Abstract: Most recorded data are necessary program data in the prior art. As the recording area of a recording medium such as a hard disk or an optical medium is increased, however, most recorded data become unnecessary data. Therefore, a demand of easily deleting such unnecessary data becomes stronger. To this end, there is provided a program deleting apparatus in which an unnecessary program extractor extracts specific program data or program data associated with program information and automatically deletes the specific program data and the extracted program data. The program deleting apparatus also can display a list of the extracted unnecessary program information on a monitor to prompt a user to specify unnecessary program or programs to be actually deleted on the basis of the displayed information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming of data from a remote computer to a recordable media production system is described that utilizes a client computer based application that reduces or eliminates the need for caching of data at the production system, as well as increases security and reliability. This is accomplished in the various embodiments with a client computer application that is run at the user level reducing system complexity and the need for system administrator involvement and oversight. The application pushes data to a production system “on the fly” without requiring a cache or extra disk space.

Abstract: A TV-on-demand method comprising recording the broadcasted data stream in consecutive segments of information and using the recorded segments in TV-on-demand applications.

Abstract: A multiplexed display apparatus and method for a digital broadcast receiver are provided. A multi-screen display apparatus for a digital broadcast receiver of the present invention includes a broadcast reception unit for receiving broadcast data of a primary service channel and at least one secondary service channel; a decoding unit comprising a video decoder for decoding video data of all types of video frame of the primary service channel and a predetermined type of video frame of the secondary service channel and an audio decoder for decoding audio data of a predetermined service channel, by time frame; a multiplexed screen processing unit for multiplexing the video data of the primary service channel and the at least one secondary service channel output by the decoding unit; a display unit for displaying the multiplexed video data in the form of multiplexed screen image; and a speaker unit for outputting the decoded audio data in the form of an audible sound wave.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for testing functionality of a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes retrieving a test pattern from a storage device, the test pattern being configured to facilitate testing of at least one component of the STT, decoding the retrieved test pattern, and converting the decoded test pattern to at least one analog signal.

Abstract: A display system for automatically pausing/resuming a function and a control method thereof are provided, wherein the display system includes a photography module, a display module and a control module. The photography module is used to retrieve at least one characteristic of the user. The display module is used to display a video. The control module electrically connected to the display module and the photography module includes a characteristic identification unit and a control unit. The characteristic identification unit is used to identify the characteristics of the user. According to the result of identification, the control unit is used to control the display system to pause/resume a function.

Abstract: An editing device accesses a media program and a user of the editing device designates points of interest within the media program. Bookmarks are generated for the designated points of interest. The bookmarks are transmitted via a network from the editing device to a playback device. During presentation of the media program, the playback device uses the bookmarks to skip to one position of interest to another, as defined by the bookmarks, in response to user commands.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a digital broadcast receiving apparatus has a receiving device selecting and receiving a broadcast wave of a digital broadcast and a demodulation device demodulating a received broadcast signal to generate a transport stream. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus has an identification information storing device storing packet identification information for identifying a transport packet of each channel included in the transport stream generated by the demodulation device and a control device controlling to output a video or a sound using the packet identification information stored by the identification information storing device, in the event that a channel is switched, when a channel after switching after the switch-over is performed coincides with the channel whose packet identification information is stored by the identification information storing device.

Abstract: A method for conferencing may include monitoring a status of participants in a conference and recording the conference in response to at least one participant being disconnected or exiting the conference. Another embodiment of the present invention may also include transmitting a re-invite signal to any participant that is disconnected or exits the conference in response to the participant being reconnectable or transmitting a request to rejoin the conference. A further embodiment of the present invention may include replaying a recording of the conference from a disconnect or exit time to a present time for each participant, that is involuntarily disconnected or exits the conference and communicates an indication of an intent to return, in response to a rejoining participant rejoining the conference.

Abstract: In a first embodiment a method for distributing video data from an originating device in a communication network is disclosed including storing metadata at the originating device describing the video data; selecting at the originating device, a plurality of candidate devices to receive the video data based on a correlation between the metadata and subscriber profiles for the plurality of candidate devices; and distributing the video data to a first set selected from the plurality of candidate devices in the communication network based on the correlation.

Abstract: An Intelligent Network Peripheral (INP) is equipped with a recording control processor that is connected to at least one internal or external recording device (e.g., hard drive, disk array, CD-recorder, DVD recorder, and/or tape device). Using the INP, a user may be prompted to perform an activity, such as (1) start a new recording session, (2) playback a recorded session, (3) delete a recorded session, (4) edit recording parameters (e.g., the number of stored frames, the length of a session to record, the resolution of the image to record), and (5) re-run a recorded session. An INP may be incorporated into a Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch, a Rack Connection Manager (RCM) and/or a Pod Extension Module (PEM) for recording at least one of video from and user input to a computer for diagnostic and other purposes.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus has a battery portion which supplies power, a remaining capacity detecting portion which detects a remaining capacity of the battery portion, a remaining time computing portion which computes a remaining time during which processing of an application for information processing can be carried out by the power supplied from the battery portion, on the basis of the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detecting portion, and a display portion which displays the remaining time computed by the remaining time computing portion. In this manner, a user can know a time of an application which can be used with a current remaining battery capacity from a screen.

Abstract: A television menu system generates a television menu that is context sensitive based upon a service currently being provided to a user. In one implementation, a type of television service currently being viewed by a user determines whether particular menu items are presented to the user. In another implementations, determining which channel is being provided dictates whether particular menu options are included.

Abstract: Intra-frame prediction coding data of a channel that the viewer is not viewing is stored. When the viewer has switched channels to be viewed, the stored intra-frame prediction coding data is output during a period before intra-frame prediction coding data of the newly selected channel is received.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a display unit which displays a list of information on a first program content stored in a storage unit and information on a second program content to be broadcast. In a case in which the first and second program contents are program contents of the same title broadcast in series and the second program content is broadcast after the first program content, when the necessary playback time of at least part of the first program content that has not been played back is longer than the time interval between the current time point and the broadcast start time point of the second program content, the information on the first program content is excluded from the list display.

Abstract: A method and system manages content delivery to a multi-modal client device. The system may include a session manager logically connected between a server and the client device. The session manager can maintain a record of the state of a user's session, and if the user or the client device switches from an initial presentation mode to a second presentation mode, the session manager can use the record to effect a seamless transfer from the initial presentation mode to the subsequent presentation mode. The session manager may also transcode content delivered to the client device so that the content is compatible with the presentation mode selected by the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a playback apparatus includes a buffer to draw an object including operation guidance to be superposed on a main image, a graphics driver which controls allocation of an area in the buffer to a host program requesting drawing of the object, and a buffer managing unit configured to receive allocation of the area in the buffer from the graphics driver, and to allocate the allocated area to the host program, the buffer managing unit being interposed between the host program and the graphics driver.

Abstract: A method of controlling storage of a data broadcast application and broadcast receiver processing the same are disclosed. A method of controlling a data broadcast application includes receiving an application of data broadcasting, deciding whether a memory of a broadcast receiver is in a status capable of storing the received application using at least one of information for an overall size of the memory of the broadcast receiver and information for an empty size of the memory of the broadcast receiver, and if the memory of a broadcast receiver is in the status capable of storing the received application, storing the received application in the memory of the broadcast receiver.

Abstract: A method of processing video data in a receiver/decoder including at least one port (31) for receiving data and memory means (40) including a data buffer area (45A0, 45A1) for storing incoming data for display, and a graphics buffer area (45Ai) for storing graphics data, said method including passing graphics data stored in the graphics buffer area to the data buffer area for combination with display data stored therein.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost. Output bandwidth of broadcast equipment may also be optimized.

Abstract: The invention prevents unwanted sounds from being outputted from an AV output apparatus such as a HDTV receiver. In the invention, when a streaming signal of a predetermined format having video data and audio data is inputted to a streaming input terminal 10, separation unit 23 of a relay apparatus 2 separates this signal into the video data and audio data. HDMI transmitter 27 generates and outputs a streaming signal having the video data separated by the separation unit 23, of the same format as that of the streaming signal inputted to the streaming input terminal 10.

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

Abstract: A method and system that implement a process for managing video information on a video recording device. The management process involves receiving a video input signal including a video stream, obtaining content information corresponding to the video stream, associating the content information with the video stream, and storing the video stream and associated content information in a database as a searchable index for the video stream. The searchable index includes location of the stored video stream and identifies the associated content information. Then, content information from an input signal corresponding to a video stream is captured for analysis and searching the index to identify stored video streams related to the video program for suggestion to the user.

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 system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.

Abstract: A video system has an input port to receive video data that includes a plurality of premium contents and has an output port to couple to a video display for displaying video data selected by a viewer. A preference engine is coupled to the input port and is configured to track viewer selections of the video data and to create a viewer profile representing viewing preferences of the viewer. A promotion module, which is coupled to the preference engine and the output port, is responsive to the viewer profile to select at least one preferred promotion content from the plurality of premium contents, to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be stored and to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be displayed to entice the viewer to watch a premium content associated with the selected preferred promotion content.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) providing apparatus and method to collectively manage broadcast content using stored EPG information are provided. The EPG providing apparatus includes a storing unit which stores broadcast content and EPG information, an EPG screen configuring unit which configures an EPG screen including information on past, current, and future broadcast content using the EPG information, and a control unit which collectively manages broadcast content provided on the EPG screen based on a user input signal.

Abstract: An analog broadcasting receiving device includes a receiving portion for receiving a television broadcasting wave, an EPG extracting portion for extracting EPG data from VBI of the television broadcasting wave, a ROM for storing drive start time of the EPG extraction portion, and a control portion for controlling each portion. The analog broadcasting receiving device outputs a screen that prompts to change the drive start time to desired time. When the desired time is input, the drive start time before the change is deleted while drive start time after the change is stored. When the drive start time after the change has passed, the drive start time after the change is deleted while the drive start time before the change is stored.

Abstract: An analog broadcasting receiving device includes a receiving portion for receiving a television broadcasting wave, an EPG extracting portion for extracting EPG data from VBI of the television broadcasting wave, a ROM for storing a GCN table that is a list of GCN codes, and a control portion for controlling extracting and outputting the EPG of a broadcasting station stored in the GCN table. The received EPG data is analyzed, and if a new GCN code that is not included in the GCN table is detected, the detected new GCN code is added to the GCN table.

Abstract: A broadcast apparatus broadcasts broadcast data. In the broadcast apparatus, an acquiring unit acquires broadcast data and a reproduction time period in which the broadcast data is to be reproduced by a reception apparatus, and a broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the broadcast data from a predetermined time period before a start of the reproduction time period to an end of the reproduction time period.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a plurality of recording media, an operation unit receiving an operation from a user, a communication unit outputting data stored on the recording media to an external device, and a controller displaying, on a display unit, a setting screen for setting a mode for outputting data via the communication unit and to control the apparatus on the basis of information input on the setting screen. The controller displays, as the setting screen, a function selection screen enabling the user to simultaneously select a recording medium serving as a source from which data is output via the communication unit and a function to be executed. On the basis of information input on the function selection screen using the operation unit, the controller performs a setting operation to output data recorded on the selected recording medium in accordance with a communication mode based on the selected function.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) apparatus, in which an advertisement is provided, includes a broadcasting signal receiver to receive a broadcasting signal transmitted from a broadcasting station, an electronic program guide (EPG) analyzer to analyze EPG information included in the broadcasting signal, an editor to edit certain advertisement data according to the analysis result of the EPG analyzer, and an outputter to output the broadcasting signal received by the broadcasting signal receiver and the advertisement data edited by the editor. With such a PVR apparatus an advertisement can be provided that suits the characteristics of a user and is displayed to the user at a set time.

Abstract: In one of many possible examples, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to display an interactive main menu graphical user interface having at least a first viewing pane and a second viewing pane, display a stationary magnified area within the first viewing pane, and display a list of entries that is configured to be selectively located within the magnified area within the first viewing pane. Each entry within the list of entries represents content available via the processing subsystem. When one of the entries within the list is located within the magnified area, the processing subsystem is further configured to display content represented by that entry within the second viewing pane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving and display system including, a receiving apparatus, and a display terminal, wherein, the receiving apparatus receiving data from outside and the display terminal displaying information by receiving data from the receiving apparatus, wherein, upon receipt of an upgraded program from outside, the receiving apparatus checks to determine whether the upgraded program is destined for the receiving apparatus or for the display terminal, the receiving apparatus further writing the upgraded program to a storage device of the receiving apparatus if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus further transferring the upgraded program to the display terminal if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the display terminal, and wherein the display terminal writes the upgraded program transferred from the receiving apparatus to a storage device of the display terminal.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for announcing and identifying metadata relating to available video programs and/or enhancements in an enhanced television communications system compliant with the standard set forth by the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF). In particular, the method provides for a new attribute to the existing Session Description Protocol (SDP) announcement specified by the ATVEF standard which is used by client receivers to access metadata. Metadata is data that describes other data, in particular, that describe available video programs and/or enhancements transmitted by a content creator and/or transport operator. The new SDP announcement provides a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) to allow client receivers to identify the incoming metadata. Additionally, the new SDP announcement further can provides the address and/or port if the metadata is located on a network database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information on broadcasting contents are provided. The method includes: storing received information on an electronic program guide (EPG); generating meta-data of recorded broadcasting contents based on the EPG information and storing the meta-data; and displaying the EPG information and information on the recorded broadcasting contents based on the meta-data on a screen.

Abstract: A method of displaying a user interface for a time shift function and a personal video recorder (PVR) using the same are provided. The method includes: displaying a user interface on a screen; displaying, on the user interface, a broadcasting time of a currently playing program; and displaying a status of broadcast recording on the user interface. The user interface is in the form of an analog watch.

Abstract: A method of displaying a progress bar and to a television receiver using the same, enables a plurality of stored broadcast programs to be identified according to broadcast channel or broadcast program. The method includes steps of pre-storing, in a memory of the television receiver, a plurality of display characterization indicators, the pre-stored indicators being arranged in a table of the memory to correspond to a plurality of broadcast program characteristics of at least one broadcast signal; storing, in a personal video recorder of the television receiver, a broadcast signal received by the television receiver in real time; periodically extracting broadcast program markers from the received broadcast signal, each marker being indicative of at least one of the plurality of broadcast program characteristics; and displaying the progress bar according to the extracted broadcast program markers, the displayed progress bar being superposed on a display of the broadcast signal.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus using a hard disk drive (HDD), a connection confirmation/processing program (program for confirming connection with an external equipment and conducting processing required for that connection) which can be executed during starting time of the HDD is stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) of a microcomputer, and a recording/reproduction control program which cannot be executed until the HDD becomes accessible and is greatly affected by extension of the functions and modification of the specification is stored in the HDD.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for processing data according to data types. The data processing method is performed by a slave processor and a main processor, wherein the slave processor stores and reads data and the main processor is connected to the slave processor to process the data.

Abstract: Set top boxes are provided with access to full EIT data streams without having to off-tune from one transport to another. If off-tuning is required, however, a locking mechanism substantially reduces or eliminates service interruption. Data in the additional EIT data streams in the non-home transports is reorganized to be sent by time rather than by service. EIT data is stored in the set top box in an architecture which significantly reduces the redundancy inherent in EIT data, allowing a full 7 days of EIT data to be stored in the set top box memory. The set top box of the present invention is backward compatible with conventional set top boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing playlists of a rewritable recording medium in order to prevent unlimited playback or illegal edition of television broadcast programs or movies wherein copyright protection is required. The present invention operates by adding information needed for automatic timed deletion of consecutively recorded clips of A/V streams and deletion time information into the playlists of a recording medium such as a high density rewritable optical disc (BD-RW), whereby referring to the recorded information, the corresponding clips of A/V streams are automatically deleted.

Abstract: Audio enhancements can be provided for a shopping channel of an interactive television system. The audio enhancements allow a viewer of the shopping channel to customize the audio portion of the shopping experience, as well as providing the viewer with instructional voiceovers. The audio enhancements can be uploaded by the user, and then selected from a list of enhancements that are made available via the shopping channel. Implicit or explicit profiling may also be used to determine the audio enhancements to present to the user on the shopping channel.

Abstract: A software application that filters specific messages from an e-mail server is disclosed. A user specifies filtering criteria within the application, which then detects the arrival of an e-mail fulfilling the specified criteria, and notifies the user accordingly. The notification can consist of blinking an icon on a Set Top Box (STB) TV screen, making an audible sound, or activating a pager. The subject of the filter criteria can be an Instant Message or telephone call using Caller ID, instead of an e-mail message.

Abstract: Broadcasting is received in a desk peripheral, to store coded video data in a memory card. A portable viewing apparatus decodes the coded video data stored in the memory card, to display video on a liquid crystal display panel. Channel selection information for receiving the broadcasting in the desk peripheral is fed from the memory card. The portable viewing apparatus stores the channel selection information in the memory card by user entry. The portable viewing apparatus is supplied with charging power from the desk peripheral.

Abstract: There is provided a method for managing the downloading and display of a video program using a mobile device in an networking environment that includes a first radio access network and a second radio access network that has a faster transfer rate than the first network. A layer of video program that has been encoded into multiple layers is downloaded via the first or second network. The downloaded video program is displayed at a playback rate that corresponds to a display quality. Excess portion of the downloaded video program that result when a rate at which the video program is displayed are buffered. The number of layers being downloaded and the playback rate at which the video program is displayed are increased to increase the display quality, when the buffered excess portions exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: Electronic television program guide information is downloaded, stored and searched by a local device. A plurality of linked lists are used to remove redundancy, increase search speed, and allow dynamic categories. When a new category is encountered a new head node for a link list data structure is created. When a first program guide object containing information related to that category is downloaded, a link is made (i.e., a pointer is stored) from the head node to the guide object. When subsequent program guide objects containing information related to that category are downloaded, links are added to the end of the list or inserted in alphabetical order. As guide objects expire the links are removed. When no links remain in a particular category the head node for that category is deleted.