Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: A method of performing time-shift function and television receiver having a tuner and a personal video recorder for storing broadcast programs of at least one channel enables a broadcast program of a currently tuned channel to be continuously and efficiently stored to enable time-shifting, regardless of an interruption by switching channels or changing input sources or even in the case of an inadvertent power-off condition.

Abstract: Provided is a video processing device capable of displaying an easily viewable video utilizing a broader area in a display. A video processing unit that is included in the video processing device and processes an input video includes a first memory that stores the input video, a second memory that stores the input video, a compression/expansion control unit that compresses and/or expands a first area of the input video stored in the first memory and compresses and/or expands a second area of the input video stored in the second memory, and an image composing unit that generates an output video in which a video of the first area compressed and/or expanded by the compression/expansion control unit and a video of the second area compressed and/or expanded by the compression/expansion control unit are horizontally aligned.

Abstract: When one program is selected from an EPG display screen, a flow goes to a screen prompting for selection of a program reservation method. When recording reservation is selected, the flow goes to a menu screen for selecting a recording reservation method. When video reservation is selected it is determined whether a video-linked recording setting completion flag is not yet set. If not yet set (YES), and when a video controller is not to be used, “the video controller is not to be used” is set for video-linked recording setting. Next, the video-linked recording setting completion flag is set to “already set”, and thereby, reservation registration can be continued. When reservation of a program selected from an EPG is selected, the program is video-reserved, and the flow returns to the EPG screen.

Abstract: A device is provided for use with an input signal and a selecting signal. The input signal has a first format, and the selecting signal has a first state and a second state. The device comprises a receiving portion and a transcoder portion. The receiving portion can receive the input signal and output a received signal. The transcoder portion is arranged to receive the selecting signal and can output a first transcoded signal when the selecting signal is in the first state and can output a second transcoded signal when the selecting signal is in the second state. The first transcoded signal is based on the received signal and is in a second format. The second transcoded signal is based on the received signal and is in a third format, wherein the first format is different from the second format, the first format is different from the third format and the second format is different from the third format.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: Storage management technology, in which a system determines a first amount of storage space on a downloader device of a user that is available for download of new content made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system also determines a second amount of storage space needed to download new content that has been made available on channels subscribed to by the user. The system further compares the second amount of storage space to the first amount of storage space and determines whether the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space. Based on a determination that the second amount of storage space exceeds the first amount of storage space, the system controls downloading of the new content to the downloader device and deletion of previously-stored content on the downloader device based on a content allocation policy.

Abstract: A digital display device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method of controlling the digital display device connected to at least one network includes receiving a channel selection command from a remote controller, receiving first content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) over the at least one network if a first channel is selected, outputting video data and audio data corresponding to the received first content (e.g., a TV program, etc.), storing content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) in an internal or external memory, accessing the internal or external memory if a second channel is selected, extracting second content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) stored in the accessed internal or external memory, and outputting video data and audio data corresponding to the extracted second content (e.g., a TV program, etc.).

Abstract: An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system, and a computer program product for delivering content to a communication device, in response to an image sent by the communication device. The received image is matched with a plurality of images, and, when a match is found for the received image, content corresponding to the image is delivered to the communication device. The plurality of images is stored in an image database, and the corresponding content is stored in a content repository. The present invention enables a content provider to automatically update the image database and the content repository without any human intervention.

Abstract: The METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR A PEER-TO-PEER CACHE CONTENT REPLACER (“P2PCCR”) rates the value of storing specified existing content and replaces the lowest rated existing content with the requested new content. In one embodiment, a method for content replacement that may be used in a peer to peer video on demand system is described. The method includes receiving a request for new content, obtaining usage and availability data, determining a value rating based on the usage and availability data, and replacing lowest value rated content with said new content.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner.

Abstract: An information receiving apparatus includes: a communication unit; a storage unit that stores data; a data acquisition unit that acquires distribution data that are received via the communication unit and stores the distribution data in a prescribed storage area of the storage unit that is determined in advance; and a control unit that, prior to the communication unit receiving the distribution data, performs a storage area securing process that secures a storage area by deleting data that are stored in the prescribed storage area of the storage unit or by transferring the data to another storage area of the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing programs, comprising storage means for storing a plurality of stored programs, for example, a television receiver comprising or controlling a video recorder. The apparatus comprises scheduling means for composing a personal reproduction schedule of a subset of said plurality of stored programs, in accordance with a user profile. If the apparatus is also capable of receiving broadcast programs, the scheduling means are adapted to include said broadcast programs in the reproduction schedule. A user-selectable virtual channel may be provided for easy inspection and execution of the reproduction schedule.

Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a broadcasting program recording system having a key input unit configured to receive a control signal from a user, the control signal including at least one of recording, reproducing, displaying and clipping signals, a display device configured to display a broadcasting program and a guide bar according to the control signal, respectively, a storage configured to store a broadcasting program, and a processor configured to control a broadcasting program to be recorded in the storage, control the recorded broadcasting program to be displayed on the display device, and control the guide bar to be displayed on the display device according to the control signal, respectively.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: In order to offer contents on demand services triggered by broadcasted TV programs in an efficient and effective way, notifications are received by a TV receiver, for example, a set-top box, on the availability of additional contents, such as, movie tracks, back stages, audio and/or video interviews, written articles, songs, photos, games, software programs, catalogues, brochures, electronic books, electronic tickets, electronic discounts, and electronic bonuses, together with TV programs, and these additional contents are automatically collected and stored into electronic appliances, for example, a portable electronic appliance, at the request of a user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to store a policy specifying at least one rule relating to recording, storage or delivery of broadcast programming to a consumer of such programming, and to record, store or deliver broadcast programming in response to at least one of the rules in the policy. According to another example embodiment, a method and system provide for a subscriber requesting that at least one broadcast television program be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and further that the at least one program offered to the subscriber for saving is determined based on a policy established for the at least program.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

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: A client terminal to provide a video program on demand to a client is connected to a video distribution system and a display device. The video distribution system (VDS) broadcasts a video program to the client terminal including an initial program segment (IPS) and a remaining program segment (RPS). The IPS is broadcast during a first broadcast time interval (FBTI) and the RPS is repetetively broadcast during a second broadcast time interval (SBTI). A terminal controller of the client terminal is responsive to a video control program. During the FBTI, the terminal controller records the IPS in a local memory. During the SBTI, the terminal controller selects the video program in response to a user input and displays the recorded IPS. Further, the terminal controller receives the RPS from the VDS and records it in the local memory. After displaying the recorded IPS, the terminal controller displays the recorded RPS.

Abstract: Improvements in program viewing apparatus and methods, some of which are now commonly referred to as personal video recorder (PVR) and program guide features in television sets, set top boxes and other video devices. The invention provides for a user display such as a flat panel program display device, a user remote for the user to control operations and features, program data storage for storing programs and related information, removable data storage for storing programs and related information on removable storage media. Also included is a data manager which functions include response to the user's desires via the user remote to control receiving and storing programs and select received or stored programs to be displayed on the user display device. The data manager may also be responsive to receive, store and display other services such as programming guide services to provide enhanced program viewing and storage management as directed by the user.

Abstract: The computer readable storage medium includes computer executable instructions for implementing a videodescription player module. The computer executable instructions implementing a user interface for selecting one or more videodescription output options among a plurality of videodescription output options. A videodescription player module generates a videodescription output that includes vocal communication information according to the selected output option.

Abstract: Described are computerized methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for providing electronic program guide services. The method includes storing an active media object list identifying media objects in an active state, receiving one or more tag requests identifying one or more programs, and updating a tag list to identify the one or more programs identified by the one or more tag requests. Each of the one or more programs are associated with one or more media objects. The method also includes generating a user navigation list comprising source identifiers of a plurality of selected media objects and a plurality of titles associated with each of the plurality of selected media objects. The plurality of selected media objects are each associated with at least one of the one or more programs identified in the tag list and included in the active media object list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a first video display coupled with a receiving system to display a video broadcast, and a computing device having a second display displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) corresponding to the video broadcast, wherein the EPG and the video broadcast are displayed concurrently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: Wireless and internet broadcasts can carry in-band digital information though use of watermark technology. This digital information can be used to direct a user to a particular internet site or resident application for supplemental or complimentary information, entertainment, merchandising, and commerce opportunities.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

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 method for enhancing digital video recorder television advertising viewership provides a method wherein the first or last number of seconds of a commercial break are carefully authored to provide a “teaser” to entice the viewer to watch multiple commercials during the commercial break instead of skipping the commercial break using the fast forward or jump functions of the DVR. A bookending function displays an advertisement before and/or after a program that has been recorded on the DVR's storage device is played to the viewer. The viewer selects a recorded program from the DVR's storage device to playback. Before the program is played back, an advertisement is retrieved from the storage device and is displayed before the program is run. Another advertisement is retrieved and then played after the program is over.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a detection unit, a comparison unit, and a warning unit. The detection unit generates a detection signal. The comparison unit determines whether the detection signal exceeds a predetermined detection signal. If it is determined that the detection signal exceeds the predetermined detection signal, the comparison unit generates a first comparison signal indicating the proximity of an object to the electronic device. The warning unit sends a warning message in response to the first comparison signal.

Abstract: A service module for a dedicated on-site media service. The service module enables a dedicated media service for a broadcast signal. The electronic media module includes a tuner, a media storage device, and an adapter. The tuner, which is coupled to the media storage device, or portion thereof, is tuned to receive a broadcast signal. The media storage device stores this broadcast signal. The adapter is coupled to the media storage device and to the tuner. The adapter further interfaces the tuner and the media storage device of the electronic media module with an electronic media system. A content provider has remote control over the stored content. The content provider also has remote control over on-site presentation of the stored media to the viewer. Multiple dedicated service modules installed on-site allow these functions to be applied across multiple content-providers simultaneously.

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: Various systems and methods allow supplemental information such as recipes, parts lists, instructions, notes, outlines or other information associated with a television program to be delivered in the same transport stream that carries the television program to the viewer. The transport stream includes at least two elementary streams, wherein the first elementary stream conveys video content associated with the television program and the second elementary stream conveys supplemental information that summarizes at least a portion of the television program. The device receiving the digital transport stream identifies the first and second elementary streams in the digital transport stream, processes the first elementary stream to present the video content associated with the television program to the viewer, and makes the supplemental information in the second elementary stream available to the viewer.

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 method and a system for digital content sharing between individual users in a peer-to-peer fashion, wherein each user is connected to a respective local access network through a transport network. The method and system provide local network storage areas associated with each user arranged for archiving digital contents, and carry out the transferring of contents via the transport network from a storage area associated with a user holding requested contents to a remote network storage area associated with a requesting user on a different access network according to the connectivity available on the transport network. The shared contents are made available for access by the requesting user on its local network storage area. A telecommunications network architecture includes the system so that there is a plurality of services of content sharing between pairs of individual users implementing the above method.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering video on demand (VOD) content via peer-to-peer (P2P) techniques are provided. A VOD distribution service maintains associations of viewers that have specific VOD content. As new viewers, which lack the specific VOD content, make requests for the specific VOD content from the VOD distribution service, the VOD distribution service identifies a P2P viewer from which the specific VOD content may be acquired via a P2P transaction.

Abstract: A first media service is acquired in response to a scheduled acquisition command, where the acquiring operation is performed by a user receiver. The time the acquiring operation takes place depends on information in the command, which indicates when the acquiring operation is supposed to take place and when operation terminates. The receipt of a non-scheduled command by the user receiver causes the acquisition of a second media service, where upon the expiration of the non-scheduled command, the first media service is re-acquired. Upon the expiration of the scheduled command, a third media service is automatically acquired, where the third media service was previously selected by a user.

Abstract: The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods of navigating previously viewed channels. In a particular embodiment, a method may include maintaining a channel list in a memory, the channel list comprising multiple previously viewed channels. The method may also include receiving a first signal to select a first selected channel in the channel list. The method may also include tuning a channel tuner to the first selected channel.

Abstract: To realize a service of data content that can interlock with AV content of programs without providing a band for broadcasting data content in a broadcast band for digital television broadcast, provided is a reception apparatus that receives an audio and/or video (AV) content, the apparatus including: an extraction section to extract trigger information from the AV content, the trigger information being related to an application program that is executed interlocking with a progress of the AV content, the trigger information including a trigger type; and a control section to control one of an activation of the application program, a dispatch of an event of the application program being executed, and an end of the application program being executed in accordance with the trigger type included in the extracted trigger information.

Abstract: An approach provides interactive application and advertisement within media streams. A program map table of a media stream is retrieved, wherein the program map table includes a plurality of private descriptor fields that permit user specified tag values. One of the descriptor fields is configured to indicate whether the media stream is associated with an interactive application or advertisement information.

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: A system includes a cache, coupled to a receiver, to store received content and advertisements. An interface in the receiver detects the occurrence of an advantageous condition during the play of content retrieved from the cache. The receiver locates one or more advertisements in the cache, and enables the display of a user interface in place of the content so long as the advantageous condition is detected. The user interface includes selectable indicia of the located advertisements and an indicia of the content. The interface is adapted to locate one or more advertisements using markers that are inserted into the content by the interface, and pointers to the one or more advertisements associated with the markers, the pointers having a stored association to the markers.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling access to media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a viewing request at a set-top box device at a user premises. The method also includes retrieving a permission policy stored at the set-top box device and identifying a wireless device associated with the permission policy. Further, the method includes fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a first relative proximity to the set-top box device, and not fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a second relative proximity to the set-top box device.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a new roundup of an audiovisual document previously recorded in a device. The document contains two parts, one being the roundup and the other composed of a plurality of reports. The roundup is itself divided into a plurality of parts. The device first searches for the associations between the roundup parts and the reports, and detects the reports that are not associated with roundup parts. Then, summaries are created for the reports not associated with the roundup, and incorporated into the initial roundup to create a new roundup. In this manner, the user can easily select any report from the roundup part associated with this report. The invention also relates to the receiver suitable for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and an information recording medium for storing and reproducing an interactive service capable of efficiently storing and processing interactive signaling information are provided. The information recording medium has recorded thereon interactive signaling information of a digital broadcast and includes a first region storing information on a time when the interactive signaling information occurs, a second region storing a type of the interactive signaling information and identification information; and a third region storing signaling items of the interactive signaling information. In the method and apparatus, filtering and monitoring using hardware or software to acquire interactive signaling information on a service stream for reproducing an interactive service is unnecessary because the signaling information is separately stored.