Abstract: A method for broadcasting a pre-recorded audio stream together with a video instant replay during a live event being broadcast, comprising, recording, prior to the live event, the comments of individuals who will be participating in the live event, transferring the recorded audio stream comments to an audio bank, accessing the audio stream during the live event, synchronizing the audio stream with a video instant replay of a portion of the live event, and broadcasting the synchronized prerecorded audio stream and video instant replay.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing CDN service providers are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider processes the client computing device requests and determines whether a subsequent request for the resource should be directed to a CDN service provider as a function of the updated or processed by the network storage provider storage component.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format and communicating the plurality of signals simultaneously through a primary path and a secondary path. A digital video effects module 240 inserting a digital video effect into at least a first signal of the plurality of signals in a primary path. An encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal. A modulator 210 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectively performing optimal connection configuration by recognizing the connection status between a video device and external peripheral devices. The method for identifying predetermined peripheral devices connected to a video device over serial communication control lines, includes, transmitting a command to establish connection of a current peripheral device having no given device ID to its upper peripheral device among the predetermined peripheral devices, and transmitting a command to disconnect a connection to its lower peripheral device; requesting unique device identification information to the predetermined peripheral devices; receiving a response to the request from the current peripheral device; and giving a device ID to the current peripheral device.

Abstract: Viewers of video on demand (“VOD”) programs are automatically presented with Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) information during an invocation of the EAS system. A VOD Support System receives notification of an EAS event and directs EAS information to be stored in a VOD Server. The VOD Support System then invokes a function in the VOD Server, causing the VOD server to suspend all active VOD streams and, instead, stream out the EAS information comprising a preamble and emergency information identified by the VOD Support System. Upon completion of streaming this information, the VOD Server will automatically resume each of the VOD programs previously suspended. VOD viewers watching a VOD session that is interrupted by an EAS test are thus automatically returned to their VOD programming at the point where their program was interrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and distributing video information in an interactive information distribution system by storing video information on either a centralized or de-centralized secondary storage partition in a network of provider and subscriber equipment, and therein distributing the video information to a subscriber having made a request for such video information.

Abstract: A recording center station includes functions for receiving a broadcast wave and saving or recording received data. In response to a request from each receiving station, the recording center station substitutionally records a specified broadcast program and provides a recorded content. There may be the case where the receiving station cannot record a reserved program independently due to insufficient free space remaining in a recording medium or a recording apparatus failure. In this case, the receiving station can automatically issue a recording substitution request to the recording center station for substitution of the program recording.

Abstract: A communication terminal according to the invention aims at improving convenience by proper reflection of a user's intention changing in accordance with a status of the terminal. A portable phone terminal provided with a broadcast program reception function, including: a program reservation unit 31 for reserving a process for a broadcast program; a terminal status detection unit 42 for detecting a status of the terminal; and a terminal operation control unit 43 for performing control to correct the reserved process in accordance with the terminal status up to a predetermined point of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for maximizing utility of a media delivery network having a media source, a first media adaptor, a second media adaptor and a media renderer. The media source can provide data in a first format and a second format. The first media adaptor can receive the data in the first format from the media source. The second media adaptor can receive the data in the second format from the media source. The first media adaptor can further provide data in a third format based on the received data in the first format. The second media adaptor can further provide data in a fourth format based on the received data in the second format. The media renderer can render the data in the third format and can render the data in the fourth format.

Abstract: Automatically recovering from broken network connections in streaming media scenarios. Server software executing on the server communicates with client software executing on the client during the streaming media session. If the streaming media session is interrupted, the server software and the client software exchange messages to associate the client with a client state stored by the server and to re-synchronize playback of the content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A courtesy announcement system and method for broadcasting messages audially and visually having a central database server connected to operator workstation computers. Announcements stored and maintained in the database server can be accessed, viewed, modified, and replayed by any of a plurality of operators located at the workstation computers. Operators receive and construct announcements to be broadcast using announcement templates and the broadcasts can be multi-lingual even if the operator is not multi-lingual. Announcement templates includes pre-translated variables, and optional announcement delivery settings permit the operator to conduct the destination of the announcements, when the announcement should be broadcast, and start times for broadcast, among other settings.

Abstract: Systems and methods of deferred multimedia content delivery are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a request from a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device to receive multimedia content. The method also includes selectively recording the multimedia content at a server based on a comparison of a measured bandwidth associated with the first CPE device and a bandwidth threshold. The method may also include delivering the multimedia content to the first CPE device from a network when measured bandwidth is available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing a channel switching delay in TDM mobile television systems, and comprises receiving a data burst associated with channels for reception on a RF channel bandwidth received on a mobile television receiver, wherein the data burst comprises a plurality of RTP packets and a RTCP packet; buffering the data burst upon reception of a first RTP packet; synchronizing the buffered data burst to allow for reception of playable A/V data; and adjusting the synchronized buffered data burst upon reception of the RTCP packet. The method may further comprise performing the synchronizing upon reception of the RTCP packet. The method may further comprise inserting a null packet in the data burst prior to performing the buffering. The first RTP packet is preferably received prior to reception of the RTCP packet.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing CDN service providers are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider processes the client computing device requests and determines whether a subsequent request for the resource should be directed to a CDN service provider as a function of the updated or processed by the network storage provider storage component.

Abstract: A system for displaying electronic program guide information about a plurality of video items on a screen, the system including a display module to display a plurality of pages layering into the screen, each of the pages including a plurality of graphical panels associated with the video items, and a user input module to receive a user input to turn at least one of the pages such that the at least one page is peeled away from other ones of the pages in order to bring the graphical panels of the at least one page in or out of view, wherein the display module is operative to show the turning of the at least one page bringing the at least one page in or out of view. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: Media can be presented based on location associated with presentation of media (e.g., physical location of a device that is to present media). Presentation of media can be effectively controlled in order to automatically present a first media content (e.g., a list of songs, an album) in accordance with a first set of media presentation attributes or parameters (e.g., volume associated with presentation of audible media) at a first location, while a second media content is automatically presented in accordance with a second set of media presentation attributes or parameters when the current location is changed to a second location.

Abstract: Provided is a device that records or outputs information, which acquires a first image to be a display target, judges whether at least a part of the acquired first image is a preset non-target image, and determines whether the acquired first image is an image to be recorded or output. When it is determined that the acquired first image is the image to be recorded or output as a result of the determination, the device records or outputs the acquired first image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, A nonlinear editing system comprises a video encoder, an audio compressor and an engine unit. The engine unit is adapted to synchronize the video with the first alternate video and to synchronize the audio with the first alternate audio so that, where the scene of the program includes objectionable content, either (i) the video is substituted with the first alternate video, (ii) the audio is substituted with the first alternate audio, or (iii) both the video and the audio are substituted with the first alternate video and the first alternate audio.

Abstract: A personal video service manager can store one or more personal video assets on a server. A personal video asset can include a recording of a broadcast stream of a broadcast asset or an asset that has been pre-authored in a personal video asset format. Upon receiving a request from a subscriber to receive the personal video asset, the personal video service manager can facilitate a connection between the server and the subscriber for distributing the personal video asset from the server to the subscriber.

Abstract: A recording apparatus receives, with respect to an identical program, high image quality digital broadcasting data and low image quality digital broadcasting data, records the high image quality program data and the low image quality program data in a recording medium. When a cellular phone device is connected to the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus transfers the recorded low image quality program data to the cellular phone device via a communication interface. The recording apparatus transmits, to the portable cellular phone device, management information of the end of playback and deletion of the first program data whose program is identical to that of the transferred second program data.

Abstract: An information distribution system includes an interconnect and multiple data processing nodes coupled to the interconnect. Each data processing node includes mass storage and a cache. Each data processing node also includes interface logic configured to receive signals from the interconnect and to apply the signals from the interconnect to affect the content of the cache, and to receive signals from the mass storage and to apply the signals from the mass storage to affect the content of the cache. The content of the mass storage and cache of a particular node may also be provided to other nodes of the system, via the interconnect.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof determines a title of a recorded program. After a desired video content that is transmitted through a channel has been recorded upon user's request of timer recording, it is checked if more than one program is scheduled for broadcast on that channel during the preset timer recording interval based on broadcast program time information obtained from the channel. If it is determined that more than one programs is scheduled, the title of the recorded desired video content is determined on the basis of time length, data size, and/or minimum ratio.

Abstract: Audiences for viewing items in one or more electronic repositories including a blog are visually depicted. Input from a user is received for creating different types of items for viewing in the blog. The different types of items include private items, items that are internal for an organization, and public items. Input is also received from the user for selecting audiences for viewing the different types of items in the blog. Items for viewing on the blog are selected from among the created items, and the selected items are displayed on the blog for viewing by the selected audiences. Each selected item is displayed with a visual cue that is distinct for each type of item. The visual cue indicates the selected audience for viewing the item.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

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 system and method for providing an interactive, visual complement to one or more audio programs. In one aspect, the system comprises an audio subsystem for generating an audio signal corresponding to a sound recording. The system also comprises a video subsystem for generating a video image specification based, at least in part, on the sound recording. In one aspect, the audio signal and video image specification are transmitted to an audio/video signal transmission system. The transmission system receives the video image specification and generates a video signal that conforms to the video image specification. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to at least one consumer receiver. In this way, the system provides a visual complement to an audio program.

Abstract: A dedicated apparatus for playing unmodified software, housed in a home entertainment system chassis, for playing in a home entertainment environment the existing body of interactive multimedia software that has been formatted and published for compatibility with standard personal computer platforms. Video and audio output signals are generated in response to the processing of the multimedia software program, which are fed to the home entertainment system for presentation to an audience. A further aspect is the provision of a drop & play feature which automatically initiates playing of multimedia software in a sequence that appears to be similar to playing on a videogame console, i.e., without requiring any further action from a user after inserting the media or selecting play.

Abstract: Disclosed is a projector and data processing method and system for recommending digital media content to a user. The method and system gather statistics about the preferences of the user and/or compare the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population. The population data may be qualified by demographics or other factors classifying the user. Sources of the digital media content include radio broadcast television broadcast, global computer network content, email, and personal organizing software/programs.

Abstract: Program content is received at a headend of a broadband communication system, along with data concerning scheduled start and end times of the program derived from electronic program guide (EPG) data. After the program is broadcast, the actual broadcast start and end times of the program are compared with the corresponding scheduled times to determine whether there is any start and/or end time variance. If a time variance is determined, the content of the program is redefined to include only its supposed content. The redefined content is then made part of an asset for later retrieval and distribution.

Abstract: Uplink signaling for controlling a plurality of decoders at a remote site. An uplink has a control server for controlling a storage system of the decoders at the remote site. The control server of the uplink controls the storage system by injecting at least one global control stream multiplexed with a transport stream. The transport multiplexed with the global control stream is formed at the uplink for controlling the decoders simultaneously.

Abstract: For interactive television subscribers, a system (10) and method for persistent storage of common information relating to a user (25) required by multiple disparate iTV applications to be shared among said applications to ease the burden of data entry off the user. Subscribers do not have to repeatedly enter the same common user information required by multiple applications. The registration information inputted by a user (25) is logged, temporarily stored in the STB (35), and its contents transmitted to a remote central repository (100) at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing broadcast programs for future transmission to subscribers comprising means for receiving a broadcast channel data stream which comprises a plurality of sequential programs and, a data storage means, wherein, video and audio data relating to each program are extracted from a received broadcast channel data stream and stored on the data storage means at a known position, service information relating to each program is extracted from the data stream and stored at a known position on the data storage means with data identifying the position on the storage means at which the corresponding video and audio data for the program are stored.

Abstract: A system for processing data stream content in a multi-channel broadcast multimedia system including a packet processor having an input control having a filter module for detecting at least one priority data stream from an input data stream, and an output control including a format module for displaying the priority data streams in real-time. The system can include an alarm detector for checking a rate of the priority data stream and issuing an alarm in the event of an alarm condition of the priority data stream.

Abstract: A device receives updated television content, and generates a file that provides an indication to copy the updated television content to multiple television distribution sites, where each television distribution site includes multiple television distribution devices. The device identifies one of the multiple television distribution devices, associated with each of the multiple television distribution sites, to receive the file, packages the updated television content with the file, for the identified one of the multiple television distribution devices, and provides the updated television content and the file to the identified one of the multiple television distribution devices.

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: A data providing system of the present invention is provided with an image acquiring device, an area extracting device, a data storing device, and a data providing device. For each image data acquired by the image acquiring device, a storage destination specifying area is extracted by the area extracting device, storage destination is specified by a storage destination specifying device, and the image data is stored at the storage destination by the data storing device.

Abstract: Control system with global control stream for controlling a plurality of decoders. The control system simultaneously controls a plurality of decoders at a remote location by using a global control data stream. A global control stream is a collection of data used for global applications. There are currently three global data streams—disaster recovery, live event control, and storage control. The streams may exist on a shared or independent PID. A control server forms a transport stream and the global control stream is injected into the transport stream by the control server.

Abstract: A storage control system for a decoder. A decoder with a hardware platform for receiving and decoding coded data and a storage system for temporarily holding the decoded data from the hardware platform. A transport stream containing a global control data stream is used to manage the storage system. The global control data stream has an acquisition table (ACT) for providing a schedule of contents to be recorded, a playout control table (PCT) for providing a schedule of content that is to be played out by the decoder, and a content control table (CCT) for listing content that exists on the decoders.

Abstract: A method for providing television content to a wireless communication device via a home network includes receiving channel selection information for a selected channel from the wireless communication device over a wireless communication link; tuning one or more tuners of a wireless access device to the selected channel; obtaining television content from a content source in communication with the wireless access device for the selected channel via a communication link; converting the television content for the channel to an appropriate format for the wireless communication device; and sending the television content for the channel in the appropriate format to the wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining data regarding customer use of interactive television, where application servers residing at a broadcast center include application programs that provide customers with a graphical user interface. Customers may retrieve the application programs via a satellite through integrated receiver/decoders (“IRDs”). The IRD includes a modem, callback functionality and flash memory for storing a data log of customer transaction and navigation data. Communications servers reside at the broadcast center for receiving callbacks from the IRDs. Interactive servers also reside at the broadcast center where the interactive servers include interactive data repositories IDRs for storing data. The interactive servers may also include a parser of the data in the data log and an encapsulator of data into the appropriate protocol for database users.

Abstract: To provide a multi-screen video playback apparatus outputting video data to a plurality of display units constituting a multi-screen display, respectively, and capable of reliably and efficiently delivering the video data and playback control information required for reproducing the video data. There is provided a multi-screen video playback apparatus including: a plurality of rendering units RU1 to RU4 which is connected to a network and outputs video data to the corresponding display units among a plurality of display units; and an video delivery server VS as video-data and playback-control-information delivery device, which is connected to the network and has a function of delivering the video data to the plurality of rendering units and a function of delivering to the plurality of rendering units playback control information making the plurality of rendering units output the video data to the corresponding display units.

Abstract: A state store having state information therein is stored on a computing device. Information at least nearly unique to the computing device is obtained, and a number of locations at which at least a portion of the state store is to be stored at is determined. Pseudo-random file names and corresponding paths are generated based at least in part on the obtained information, whereby the generated file names and corresponding paths are likewise at least nearly unique to the computing device, and the generated file names and path are paired to form the locations. Thereafter, the state store is stored according to the generated locations.

Abstract: An audiovisual system is provided for a facility having a facility distribution system with a plurality of channels receivable throughout the facility. A plurality of digital media storage devices store digital content files and each reproduce a respective digital content file as respective analog output signals. Each of the respective analog output signals is coupled to respective channels of the facility distribution system. A main server system is coupled to a LAN and provides a directory of subscribed content items in a content library accessible over a WAN. The main server system maintains respective listings of downloaded content items corresponding to each of the digital media storage devices, wherein the main server system is accessible to a user for initiating reproduction of a selected subscribed content item at a selected time.

Abstract: Shared network path contention can be reduced by limiting the number of contending client devices to which pending requests may be outstanding. Contention may also be reduced by managing available downstream bandwidth based on request size and managing available upstream bandwidth based on estimated response size. Portions of available downstream and/or upstream bandwidth may also be allocated to groups of one or more applications from which requests may be received, and the allocated portions may be configured to vary over time.

Abstract: Uplink signaling for controlling a plurality of decoders at a remote site. An uplink has a control server for controlling a storage system of the decoders at the remote site. The control server of the uplink controls the storage system by injecting at least one global control stream multiplexed with a transport stream. The transport multiplexed with the global control stream is formed at the uplink for controlling the decoders simultaneously.

Abstract: A multimedia apparatus, such as a set top box for use with a television set, comprises a receiver for receiving program data from a communication channel and a processor which stores said program data with a file containing associated secondary program data, such as a promotional trailer. The processor compiles a menu of secondary program data files allowing a viewer to watch a trailer and decide whether to retrieve the full program or film. The secondary data may be broadcast in parallel with the program data. Alternatively, the processor may run an application for producing the secondary program data, e.g. using earmarked portions of the full program data.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a system and method of broadcasting audio and visual information to a plurality of audio reproduction devices and visual display devices utilizing a plurality of control computers linked thereto by a communications network. The invention employs a plurality of pre-recorded digital audio files and corresponding visual representation thereof to allow a user to construct message sequences for broadcast with a minimum of system input. Furthermore, a user may specify a plurality of broadcast zones to broadcast audio and visual messages.