Abstract: The present invention provides a system of providing broadcast informations, comprising: a receiving processing unit for receiving both program and advertisement informations broadcasted and for extracting only the advertisement information therefrom; a reproducing unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching both the program and advertisement informations from the receiving processing unit and for re-producing both the program and advertisement informations; an accumulating unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching only the extracted advertisement information from the receiving processing unit and for accumulating the advertisement information; and a control unit being operable by an operator and being connected to both the accumulating unit and the reproducing unit for fetching at least operator-selected one of the accumulated advertisement informations from the accumulating unit and for transferring the at least operator-selected advertisement information to t

Abstract: A real-time compensation apparatus and method for a digital TV that can update the present time without addition of a non-volatile memory or RTC. The apparatus includes a first control section for controlling a power supply of a system, updating a time by dividing a system clock, and outputting a reserved recording signal according to comparison result of the present time with a user's reserved recording time; and a second control section for transmitting the reserved recording information stored in a flash memory and the present time to the first control section if the power supply is off, and outputting a load control signal so that output of video and audio is performed according to the signal outputted from the first control section according to the user's reserved recording time.

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 network component of an apparatus in one example determines one or more usage characteristics of a mobile communication device for a cellular communications network and one or more usage characteristics of the mobile communication device for a satellite communications network.

Abstract: A TV program selection support system selects only programs suiting viewer's preference or necessary for a viewer from a large number of programs to be broadcast and proposes the selected programs to the viewer. The TV program selection support system comprises a program receiver for receiving broadcast TV programs, an EPG receiver for receiving an electronic program table listing TV programs, an EPG storage device for storing an EPG received by the EPG receiver, an operating means to be operated by the viewer to select a program from the stored electronic program table, a program selection support program for determining viewer's view tendency by analyzing the operation made by the viewer, creating an electronic program table on the basis of the view tendency and displaying the created electronic program table.

Abstract: Method for controlling a memory in a digital system, including the steps of (a) dividing the memory into a plurality of fixed sized memory blocks, (b) defining at least one of the memory blocks as a compression/decompression region, (c) assigning compression priorities to rest of the memory blocks except the memory blocks defined as the compression/decompression region, and (d) making the memory blocks to deal with an external data received according to an external command, and carrying out compression/decompression of data required in the dealing with the external data at the compression/decompression region according to the compression priorities.

Abstract: The invention which is the subject of this application relates to the ability to utilize a receiver and processing means for received data in the reception of multiple transport streams of data. Processing components which are included in receiver apparatus are provided with the ability to only receive one transport stream of data at any one time. In the current invention, in order to present to the processing components in the receiver, one single transport stream, but still allow the receiver apparatus to receive multiple transport streams of data, there is provided a means of initially processing the received multiple streams of data which involves the steps of demultiplexing the data from the multiple transport streams, re-mapping the data, selecting packets of data in accordance with user and receiver selection criteria and then multiplexing the said selected packets of data into a single stream of data which can then be presented to the processing components.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus has a multiplexing unit that cyclically multiplexes presentation information and navigation information stored in a transmission data storage unit according to control by a multiplexing control unit and a transmission unit that transmits the multiplexed stream. The reception control unit of a data reception apparatus sets filter conditions in a filter condition storage unit of a TS decoder unit in accordance with user operation indications. The presentation information and navigation information separated by the TS decoder unit are outputted via a reproduction unit to a display unit and an audio output unit.

Abstract: In a digital receiver which can easily store broadcast information, a one-period amount of data is separated from a data broadcast signal. The one-period amount of data has an amount of data corresponding to plural frames which are periodically repetitively transmitted in the data broadcast signal. The one-period amount of data is stored in a data storage device, thereby simplifying the construction of the data storage device.

Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing music and data. The music or data is first transmitted to a consumer via a satellite radio network. The system includes a satellite radio receiver for the user which is capable of receiving the wireless transmission and providing an audio and/or visual output in response thereto. In addition, the receiver is adapted to receive an input (e.g., voice command) from the user by which the user is able to signal an interest in recording a selection of music or data being played and/or displayed. In response to this signal and a record-ability signal, an ID signal is stored on a removable media which identifies the selection being played and/or displayed. The ID signal may be a composite signal indicating the time and channel, a signal that identifies a selection by number, or other suitable ID signal.

Abstract: A removable memory device is inserted into a channel information source computer, such as computer connected to the Internet, and channel map information is downloaded to it. The removable device is then removed from the source computer and engaged with a television to download the channel map into the television, thereby avoiding prolonged autoprogramming by the television's receiver.

Abstract: A reception apparatus records a content distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a hard disk. Following an instruction from a viewer, the reception apparatus reproduces the content. The reception apparatus transmits management information including identification information about the content recorded on the hard disk to a management apparatus. The management apparatus stores the information in a management information storage. When the hard disk of the reception apparatus fails, a replacement hard disk is attached to the management apparatus. The management apparatus retrieves, based on the stored management information, the same content as the content recorded on the hard disk of the reception apparatus from a content distribution apparatus, etc., and records the retrieved content on the replacement hard disk. The hard disk of the reception apparatus is then replaced with the replacement hard disk with the content recorded thereon.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a transport stream, such as from a satellite receiver to a networked computer system, are provided. The transport stream is parsed to derive multiple elementary streams including associated program identifiers, which are used to determine corresponding transfer locations in a host memory. Direct memory access transfers of the multiple elementary streams are then performed to the corresponding transfer locations in the host memory.

Abstract: A system for providing a data broadcast service for digital television receivers. The system includes a data authoring system for creating a program description, a data service encoder for combining the description with other information and encoding it, and a multiplexer for using the encoded data service information into a transport data stream. A receiver at the client end receives the transport data stream and extracts the data and the audiovisual program and builds a summary for the viewer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a programme for presentation as a sequence of programme elements from a set of pre-recorded programme elements which may be transmitted to a receiver. Programme elements each representing for example an event are classified on the basis of programme element content, that is the nature of the event to which the programme element relates. Each programme element is allocated to at least one of the predetermined set of classes and each programme element is stored with at least one associated programme classification code. The classification codes identify the class to which the associated programme element has been allocated. A programme element is generated by selecting at least one programme classification code and presenting programme elements associated with that selected at least one programme classification code. Users are able to generate programmes based on for example the perceived value of individual programme elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for accessing data that is periodically transmitted by a broadcaster. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a receiver capable of reception of data is disclosed. The data is transmitted by a broadcaster in a broadcasting system. The receiver reduces the delay conventionally encountered in accessing periodically transmitted data in a broadcasting system.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing and accessing media content received via a plurality of display channels and stored in a plurality of buffers in a storage device. The system associates the plurality of buffers with a composite buffer file.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving, storing and displaying television program data. The method includes transmitting data including scheduled program data, program guide data, and cache program data. The method further includes receiving the transmitted data and storing the cache program data. Once a cache television program is selected, the cache program data corresponding to the selected cache television program is retrieved, and a display of the television program is generated for viewing.

Abstract: A device interface for use in a receiver/decoder for a broadcast digital television system in which received signals are passed through a receiver to the receiver/decoder and then to a television set. The receiver/decoder decodes a compressed MPEG-type signal, and is controlled by a remote controller handset, through an interface in the receiver/decoder. The operation of the receiver/decoder is controlled by a virtual machine (VM) which includes a run time engine (RTE). The receiver/decoder includes a plurality of interfaces to external units. The device interface enables an application run by the RTE to access an IEEE 1394 interface.

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: An improved architecture for a set-top box that effects a reduction in memory requirements includes a front-panel board and a DTV board subject to a reset sequence and having a non-volatile memory associated therewith for storing values including a power-state value. The improved architecture eliminates the need for a non-volatile memory associated with the front-panel board by querying the power-state variable in the non-volatile memory associated with the DTV board and effecting a boot-up sequence when the power-state variable is set to ON and by effecting a reset in response to certain detected conditions.

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: Television programs are represented by program interface objects (PIOs) within an interactive television system. The PIOs provide a visual indicator for quick identification of the represented television program, attributes providing information concerning the represented television program, and actions that may be performed on or in connection with the represented television program. The PIOs may be sorted, filtered, and/or managed based on user-provided criteria. The PIOs may also be linked to allow an operation performable in connection to one PIO to be performed in connection with the linked PIO(s).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a filtering process is based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator monitors the current play position of the multimedia content and compares that position with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start position, a stop position, and an filtering action to perform on the portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular navigation object, the navigator activates the filtering action that was assigned to the navigation object. Filtering actions include skipping, muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined by a navigation object. A variety of systems may be used to implement the present invention, such as computer systems (consumer and server), television systems, and audio systems.

Abstract: The invention facilitates and enhances review of a body of information, such as a set of audio, video and text data or some combination thereof, enabling the body of information to be quickly reviewed so to obtain an overview of the content of the body of information and allowing flexibility in reviewing. In on embodiment, the content is acquired from a first set of one or more sources, i.e. TV news, and text news stories are acquired from a second set of one or more sources, i.e. On-line services. The invention enables the user to access the information randomly, thereby enhancing the speed of accessing/locating among news stories/programs pertaining particular subject. Additionally, the user while observing a particular news story, the invention can identify and display related news stories.

Abstract: A system and methods provide handling of variable rate playback in a multimedia computer architecture. The systems and methods provide data structures and interfaces that enable a computer architecture and components therein with the ability to playback data at speeds faster and slower than real-time, to playback data in reverse, and to change the rate of playback at any point during playback. One embodiment is a method for providing low-latency, glitch-free changes in a multimedia architecture. Other embodiments are directed to defining multimedia component responsibilities for making rate changes, allowing rate changes to work with standard playback types, coder-decoders, and renderers. The methods include determining a minimum of the maximum reported playback rates and determining minimum and maximum playback rates in a set of modes including: reverse skip mode, reverse key frame mode, reverse full mode, forward full mode, forward key frame mode, and forward skip mode.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for achieving quick startup of streaming video content. Streaming video content is provided in two parts generally comprising a static image and dynamic video content. A streaming media player is configured to buffer the static image and display it promptly while buffering the remaining video content in the background. Benefits of the disclosed systems and methods include a reduced waiting period between the selection of video content and the playback of content by a media player.

Abstract: According to the invention, a video delivery system for on-demand videos at least partially stored proximate to a user location is disclosed. The video delivery system has a number of channels that are normally viewable within the user location and a content receiver coupled to the plurality of channels. A hidden channel of the plurality of channels transports a hidden video stream that cannot be viewed as streamed to the user location. The content receiver includes a storage device and a video rendering circuit. The storage device is coupled to the hidden channel and proximate to the user location. The storage device stores at least a portion of the hidden video stream in a non-volatile manner. The video rendering circuit is coupled to the storage device. The video rendering circuit produces a video signal representative of the portion.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifting a live broadcast, and facilitating the purchase of live or time-shifted broadcast content. The device records broadcast content being listened to by user, which gives the user the option to replay content. The device and method also provides a preview service that allows the user to experience fresh media content on a regular basis, even where a live signal is not available. The broadcast source broadcasts new content on a regular basis to avoid providing users with stale content. The user identifies content using the device and data is stored that corresponds to the identified content. The broadcast source or a third-party content provider uses the corresponding data to provide the identified content to the user. In addition to audio content, the device also provides and facilitates the acquisition of video, graphics, text or any other media content.

Abstract: A video display device is connected to a video signal supply device. The video display device has a plurality of input terminals. The video signal supply device stores the input terminal # of the video display device, which is used to input an initial setting signal from the video signal supply device. Thereafter, when the video signal supply device supplies an analog video signal to the video display device, the video signal supply device informs the video display device of the input terminal # stored during the initial setting processing. The video display device then selects an input terminal based on the informed terminal # to capture the analog video signal from the video signal supply device. The exchange of information relating to the input terminal between the video signal supply device and video display device is executed by using a digital interface based on the IEEE1394 Standard, for example.

Abstract: A system for implementing a detailed and flexible searching function for programs to a data recording/playing device that records broadcast programs such as those delivered on TV. The system includes a search server 20 and a data recording/playing device 10 connected with each other over a network 30. The data recording/playing device 10 stores a data file of a given broadcast program and sends a search request specifying a program and a search condition to the search server 20. The search server 20 holds information on a given program, and at the same time, creates index information to be used for playing the program on the basis of information on the program, and sends the index information back to the data recording/playing device 10 in response to a search request from the data recording/playing device 10.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for multimedia-on-demand services. In an embodiment, a multimedia-on-demand system includes a mass storage device that receives and stores a multimedia content item. A processor and a memory are coupled to the mass storage device. The memory can store a multimedia-on-demand data table and multimedia-on-demand instructions. The multimedia-on-demand data table can include a multimedia content identifier field adapted to store a multimedia content identifier, where the multimedia content identifier corresponds to a multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand data table can also include a multimedia content usage indicator field adapted to store a multimedia content usage indicator, where the multimedia content usage indicator is associated with the multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.

Abstract: A multi-volume compact disk player employs a high speed digital memory for storing the beginning portion of each program on each of a plurality of compact disks. When it is desired to play a specific program, the beginning portion in the high speed memory is used to begin the playback while the changer mounts the volume containing the program and then retrieves the remainder of the specific program for reproduction at the conclusion of the playback of the beginning from high speed storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect content skipping by a consumer of a recorded program are disclosed. In a disclosed method, a plurality of recording times of sections of a recorded program are stored in association with playback times of the recorded program. Playback intervals between sequential pairs of the playback times are compared with corresponding recording intervals between sequential pairs of the recording times to determine if any portion of the recorded program was not played back in real time.

Abstract: Identical copies of a streaming program are stored on multiple sources. A client sets up multiple connections with a subset of the sources, and obtains a portion of the streaming program from each source. Because each source supplies only a small portion of the program, upload demands on each source are minimised. The client assembles the received data into a single data stream, reproducing the original file for access.

Abstract: A mobile entertainment and informational system includes cellular interconnectivity capability, a user interface for identifying music or video selections which can then be acquired through existing cellular networks. A CD/DVD player can be provided, along with a USB port for connection to a personal computer, for example to download selections therefrom. The unit can operate as a cellular telephone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), web browser, and music and video player.

Abstract: A circulating memory apparatus and a data storage and distribution system using a circulating recording area effectively and having an improved access efficiency to the circulating recording area are disclosed. A memory area secured in a disk unit is used in circulation thereby to record the time series input data. The time series input data are edited into a data block of a predetermined size including a plurality of subblocks, and written into the disk unit by data block. In response to a request for outputting specific data, the data are read by subblock from the disk unit into a cache memory thereby to selectively output the specific data contained in the subblocks.

Abstract: A first video receiver is controlled to interrupt live watching of a television broadcast program; and thereafter, a second video receiver installed in another location can be controlled to continue display of the program from the interrupted point in the program.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein include a system and method for delivering content within a network of interactive televisions. In accordance with one embodiment of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein, the system distributes media content, such as video and music, across a communications network comprising at least one server and at least one client device. Users of the system utilize a client device to access the media content, to view a preview or a description of the media content, and to purchase the media content. The client device receives the media content from the server, and the client device stores the media content within a storage device on the client device. The client device employs interface devices to facilitate user interaction with the system. The server records the purchase of media content and other activities and preferences of the user of the client device.

Abstract: A process (500) for storing video and text data samples, is disclosed. The process (500) may be implemented within a video surveillance system (100). The system (100) comprises video cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) connected to a communications network (2220), such as the Internet or an Intranet. Each of the cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) is independently responsible for the capture of video data. The system (100) also comprises a viewer (2200) for processing and displaying captured video data.

Abstract: An HTTP based video streaming apparatus and method of a mobile communication system is disclosed. A memory, such as a storing disk, stores content files received from a server of a transmitting party, a random access searching unit searches the random access point in the memory and transmits a content file request message to the transmitting server if the random access point does not exist in the memory, and a display unit displays the files from the random access point. Therefore, HTTP streaming service from a random point required by a user can be provided when the streaming has begun, and the random access function can be supported by even if the part required by the user has not yet been transmitted to receiving party.

Abstract: An information storage medium on which a plurality of titles are recorded, and a reproducing apparatus and method thereof. The information storage medium includes a plurality of titles which are reproduced as motion pictures and a plurality of units of attribute information that correspond to the titles and indicate whether a user can control a title to be reproduced. Therefore, efficient navigation can be ensured and the titles can be reproduced as a manufacturer of the information storage medium has planned.

Abstract: A method of managing and playing a title of a medium, the medium playing a deleted video title set (VTS) even after finalization of recording of a medium. The medium includes a first area recording video title sets and a second area recording search information used to play a deleted video title set among video title sets that have been recorded to the first area before recording of the medium is finalized.

Abstract: A digital tuner equipped with a recording media reproduction device outputs digital content to an externally connected monitor device. The digital content includes digital content obtained by receiving a digital broadcast signal via a tuner and digital content previously recorded in a HD device and read therefrom. Whenever a user operates a remote controller to performs a common operation via a key to select and switch digital content to be output to the monitor device, digital content provided by a digital broadcast signal or that recorded in the HD device is sequentially selected. The selected digital content is obtained by the tuner or the HD device and provided to a decoder. The decoder receives and decodes the digital content and outputs it to the monitor device.

Abstract: Motion picture distribution is performed by converting the motion pictures into digital video signals, combining the video signals with code elements or icons positioned in the active picture area of images formed by the video signals and sent via satellite to theaters or other receiving locations. The video signals are stored at the receiving locations and displayed repetitively to audiences by means of a projection television system. The coded areas in the pictures are used to transmit motion picture identification, theater authorization and other information which can be used to control the distribution and display of the motion pictures. Reports regarding playing of the motion picture are transmitted from each display site to the offices of the remote distributor. Motion pictures are edited by converting the film into video signals, inserting coded areas into the active picture areas of the video signals to provide time codes, edge codes and related information useful for editing.

Abstract: A data reception and playback apparatus that enables reception of data to be played back next to be performed to the fullest extent possible without degrading the playback quality of data being played back, allowing a plurality of data to be played back seamlessly. In this apparatus, a schedule control section decides the pre-read schedule (pre-read amount and pre-read time interval) of media data to be played back next based on a receive buffer decrease speed input from a receive buffer observation processing section, and outputs a data acquisition request command to a data request processing section in accordance with this pre-read schedule. Data request processing section converts the data acquisition request command for AV2 data input from a schedule control section to a data request signal, outputs this signal to a communication processing section, and executes AV2 data small-amount pre-read processing for a server.

Abstract: In an implementation of virtual channel preview guide, a different virtual channel is associated with each of one or more recorded programs. A virtual channel preview guide is generated to display the different virtual channels and the associated recorded programs. In an event that a virtual channel is selected, a preview of a recorded program associated with the virtual channel is initiated.