Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method for automatically managing storage resources of a distributed file system comprising: obtaining actual past storage usage data of a first directory from a plurality of directories of the distributed file system to a current time; detecting, a space quota limit for the first directory and associated with a pre-defined expected future time; determining from the actual past storage usage data, projected storage usage data of the first directory over a future time period; obtaining an aggregated correction coefficient providing an indication of aggregated projected storage usage needs of remaining other directories relative to the first directory; in response to determining an expected value of the projected storage usage data at the expected future time is inconsistent with the space quota limit, adjusting the space quota limit to a new quota limit based on the expected value weighted by the aggregated correction coefficient.

Abstract: Systems, devices and processes are provided to facilitate the streaming of video content in a video streaming system. Specifically, the various embodiments provide an improved user interface for a video streaming system. In general, this user interface displays indications of program content of past time slots along with current and future time slots in a way that give the user an intuitive understanding of the percentage of remaining time in the current program. Thus, a user can immediately ascertain the percentage of the current program that has already been streamed relative to the percentage of the current program remaining. This information allows a user to more quickly decide if they would like to start viewing a program that has already been streaming for some period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for classifying, based on most recent information associated with recorded content, the recorded content to an appropriate deletion classifier. A media guidance application may receive information about an event that is associated with a recorded media asset. The media guidance application may determine, based on the event and a current deletion classifier associated with the recorded media asset, whether the current deletion classifier associated with the recorded media asset needs to be updated to a new deletion classifier. The media guidance application may make this determination by accessing a deletion classification database containing rules for classifying recorded media assets into a variety of deletion classifiers.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method for automatically managing storage resources of a distributed file system comprising: obtaining actual past storage usage data of a first directory from a plurality of directories of the distributed file system to a current time; detecting, a space quota limit for the first directory and associated with a pre-defined expected future time; determining from the actual past storage usage data, projected storage usage data of the first directory over a future time period; obtaining an aggregated correction coefficient providing an indication of aggregated projected storage usage needs of remaining other directories relative to the first directory; in response to determining an expected value of the projected storage usage data at the expected future time is inconsistent with the space quota limit, adjusting the space quota limit to a new quota limit based on the expected value weighted by the aggregated correction coefficient.

Abstract: Techniques for selectively associating frames with content entities and using such associations to dynamically generate web content related to the content entities. One embodiment performs a facial recognition analysis on frames of one or more instances of video content to identify a plurality of frames that each depict a first content entity. A measure of quality and a measure of confidence that the frame contains the depiction of the first content entity are determined for each of the identified plurality of frames. Embodiments select one or more frames from the identified plurality of frames, based on the measures of quality and the measures of confidence. The selected one or more frames are associated with the first content entity and web content associated with the first content entity is generated that includes a depiction of the selected one or more frames in association with an instance of video content.

Abstract: Dynamic ad insertion in cloud-based video recorded (cDVR) content is provided. A partially or fully recorded cDVR asset may be associated with a corresponding reference asset, such as a video-on-demand (VOD) catalog copy of a program. The cDVR asset and reference asset may be associated via a common identifier, such as a TMS or Gracenotes® identifier. The reference asset may include metadata that specifies ad breaks and that can be applied to the cDVR asset and used to dynamically insert up-to-date and relevant ads into those ad breaks during playback. Additionally, an option may be provided to a user to stream the reference asset instead of the recorded asset. Further, another option may be provided to replace the user's cDVR asset with the reference asset. Accordingly, up-to-date and relevant ads can be dynamically inserted into the reference asset on playback, and less storage space is required for storing the recording.

Abstract: A method for controlling display of information on a display device includes storing information corresponding to a broadcast program guide. When a signal is received based on activation of a specific key while the first broadcast program is displayed on a screen, information on the first broadcast program and information on a second program to be broadcast after the first broadcast program is detected. The first broadcast program is then displayed in a first region of the screen simultaneously with the information on the first broadcast program and the information on the second broadcast program in a second region of the screen.

Abstract: Television content is provided upon request. A search request for television content is received from a user on a user device. Listings for television content that meet the search request are determined based on the search request. Text describing the listings is converted to corresponding speech describing the listings. Speech describing the listings is provided audibly.

Abstract: At least one server is queried to obtain program data. DVR data is obtained from a digital video recorder, substantially in real time, over a content-based network. The program data and/or the DVR data are displayed on a separate remote device, in communication with the content-based network. A request to record a given program on the at least one digital video recorder is received at the separate remote device. A conflict associated with the request to record the given program is detected, and the conflict is resolved based at least on a user input received at the separate remote device.

Abstract: A digital video recorder control database is maintained for a digital video recorder in communication with a plurality of set-top boxes. The database includes program content, associated programming metadata, and a recording schedule. A subset of the digital video recorder control database is pushed from the digital video recorder control database to the plurality of set-top boxes for local caching on the plurality of set-top boxes. The subset includes at least a portion of the recording schedule.

Abstract: An interactive media guidance application implemented on mobile user equipment may utilize location-based services to retrieve program listings information based on a user's present location. The program listings may be retrieved in response to detecting a change in the user's location or detecting a change in the program listings information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input/output system for an ultra high definition image, and more specifically, to an input/output system for an ultra high definition image that may receive an ultra high definition image signal from an external device, process the signal in real time, and output the processed ultra high definition image signal. For this purpose, a system configured to convert data having various resolutions into UHD data of the present invention includes a content input/output device configured to provide data received from a data providing device to an editing device and provide the data received from the editing device to a content reproducing device, and an editing device configured to convert the data received from the content input/output device into UHD data and provide the result to the content input/output device.

Abstract: Recording of third party content on recording systems of a primary service provider is provided. Third party service providers may provide information about offered video content to a primary content service provider. The primary service provider may allow its customers/subscribers to access the third party content through the systems of the primary service provider. Upon navigation to a desired third party content item, a customer/subscriber may request a recording of the third party content. The third party content may be passed to the primary service provider for recording on one or more storage systems associated with the primary service provider, and the recorded content may subsequently be played back by the customer/subscriber in the same manner as play back of content recorded from the primary service provider.

Abstract: In response to receiving a request, a current status of each one of a number of tuners of a television receiver may be determined. A ranking may be assigned to each one of the number of tuners based on an associated determined status. A listing may be generated based on the ranking and, when selected, a particular tuner of ranking greater than other ones of the plurality of tuners may be allocated for the recording of a particular broadcast program.

Abstract: Techniques for shared DVR programming via a web page enable using a DVR widget in a web page and DVR environment on a network to view DVR content from a publisher's DVR usage data and based on the viewed DVR content from the publisher's DVR, record or schedule to record particular content on the viewer's DVR.

Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed. The electronic device includes: a touch screen; a camera; a microphone; and a controller configured to display the execution screen of a predetermined application on the touch screen, control the camera and the microphone to operate upon entering reaction capture mode, acquire a reaction image by capturing a video or still image of a user through the camera upon detecting the user making a facial expression or gesture through the camera or the user's voice through the microphone, and display the acquired reaction image on the touch screen. Accordingly, an image of the user seeing a predetermined screen running on the touch screen can be capture and displayed on the touch screen.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining second content which was not selected by the user but which is related to first content which was selected by the user. For example, a system and method can be configured to receive, using one or more processors, first and second content where the first and second content are rich media (e.g., content containing audio or video elements). Systems and methods may be further configured where the relationship between the first content and second content are determined based on data or metadata of the first content (e.g., the title of the content or an episode number). Systems and methods may be further configured where the relationship between the first content and second content are determined based on scheduling data of the first content (e.g., the time and channel when the first content is transmitted).

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system includes a controller adapted to determine a data transfer rate associated with at least one data stream to be written to a storage media and to selectively activate at least one of a first memory and a second memory based on the data transfer rate to record the at least one data stream.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communications system comprise, in one example, inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program steam. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. In one example, the receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: Idle detection techniques are disclosed. A set of idle conditions that includes one or more conditions not comprising or triggered by an absence of user input is monitored. The device is determined to be idle based at least in part on results of the monitoring. The device may be determined not to be idle even in the absence of recent user input.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to control of consumption of content in an appliance. The content can include linear programming and non-linear assets. Such control can permit (i) changing a channel in the appliance (e.g., a CPE without upstream functionality) and thus selecting a linear-programming asset, a non-linear asset, and so forth, and (ii) controlling consumption of such assets. In one aspect, a device with upstream network connectivity can control the consumption of media in the appliance. The device can leverage data management and control functionality of a service provider network to acquire information related to assets available for consumption and to transmit asset requests to the service provider network, which can transmit content and signaling to the appliance in accordance at least in part with the asset request, thus controlling media consumption in the appliance.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a stored image in an image display device. When a time shift function is selected by a user in the image display device having a storage function, information regarding a recording material for each time with respect to time-shifted contents, and exploration to a desired position is conveniently made. That is, a list of time-shifted contents is generated in cooperation with collectable program information and source (channel) information during broadcast, and information for maintenance and management of time shift. The generated list of the contents is displayed in the form of one of summary, a list, and an EPG. When one of the contents displayed on the EPG is selected by the user referring to the EPG, movement is made to a corresponding position, and a corresponding program is reproduced. Therefore, times consumed for searching for and exploring contents, and movement to a position of the contents can he reduced.

Abstract: A device may store a data structure including information identifying a geometric relationship between first and second coordinate values of a first data type. The data structure may also include a first array of a first length that includes the first coordinate value located at a position identifiable by a reference value. The data structure may also include a second array of a second length that includes the second coordinate value located at a position identifiable by the reference value. The data structure may also include a third array of a third length that includes an attribute value of a second data type, located at a position identifiable by the reference value. The device may receive an indication that one of the lengths is to be modified, and may modify the data structure so that the first length, the second length, and the third length are equivalent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely accessing user equipment implementing an interactive media guidance application are provided. In particular, a method includes the steps of receiving user equipment identification information and receiving a user request from a user device indicating instructions for the user equipment. The user request is cross-referenced with an action request in a user equipment format selected from a plurality of formats to be compatible with the user equipment. The action request is transmitted for receipt by the user equipment for enabling execution of the indicated instructions.

Abstract: A media recording device automatically records selected broadcast programs according to categories specified by the user, without requiring the user to specify in advance which programs are to be recorded. The recorded programs are then presented to the user for selection, and the selected programs may be played back immediately or saved for later playback. Each broadcast program may be allocated a priority, and the device may decide which programs to record or delete according to their relative priority. For each broadcast program, a corresponding visibility period may be specified, during which the program can be selected for playback and is not deleted. There may be a delay between the broadcast of the program and the beginning of its visibility period. An expiry time may be specified for each program, after which the program is deleted. There may be a delay between the end of the visibility period and the expiry time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus for sending received contents to a recording apparatus and for getting the recording apparatus to record the contents in accordance with preset recording reservations, the receiving apparatus including: a recording ready time information acquisition section configured to acquire from the recording apparatus information about a recording ready time; a continuous recording determination section configured to determine whether two chronologically successive broadcast contents are reserved for recording based on the preset recording reservations; and an end time setting section configured such that if the two chronologically successive broadcast contents are found reserved for recording, then the end time setting section sets the time at which to end processing for recording the earlier of the two contents based on a broadcast start time of the latter of the two contents and on the acquired information about the recording ready time.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a program managing system for recording programs broadcasted through a plurality of channels over a predetermined term, and providing a designated program in response to a user's request through a network. In this system, a past program table showing program content in display regions of the respective programs is generated, based on program information on the recorded programs corresponding to the plurality of channels. Further, the display region of an already replayed program in the past program table is overlaid with a translucent color indicating a bar graph corresponding to a replay-finish ratio, based on a replay history included in the program information.

Abstract: A mobile device running a mobile application accesses a remote content receiver to request the remote content receiver to retrieve a particular recording timer, and upon receiving the recording timer from the remote content receiver, establishes a radio communication link with a second mobile device and transfers the recording timer to the second mobile device over the established radio communication link. The radio communication link is preferably the Near Field Communication (NFC) link.

Abstract: An arrangement for grouping multiple television channels for recording is presented. Television channel usage data indicative of television programs being requested by users of the television receivers may be received. The television channel usage data may provide usage data for television channels being transmitted using a plurality of transponders. The television channel usage data may be analyzed to determine a grouping of television channels. Based on the television channel usage data, a television channel may be reassigned from a first transponder to a second transponder for transmission to the plurality of television receivers such that the grouping of television channels are transmitted using the second transponder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a start and end broadcast time. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The system schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The system allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: A representative image display system for selecting and displaying representative images so that a user can easily grasp contents of videos displayed in a list is provided. A video selector selects a video satisfying an input search condition. A representative image combination extractor extracts an image representing the selected video. An evaluation value calculator calculates an evaluation value of the extracted image. A representative image combination selector selects a combination of images to be displayed as representative images based on the calculated evaluation value. An output device displays the selected combination of images as the representative images.

Abstract: A viewer of an episode of a series such as a television series may wish to access episodes of the series that the viewer missed when they were originally broadcast. Interactive applications may receive the viewer's indication of interest to record missed episodes of the incomplete series, which may include instructions regarding recording options for including the missed episodes in a series aggregation. Interactive applications may identify the episodes to be included in the series aggregation, and record the missed episodes, which may then be stored and organized to create a series aggregation, in the order that they were first broadcast with episodes that the viewer may already have available. Interactive applications may present the episodes of the series aggregation in the order that they were originally broadcast, by providing the viewer with options on how to access the episodes.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for a touchscreen device. The method includes presenting a program guide. The program guide includes a cell associated with a content item. The cell is selected in response to a first user input. The method also includes determining, in response to a second user input, a number of content occurrences of the content item to record based on a length of the second user input. The second user input includes a rightward movement. Additionally, the method includes scheduling the content item to be recorded for the number of content occurrences.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing storage availability are provided. Storage usage activity on a recording device is analyzed and used to determine storage availability over time. Change in storage availability is visualized using a graphic. A user may select a portion of the graphic corresponding to storage availability of the recording device at a particular time in the future. Upon selection of the graphic, the user may be presented with media assets which are associated with the storage availability of the recording device at the particular future time. These media assets may be assets that are stored, scheduled to be recorded, and/or scheduled to be deleted at the particular future time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for advanced recording options in interactive media guidance applications pertaining to whether a program includes commercials, has a particular aspect ratio, is a director's cut, or is unrated. The interactive media guidance application receives a user input to search for and record a program with one or more recording attributes, including an input designating that an attribute be required, preferred, or preferred in multiple copies. In one method, the interactive media guidance application retrieves media guidance information data for the program from memory, determines if the program has the desired recording attribute, and if so, records the program. In another method, the interactive media guidance application records the first available program which has all required recording attributes, and then continues to search for and record more-preferred versions.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for displaying conflicts between two or more recording timers. Recording conflicts are displayed graphically for the user to resolve.

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: A receiver receives a request for content associated with a channel, determines that all channel selectors are in use, selects a set of options, and transmits the set to a presentation device. The receiver may then fulfill the request utilizing a selected option. All available channel selectors may be in use because they are tuned to frequency bands of a broadcast signal to record content and data associated the channel is included in a different frequency band. The set of options may include options to stop the current recording in favor of the requested content and options to present content included in a same frequency band to which a tuner is already tuned. In one or more implementations, the receiver may determine that content currently being recorded will be rebroadcast at a later time and may include notifications indicating such and/or options to record the content at the later time.

Abstract: A multifunctional display device displays a first area containing a program received through a channel, a second area containing card objects, and a third area containing additional information of a downloadable applications selected in association with one of the card objects.

Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.

Abstract: Electronic Guide products give the user the ability to videotape selected programs. Once a program has successfully been taped a message is displayed, reminding the viewer that they have taped it. (E.g. “You taped Xxxxx; have you watched it yet?”) Information comprising information that shows are taped, the particular shows taped and viewer profiles allow advertisements targeted to the viewer who typically records a given type of programming to be presented. in an embodiment the display of the reminders is made conditional upon acceptance of advertising (for example, based on a piece of data transmitted along with other data related to that show), and can be sold. to the broadcasters who transmitted the show. This information is marketed as a peculiarly well-targeted ad for the show, causing it to continue to produce value for the broadcaster after the broadcast is complete.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining second content which was not selected by the user but which is related to first content which was selected by the user. For example, a system and method can be configured to receive, using one or more processors, first and second content where the first and second content are rich media (e.g., content containing audio or video elements). Systems and methods may be further configured where the relationship between the first content and second content are determined based on data or metadata of the first content (e.g., the title of the content or an episode number). Systems and methods may be further configured where the relationship between the first content and second content are determined based on scheduling data of the first content (e.g., the time and channel when the first content is transmitted).

Abstract: Personalized recordings may be provided. A first request to record an asset may be received. The first request may be associated with a first user and may include at least one first option. Next, a second request to record the asset may be received. The second request may be associated with a second user and may include at least one second option. Then the asset may be recorded consistent with the at least one first option and the least one second option. Next, a “my recordings list” associated with the first user may be displayed. In response to the displayed “my recordings” list associated with the first user, a request to play the asset may then be received. Next, in response to the received request to play the asset, the asset may be played consistent with the at least one first option.

Abstract: A process of managing a digital photo involves capturing the photo using a digital camera; communicating the photo to a server system; the server system identifying faces of people in the photo; the server system matching the faces to the communication addresses of portable devices of the people; and the server system communicating the photo to the portable devices.

Abstract: A system a method and a module for recording programs comprising media content data, transmitted by a media content provider via communication channels, where each program is associated with metadata containing details relating to the program. The method comprises: identifying related programs; online recording of programs of at least one predefined communication channel, that were identified as related programs, according to predefined recording rules, using a recording device and enabling at least one viewer to select and view recorded programs, using a video-audio display unit. The identification of related programs is carried out by analyzing the metadata associated with each transmitted program identifying at least one relation of at least one relation type between at least some of the programs. The identified related programs are associated with programs groups, each group representing the relation relating all programs in the group and the relation type associated therewith.

Abstract: Techniques for shared DVR programming via a web page enable using a DVR widget in a web page and DVR environment on a network to view DVR content from a publisher's DVR usage data and based on the viewed DVR content from the publisher's DVR, record or schedule to record particular content on the viewer's DVR.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending recording and/or downloading suggestions to a DVR user are provided. According to one technique, a list of suggestions is received from a recommending entity. Each of the suggestions identifies either to-be-broadcasted content or downloadable content. The entity is mapped to the list, thereby establishing an entity-to-list mapping. Data, which indicates a user's selection of a list, is received. The user's DVR is mapped to the selected list, thereby establishing a DVR-to-list mapping. Based on this mapping, one or more candidate items are automatically selected from among a set of items. Identities of the candidate items are sent to the DVR. The recommending entity does not own or operate the DVR.