Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception portion configured to receive audio video content; a trigger extraction portion configured to extract trigger information for operating an application program transmitted along with the audio video content and executed in interlocked relation to the audio video content; a table acquisition portion configured to acquire a correspondence table for associating the trigger information with commands for controlling the operation of the application program; a command determination portion configured such that, based on the acquired correspondence table, the command determination portion determines the commands associated with the extracted trigger information; and a control portion configured to control the operation of the application program in response to the determined commands.

Abstract: A method for displaying supplemental content with a content stream on a display is provided. A content stream for a program is received, and a portion of the received content stream is sampled. The sampled portion is analyzed to determine a media identifier for the content stream, the media identifier being transmitted to a content server. Supplemental content is retrieved from the content server using the media identifier. And the content stream is rendered on the display with the supplemental content. The supplemental content provides access to an interactive feature, the interactive feature providing internet communication during the receipt of the content stream.

Abstract: A method of intercutting advertisement disclosed comprises: receiving a playing request message carrying user information and media information from a user terminal; determining whether advertisement needs to be intercut for the user based on the user information and the media information; when it is determined that advertisement needs to be intercut for the user, making a pause in playing a stream media corresponding to the playing request message, obtaining an advertisement stream corresponding to the user information and the media information, and delivering the advertisement stream to the user to play; when it is detected that play of the advertisement stream is finished, sending the playing request message to a stream media server, and forwarding to the user terminal the stream media obtained from the stream media server, corresponding to the playing request message.

Abstract: A video playback device includes a storage unit, a sound-attached video playback control unit, a pause control unit, a text display control unit and a playback restart control unit. The sound-attached video playback control unit controls to play a sound-attached video on the basis of a user operation. The pause control unit controls to pause the sound-attached video on the basis of a user operation while the sound-attached video is played. When the sound-attached video is paused, the text display control unit controls to read from the storage unit a text correlated with a sound-attached video portion including a point at which the sound-attached video is paused to display the text. The playback restart control unit controls to restart the sound-attached video from the paused point on the basis of a user operation.

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for providing information associated with a user-selected information element in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: An information processor includes a receiver configured to receive, from a first device, a response information request including content identification information for identifying a content in a network; an extraction portion configured to extract a plurality of element information pieces included in the content identification information; a storage to store therein each of conditions for a first element information piece among the plurality of element information pieces, and a response information piece in association with each other; and a generator configured to generate a response message including the response information piece stored in association with a condition that the first element information piece extracted by the extraction portion satisfies among the conditions for the first element information piece stored in the storage portion.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system to receive a response generated by a media processor based on an analysis of a communication exchange between a user and an avatar having characteristics that correspond to a user profile. The system can identify from the response a requirement for initiation of a communication session with a content source. An avatar profile is received from the content source, including gesture information based on gestures utilized by a character supplied by the content source. An adapted avatar is generated based on the avatar profile by adapting in part the characteristics of the avatar to have a first characteristic that duplicates a gesture of the character supplied by the content source, while retaining a second characteristic corresponding to the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless mobile terminal works with an identification server to automatically identify a broadcast program/movie and then identify and connect to a networked media server to receive the identified program/movie therefrom. The terminal generates data that characterizes content of a broadcast program/movie that is send by the terminal and is playing external thereto. The terminal transmits a message that includes the characterization data and a request for identification of a media server from which the broadcast program/movie can be received. The identification server identifies the broadcast program/movie, and identifies a user viewed location within the identified program/movie that corresponds to what was sensed by the terminal. The identification server identifies an Internet address of a media server from which the terminal can receive transmission of the identified program/movie.

Abstract: Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device.

Abstract: A computerized method is disclosed for presenting advertising data extracted from a video data stream, the method including storing a plurality of advertising data items extracted from the video data stream at an end user device; and displaying a plurality of sorted advertising indicator data items at the end user device, wherein each of the advertising indicator data items indicates one of the plurality of stored advertising data items. A system is disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed providing a functional and structural interrelationship between a processor in the system and data in the data structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creation, distribution, assembly and verification of media, including one embodiment, media is transmitted to a receiver where the receiver assembles the media into programming. In another embodiment, media is transmitted to the receiver from a plurality of sources. In a further embodiment, a source of media performs a tagging operation to associate sets of tags with elements of the stream of media. In various embodiments, different combinations of look-and-feel, content and other tags are associated with the media stream. In an additional embodiment, tagging of the media stream is performed at the receiver. A user at the receiver may also provide data about the user to the receiver. In yet another embodiment, the receiver uses the tags to assemble the media into a program. In still further embodiments of the invention, various Royalty Only Aggregate Revenues or “ROAR” models and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a secondary computing device, a request for enhanced content for a media program, the request comprising information indicative of a communication channel through which the media program is being displayed on a primary computing device; receiving broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for a plurality of communication channels; extracting, from the broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for the plurality of communication channels, broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for the communication channel through which the media program is being displayed on the primary computing device; obtaining, based on the extracted broadcast information, a link to enhanced content for the media program; and sending, to the secondary computing device, the link to enhanced content for the media program.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for augmenting the capabilities of a client device. The client device can be augmented by a device which has additional processing and memory capability to perform additional functions such as, for example, the translation of desired media into a format usable by the client device.

Abstract: A set-top box device includes a network interface module and a client interface module. The network interface module is configured to receive interactive content instructions and an interactive content notification over an Internet protocol data connection, and to receive an associated on-demand content video stream from a television service provider. The network interface module is also configured to connect to a website containing product information for a product associated with the on-demand content video stream. The client interface module is configured to output the on-demand content video stream, to output the interactive content notification concurrently with the on-demand content video stream in response to outputting a portion of the on-demand content video stream and based on the interactive content instructions, and to output the website currently with the on-demand content video stream in response to a selection of the interactive content notification.

Abstract: An on-demand multimedia stream processing system receives multimedia streams from broadcasters and processes the streams for viewing on a wide range of client devices. To decrease the use of computing resources, processing jobs are started and stopped based on user demand. When a multimedia stream is received from a broadcaster, the processing system does not start processing the multimedia broadcast stream until a request for a processed stream is received. The processing system automatically terminates processing jobs when the audience of a processed stream drops to zero or some other stop condition is met.

Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving uncompressed audio content or uncompressed video content from an external decoding unit, extracting identifiers of frames from the received content periodically, submitting requests containing the identifiers and receiving a trigger for the content when a new segment is detected or when an event activation needs to be communicated to the receiver, wherein the trigger indicates the current time of the contents and references a particular interactive event in an application parameter table or signals that the event is to be executed now or at a specified future time, wherein the application parameter table includes information about at least one of applications.

Abstract: A method of providing additional information to a viewer of a moving image file is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing one or more tags within the moving image file indicating the existence of additional product information; visually indicating the existence of the tags alongside or over the moving image; detecting a request to view the product information associated with the one or more tags; pausing the moving image; and displaying the requested product information over the paused image.

Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving uncompressed audio contents or uncompressed video contents from an external decoding unit, extracting an identifier of a frame from the received content, sending a request containing the identifier to a server and receiving a trigger for the content from the server based on the request, wherein the trigger indicates the current time of the contents and references a particular interactive event in an application parameter table or signals that the event is to be executed now or at a specified future time and the application parameter table includes information about at least one of applications.

Abstract: A method for playing previously broadcast commercial spots from cache memory in real-time to provide a smooth and deliberate playback of an advertisement even during trick-mode playback. In one embodiment of the present invention, several versions of specific commercials are delivered to a receiver during an original commercial spot and the appropriate commercial version is displayed depending on the play back speed chosen by the consumer. When the play back speed is normal, the original advertisement version is viewed. When the fast forward trick mode is employed, a version of the advertisement having a reduced duration and a reduced content from the original version, is played at normal speed. In another embodiment of the present invention, the original production video is accompanied by one or more edit decision lists that mark segments of the original video content to be played for a specific trick-mode rate to create a modified version of the advertisement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described for generating and distributing programming to mobile devices over a network. Devices are provided with Players specific to each device and Applications that are device independent. Embodiments include a full-featured WYSIWYG authoring environment, including the ability to bind web components to objects.

Abstract: Supplementary digital content is provided to be played with primary digital content on a media device, such as a television, handheld device, smart phone, computer, and so forth. The primary digital content is sampled, and the time of the sample is noted. The primary digital content is identified, and the supplementary digital content is selected and transmitted, with an indication of timing for play of the supplementary digital content based upon the sample time. Synchronization of the primary and supplementary digital content playback is based upon reference to the sample time.

Abstract: Various embodiment(s) for a service system, a digital device, and a method of processing a service therefor are disclosed in the present specification. In this case, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of processing a service in the digital device includes the steps of downloading and installing one or more STB applications configured to process the service, outputting an icon configured to approach the installed STB applications on a first service board supporting an RF mode, receiving a selection of an STB application icon among the STB applications, and outputting content processed by the selected STB application according to a result of a service authentication and a second service board for the selected STB application.

Abstract: A method of managing bandwidth usage at a customer premises includes receiving a content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device. The method also includes receiving a power-off command for the display device. Furthermore, the method includes displaying a prompt on the display device, wherein the prompt comprises an instruction to confirm that the display device is active via a confirmation input. The method further includes directing, responsive to the determining that the confirmation input has not been received, a source device to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate and use content-aware watermarks are disclosed herein. In a disclosed example method, media composition data is received and at least one word present in an audio track of the media composition data is selected. The word is then located in a watermark.

Abstract: A video sharing method for automatic video recording and for sharing recorded videos, comprising: registering specialized equipment and users; accepting and storing video files and music files; building searchable databases of uploaded video and music files; accepting user requests; selecting a music file; playing video files accompanied with the selected music file; and soliciting and accepting user feedback. A system plays video files at a user's request accompanied with music clips if desired.

Abstract: A user can share Internet assets or content URLs via a second display device with other Internet content service users. Thus, the other users will be able to view the same content on their own internet protocol televisions (IPTV), as first display devices, without the need to search for the content in the content providing service. When the shared content is URLs, the recipient can even preview the content from the URL on the second display device before sending it to the recipient's internet protocol television (IPTV).

Abstract: [Object] When two image streams to be synchronized and reproduced are separately transmitted by broadcasting and by the Internet, to successfully synchronize and reproduce the two image streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing content in a broadcast system is provided. Upon receipt of a request for synchronization from a mobile terminal, a set-top box creates a recommended content list based on user information received from the mobile terminal and delivers the recommended content list to the mobile terminal. The set-top box receives from the mobile terminal a content list, selected from the recommended content list and included in a Personal Information Management System (PIMS) updated using the recommended content list. The set-top box determines whether a user of the mobile terminal intends to view content from the received content list at a start time of the content. Upon receipt of view acceptance information from the mobile terminal, the set-top box sends a request for the content to a service provider at the start time, receives the requested content from the service provider, and provides the received content to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting content as IPTV may include receiving broadcast feed content. The broadcast feed content may be converted into a first data format for broadcasting to set-top boxes. The broadcast feed content may be converted into a second data format for broadcasting to mobile devices. The converted broadcast feed content may be broadcast to set-top boxes and mobile devices in the first and second data formats, respectively.

Abstract: An approach is provided for simulating a connection to a head-end system to enable execution of content and features of a set-top box. A simulation platform stores a plurality of control data signals associated with a head-end system. In response to a determined loss of connectivity to the head-end system, the platform invokes a head-end simulation process using the control data signals, including timing information, dynamic data and channel map data.

Abstract: An information concentrating center, is disclosed, wherein the information concentrating center comprises: at least one module for concentrating information from at least one information source; and at least one module coupling to the Internet, for establishing a P2P connection with a remote client device through the Internet, wherein at least one portion of the information is delivered to the remote client device on the P2P connection.

Abstract: An association table associates each program stream of a plurality of program streams with a MAC domain, with a channel frequency and with a multicast address. If a subscriber device selects a content program different from a current program, a determination is made whether the new program is serviced by a different MAC domain than the one serving the current program. If the selected new program is not serviced by the same domain that is serving the current program stream(s), the current MAC domain is informed that the subscriber device is ending the session therewith, the new frequency is tuned by the subscriber device and new content is received immediately after the new frequency is tuned. The subscriber device registers with the new MAC domain after receipt of new content has begun.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing custom media channels within an Interactive Digital Program Guide (IDPG) of a device having a set-top box function associated with a cable or satellite television network. In general, a user interacts with the set-top box function to define a custom media channel. The custom media channel may be defined by a channel name and user preferences. Once the custom media channel is defined, an Internet search is performed based on the user preferences in order to identify media presentations for the custom media channel. Thereafter, when a user selects the custom media channel via the IDPG, the media presentations are played in a substantially continuous stream in either a predetermined or random sequence.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of content from multiple platforms maintains data for various video channels. Some of the video channels are television channels, while others are over-the-top (OTT) video content sources such as video streaming websites. The system includes a package generation module by which a service provider may define a package of both traditional and OTT channels to offer to subscribers in a unified programming interface. When a user uses the interface to select a set of video channels, the system compiles the set of the video channels in a subscriber package of both television and OTT channels. The system assigns a name to the subscriber package, and it stores the defined package and name, along with other information about the package, in a data storage facility for offering to a subscriber of content from the service provider.

Abstract: An embodiment method includes: acquiring a uniform resource identifier URI of a first picture selected by a user; acquiring a URI of a picture to be buffered in accordance with the URI of the first picture; and sending the URI of the first picture and the URI of the picture to be buffered to a media renderer, so that the media renderer acquires the first picture according to the URI of the first picture, and displays the first picture, and acquires, the picture to be buffered in accordance with the URI of the picture to be buffered, and buffers the picture to be buffered.

Abstract: A video display apparatus pairs with a first terminal device. The video display apparatus receives an audio-visual content, and displays the audio-visual content. The video display apparatus acquires enhanced service information on an available enhanced service for the audio-visual content, and notifies an occurrence of the available enhanced service to the first terminal device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a communication unit, a storage, an operation reception unit, and a controller. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a different information processing apparatus and a server on a network. The storage is capable of storing data. The operation reception unit is capable of receiving an operation of a user that selects the data. The controller is capable of controlling the communication unit to transmit the selected data to the server and transmit notification information to the different information processing apparatus, the notification information indicating transmission of the data to the server.

Abstract: A core device that is connected to a network, and that is interconnected via a digital audio/video interface with audio/video devices that are connected to the network, provided with a collecting unit that collects interface-connected device information, including at least unique identification information, from the audio/video devices via the digital audio/video interface, and a transferring unit that transfers the interface-connected device information to a portable terminal device that is connected to the network.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: A convergence terminal, including a set top box unit, a home gateway unit, a main control board and an interconnection backplane, where the main control board establishes a communication connection with each of a multimedia device and an Internet access device, the main control board connects, in a communication manner, to each of the set top box unit and the home gateway unit through the interconnection backplane. In the present invention, an objective of implementing that a television service and an Internet access service are separately provided through a service terminal is achieved, thereby reducing the number of service terminals used by a user for enjoying different services, and also reducing frequent wiring operations of the user on connection wires for inward connection and outward connection.

Abstract: Provided is a method of providing an associated application in an Android platform-based receiver, including (a) obtaining identification information including at least one of current channel information and current program information of a digital broadcast; (b) obtaining and executing an associated Android application associated with the digital broadcast selected from a plurality of Android applications based on an attribute information included in each of the plurality of Android applications and the identification information; and (c) changing a state of the associated Android application based on an event when the event is received. Accordingly, an associated Android application, the life cycle of which is managed while associated with a digital broadcast and which is personalized for a user based on attributes or a pre-designed associated condition, is provided.

Abstract: A request to establish a switched digital video session with high-definition content is received from a subscriber of a video content network offering a switched digital video service. A determination is made that the subscriber only has capability of viewing standard definition content. Responsive to the request and the determination, the subscriber, in the session, is provided a signal with a standard definition version of the requested high-definition content. An exemplary switched digital video control apparatus and an exemplary system are also disclosed.

Abstract: [Object] To execute applications in link with the progression of content being viewed at user's home. [Solving Means] A terminal apparatus practiced as one embodiment of the present disclosure has an extracting block configured to extract signature data indicative of features of content to be reproduced, a query generating block configured to generate a query that at least includes the above-mentioned extracted signature, a communication block configured to transmit the above-mentioned generated query to a server apparatus and receive a response returned by this server in response to the above-mentioned response, and an application executing block configured to obtain an application on the basis of an application URL (Uniform Resource Locator) in which at least application identification information is written, this URL being included in the above-mentioned received response, and execute the obtained application.

Abstract: An interactive intelligent set-top box electrically connected to a television, the set-top box comprising a control chip, an audio processing chip, a memory, a network interface, a camera electrically connected to the control chip, at least one loudspeaker, at least one microphone wherein the microphone and the loudspeaker electrically connected to the audio processing chip, and a housing containing at least the control chip, audio processing chip, memory, network interface, and camera, wherein the housing is removably couplable to a bracket shaped to removably attach the housing to a television. The network interface is electrically connected to a network by which it receives live video and audio data from at least one remote location. The camera and the microphone capture live video and audio data from the environment local to the interactive set-top box.

Abstract: An electronic device including a peripheral device connection unit configured to connect to a display interface of a peripheral device and to receive identification data for the peripheral device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine configuration information, wherein the configuration information is based at least on one of the identification data for the peripheral device or geographic location data for the electronic device, obtain a user interface selected from a plurality of user interfaces based at least partly on the configuration information, and automatically configure the electronic device based on the obtained user interface.

Abstract: A method for providing content from a first node to a second node using a satellite communications system includes receiving side information at a gateway in the satellite communications system. The side information may be transmitted from a subscriber terminal to the gateway via a first communication path that includes a satellite link. The method also includes determining at the gateway that the side information is associated with first content available at the first node, and determining at the gateway that second content is available from a source other than the first node. The method also includes generating output content using the second content and the side information. The output content may be substantially the same as the first content. The method also includes providing the output content to the second node via a second communication path that does not include the satellite link.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a match-rule based service message transfer method and system in the IPTV, to address the problems in the IPTV message system of message storing and backlog, low push efficiency and poor usability. In the disclosure, match fields are arranged in a set-top box and a service message to be sent, the service message is sent by means of broadcast or multicast, the set-top box performs matching for the match fields based on the match rule, and filters the message. The disclosure avoids sending a service message by means of unicast, increases the push efficiency and can greatly reduce the storage load of offline messages in a message system. The formed message may be sent according to a single or combined policy which depends on a specific service attribute, thereby greatly facilitating the service operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a content supplying apparatus for supplying a video content to a content reproduction apparatus, including: a production section adapted to produce a video switch command for causing the content reproduction apparatus to execute a process regarding changeover of a video content to be reproduced; a broadcasting section adapted to broadcast a video content, in which the produced video switch command is embedded, through a broadcasting network; and a delivery section adapted to deliver the video content through the Internet.

Abstract: A method for content delivery using dynamic adaptive hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) streaming (DASH) without using HTTP. The method includes receiving a media presentation description (MPD) file and one or more DASH segments by a client device. Information in the MPD file is used to filter the one or more DASH segments. The filtered DASH segments are stored in a segments buffer. Particular DASH segments are requested from the segments buffer by the client device based on the information.