Abstract: Provided is a method for constructing and transmitting guidance information for impulse pay-per-view (IPPV) broadcasting service, and a computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that implements the method. The method of the present research includes the step of: inserting an IPPV service descriptor, which is suggested as a standard data structure for transmitting IPPV service purchase guidance information, to an aggregate event information table; and transmitting the aggregate event information table.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus 5 for monitoring and controlling the provision of user pays products and/or services is provided. The apparatus may interface with a meter 6 of a supply network or supply channel and control the supply of user pays products and/or services. The apparatus receives communications from host system 7 including configuration data that is specific to a user of the product or service and/or specific to the user pays product or service.

Abstract: The invention illustrates a system and method of searching for a specific segment within a stream of content data comprising: receiving a stream of sensory data corresponding with the stream of content data; comparing the stream of sensory data with a search criteria; identifying the specific segment of the stream of content data corresponding to a match between the stream sensory data and the search criteria; setting the search criteria based upon parameters of the stream of sensory data; and applying a threshold to determine the match between the stream of sensory data and the search criteria.

Abstract: A method and system that provides a single multipurpose PPV channel that a subscriber tunes for all PPV services. From the subscriber's perspective, the program guide, previews, advertising, purchasing options, and showings of all PPV events occur on a single channel. There can be a single multipurpose PPV channel for all PPV services or single PPV channels for groups of similar services, such as a single Family PPV channel, a single Sports PPV channel, and a single Adult PPV channel that each represent single multipurpose channels for similar programming. The advertising on a single multipurpose channel can be directed to the type of programming on all the channels in the group. Once a subscriber purchases a PPV event, the HCT tunes to the MPEG transport stream and program information for the selected PPV event and displays the PPV event on the single multipurpose PPV channel at its associated start time. The subscriber does not have to select another channel.

Abstract: A content distribution system receives data describing media content available from one or more vendors. The content distribution system generates data that describes an offer and associates the media content data with the offer. The content distribution system provides data describing an offer to a client device. The client device receives a request for a media content offer. The media content offer may include one or more instances of media content. Each instance of media content is available from a media vendor. For each media content instance associated with the offer, the client determines a vendor able to provide the media content, and submits a request for the media content to the vendor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of offering for sale images related to a television program via interactive television. The method comprises the step of in association with said program, displaying a representation of the image for sale and an invitation to purchase said image on a user's interactive television display.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) method, consistent with the invention involves storing multiple selective encrypted VOD content on a VOD server; receiving an order for the VOD content specifying delivery to a target decoder; determining what CA encryption system is associated with the order; stripping all encrypted segments from the multiple selectively encrypted content that are not associated with the order to produce single selectively encrypted VOD content; and sending the single selectively encrypted VOD content to the target decoder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and collecting impulse pay-per-view (IPPV) data in smart card enabled digital television terminals are provided. A headend controller sends security information to the terminal for use by the smart card. Authentication data based on the security information is computed by the smart card. The controller polls the terminal to retrieve the authentication data and current IPPV data from the smart card. Current IPPV data is validated by the controller based on the authentication data. Upon validation of the current IPPV data, updated IPPV data is sent from the controller to the smart card via the terminal.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a method (200) of providing programs to consumers. The method can include sending electronic program guide information through a digital television network to a digital television receiver (220). The electronic program guide information can include at least one selectable program identifier for initiating a purchase transaction for an item associated with the selectable program identifier. The selectable program identifier can be presented (225), and responsive to a selection of the program identifier, a computer communications link between the digital television receiver and at least one remote server can be established (235). At least one potential purchase transaction for a sale of the item associated with the program identifier can be downloaded (245). The potential purchase transactions can be presented (250), and responsive to a selection (255) of one of the potential purchase transactions, the selected purchase transaction can be initiated (260).

Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view and select television program guide listings, including listings for pay-per-view programs. A program information web page may be provided for programs selected by the user. The program information page may include a selectable option for allowing the user to view a video clip of the selected program. An order web page may be provided for users to order selected pay-per-view programs over the Internet by selecting an on-screen option in the order web page.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced advertising and merchandising opportunities are described. Advertisements may be provided for passive programming such as television programs, commercials, pay-per-view programs, passive video products, or other suitable passive programming. Interactive advertisements may be provided in interactive applications such as interactive television program guides, web browsers, home shopping applications, operating systems, or other suitable interactive applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a calendar-based on-screen planner in an electronic program guide for broadcast events are provided, wherein at least one electronic program guide is generated and displayed representing programming on a number of channels. A first on-screen planner is generated comprising at least one monthly calendar view. The first on-screen planner, which may be accessed from the electronic program guide, provides for a review of selected broadcast activity for a number of days of a selected month. The selected broadcast activity is selected from a group comprising broadcasts selected for automatic tuning, broadcasts selected for recording, and pay-per-view broadcasts selected for purchase. A second on-screen planner is generated comprising at least one daily calendar view. The second on-screen planner, which may be accessed from the first on-screen planner, provides for review and editing of the selected broadcast activity for at least one day of the selected month.

Abstract: An upstream signaling arrangement for a VDSL network is provided which uses a head end data carousal to send an IP address of a programming host computer to end user set top boxes. The IP address is assigned to a specific program channel and broadcast time. Two-way communication is achieved over the VDSL network by using a set top box ATM IPPV to send and receive upstream information to the program provider via the IP address. The IP address allows the head end to relay the signals to and from the program host computer anywhere in the world using an Internet connection. This arrangement advantageously allows an end user to respond in real time to messages being received from an external programming host during the specific program.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing Pay Per View (“PPV”) television events by using a wireless communications device such as a cellular phone having Wireless Application Protocol Technology. The system and method of the present invention allows a subscriber, when away from home, to purchase PPV events for the subscriber's television system by using a WAP-enabled cellular phone or PDA and accessing a database on a server wherein the database is also WAP-enabled. The present invention uses a wireless Internet connection to facilitate a wireless purchase of a PPV event thus resulting in immediate processing, billing and accounting. The subscriber can view PPV event schedules and purchase PPV events by selecting the desired event directly from the display screen on the subscriber's cellular telephone. A reminder message can be sent to the subscriber's cellular telephone minutes before the start of the event.

Abstract: A system and methods of providing a globally accessible media exchange, whereby media creators, media rights holders, and agents can offer media and media rights to a world-wide market. Media users and publishers can find and preview the media that they need or want and purchase media ownership or license media rights through the media exchange. The media exchange can store digital graphics, audio, and video. The media exchange can also manage the transfer of media and media rights for physical media. In some embodiments, the media exchange can establish a dynamic fair market value based on matching asking prices and bids. Some embodiments could be limited to a single media type such as just audio media.

Abstract: A pay-program transmission/reception system provides a pay program at low viewing fee by inserting CMs. A viewer who wants a program without CMs does not newly receive a program from which CMs have been deleted. When receiving program request by a program name designated in a pay-program reception terminal, a CM data management apparatus transmits, to the pay-program reception terminal, a schedule-attached CM-inserted program composed of video/audio and CM data and a CM-inserted program schedule showing their reproduction order. When receiving CM deletion request, the CM data management apparatus transmits, to the pay-program reception terminal, a program schedule not showing the CM reproduction order.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a free preview of a program can be provided to client computers in a multicasting system. This can allow viewers in the multicasting system to view a first portion of the program before deciding whether to order the program content. According to another embodiment, various distribution methods can be accomplished using encryption keys to distribute program content. According to yet another embodiment, an initial viewing period can be provided to allow negotiation of the encryption keys. According to another embodiment, rules and conditions for providing content in a multicasting environment can be utilized.

Abstract: A mode of subscription to a television program allows a provider of programs 61 to offer various subscriptions to a user, the user being able to sign up to one of these subscriptions. The user possesses a device 69 configured in respect of the chosen subscription, this device allowing him to reduce or otherwise the duration of the advertisements during the recording of a program or during the reading of a recorded program. Depending on the subscription signed up to, it will be possible for the user not to record the advertisements during the recording of a program, to skip the advertisements during the reading of a recorded program or conversely the user will be compelled to watch the advertisements during the reading of a recorded program, the device configured in respect of the subscription deactivating in this case the “fast forward” function of the reader at the time of the advertisements.

Abstract: The present invention, by storing media of a plurality of different forms for each content, and selecting and distributing media of a form corresponding to a distribution request of a client, distributes to a client media corresponding to content requested by the client in the form requested by the client.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide. Additionally, a video window is interactive and provides tuning functions.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing broadcast audio and/or video (audio/video) works. According to one embodiment, the system includes a data stream processor that receives a broadcast audio/video data stream and produces from the broadcast audio/video data stream a first audio/video output data stream and a second audio/video output data stream, wherein the broadcast audio/video data stream contains information corresponding to an audio/video work and the first audio/video output stream is in a format that can be recognized and processed by conventional audio/video reproducing equipment; a storage device that stores data included in the second audio/video output data stream, wherein the data corresponds to the audio/video work; and a user interface that enables a user of the system to input to the system an indication that the user desires to purchase the audio/video work.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box, wherein the set top box is configured to receive broadcast signals through a tuner; and enable a presentation device connected to the set top box to display the broadcast signals; automatically obtaining a connection to the Internet or a data paging network using a communication module of the set top box without the user requesting the connection, wherein the communication module is different than the tuner; establishing a secure electronic connection with a server through the connection to the Internet or data paging network; and transmitting the purchase information from the set top box through the secure electronic connection to the server.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a system and method for descrambling a scrambled instance having a predetermined encryption cycle rate is claimed. The invention takes advantage of the inherent encryption period associated with a scrambled instance to control subscriber access to scrambled information.

Abstract: A method and restricted-access system for monitoring access to a restricted-access system including the setting up of a second telecommunications connection, via which an identifier for a control device is sent to a transmission provider which, in response to this, sends a decoding key via the second telecommunications connection to the user of the control device, wherein the user then enters the transmitted decoding key into the control device.

Abstract: A method and system of providing copy protection of video analog and digital signals and the like, wherein the signals are transmitted via a digital delivery network, and may comprise, for example, pay per view (PPV) program materials protected by copyrights of respective program rights holders. The right holders authorize video service providers (3) to apply copy protection to the program material. The copy protection process is supplied to the rights holders or the service providers (3) by a copy protection process licensor. The video service providers (3) supply suitable copy protection control software via respective control and billing (tracking) centers to generate commands which activate, control and reconfigure the copy protection process being applied to the programs being transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing subscription-on-demand (SOD) services, dependent subscription services and contingent services for a interactive information distribution system, where a consumer may subscribe to packages of on-demand programs for a single price and view the programs in the subscribed package at any time for no additional cost. The apparatus and method are embodied in a combination of software, which provides a so-called navigator, and hardware, including a subscriber terminal that provides certain functionality for the navigator and service provider equipment that supports the functionality of the terminal. As such, graphical user interface functionality is distributed between the service provider equipment and subscriber equipment (subscriber terminal). Such distribution provides an enjoyable, real time interactive process for accessing SOD services that allows the subscriber to rapidly identify and access a subscription service.