Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide information to a user based on a symbol with a plurality of interpretations. Each candidate interpretation for the symbol is identified and compared to an attribute of a user profile. The meaning of the symbol is determined and the user profile is updated with the meaning of the symbol. This meaning may be used to provide relevant information to the user.

Abstract: A method of classifying content items utilizes user-generated playlists. A content item is included in respective playlists from a plurality of respective distinct users. The method receives respective user-generated information corresponding to the content item from each of the respective distinct users. For some users, the respective user-generated information is the respective playlist title. For other users, the user-generated information is the text of social network posting that identifies a respective playlist. In each case, the respective user-generated information specifies a first content item attribute that characterizes the content item. Accordingly, the method assigns the first content item attribute to the content item. Subsequently, a request is received from a first user for a content item having the first content item attribute. In response, the method selects the content item according to the first content item attribute and delivers the first content item to the first user.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a broadcast in processing a viewing-reserved broadcast program and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes displaying a first broadcast program (102), checking whether a second broadcast program set for a viewing reservation exists (104) while the first broadcast program is displayed, if the viewing-reserved second broadcast program exists, displaying the second broadcast program instead of the first broadcast program at a timing point of setting the viewing reservation, and while the second broadcast program is displayed, storing the first broadcast program (106) having a progress overlapped with that of the second broadcast program. Accordingly, the present invention is able to avoid missing important contents of the previously displayed broadcast program according to the display switching attributed to the overlapped viewing reservation. And, it is also unnecessary to switch the channels to view the previously displayed broadcast program again.

Abstract: A content processing method includes receiving content and recording the content in a recording apparatus, recording first information to indicate a first period in which the content is displayed on a display apparatus and a second period in which the content is not displayed on the display apparatus during a period in which the content is recorded, in accordance with the content, and displaying, on the display apparatus, a selection screen which is provided to select any one of the first period and/or the second period as an objective for performing any one of a plurality of processes including a deleting process for deleting a part of the content or a writing process for writing a part of the content on a recording medium with respect to a part of the recorded content, by using the first information.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods for storing video information. The apparatus includes a means for receiving video information, a means for converting the received video information into digital video information, and a means for storing the digital video information. Converting the received video information into digital video information can include converting it into an MPEG-compatible digital format. The apparatus can include an MPEG-compatible digital encoder, which can include separate audio and video MPEG encoders. The digital video information can be stored on an electromagnetically writable disk drive with an optimized MPEG file system (OMFS) configured to receive the digital video information and store the digital video information on the disk drive, where the OMFS is configured to divide the received digital video information into one or more packets, each packet having the same number of bytes as a sector on a disk in the disk drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating motion pictures in a portable device. The method includes detecting whether an event occurs while a stored motion picture file is being played, if an event occurs, extracting and playing a video stream of the motion picture file simultaneously after the occurrence, and creating a user motion picture file by producing a user audio stream and compounding the user audio stream with the extracted video stream. Further disclosed is a method of providing contents in a portable device. This method includes selecting a stored receiver's information, saving and playing simultaneously, if an event occurs, a video stream of the motion picture file after the occurrence, creating a customized audio stream according to the receiver's information and producing a user's motion picture file by compounding the audio stream with the video stream, attaching the user's motion picture file to a message, and transmitting the message.

Abstract: Provided are an image display device and a reservation recording method. According to the method, a user can conveniently set series reservation recording on a recording list on the basis of history data of a record material.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: A method of storing video content is disclosed and includes storing video content associated with a video content selection at a personal video recording (PVR) device. The method also includes associating an indicator of the video content selection with a file folder at the PVR device. Further, the method includes sending a graphical user interface (GUI) from the PVR device to a display device in response to receiving a selection of the file folder at the PVR device, wherein the GUI includes the indicator of the video content selection and wherein the indicator of the video content selection is marked as viewed or unviewed.

Abstract: A timer-recording managing apparatus for a recorder that includes a plurality of recording resources that enable the recorder to simultaneously record broadcast programs. The apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register schedule information of the broadcast programs; a registration change unit configured to make a change on the schedule information; a schedule group extraction unit configured to extract a schedule group including a plurality of timer-recording schedules that are affected by an allocation of the recording resources to a start-vertex timer-recording schedule, when the registration change unit makes a change on the schedule information with respect to the start-vertex timer-recording schedule; and a resource allocation unit configured to collectively re-allocate the recording resources to the plurality of timer-recording schedules.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: A recording apparatus allows an image being recorded and an image being reproduced to be easily discriminated from each other when an already recorded image signal is reproduced while a photographed image signal is being recorded. An image signal obtained by an image pickup section is recorded on a randomly accessible recording medium, and an image signal recorded at a random location on the recording medium is capable of being reproduced while the image signal is being recorded on the recording medium. The image signal recorded at a random location on a recording medium can be reproduced while the image signal obtained by the image pickup section is being recorded. Either a first display unit or a second display unit displays a first image according to the obtained image signal while the other displays a second image according to the reproduced image signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast reception apparatus includes a first receiver, second receivers, a first controller, and a second controller. A first receiver is configured to switch to a channel as a target and receive a broadcast signal. Second receivers are configured to receive broadcast signals from channels which are set for the second receivers, respectively. A first controller is configured to perform display control to display a video on the basis of the broadcast signal received by the first receiver. A second controller is configured to switch between a first mode performing drive control of operation of the second receivers and performing record control based on the broadcast signals received by the second receivers, and a second mode performing control to stop operation of at least one of the second receivers and performing record control based on any remaining one or ones of the second receivers.

Abstract: A digital video recording/playback apparatus is provided in which maximum delay can be easily changed in accordance with the bit rate of inputted video data. The digital video recording/playback apparatus includes a memory unit, a playback unit, a synchronization unit, a synchronization signal counter, and a controller. The synchronization signal counter counts a synchronization signal to generate a frame counter value. The controller outputs a reading start instruction for the video data to the memory unit, and a decoding start instruction for the video data to the playback unit. The controller is configured to determine a first process completion time limit represented by the frame counter value as a process completion time limit for the memory unit and to determine a second process completion time limit represented by the frame counter value as a process completion time limit for the playback unit.

Abstract: A network digital video recording (nDVR) system may take into account the capabilities of a requesting user's local DVR when managing network recordings. The user's local DVR may include a temporary buffer that is normally used to record what the DVR is tuned to, and may be used for local trickplay functionality such as pausing live television. The nDVR features described herein may track the usage of the user's temporary DVR buffer, and use that in determining what to stream in response to a user's playback request. The nDVR system can also determine if the user's local DVR has an unused tuner at a time of a program recording, and can instruct the user's local DVR to also tune to the program.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable searching for multimedia content and for downloading or scheduling the recording of the multimedia content. The multimedia content may have been previously stored on one or more databases. The client device may download or schedule the recording of multimedia content in one step, for example, in one touch. When desired multimedia content is not available, the multimedia content is added to the client device's wish list. When the client device's does not have a wish list, the client device's wish list may be created on the spot. During the scheduling of the recording, a tag associated with the multimedia content is checked to determine whether the multimedia content is live or delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is live or delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add extra time to the end of the recording of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

Abstract: There are provided an imaging apparatus and a video camera which allow an image being recorded and an image being reproduced to be easily discriminated from each other when an already recorded image signal is reproduced while a photographed image signal is being recorded. A recording section records an image signal obtained by an image pickup section on a randomly accessible recording medium, and a reproducing section is capable of reproducing an image signal recorded at a random location on the recording medium while the image signal is being recorded on the recording medium by the recording section. The recording section and the reproducing section are controlled such that the image signal recorded at a random location on the recording medium can be reproduced while the image signal obtained by the image pickup section is being recorded.

Abstract: Data management information includes recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at a time of recoding the data, indicating a time difference between the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) and a standard time in a location where the data has been recorded; and data recording time information (REC_TM) indicating a recording time when the data has been recorded, in accordance with the standard time indicated by the time zone information (TM_ZONE) wherein the reproduction apparatus includes means for reproducing the data; and specifying means for specifying a local recording time in a location where the data has been recorded, and wherein the specifying means calculates the local recording time in the location where the data has been recorded, by (REC_TM)?(TM_ZONE)+(REC_TM_ZONE) where (REC_TM) is the data recording time information, (TM_ZONE) is the time zone information, and (REC_TM_ZONE) is the recording time zone information.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

Abstract: Total management information includes time zone information (TM_ZONE) indicating a time difference between a world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) and a standard time in a predetermined location, wherein the data management information includes recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at a time of recoding the data, indicating a time difference between the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) and a standard time in a location where the data has been recorded; and data recording time information (REC_TM) indicating a recording time when the data has been recorded, and wherein the reproduction apparatus further includes a unit for specifying a local time in a location where the data recording time has been recorded, while the data is reproduced, in accordance with the data recording time information (REC_TM), the time zone information (TM_ZONE), and the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time.

Abstract: Data management information includes: recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at a time of recording data, first data recording time information indicating a recording time of data first recorded on the data group; second data recording time information indicating a recording time of data last recorded on the data group; and a flag indicating whether the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the time of recording the data specifies a time difference from the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) at the data recording time; specifying unit specifies the time difference from the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) in the location where the data has been recorded, at only a case where the flag indicates that the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time specifies the time difference from the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) in the location where the data has been recorded.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus includes a specifying unit for specifying a local recording time in a location where the data first or last recorded on the data group has been recorded while the data is reproduced, and wherein the specifying means calculates, by (REC_TM)?(TM_ZONE)+(REC_TM_ZONE), a recording time at the local time of the data first recorded on the data group in accordance with the first data recording time information (REC_TM), the time zone information (TM_ZONE) and the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time; and a recording time at the local time of the data last recorded on the data group in accordance with the second data recording time information (REC_TM), the time zone information (TM_ZONE) and the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time, respectively.

Abstract: Arrangements including a specifying unit for specifying a local recording time in a location where the data has been recorded, in accordance with in accordance with the data recording time information (REC_TM), the time zone information (TM_ZONE), and the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time, and wherein the specifying means specifies the local recording time in the location where the data has been recorded, at only a case where the flag indicates that the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time specifies the time difference from the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) in the location where the data has been recorded.

Abstract: Data management information includes: recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at a time of recording data, indicating a time difference between the world standard time (Greenwich Mean Time) and a standard time in a location where the data of the group data for managing the data management information; first data recording time information indicating a recording time of data first recorded on the data group; and second data recording time information indicating a recording time of data last recorded on the data group, and wherein the reproduction apparatus further includes a unit for specifying respective local recording times in locations where the first recorded data and the last recorded data has been recorded, respectively, while the data is reproduced, in accordance with the first and second data recording time information, the time zone information (TM_ZONE), and the recording time zone information (REC_TM_ZONE) at the data recording time.

Abstract: A program recording completion system automatically completes an incomplete program recording of a program. A recording application creates a program recording completion event corresponding to the incomplete program recording which includes program information to automatically complete the incomplete program recording. The recording application can initiate recording a re-broadcast of the program to create a complete program recording, or the recording application can record a segment of a re-broadcast of the program and combine the program segment with the incomplete program recording to create a complete program recording.

Abstract: An image of an object is picked up by an image processing unit (10) to acquire an image signal of variable frame rate. An audio signal is acquired by an audio processing unit (20) to generate an audio signal having the number of frames caused to be in conformity with the system frame rate to generate a recording signal of recording frame rate from the image signal of the variable frame rate and an audio signal having the number of frames caused to be in conformity with the system frame rate. In recording a recording signal of the recording frame rate onto or into a recording medium (35) by a recording/reproducing unit (30), discrimination information indicating image pick-up frame rate and system frame rate is recorded onto or into the recording medium (35), e.g., as MXF (Material Exchange Format) file along with the image signal of the variable frame rate and the audio signal having the number of frames caused to be in conformity with the system frame rate.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a reservation unit reserving predetermined processing for a broadcast program, the predetermined processing being started in accordance with conditions corresponding to program information concerning the broadcast program; a processing unit starting the processing, reserved by the reservation unit, for the broadcast program in accordance with the conditions; and an acquiring unit acquiring the program information. The reservation unit obtains program information concerning another broadcast program for which the processing is reserved and which is to be broadcasted subsequent to the broadcast program, the program information being acquired by the acquiring unit, if the processing reserved for the broadcast program is started by the processing unit. The reservation unit changes the conditions of the processing reserved for the other broadcast program in accordance with the obtained program information concerning the other broadcast program.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: Control of audio/video equipment is provided by an apparatus constructed like a computer, with audio and video subsystems. The audio subsystem includes a programmable analog mixer and several analog and digital multiplexers to route and mix multiple inputs to multiple outputs. Databases are stored in computer mass storage to record preferences for playback of digital versatile discs, compact discs and audio files stored in the mass storage device, such as MP3 files. The playback preferences may include video output format, language, surround sound mode, etc. for DVDs and surround sound effects for CDs and audio files.

Abstract: There is provided a method for indicating whether a program is capable of being fully recorded in a remaining storage space on a storage device. An on screen display device is configured as a grid having a first axis and a second axis. The first axis is for identifying the programming selections and the second axis is for identifying the respective broadcast times of the programming selections. Any of the programming selections currently capable of being fully recorded in the remaining storage space on the storage device are identified on the grid using a first distinctive visual identifier. Any of the programming selections that are currently incapable of being fully recorded in the remaining storage space on the storage device are identified on the grid using a second distinctive visual identifier.

Abstract: A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described.

Abstract: A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast reception apparatus includes a first receiver, second receivers, a first controller, and a second controller. A first receiver is configured to switch to a channel as a target and receive a broadcast signal. Second receivers are configured to receive broadcast signals from channels which are set for the second receivers, respectively. A first controller is configured to perform display control to display a video on the basis of the broadcast signal received by the first receiver. A second controller is configured to switch between a first mode performing drive control of operation of the second receivers and performing record control based on the broadcast signals received by the second receivers, and a second mode performing control to stop operation of at least one of the second receivers and performing record control based on any remaining one or ones of the second receivers.