Abstract: In an interactive broadcasting system, television programming may be broadcast with interleaved web content information. The progress in broadcasting the web content information over one or more transports and over one or more channels within those transports, may be monitored to provide a time based indication of what content has been broadcast. In one embodiment, markers may be inserted into the data transmission flow and a method may be utilized to associate a handle with a particular marker. A method may be called which obtains the handle and another method may be utilized to invoke the handle to obtain current information about broadcast transmissions. This information may be used within a broadcast encoder or may be provided to a content provider, for example, through a log-in server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes detecting a request to launch an application on a device, accessing metadata associated with the application over a network, using the metadata to determine whether sufficient resources are available to launch the application on the device, and performing at least one action based on said determination. The at least one action may include launching the application on the device when sufficient resources are available or blocking a launch of the application on the device when sufficient resources are not available. In certain embodiments, the method is performed by the device. In certain embodiments, the device includes a set-top box configured to access a media service over the network. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a summary management method including: a step for receiving a program signal providing a program, a step for acquiring a summary of a web content associated with the program together with the summary management information, and a step for managing the acquired summary according to the management information.

Abstract: A video content delivery system is provided for set top boxes (STBs) that may be relocated as well as mobile clients using the Internet to retrieve content manifest files pertaining to the geographic area in which they are located. To provide this system, the edge cache in each geo-location region of a content provider is configured to append location specific metadata to a client's original HTTP request for content, making the request geo-location or region specific. The specific metadata appended by the edge cache in each region prevent clients from bypassing blackout or other content restrictions by moving from a non-restricted area and sending inaccurate location information. In another feature of the system to prevent client bypassing of blackout restrictions, the edge cache when communicating with the STB removes any location specific information which the client provides.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi media video streams via high speed internet to a worldwide audience by using a specialized automation system with audio and video switching capabilities. This system provides video media streams to multiple platforms such as, cell phones, internet websites, and cable television subscribers.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide for detection by a display device of an idle mode of a remote sender device. Information received from a remote sender device by a display device is monitored during a normal operating mode of operation of the display device to determine whether the remote sender device is not providing primary content for display by the display device, such as might occur during a sleep or idle mode of the remote sender device. If the display device determines that primary content is not being provided by the remote sender device, then the display device acquires alternate content that may be displayed.

Abstract: A method comprising combining Internet linear video together with interactive video content into a single video stream that is compressed and transmitted in the form of streaming interactive video through the Internet to a user client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information and content on a handheld wireless or other mobile device that is related to video content being presented on a nearby video device. The video content presented on the video device is delivered over a first communication channel and the related information and content displayed on the mobile device is delivered over a separate second communication channel from a remote server. The information and content received over the second communication channel is synchronized with the first primary video content so as to change automatically to correspond as the primary video content is presented on the video device.

Abstract: A system and method of displaying a sequence of media clips on a webpage rendered by a browser operating on a user's computer such that each media clip is automatically displayed after the previous clip is completed, where the sequence is controlled and determined at a remote location from the user's computer and the display of the sequence on the user's computer occurs without any ongoing interaction with the browser by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest in a recorded program previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player. The system is based on the synchronization of local times of transmitters and recorders. The synchronization is done referring to an absolute or universal time such as the Global Positioning System Time (GPS-time), the Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) time or another suitable universal time based on a satellite system. The system is also based on a plurality of hyperlinks defined during the production and recording of the broadcast program, for given sequences corresponding to particular intervals of time synchronized with the universal (absolute) time.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) receiver retrieves, from a memory, a standardized hostname and a standardized filename for a web-based service for providing a channel map associated with service providers. The DTV receiver adds, to the standardized hostname, a name for a particular service provider and sends, to a data server, a request for channel map information, where the request is based on the standardized hostname, the name for the particular service provider, and the standardized filename. The DTV receiver receivers, from the data server, a channel map file based on the standardized filename and extracts information from the channel map file to present to a user.

Abstract: A method of providing a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transmission time and a loading time of the digital TV application and a limitation on a number and a size of the digital TV application are minimized, providing a personalized digital TV application based on a receiver information or a user information is possible.

Abstract: System, method and program for obtaining WWW information of interest to a user. The WWW information is related to a subject in a television, radio or other type of program which is broadcast. Before the program is broadcast, a plurality of documents are stored in a user device. Each of the documents has a plurality of categories. While the program is broadcast, a user indicates to the user device interest in a subject in the program currently being broadcast and selects one of the documents. In response, the user device displays the one document, and the user selects one of the categories in the one document. The user device determines a time that the user indicated the interest in the subject and transmits the time to a computer associated with the broadcast. In response, the computer correlates the time to an associated hyperlink referencing WWW information related to the subject, and transmits the associated hyperlink to the user device.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for caching broadcast segments provided by a broadcaster. Included are: obtaining signaling of particular program segments from the broadcaster using non-real-time data casting, obtaining an ATSC broadcast stream from the broadcaster, saving the particular program element segments to a high-priority broadcast cache and, tuning to a broadcast and saving program elements to a low-priority network cache. Also included are determining if the playback segment has an associated URL and allowing clients to obtain playback elements using a Web access method or a media distribution protocol if so. Otherwise, obtaining playback elements through only a media distribution method such as DLNA. In either case the obtained and cached elements are then reconstructed into a single coherent stream for continuous play.

Abstract: Provided is an on-line broadcasting study system and method that provides e-book content of a mobile terminal and educational broadcasting content of a smart TV in an associated manner. The mobile terminal processes and outputs e-book content including association information indicating association with specific broadcasting content received from an educational content server, and transmits a broadcasting content transmission request selected according to a user input signal for selecting broadcasting content associated with e-book content, to the smart TV. The smart TV transmits the broadcasting content transmission request of the mobile terminal to a broadcasting content server, and receives and outputs broadcasting content searched for and acquired by the broadcasting content server by using the association information according to the broadcasting content transmission request.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and system for dynamically inserting content into a streaming media program. The system and method provide a program manifest to rendering devices requesting a streaming media program and that manifest can include URIs which point to main program content on a content delivery network and includes meta URIs (mURIs) which point to a dynamic content decisioning server. The dynamic content decisioning server receives requests for the content indicated by the mURIs and operates to dynamically select content, from a dynamic content delivery network, to fulfill the requests. The selection can be based upon a variety of criteria, including viewer and/or rendering device demographics, advertiser campaign strategies, etc. Thus two or more rendering devices playing streaming media defined by the same manifest may render different inserted content for their viewers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating biometric authentication with video conference sessions are described. An individual seeking to participate in a video conference may first be identified with a biometric parameter such as an iris scan based on a comparison of the scanned iris with a database of stored parameters. If authorized, the system may connect the individual to the video session. In addition, the system may generate dynamic tags that allow the participants to identify and locate individuals in the video conference. For example, if one of the participants is speaking and moving within the room, her tag may change color and move with her on the video screen.

Abstract: A session management involves registering at least one IPTV application (54) in a registration table (170) so that the registration table (170) comprises at least a respective identifier of the IPTV applications (54). The IPTV applications (54) are invokable at a set top box (50) and can be so-called embedded applications and/or browser-based applications. An event requiring the invocation of an IPTV application (54) at the set top box (50) is detected and triggers a look-up in the registration table (170). The registration table (170) is, thus, used as source to indicate those IPTV applications that are potentially available and can be launched at the set top box (50). One of the registered applications (54) and is launched for the purpose of handling the detected event.

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing information of contents possessed by audio/video (A/V) devices having network interface, which are connected with each other on a network, and efficiently controlling the execution of the contents are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering advertisements with a video. A video is received at a client device, and data identifying a frame of the video, and an advertisement associated with the frame of the video are identified. The video is displayed during a playback of the video on the client device, and it is determined from the data identifying the frame of the video that the frame of the video is displayed during the playback of the video. The advertisement and the frame of the video are displayed proximate to a display of the video in response to the determination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of storing digital content in a digital electronic system. In one embodiment, datacast information decoded from a digital media signal is monitored to identify newly-received digital content. The monitoring includes configuring a decoder to receive and decode the datacast information, identifying newly-received digital content from the datacast information, and updating an intelligent filter based upon the newly-received digital content, wherein the intelligent filter records the newly-received digital content. Additionally, the monitoring may include repeating the configuring, identifying, and updating. Thereafter, any of the newly-received digital content that is recorded in the intelligent filter may be stored into a cache memory.

Abstract: Metadata are provided to video generators using a syndication protocol, so that the video generators may produce interactive video content for television subscribers. Metadata relating to source media content are transformed in a computer process from a storage format into a syndication format. Relevant metadata to transform are chosen to reflect the type of interactivity desired by a television service provider and the demands of the video generation process. The transformed metadata are published according to a syndication protocol, so that another computer process that participates in the protocol may generate the interactive video content using the metadata, the source media content, and subscriber commands.

Abstract: A user can create a video segment or employ an existing video segment, upload the segment to a server, indicate an advertisement to be associated with the video, and then send it to a recipient over a computer network. The user provides an indication that one or more particular video segments and advertisements are to be shared over the network. The video segment(s) is/are then automatically assessed and determined to be compatible with streaming video, or not. If the video segment(s) is/are not compatible with streaming video, it/they are converted to a compatible format automatically. An identifier for the video segment is automatically created and the segment and the identifier are automatically uploaded to a host computer over the network such as the Internet. The video segment, the identifier (optionally with other identifying material such as an identity of the sender, and an advertisement selected by the sender can be stored at the direction of the host computer.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: Techniques for linking and browsing media on a television (TV) are provided. A selected program, which is associated with a channel of the TV, is detected and additional content, which is associated with that channel and/or the selected program, is dynamically acquired from one or more external sources. The additional content is formatted as links and simultaneously presented within a display of the TV along with the selected program that continues to play on the TV. Furthermore, activation of any link results in the additional content being dynamically acquired and presented within the display.

Abstract: A user can create a video segment or employ an existing video segment, upload the segment to a server, indicate an advertisement to be associated with the video, and then send it to a recipient over a computer network. The user provides an indication that one or more particular video segments and advertisements are to be shared over the network. An identifier for the video segment is automatically created and the segment and the identifier are automatically uploaded to a host computer over the network such as the Internet. The video segment, the identifier (optionally with other identifying material such as an identity of the sender, and an advertisement selected by the sender can be stored at the direction of the host computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for retrieving a web document provided by a web server, where the method comprising the usual steps of requesting a web document from the web server and replying with the web document, extended by the steps of requesting an analysis according to an inspection requirement, analyzing the content of the web document according to inspection requirements at the web server, and replying an analyzing result. The invention relates inter alia to a web document description language, a web server, a web document transfer protocol, and a computer software product for retrieving a web document.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processor readable media are disclosed for encoding and transmitting first media content, second media content and triggering instructions to a digital radio broadcast receiver such that the triggering instructions arrive for immediate execution to trigger immediate rendering of the second media content in synchronization with the first media content.

Abstract: A method and/or system are described for providing complete Internet anywhere with partial server processing in which a request may be sent from a set-top-box (STB) to a server communicatively coupled with the STB to process a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser running on the STB. The STB may receive a data stream from the server, wherein the server generates the data stream by processing the unsupported portion of the web page. The web page may be composited in the web browser based on the received data stream. The server may be located in a server computing cloud or may be a local server. The unsupported portion of the web page may comprise a binary plug-in. A supported portion of the web page may be rendered before or concurrently with the overlaying of the data stream during compositing.

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: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Abstract: A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.

Abstract: A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.

Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.

Abstract: A device having a test module configured to connect with a server through a cellular telephone network and a wireless area network. The test module is also configured to initiate, in the server, a diagnostic test of an Internet Protocol television network and a set-top box device. The test module is further configured to receive information indicating problems with the Internet Protocol television network and the set-top box device, and to display the information on a display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that provide enhanced network operator control. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method comprises determining at a head-end and data center whether to inform one or more users of an interactive television service of available content, the one or more users connected with head-end and data center via a network. Responsive to determining to inform the one or more users of the available content, generating a hot key signal indicating availability and a location of the alternate content. The hot key signal is inserted into a content signal transmitted to the one or more users from the head-end and data center via the network.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for displaying pictures. In one embodiment, there is presented a decoder system for decoding video data. The decoder system comprises a port and a transport processor. The port receives packets carrying encoded video data from a plurality of video streams. The transport processor adds a header to encoded video data from at least one of the packets. The header identifies a particular one of the plurality of video streams, wherein the at least one packet is from the particular one of the plurality of video stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: Javascript code in an HTML Plug-In identifies a video playback event, from an application programming interface (API) of a video provider, during playback of a video in a web view instantiated within a native environment of a computing device. In response, the Javascript code generates a custom uniform resource locator (URL) for the web view that reflects the identified video playback event and provides the custom URL to native instructions executing in the native environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: In a system for reproducing AV information from a recording medium, such as a DVD, not only are usual titles reproduced, but also related information relevant to specific stream information is acquired easily by making use of resources on a computer network. In a reproducing system with the function of reproducing the title information recorded on a DVD and displaying it on the screen of a display section, when the user clicks a Web mark on the screen, the CPU links to a Web server on the Internet via a modem and accesses the Web page related to the stream information on the screen. At that time, the related Web page is the selected information conforming to parental information, or attribute information, set in the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating unique signatures for digital video files to locate video sequences within a video file comprising calculating a frame signature for each frame of a first video; and for a second video: calculating a frame signature for each frame of the second video for corresponding first video frame signatures, calculating a frame distance between each of the corresponding video frame signatures, determining video signature similarity between the videos, and searching within a video signature similarity curve to determine a maximum corresponding to the first video within the second video. The method further applies area augmentation to the video signature similarity curve to determine a maximum from among a plurality of maxima corresponding to the first video file within the second video file.

Abstract: A method is implemented by one or more server devices associated with a network. The method includes receiving information relating to a customer service request, where the information includes data to identify a category of the customer service request. The method also includes receiving a request to speak with a customer service agent, and placing a service call request in a calling queue associated with the category of the customer service request. The method further includes monitoring availability of customer service agents associated with the calling queue, and sending a call initiation message to the access terminal when a customer service agent associated with the calling queue is available. Based on the call initiation message, the access terminal may automatically initiate a voice session with an available customer service agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping viewable and non-viewable media to websites are disclosed. Mapping is executed through associated or embedded data, based upon frame and/or time segment of the media. The media-to-browser-destination-data (MBDD) may be embedded in media content, embedded in a transmitted signal, downloaded or pushed to a media playing device, or provided by a graphic overlay. Media players are disclosed that can process the MBDD to launch a browser to a selected web site.

Abstract: A content downloading method and apparatus of a mobile device employing an Internet protocol television (IPTV) are provided. The content downloading method and apparatus allow an IPTV to provide a mobile device with content information received from a service provider, allow a user to input content desired to be downloaded to the mobile device, and allow a user to download the content to the mobile device from the service provider via the IPTV, thereby quickly and easily downloading desired content to the mobile device without a complicated process of browsing and copying the content.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.