing system includes, for example, a subsystem processor for receiving a safety signal for blind spot monitoring from a blind spot sensor and for generating a subsystem processor video output signal in response to the received safety signal. Selector circuitry selects the subsystem processor video output signal or a master controller video output signal received from a master controller and generates a selected video output signal in response. The selector circuitry performs the selection of the video output signal selection in response to receiving a safety request signal generated in response to a user action. A buffer outputs the selected video output signal for displaying on a display for viewing by the user.

Abstract: An audio controller device and method of operation thereof. The audio controller device includes a memory for storing audio data and a plurality of primary audio control interfaces. An electronic processor at the audio controller device is configured to identify a plurality of audio segments from the audio data based on a plurality of contextual parameters associated with the audio data, associate each of the plurality of audio segments to a respective one of the primary audio control interfaces, and control a playback operation associated with the respective one of the audio segments when an input is received at one or more of the primary audio control interfaces. The electronic processor controls the playback operation by varying a playback speed rate associated with the respective one of the audio segments when the input is received at one or more of the primary audio control interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques are described for encoding an audio video stream that is transmitted over a network, for example a wireless or IP network, such that an entire frame of audio and an entire frame of video are transmitted simultaneously within a period required to render the audio video stream frames by an application in a receiver. Aspects of the techniques include receiving audio and video RTP streams and assigning an entire frame of RTP video data to communication channel packets that occupy the same period, or less, as the video frame rate. Also an entire frame of RTP audio data is assigned to communication channel packets that occupy the same period, or less, as the audio frame rate. The video and audio communication channel packets are transmitted simultaneously. Receiving and assigning RTP streams can be performed in a remote station, or a base station.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to enabling a group of users, each at a different location, to view and control synchronized streamed media content. Users may execute trick play commands plays such as pause, rewind, and fast forward so that all users see the same media content including trick play actions. The media content may originate from streaming content servers or from network-DVR servers.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for providing a synchronization signal for at least one of a read operation or a write operation carried out by means of a head in a data storage device is provided. The method includes obtaining a readback servo signal from a storage medium of the data storage device by means of the head, the readback servo signal having at least one frequency associated with a servo track of the storage medium, frequency mixing the readback servo signal with a local signal having a local frequency to provide a frequency mixed signal, and filtering the frequency mixed signal to provide the synchronization signal for at least one of the read operation or the write operation. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a data storage device is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that facilitate the relatively smooth playback of video at an altered playback speed. Video frames are scored and selected for removal (or duplication) to provide faster (or slower) playback speed based when the video is displayed at a predetermined frame rate.

Abstract: A moving image reproduction apparatus includes an instruction unit, an acquisition unit, a playback speed determination unit, and a moving image reproduction unit. The instruction unit is configured to issue a change instruction for changing a playback target to another moving image while a selected moving image is being played back. The acquisition unit is configured to, if the change instruction has been issued by the instruction unit, acquire a playback time of the moving image which has been played back until the change instruction. The playback speed determination unit is configured to determine a playback speed of the moving image to be played back after the change instruction, according to the playback time. The moving image reproduction unit is configured to play back the moving image instructed for reproduction by the change instruction at the playback speed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for playing a portion of a media work which includes steps of: (a) playing the media work; (b) receiving input from a user; and (c) analyzing parameters to determine the portion of the media work to play; (d) altering at least a part of the portion; and (e) playing the portion.

Abstract: An image reproduction may be provided by reproducing a stereoscopic image, receiving a selection of a trick mode from a user while the stereoscopic image is being reproduced, and changing the stereoscopic image into a two-dimensional image by selecting one of a left image and a right image, when the trick mode is selected. The image reproduction may also include receiving a setting for an object from the user when the trick mode is selected, and automatically reproducing the stereoscopic image at a normal speed, when an image including the object is reached while reproducing the stereoscopic image is performed in the trick mode, wherein setting for the object is received prior to being provided in the trick mode.

Abstract: A method includes receiving input at a media display control device generating a display of media content. The method includes executing a media control function in response to the input. Executing the media control function causes the media display control device to advance or rewind the media content displayed by a change amount. The method also includes displaying a progress bar based on progress bar settings. The progress bar settings include progress bar display options that depend on the change amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for editing a program on a re-writable compact disc. The method comprises the steps of acquiring the description information of two program segments of said program, said program segments being in sequence in playing-back order, said description information comprising the ending point information of the previous program segment and the start point information of the subsequent program segment, generating a guiding information to guide the ending point information to the start point information according to the description information and playing-back order of said program segments and updating the description information of said program according to said guiding information. With this invention, excessively detailed application editing work and an expense of high buffering cost may be avoided in editing compact disc program.

Abstract: Speed of commercial playing is detected and used for determining whether program information can be played.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to enabling a group of users, each at a different location, to view and control synchronized streamed media content. Users may execute trick play commands plays such as pause, rewind, and fast forward so that all users see the same media content including trick play actions. The media content may originate from streaming content servers or from network-DVR servers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a video replay system and a control method thereof in which the video replay speed is automatically controlled based on the note-taking speed of each viewer. The video replay system of the present invention comprises storage means for storing the video data; video replay means for replaying a video by reading the stored video data out of the storage means and displaying the video data on the display; detection means for monitoring a predetermined viewing behavior of a viewer of the replayed video, and for detecting a parameter associated with the viewing behavior; and automatic controlling means for, in response to the parameter detected by the detection means, automatically controlling the speed at which the video is replayed by the video replay means.

Abstract: A playback device judges whether a connected display device is equipped to display only interlaced video or both interlaced and progressive video. If equipped to display both interlaced and progressive video, a mode setting unit 15 sets an operation mode of the playback device to an image quality mode for interlaced signal output or a continuity mode for progressive signal output, according to a user selection received via a GUI. If continuity mode is set, the playback device decodes the video stream and performs progressive signal output.

Abstract: A user is able to select a multimedia stream from a plurality of multimedia streams available at a multimedia receiver. The availability of one or more trickplay features for the selected multimedia stream is determined in response to the selection of the multimedia stream. A visual indicator, an audible indicator, or both are selectively provided for display/output based on the determined availability status of the corresponding trickplay feature. The selective provision of a trickplay indicator can include providing a first trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is available and providing a second, different trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is unavailable. Alternately, the selective provision of a trickplay indicator includes providing the trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is unavailable and omitting provision of the trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is available, or vice versa.

Abstract: An up-converter (7) performs up-conversion on frame images in a video signal. A pseudo-noise generation circuit (9) generates a pseudo-noise signal, and an adder (10) composites the pseudo-noise signal with the up-converted video signal. As a result, noise having the same resolution as the up-converted frame images (1920 vertical pixels by 1080 horizontal lines) is distributed in the composited frame images, and each piece of noise has a characteristic approximating a characteristic (crest value, amount, or frequency) of noise included in the pre-conversion video signal.

Abstract: A method of playing a compressed digital video sequence, comprising steps comprising attributing to each frame a display duration determined as a function of a playing speed set point, and at each period of a frame synchronization signal: if a display duration cumulative value is equal to or greater than a threshold value corresponding to the period of the synchronization signal, playing a previously acquired decoded frame and decreasing the cumulative value of the threshold value; and if the present cumulative value is less than the threshold value, acquiring a new decoded frame and adding the display duration attributed to the newly acquired frame to the cumulative value, until the cumulative value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, playing a last decoded frame acquired and decreasing the cumulative value of the threshold value.

Abstract: Strategies are described for adding a mark to media content at a source location in response to the activation of a marking mechanism, and then resuming the presentation of the media content at a second location based on the mark. The source location may be the same as the destination location, or the source location may differ from the destination location. In the latter case, the source location can correspond to a first room in a home that provides a first media processing mechanism, and the destination location can correspond to a second room in the home that provides a second media processing mechanism. The marking mechanism can correspond to a mark button provided by a remote control. Various user interface displays facilitate the adding of the mark and the resuming of the presentation, including various timelines displays, mark panel displays, thumbnail displays, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a memory may receive digital video data containing a first I frame and a second I frame with a plurality of P frames located between the I frames. The I frames each include a first timestamp. A processor may determine a subset of the P frames to be played in a trick mode along with the first I frame and the second I frame based on the number of P frames included in the plurality of P frames and the desired playback speed.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method and a computer-readable medium containing computer program for encoding a frame of video data are presented. The frame of video data has a plurality of macro-blocks. Each of the macro-blocks includes a macro-block header having multiple elements and macro-block residue data. An element of the macro-block header is encoded based on the value of the same element of a previous macro-block header so as to reduce overall bits in the macro-block header. The element of the macro-block header is encoded by grouping the elements of the plurality of the macro-blocks.

Abstract: A media processing method for performing media processing by causing a processor to execute plural program modules, including: a first step of controlling input/output of media data, determining at least one call time, and calling a second program module in a second layer at each determined call time, by executing a first program module in a first layer, the first layer being higher than the second layer; a second step of calling at least one third program module in a third layer, the third layer being lower than the second layer, by executing the second program module in the second layer; and a third step of causing the processor to perform data conversion on the media data, the data conversion being an element of the media processing, by executing the third program module in the third layer.

Abstract: A user is able to select a multimedia stream from a plurality of multimedia streams available at a multimedia receiver. The availability of one or more trickplay features for the selected multimedia stream is determined in response to the selection of the multimedia stream. A visual indicator, an audible indicator, or both are selectively provided for display/output based on the determined availability status of the corresponding trickplay feature. The selective provision of a trickplay indicator can include providing a first trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is available and providing a second, different trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is unavailable. Alternately, the selective provision of a trickplay indicator includes providing the trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is unavailable and omitting provision of the trickplay indicator when the trickplay feature is available, or vice versa.

Abstract: According to one of embodiments, a method and apparatus for reproducing video and audio changes a playback speed for video and a playback speed for audio independently of each other. To provide an apparatus and method for controlling the playback speeds shortly before a period in which the video and audio should better be played back at a normal-speed, thereby to reduce the strange feeling the user may have as the playback changes from the high-speed playback to the normal-speed playback, a video signal and an audio signal are first isolated from a content and then demodulated. A playback speed is set for the video signal modulated, and a playback speed is set for the audio signal modulated. The video signal and the audio signal, each set to a playback speed, are output.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for displaying pictures at high speed. In one embodiment, a system includes a buffer for storing parameters associated with a predetermined number of the pictures during a video display period. The system further includes a video decoder for decoding particular ones of the predetermined number of the pictures. The predetermined ones are either reference pictures or pictures that are to be displayed at high speed. The pictures that are displayed in high speed at each display interval have a constant time-lapse between the pictures that are displayed in high speed at the next display interval.

Abstract: A content reproduction method is provided, which acquires, from a data transmission apparatus, first streaming data that is used to play a content at a first speed, and records the first streaming data on a storage medium. The content reproduction method plays the content at the first speed, based on the stored first streaming data. The content reproduction method also starts acquisition of second streaming data in response to a varied-speed reproduction request for the content, wherein the second streaming data is used to play the content at a second speed, and plays the content at a transition speed based on the stored first streaming data, in response to the varied-speed reproduction request. The content reproduction method plays the content at the second speed based on the second streaming data, after the acquisition of the second streaming data progresses to a reproduction preparation complete state.

Abstract: In conventional technology, when a program which operates in synchronization with reproduction of video and audio instructs a trick play of video and audio such as fast-forward and rewind, the trick play of the video and audio continues even after the program is terminated. This makes it impossible to cancel a redundant trick play which continues for an interval of time which is not expected by the program. In the present invention, a program which instructs a trick play of video and audio is retained, and when the program is terminated, it is determined whether or not the program has instructed the trick play, and if that program has instructed the trick play, the trick play of the video and audio is cancelled. As a result, it is possible to cancel such a redundant trick play which would otherwise continue for some interval of time which is not expected by the program.

Abstract: An electronic mail processing apparatus includes a data receiving section (101) that receives mail data including video data or audio data, a cited data detecting section (103) that detects a cited part of the received video data or audio data as cited data from the mail data received by the data receiving section, and a reproduction control section (104) that controls a reproducing method of the received mail data. The reproduction control section (104) controls the reproduction method so that a reproduction method (for example, reproduction speed) for the cited data is deferent from a reproduction method for data other than the cited data in the received mail data.

Abstract: A high speed data processing apparatus which is able to produce smooth reproduced pictures without lowering the quality of the reproduced picture. When the high speed reproduction is selected by a user, a system controller controls a media controller to cause a reproducing driver to read out a plural number of stamp video data from an optical disc to write the data in an associated memory space of the memory on the frame basis. The data processing apparatus reads out stamp video data written on the frame basis in a memory space of the memory portion-wise to display the plural number of frames of the picture information simultaneously on one picture frame in each output frame.

Abstract: A BD-ROM stores PlayList information. The PlayList information defines a playback section of each of a plurality of AV clips and includes MainPath information and SubPath information. The MainPath information designates one of the AV clips as a Main Clip and defines a portion of the Main Clip as a primary playback section. The SubPath information designates another one of the AV clips as a SubClip and defines a portion of the SubClip as a secondary playback section that is to be played back in synchronism with the primary playback section. The BD-ROM stores, the one of the AV clips designated as the SubClip along with an EP_map. The EP_map shows a plurality of entry points on the SubClip in a one-to-one correspondence with entry times on the SubClip timeline.

Abstract: An improved ball and race connection assembly for use in connecting together adjacently disposed ends of railway vehicles is provided. This ball and race connection assembly is particularly useful as a connection member in slackless type drawbar assemblies. The improved ball and race connection assembly includes a race member which is formed from a polymeric and/or composite material, specifically a resin impregnated filament wound material which is wound on a polytetrafluoroethylene/polyester mesh sleeve and cured. The use of these materials enables the race member to have sufficient strength and to be self-lubricating, thus eliminating the costs of providing a lubricating material at the ball and race interface, as is necessary when using a metal race, as well as reducing the amount of friction at this interface resulting in lower L/V ratios.