Abstract: Techniques to provide an enhanced video replay are described. A processor component controls a video interface module, a replay clip editing module, a replay clip selection module, and a broadcast feed module. The video interface module may receive a first and a second video stream of an event in a first and a second video resolution. The replay clip editing module may determine a time period within the second video stream that contains a scene of interest and create multiple video clips in the first video resolution. The multiple video clips each represent of a portion of the field of view of the second video stream. The broadcast feed module may interrupt a broadcast feed of the first video stream and insert the selected one of the multiple video clips into the broadcast feed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of generating a file at a header metadata creator apparatus, the method including: generating, at the header metadata creator apparatus, a file, the file including: a file header, a file body, and a file footer, wherein the file header includes at least KLV encoded header metadata, the KLV encoded header metadata including at least a universal label, length data and variable length data, the variable length data including a plurality of KLV encoded metadata sets, each one of the KLV encoded metadata sets includes a predetermined universal label, essence length data and a plurality of KLV encoded metadata items, and each KLV encoded metadata item includes at least an item universal label, variable item length data and item value data.

Abstract: A method of intelligently degrading the quality of content, such as video clips and music, stored on a mobile device over time. The method takes into account the probability of a user watching each item of content and either encodes the content at a lower bit-rate, or under certain circumstances, restores the content to its original quality by side-loading the content from a network content store. The bit-rate at which the content is to be encoded is linked to the probability of a piece of content being watched. If the probability of an item of content being watched is high, then the item is stored at a high bit-rate, and conversely, for low probabilities of watching, a low bit-rate is used. If required, in order to restore an item to a higher bit rate, the original high bit rate item can be requested from a network content store. The aim being to store as much content as possible in a given finite memory, but to ensure that content which is likely to be watched is not degraded.

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 system and method for transmitting/receiving a call on a home network. When a request for call transmission/reception is made, a CP selects a target electronic device to/from which to transmit/receive a call from among at least one electronic device, establishes a connection for call transmission/reception between a terminal and the selected target electronic device, and controls the call transmission/reception between the terminal and the selected target electronic device.

Abstract: A method of delivering a variable bit rate (VBR) media stream in near real time includes identifying a selected media asset to be streamed to a media receiver, receiving an available access bandwidth at which the media receiver can receive data, and initiating a session setup for delivery of the selected media asset. The method further includes calculating a delay in decoding a media stream associated with the selected media asset at the media receiver based on the available access bandwidth, and a calculated required minimum transmission rate of a VBR media stream representative of the selected media asset. The method further includes transmitting the selected media asset at the required minimum transmission rate of the VBR media stream and providing the calculated delay to the media receiver such that the media receiver begins decoding the media stream in accordance with the calculated delay.

Abstract: Provided herein are at least one embodiment of systems and methods of adaptive disk management for a recording device employing a memory storage device such as hard disk storage so that memory storage device usage is tracked in the recording device and the memory storage device is controlled based on time-based patterns of user behavior.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time.

Abstract: A DVR sends, over the Internet, to a server, information that indicates a set of programs. The information also may indicate a ranking of the programs in the set relative to each other. In response to receiving the information from the DVR, the server determines a “to do” list of programs that the DVR should record as those programs are broadcasted in the future. The “to do” list indicates recording times and channels for each program. The server sends the “to do” list back to the DVR over the Internet. The DVR receives the “to do” list over the Internet and stores the “to do” list. As the programs on the “to do” list are broadcasted, the DVR automatically records those programs at the list-specified times and on the list-specified channels. The DVR stores those programs on the DVR's hard disk drive for later viewing by the DVR user.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content repository storing a plurality of content files, a content delivery network 280 communicating with a content repository 274, a content management system 221 determining a plurality of publication times respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of content files and a content distribution system 260 communicating with the content management system and content delivery network. The content distribution system determines an earliest publication time and transfers the plurality of content files to the content delivery network in order of publication in response to determining the earliest publication time.

Abstract: Service mode data is stored in a television chassis or set by duplicating all the data that is accessible by service mode, i.e. by storing the same data twice, in two separate areas of a single memory device or two separate memory devices. A “working memory” is always accessible by the chassis. A “reserved memory” is normally not accessible by the chassis. At the factory, the same service mode data is input to both the working memory and the reserved memory. The chassis microprocessor would normally only access the working memory. If any data in the working memory is changed (intentionally or not), the original factory data can be recovered from the reserved memory and copied to the working memory by executing a specific access operation.

Abstract: Method, system and computer-readable medium to distribute VOD content are disclosed. A method of displaying video content includes accessing an association table for video-on-demand (VOD) content. The association table includes a first segment entry associated with a first video segment of a first length and a second segment entry associated with a second video segment of a second length that is longer than the first length. The first segment entry includes a first multicast group ID and the second segment entry includes a second multicast group ID. The method further includes receiving the first video segment via the first multicast group ID, displaying the received first video segment, and receiving the second video segment via the second multicast group ID within a period of time of displaying the first video segment.

Abstract: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus 10, comprising a reception unit 13 receiving a broadcast signal from a plurality of channels; a display unit 20 displaying video which corresponds to the broadcast signal; a touch panel 23 accepting handwritten input by a user; a character recognition unit 24 recognizing handwritten input onto the touch panel 23 as a character or a character string; a memory unit 21 storing for each channel a character or a character string specifying the channel; and a control unit 11 switching a reception channel, when a character or a character string recognized by the character recognition unit 24 corresponds to any one of characters or character strings stored in the memory unit 21 while video corresponding to a broadcast signal received at the reception unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 20, to a channel corresponding to the character or the character string.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products provide social and interactive applications for mass media based on real time ambient-audio and/or video identification. In some implementations, a method includes: receiving descriptors identifying ambient audio associated with a media broadcast; comparing the descriptors to one or more reference descriptors; and determining a rating for the media broadcast based at least in part on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product for recording presentable data accessed through interactive links displayed within an interactive television program are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, an interactive television recording device receives an interactive television signal containing one or more interactive links associated with presentable data. In response to receipt of a record command, the interactive television recording device records the interactive television program, and the presentable data associated with the one or more interactive links are accessed and recorded into a designated storage medium. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive television signal and the one or more interactive links are stored on a first data storage medium, while the presentable data are separately stored on a second data storage medium. If a play command is received, the interactive television recording device plays the interactive television signal from the first data storage medium.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed that provide for a secure download of a media asset from a video-on-demand server responsive to a user request. The media asset may be routed to a recorder device for storage purposes. The media asset may also be streamed to a set top box for (simultaneous) playback on, e.g., a television. The media asset may subsequently be played from the storage on one or more media players.

Abstract: A method for displaying content stored in a block of multiplexed content, the multiplexed content including a plurality of instances of content where each instance of content includes an associated content identifier, the method including receiving, at a content receiver, content identifying information for the content and instructions for displaying the content, determining a selected content identifier based on the content identifying information, selecting the block from one or more blocks based on the selected content identifier, scanning the block for a content identifier and encountering the content identifier, comparing the encountered content identifier to the selected content identifier, and processing an instance of content associated with the encountered content identifier where the encountered content identifier corresponds to the selected content identifier. A system for displaying and a system for storing multiplexed content are also described.

Abstract: A content receiver receives ordering information from a content provider for orderable content or products. The content receiver also derives information specific to the content receiver and dynamically generates a matrix code including the ordering information and the specific information. The content receiver then transmits the matrix code to a display and when the displayed matrix code is detected and decoded by a reader, the reader initiates an order for the orderable content to be transmitted to the content receiver or products. In some implementations, the orderable content may be ordered from the content provider, which may then transmit the ordered content to the content receiver. However, in other implementations the orderable content may be ordered from a third party provider. As such, the third party provider may transmit the ordered content to the content provider, which may then transmit it to the content receiver.

Abstract: A system for providing content to a user, comprising a transmitter 502 for transmitting to a user's receiver/decoder 2000 guide data relating to a plurality of items of content, and each of said items of content to which said guide data relates, prior to commencement of a period of availability of said items of content to the user; and a receiver/decoder 2100 comprising means 2016 for receiving said guide data and said items of content, means 3120 for generating a display of said guide data to enable a user to select at least one of said items of content for storage, means 2100 for storing the selected at least one item of content upon receipt thereof, and means 3120 for enabling the user to access the stored at least one item of content upon request following commencement of said period.

Abstract: A portable device includes solid-state memory, an Ethernet and/or wireless network connection, and an HDMI. The portable device receives content guide data from a first server and displays a content guide on a display. In response to a user's selection of a content item, the portable device requests the content item over the Internet from a second server. The portable device receives the content item, stores the content item in solid-state memory, generates display signals that represent the content item, and sends the display signals to a display. The second server may match the content item with relevant advertisements based on keywords associated with the content item and the advertisements. The second server may send selected advertisement URLs to the portable device. Using the URLs, the portable device may obtain the advertisements over the Internet and cause the display to display the advertisements in conjunction with the content item.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to eliminate a scheduled recording of a targeted media program, where the scheduled recording is a redundant recording of the targeted media program that is determined based upon monitoring of recordings of media programs by a group of set top boxes in communication with each other over a network, where another set top box of the group of set top boxes is designated as a host set top box to record the targeted media program, and where the controller is provided access to the targeted media program by the host set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of realizing a personal video recorder (PVR) using a home network device is provided. A client receives contents and replays the contents in a home network. The client uploads first contents received from a real time broadcasting channel to the server from a time when an external time-shift input is received, terminates the uploading of the first contents if an external replay input is received during the uploading of the first contents, replays the first contents whose uploading is terminated from a portion requested by the external replay input, and simultaneously uploads second contents to the server, received from the real time broadcasting channel at a time when the uploading of the first contents is terminated. A user can watch a live broadcast using a time-shift function such as a PVR via a home network device without a separate PVR.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting/receiving a call on a home network. When a request for call transmission/reception is made, a CP selects a target electronic device to/from which to transmit/receive a call from among at least one electronic device, establishes a connection for call transmission/reception between a terminal and the selected target electronic device, and controls the call transmission/reception between the terminal and the selected target electronic device.

Abstract: A content reproduction device includes: a plurality of communication units (a cellular phone and a wireless LAN communication unit), each receiving a content transmitted in segments from a content transmission device over a communication path; a content reconstruction unit that has a buffer in which each segmented data of the content received by each of the communication units is temporarily accumulated, and that reconstructs each segmented data accumulated in the buffer into the content; a reproduction unit that reproduces, at a predetermined bit rate, the content reconstructed by the content reconstruction unit; and a communication control unit that: calculates, for every predetermined time, target transmission speeds to be assigned for content reception performed by the respective communication units, based on free space in the buffer and the bit rate; and transmits a first request signal indicating the calculated target transmission speeds to the content transmission device via one of the communication un

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing time-shifted television within a video-on-demand system.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with a modem. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The modem may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The modem enables the terminal to communicate with interactive services and on-line databases, including services and databases outside of the television program delivery system. The services and databases may provide home shopping, airline reservations, news, financial information, classified advertisements, home banking, and/or interactive teletext.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A system for media content selection. In one embodiment, a home entertainment system for accessing content includes a processor for executing instructions adapted for: (i) receiving a request from a user input for selecting a content title; (ii) displaying formats of the content title, with one format stored in a home network and another stored external to the home network; (iii) receiving a request from the user input device to select one of the formats; and (iv) presenting the selected content in the selected format. The content can be a song in a digital format, for example. Selecting the content can include consideration of user preference information and using one or more of: a content manager, a device manager, a network controller, a purchase controller, a device supporter, a content directory, a connection manager, and a digital rights management (DRM) controller. The user input device can include, for example, a remote control device for a home entertainment system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for fast switching of media streams, are described. The methods and systems described in this specification enable switching media streams as quickly as possible without playback interruption by not having to playback the content of the full buffer prior to the switch to the new stream. The fast switching disclosed in this specification is based on configuring a media player operated at a client computer to specify a switching time offset that corresponds to buffered content. In addition, the disclosed methods and systems enable a media streaming server computer, that is streaming a first media stream to the client computer, to select a key frame of a second media stream that is at or near a switching time offset specified by the client computer, and to immediately begin transmission of the second media stream.

Abstract: A system is provided for the storage of content on a network and the delivery of content to subscriber locations. The system includes routers and subscriber set-top boxes in communication with each other and a main content source. Content is delivered over a packet-switching network according to a peer to peer file distribution protocol and is stored in a storage area of the subscriber set-top box, such that each subscriber set-top box is configured to transmit and receive content to and from the main content source and other set-top boxes connected to the network. The set-top boxes may identify a preferred source of content based on various factors, such as geographic distance, Internet Protocol (IP) distance, available bandwidth, integrity of the content, etc. An associated method for accessing content and a set-top box for facilitating the storage and delivery of content are also provided.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes an operation receiving module for receiving a user operation; a broadcast receiving module for receiving broadcast contents including view restriction level information; a view restricting module for restricting viewing of the broadcast contents if the view restriction level information meets preset conditions; a decoding module for decoding the broadcast contents not being subject to the view restriction; and a display control module. The display control module displays videos of the decoded broadcast contents on a display device and to display, in a first form, a predetermined object displayed on the display device if the broadcast contents are not subject to the view restriction. The display control module also displays the object in a second form if the broadcast contents are subject to the view restriction. The view restricting module releases the view restriction if the operation receiving unit receives a user operation on the object.

Abstract: A stream request is generated based on the stream address of a corresponding program selected from an electronic program guide that associates programs with corresponding IP multicast stream addresses by a subscriber/user device. The stream request is sent from the subscriber device to a broadband device, which compares the address in the request to available stream information listed in a content guide. The content guide contains information for all multicast streams that are available from a CMTS to the broadband device over DS channels of the current MAC domain. The broadband device locks to the stream that corresponds to the request, including tuning to a different DS channel if necessary. The broadband device may request another MAC domain if the stream is not available from the current one. After locking to a desired stream, the broadband device informs the CMTS so that it can adjust content guide user counts.

Abstract: A mobile terminal pre-stores address information of other terminals to be notification destinations of program information related to a television broadcast. During reception and display of the television broadcast, when a notification request for the program information related to the television broadcast being received is input, the mobile terminal generates notification data including the program information relating to the television broadcast while maintaining the reception and the display processing of the television broadcast, reads the address information of other terminals to be the notification destinations from the storage unit to transmit the generated notification data to other terminals on the basis of the read address information.

Abstract: A recording system includes: a receiving apparatus that receives a content; and a recording apparatus that records the content received by the receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes reception means for receiving the content, acceptance means for accepting a user's operation instructing to record the received content, generation means for generating a control signal for controlling a recording operation of the recording apparatus according to the accepted operation, and supply means for supplying the received content and the generated control signal to the recording apparatus, and the recording apparatus includes acquisition means for acquiring the content and the control signal supplied from the receiving apparatus, recording means for recording the acquired content, and control means for controlling the recording means according to the acquired control signal.

Abstract: An improved interactive network system is provided that allows the Network Operator to control the transfer of information to and from the network end users, the system preferably using triggers or markers embedded within the programming broadcast to users via the network. As a consequence of this system, the Network Operator is able to efficiently garner revenues from third parties transacting business over the network and to control the look and feel of programming offered to network users. Additionally the system can be used as a means of limiting network access, filtering programming, providing on-screen graphics or audible signals for particular programming types or providers, bookmarking programming, profiling network users, targeting advertising, and simplifying network transactions.

Abstract: A network personal video recorder (nPvR) supporting PVR functionality in a server-centric environment.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus, application transmitting/receiving method and reception status information transmitting method are disclosed, by which information associated with a broadcast reception status can be transmitted to a broadcast transmitting terminal and by which a problem of a storage device can be transmitted to a broadcast transmitting terminal in advance in case of attempting to receive an application or the like that will be transmitted by the broadcast transmitting terminal. The present invention includes collecting information indicating a remaining size of the storage device and transmitting the collected information according to a network management protocol.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating recording of media content events by media devices on remote storage devices are described. Some embodiments provide a remote storage manager as part of a media device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, the remote storage manager causes a media content event to be recorded on a remote persistent storage device by receiving the media content event from a program distributor, and then transmitting the media content event to the remote persistent storage device. In another embodiment, the remote storage manager instructs the remote persistent storage device to obtain the media content event from the program distributor, so that the remote persistent storage device can record the media content event without the media content event first being received by the remote storage manager.

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: A computer implemented method and apparatus for managing digital video recorder storage for one or more users. Each user in the multi-user environment is assigned an amount of program storage in the digital video recorder. Responsive to receiving a request to record a new program from a user in the multi-user environment, an associated amount of program storage assigned to the use is determined. Responsive to a determination that addition of the new program will not exceed the associated amount of program storage assigned to the user, the new program is recorded to the program storage.

Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transmitting a flow of digital data and of controlled messages associated with said flow addressed to mobile terminals. The flow comprises successive bursts of data of encrypted contents with control words included in the control messages transmitted in parallel with said flow. The method is characterized in that it consists in inserting a control message in each transmitted burst of contents, said message containing at least one control word designed to decrypt the contents of said burst.

Abstract: A reservation recording module registers program information in a reserved program EPG database and a restriction period in a restriction period setting information. A reserved program keyword extracting module extracts an associative keyword from the program information registered in the reserved program EPG database and registers the associative keyword in an associative keyword database. An information content analyzing module extracts a keyword group from the program information about a now-broadcasting program in electronic program guide (EPG) data. An associated information restriction period determining module specifies as a restriction target program, only a not-yet-viewed program satisfying the restriction period in the respective programs registered in the reserved program EPG database.

Abstract: Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.

Abstract: Video data and audio data corresponding to a predetermined attribute is retrieved from the video data and the audio data, each of which is stored in association with an attribute, and the retrieved items of the video data and the audio data are listed in a form showing a correlation between the video data and the audio data. In a case that items of the video data and audio data are selected, wherein said items of the video data and audio data are displayed and correlated with each other, the selected video data and audio data can be synchronized with each other and played-back.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multicasting multimedia content distribution system. A content server creates a schedule of transmission times for data streams and assigns the streams to multicast groups. DVRs receive the schedule from content server that contains content descriptions for each data stream along with the transmission times of each particular content description. The content server transmits the content across the Internet according to the published schedule via a multicast transmission designated for a particular multicast group. Each DVR determines the content for which it has an interest, finds the scheduled time for transmission for the content, schedules a recording time in its recording schedule, and joins the associated multicast group at the scheduled time. The DVR receives the multicast stream for the group and stores the stream on its local storage device for use by the DVR or for viewing by a user.

Abstract: A system for preparing a first multimedia stream, for use with an environment comprising a repository for storing a plurality of tracks, wherein each track is associated with at least one second multimedia stream. A track comprises a single type of data (e.g. audio, video etc.). The system comprises means for receiving a request comprising an associated parameter (e.g. position parameter); means for determining at least two of the plurality of tracks associated with the parameter (e.g. wherein the at least two tracks have associated information that matches the position parameter); and means, responsive to the determining means, for collating the determined at least two tracks in order to generate the first multimedia stream.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and products are disclosed for recording media. A network command message is received that identifies media to be recorded by a user's device. The network command message was sent on behalf of a provider and comprises the provider's instruction to have the user's device record the media. An entry is created in a recording schedule to record the media. The media is received and recorded such that the provider schedules recording of the media.

Abstract: Method for reproducing data streams, in particular of broadcast data, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one receiving data stream (RDS); providing a reproducing data stream (PDS) on the basis of said receiving data stream (RDS) and/or of derivatives (D-RDS) thereof; reproducing said reproducing data stream (PDS); including into said reproducing data stream (PDS) and thereby reproducing at least parts (S2,1-S2,6) of a second data stream (DS2) and/or of derivatives (D-DS2) thereof instead of said receiving data stream (RDS) in response to a first control signal; and generating said derivatives (D-RDS) of at least parts (S1,1-S1,7) of said receiving data stream (RDS).