Abstract: A method for generating a target video, an apparatus, a server, and a medium are provided. The method includes: obtaining live broadcast stream data, wherein the live broadcast stream data comprises at least one among voice data and live broadcast interaction data, and video data; performing processing on the live broadcast stream data, and generating at least one among a corresponding voice metric value and interaction metric value, and a corresponding video metric value according to a target object included in a processing result; generating an overall metric value for the live broadcast stream data according to the generated metric values; and in response to determining that the comprehensive metric value for the live broadcast stream data satisfies a preset condition, generating a target video on the basis of the live broadcast stream data.

Abstract: Enhancing the accuracy in compensating errors caused by a reference signal with unequal successive periods in a fractional-N phase locked loop (PLL). A compensation block generates a compensation factor, and is implemented based on a correction block and a filter. The correction block generates a correction signal containing a first frequency correction factor and a second frequency correction factor for a first period and a second period constituting each pair of successive periods, with the correction signal also containing a noise component at direct current (DC). The filter operates to remove the noise component at DC from the correction signal to generate a compensation factor containing the first frequency correction factor and the second frequency correction factor. The compensation factor thus generated may be provided as an input to a division factor generator of a frequency divider block of the PLL, potentially resulting in zero error frequency synthesis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for movie and television series video data analysis. The method includes: gathering and reading, by a processor, a plurality of input movies; removing a video border of each input movie; splitting the input movie into short clips, based on accuracy and efficiency requirements of different analyzing models; assessing attributes of each input movie by analyzing, with the different analyzing models, the input movie, the short clips cut from the input movie, and the frame images extracted from the input movie; and summarizing the plurality of input movies based on matching and integrating the attributes assessed for each input movie.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing and unlocking functionality embedded in a system is provided that utilizes a removable storage device that contains code for authenticating and unlocking additional functionality in a system. The code in the removable storage device can be a cryptographic key, a password, or any other type of digital signature. Thus, the system can provide a basic (or initial) level of functionality and one or more additional (or premium) levels of functionality that are not part of the basic level of functionality and that can be selectively accessed in exchange for, for example, additional payments or other consideration. A user can enable the one or more additional levels of functionality by, for example, providing payment to the system manufacturer or distributer.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a live event video stream service configured to distribute event video streams at diverse price levels, based on configuring video cameras to capture live event video streams from different locations, offering the video streams for purchase at prices based on the camera locations, and automatically maximizing profit by adjusting the quantity and price of the offered camera video streams. In an illustrative example, the cameras may be 360-degree video cameras. The camera locations may be, for example, preferred event viewing positions. In some examples, the cameras may be configured in live event viewing positions ranging from more preferred to less preferred, permitting a range of video stream prices determined based on each camera's position. Some embodiments may determine video stream price based on an auction. Various examples may advantageously maximize event profit based on adjusting the quantity and price of the offered video streams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and interfering with compromised devices and unauthorized device relocation in a communication network are disclosed. The described embodiments may be deployed in a content delivery network where receivers have been compromised in a manner that renders the conditional access system (CAS) inoperative at controlling the receivers' ability to receive content. In some embodiments, alternate commands not protected by the CAS system may be used to detect hacked devices and interdict same. In some embodiments, service devices in the content delivery network may allow for detection of unauthorized device relocation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method performed by a system that includes at least one processor, the method comprising: obtaining subscriber data of a plurality of subscribers, wherein said subscriber data comprises at least one of: consumption data relating to subscribed content consumption by said plurality of subscribers, or network data relating to data transmittal via one or more computer networks by the plurality of subscribers; detecting anomalous data by comparing subscriber data of different subscribers in the plurality of subscribers; identifying one or more suspected subscribers out of the plurality of subscribers as being suspected of unauthorized subscribed content distribution, the one of more suspected subscribers being associated with the anomalous data; and providing a respective identity for the one or more suspected subscribers.

Abstract: A method for presenting a matrix code may include receiving, at a content receiver, a signal carrying identifying data relating to a remotely accessible program, generating, at a content receiver, a matrix code from the identifying data relating to the remotely accessible program, transmitting the matrix code as part of a content presentation to a presentation device for display, and receiving the remotely accessible program in response to a user capture of the matrix code. A method for remotely controlling a set top box and a method for setting a recording time on a set top box are also described. A method of preparing a program guide may include gathering program information, generating matrix codes for each program including program data, and associating the matrix codes with respective programs.

Abstract: A content distribution method including receiving in-band signals from respective content providers, where the in-band signals include video content. The method further includes: receiving at a placement opportunities information module first messages associated respectively with the content providers, where the first messages are advertisement messages and/or program messages and have respective formats; and mapping the first messages to second messages, where the second messages have a same format, and where the same format is different than the respective formats and is standardized for point of presence devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting a first wearable device and a second wearable device in proximity of a display device and identifying a first user profile associated with the first wearable device and a second user profile associated with the second wearable device. Further aspects may include identifying a first set of media content preferences according to the first user profile and a second set of media content preferences according to the second user profile. Additional aspects may include providing a first filtered electronic programming guide to the first wearable device and providing a second filtered electronic programming guide to the second wearable device. The first filtered electronic programming guide indicates the first set of media content preferences and the second filtered electronic programming guide indicates the second set of media content preferences. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing services to a presentation device. The method comprises detecting a service delivery module in a communication system using a communication device and performing an authentication and authorization session between the service delivery module and the communication device, wherein user authentication and authorization is created. The method further comprises connecting to a service information module in said communication system to access services; providing a service request from said communication device to said service information module and initiating a service delivery session with said service information module using said user authentication and authorization information and said service request. Moreover, the method comprises delivering at least one service to said presentation device based on said service request. The present invention further provides a communication system for providing at least one service to a presentation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadcast receiving device. A terrestrial broadcast receiving unit receives a terrestrial broadcasting service. A mobile receiving unit receives a mobile broadcasting service transmitted via a network for mobile communication. A control unit allows the terrestrial broadcasting service and the mobile broadcasting service to be selectively received.

Abstract: Provided is a system that easily retrieves out various data from an image forming apparatus using a portable terminal and uses the various data. The image forming system of the present disclosure is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that performs image formation and a portable terminal. The image forming apparatus has a non-contact IC tag. The portable terminal includes a selection part that receives selection of a maintenance screen to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus from plural maintenance screens, a display part that displays the selected maintenance screen, a near field communication part that performs near field communication with the IC tag when the portable terminal comes close to the IC tag, and a control part that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus through the near field communication part.

Abstract: An electronic device may derive information specific to the device, dynamically generate a matrix code that includes the information as well as user support information, and transmit the dynamically generated code to a display. When a user captures the matrix code with a reader device, the reader device may decode (or use a back end server to decode) the specific information specific and the user support information and initiate a user support request. Thus, user support for electronic devices may be facilitated utilizing dynamically generated matrix codes, such as (but not limited to) QR codes. In response to the initiated user support request, user support may then be provided for the user. Problems may be automatically taken care of for the user, tutorials may be provided for the user, one or more notifications may be provided to the user, service calls may be scheduled for the user, and so on.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products to insert frame accurate triggers in media programs, by receiving indication that a first tally, of a plurality of tallies, is active, the first tally corresponding to a media program, identifying a type of the first tally, generating a trigger based on the type of the first tally, and inserting a message in the media program responsive to the trigger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for transmitting decryption codes for freely transmitted, encrypted program contents, enabling decryption codes to be transmitted in a more simple manner and enabling a connection or a user to be established via a user network, also enabling the reception of a telephone call, identification of the network termination element, especially the telephone number, and transmission of the decryption code for a program content. Billing data can be automatically established using the network termination element/the telephone number and information on the requested program content. Additionally or alternatively, examination is possible if a registered right of access for the decryption code exists for the network termination element/telephone number, whereby transmission occurs exclusively for the existing right of access. The invention also relates to a system for decrypting freely transmitted, encrypted program contents.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media including instructions for processing and distributing video-on-demand (VOD) content items are disclosed. A particular method selects a group of electronic devices to receive a VOD content item. The selection is based on group-level information associated with the group of electronic devices and based on user-level information associated with individual electronic devices of the group of electronic devices. The VOD content item is transmitted to each electronic device of the group via multicast. The VOD content item has an associated validity time period, and the encrypted VOD content item is automatically made unplayable at each electronic device in the group when the validity time period has elapsed.

Abstract: A method for data communication is provided and may include storing multimedia data in a first database, the multimedia data being associated with enhanced metadata stored in the first database. The enhanced metadata may be created based on at least a user profile stored at a central management unit. Multimedia data may be selected from the first database based on at least the enhanced metadata, and the selected multimedia data may be modified to produce user-specific multimedia data. The user-specific multimedia data may be stored in a second database and may be communicated from the second database to a user terminal. An alarm to a user interface of the user terminal may be generated, if in producing the user-specific multimedia data from the profiled multimedia data, it was not possible to generate the user-specific multimedia data in conformance with the user specific hardware or network characteristics.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a broadcast transmitter includes: a viewer information memory configured to store viewer information regarding a viewer who signs up for a subscription; a generator configured to generate individual information regarding a conditional access of a content including a first expiration time indicating an expiration time of the individual information and a second expiration time set independently of the first expiration time for each the viewer who signs up for the subscription based on the viewer information; and a transmitter configured to transmit a broadcast signal including the generated individual information.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: The proposed invention is a 3rd party provided multimedia platform designed to link an application driven media player within a social media website landing page. The Platform is administered by a third party server and provides the user of a social media website access to multimedia content along with integrated access to other social media users through mechanisms such as chat rooms. The Platform integrates chat and metadata management to allow clients to provide integrated multimedia feeds to users. Clients may engage and interact with users of provided media in directed dynamic communications (including advertising and other mechanisms) directed by data analysis of trends in communication and behavior that develop dynamically over the course of media broadcasts.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A system and method for soliciting a selection of video content from a user after presenting the user with an interface showing the user the video content currently available for viewing. The system provides the user an option of both viewing the content in its entirety and partially viewing the content. With the partial viewing options the user may select and view a scene or scenes, or may navigate through the content to find the portion or “snippet” of the content they wish to view. The system tracks the length of viewing and the client is charged in accordance with the amount of content viewed.

Abstract: An entitlement system and method of operating the same includes a file share storage and a file publisher that receives schedule data and generates a formatted file in a first format from the schedule data. The file publisher stores the formatted files in the file share storage. The entitlement system also includes an entitlement cache and a file processor communicating the formatted files from the file share storage to the entitlement cache. An authorization server receives an access request from a user device and accesses the formatted file. The authorization server compares a first content identifier from the formatted file to an authorized rights list for the user device and authorizes the user device to access the content in response to comparing.

Abstract: A system for constructing seamlessly viewable multimedia content from selectably presentable multimedia content blocks includes a block definition module for facilitating creation and modification of the content blocks. The block definition module includes a media assignment submodule for associating a synchronized audio and video segment with a content block. Also included is a block linking submodule for creating seamless connections between content blocks, whereby a transition between the connected blocks occurs substantially without interruption upon viewing the multimedia content. The block definition module further includes a layer submodule for associating an interactive layer having interactive controls with the content block.

Abstract: A method to identify content within a data stream, comprising: capturing a data stream, analysing and filtering the data stream by isolating a test stream of the data stream and disabling the other sub-streams, applying the test stream to the application so as to produce an output, applying the output to a comparator, the comparator receiving a reference and determining by the comparator a distance between the application output and the reference, if the distance is below a predefined level, repeating the isolating step with a new test stream selected among the previous test stream, the new test stream being a subset of the previous test stream, if that the distance is above or equal a second predefined level, repeating the isolating step by selecting a different test stream from the data stream not already applied to the application.

Abstract: A computing device, in a video content delivery network, intercepts requested video content prior to delivery of the requested video content to a customer premise device of the network, and receives subscription and authentication information of a customer associated with the customer premise device. The computing device receives video content provider information, and validates the requested video content based on the subscription and authentication information and the video content provider information. The computing device receives capability information associated with the customer premise device, and receives bandwidth information associated with the network. The computing device determines a quality of video content, to provide to the customer premise device, based on the customer premise device capability information and the network bandwidth information, and provides, to the customer premise device, video content with the determined quality.

Abstract: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering and distributing multimedia content including a receiver to receive data for ordering multimedia content, a decoder to decode the data in the event the data is encoded, and distributing the multimedia content based on the data to one or more output devices at a predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method and an apparatus for digital content transmission that comprise: (a) partitioning the digital content into a plurality of sequential segments; (b) selecting a plurality of transmission time instants for each of the sequential segments as a function of their order; (c) generating a plurality of linear combinations of the plurality of sequential segments during the plurality of transmission time instants resulting in a plurality of linearly combined coded segments; and (c) transmitting the plurality of linearly combined coded segments from a server to a plurality of clients. In particular embodiments, the method and apparatus further comprise performing error correction based on an implicit error correction (IEC) method that employs the redundancy present in the linearly combined coded segments to perform error correction at the client side without extra bandwidth cost.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for conducting transactions with a customer using text messages. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first text message from a mobile communication device associated with a customer. The first text message includes a request from the customer to receive one or more text messages from a vendor. The method also includes adding the customer to a set of consenting customers in a customer database in response to receiving the first text message. The set of consenting customer including customers that consent to receiving text messages from the vendor. The method also includes sending a second text message to the mobile communication device. The second text message is associated with a service offered by the vendor.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

Abstract: An electronic commerce method and system using an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and a mobile terminal are provided. In an electronic commerce method and system, an IPTV or mobile terminal transmits binding information to a server where a purchaser selects product information, the server determines a purchaser authority using the received binding information, and transmits sales information for the selected product information to the mobile terminal in response to the purchase authority being valid, and the mobile terminal makes an offer to purchase the product to the server using the received sales information.

Abstract: A method to optimize reception of entitlement management messages in a subscriber unit that is part of a Pay-TV system. The subscriber units are set up to a default reception channel for receiving default entitlement management messages such as the ones addressed to all or a group of subscriber units controlled by the management system. When one or a plurality of operating parameters of a specific subscriber unit needs to be modified, the security module sends an information signal to the subscriber unit which switches to a specific reception channel. In this case only specific entitlement management messages, also called positive addressing entitlement management messages, are received for performing the operating parameters modification of the concerned subscriber units. Once the modification is executed, the subscriber unit switches back to the default reception channel to be ready for receiving default entitlement management messages again.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for the directed insertion of assets in Content On Demand content across a plurality of computing devices. One system includes a database operable to maintain campaign data of the assets and an asset insertion decision system operable to instantiate on a plurality of computing devices and to periodically access the database to provide the campaign data to the instantiations of the asset insertion decision system on the computing devices. For example, the asset insertion decision system may establish a recording period in which each instantiation of the asset insertion decision system is operable to direct insertion of a portion of the assets in Content On Demand content selections upon request and to record the asset insertions between accesses to the database. The asset insertion decision system is also operable to process the asset insertions recorded by the instantiations to synchronize the campaign database.

Abstract: A receiver and method for operating the same includes a memory storing purchase information therein and a communication module. A controller is in communication with the memory and the communication module. The controller determines whether an existing Internet connection is present at the communication module when the existing Internet connection is present and communicates purchase information to a service provider through the existing Internet connection. The controller determines whether a subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within a mandatory callback time period, when purchase information has been communicated within the mandatory callback time period and advances the mandatory callback time period. The controller initiates the communication module to initiate a new Internet connection when there is no existing Internet connection present or no subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within the mandatory callback time period.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A celebrity portal system is disclosed. The celebrity portal system may comprise a celebrity content management engine for managing a celebrity portal, the celebrity portal including media content based on real-time multimedia content generated by a particular celebrity and available for consumption by fans; a broadcast information engine for receiving notice of a scheduled presentation of premium content on the celebrity portal; a fan contact engine for notifying a set of the fans of the scheduled presentation of the premium content on the celebrity portal; and a content publication engine for publishing the premium content in the celebrity portal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.

Abstract: A system and method for content management and delivery. Embodiments of the invention may include receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers, organizing the plurality of content items in a hierarchy, receiving a request for at least one content item among the plurality of content items; and providing the at least one content item subsequent to receiving the request. The content items may be organized on a server. An end user on a client device that communicates, directly or indirectly, with the server, such as a mobile device, for example, may browse the content, preview it, and purchase it, all in a consistent manner from content item to content item.

Abstract: A user obtains access to particular services levels associated with media content. A user and devices associated with the user may be authenticated to access content at a particular service level such as a particular quality level, content level, resolution, limited viewing, unlimited simultaneous viewing, etc. When the user is authenticated at a device, content at an appropriate service level is selected and provided to the device. Authenticating the user at a device such as a set top box may involve receiving a manually entered login and password, a passcode transmitted from a mobile device, face detection, a mobile device authorization code sent using infrared or radio frequency transmission, or other mechanisms identifying that the user or the mobile device is in the vicinity or is periodically in the vicinity of the set top box.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customizing the display of interactive television overlays. A condition related to the display of an overlay on top of video for a television channel may be defined for each of a plurality of television channels. A default set of information types for an interactive television overlay (e.g., a FLIP overlay, a BROWSE overlay, etc.) may be defined for the plurality of television channels. When the overlay is displayed on top of video for a given television channel of the plurality of television channels, the overlay may include information of the default set of information types. One or more television channels of the plurality of television channels may be identified as channels for which the default set of information types does not apply (e.g., channels for which the overlay is not displayed or for which a custom set of information types is defined).

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for providing remotely defined security data to an application extension on a client device. A sequence of instructions and at least one permission indicator associated with the sequence of instructions are received. A first permission indicator is associated with a code extension to a software application adapted to execute at least a portion of the sequence of instructions. The code extension is adapted to perform one or more operations that supplement the operations supported by the software application. An instruction within the sequence of instructions associated with adapted for execution by the code extension and with an activity is identified. The first permission indicator is provided to the code extension. The code extension determines whether performance of the activity is permitted based, at least in part, on the first permission indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video/audio content such as digital data (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's computer-based recording, storage and playback system. Customers preselect from a list of available digital data or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for only the video/audio content that is actually viewed.