Abstract: A method for controlling the output of media content, particularly audio content, to a user in relation to an apparatus, such as a set-top-box, having an input, for receiving media content, and an output, for providing the media content to an output device such as a television or other display device. Media content is received at the input and then analysed using a media content recognition unit. The media content recognition unit undertakes the step of identifying portions of the received media content that contain undesired content, such as offensive language. The output of media content to a user is then controlled, based on any identified undesired content, to prevent the output of content when the identified undesired portions are to be output. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also provided.

Abstract: A system, an authentication engine and a method are described herein for authenticating an end user and associating their set-top box with a third party web based application to stream a third party video to the set-top box. In one example, the end user may utilize a client device (e.g., computer, laptop computer, smart phone) to access via the internet the third party video provider which lists a number of videos that the end user could watch on their television. The end user would select one of the videos to watch and then their cable provider would stream the video to the end-user's set-top box to be displayed on their television. To enable this service, the authentication system authenticates the end user and associates their set-top box with the third party video provider's web based application.

Abstract: A media content broadcast blackout control method, comprising receiving a retune message requesting a blackout of a primary media content broadcast in specific regions, generating a playlist for each region comprising a content key wrapped in a region-specific media key, wherein the content key in the playlists for regions that are not subject to the blackout is configured to access the primary media content broadcast, and the content key in the playlists for regions that are subject to the blackout is configured to access an alternate media content broadcast, providing the playlists to client devices within each region, providing the primary media content broadcast to client devices whose region-specific media key unwraps the content key for the primary media content broadcast, and providing the alternate media content broadcast to client devices whose region-specific media key unwraps the content key for the alternate primary media content broadcast.

Abstract: Providing video-on-demand (VOD) content to a subscriber may be disclosed. First, a request for a VOD session may be received from a companion device. Next, in response to the received request for the VOD session, a catalog of VOD content may be sent to the companion device. A selection of VOD content listed in the catalog of VOD content may then be received. A digital transport adaptor (DTA) corresponding to the received request for the VOD session may be identified. Next, the VOD session may be setup with the identified DTA and the selected VOD content may be streamed to the identified DTA.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for controlling a media program based on a media reaction. In some embodiments, the techniques pause, mute, or stop a media program when a user leaves the room, when a user in the room is talking or is otherwise not paying attention to the program, or when a child walks into the room.

Abstract: A first user device receives, from a service provider network, digital media content and presents the digital media content to a user. The first user device receives, from the service provider network, an indication that a second user device, associated with an account of the user and providing a higher quality presentation, is available to present the digital media content. The first user device presents a notice to the user that the second user device is available. In one aspect, the notice to the user is be selected by the user to initiate a switch to the second user device.

Abstract: A method includes sending a user interface to a device associated with a content source. The user interface includes a listing of media content recorded by a network recorder. The media content is associated with the content source. The network recorder recorded the media content in response to requests received from subscriber devices. The user interface also includes a selectable element associated with each item of the listing. The selectable element for a particular item enables configuration of digital rights of recorded media content associated with the particular item to enable distribution of the recorded media content to subscribers that did not send requests to record the recorded media content via the network recorder. The method also includes receiving user input from the device via the user interface for a selected item. The user input associates a particular offer profile with first media content associated with the selected item.

Abstract: A widget running on user equipment selectively obscures portions of media content according to user and/or service provider defined criteria. Information regarding potentially objectionable content in media content may be stored in databases. Based on the information regarding potentially objectionable content and the defined criteria, the database may provide censor instructions. The instructions may be executed by the widget to obscure the potentially objectionable content in media content that is accessed by the user equipment.

Abstract: A method and a TV receiver for updating child protection information on the TV receiver are suggested. The suggested method scans receivable TV channels, searches for child protection information and stores such information together with the associated TV channel number in a memory. If the user switches to a new TV channel then as a first step it is checked if for the newly selected TV channel and child protection information is stored and if it is within a predefined allowed range. In this way adolescent users are effectively protected against offensive content.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and/or systems are provided for enabling a time-shifted, on-demand social network for watching, creating, and/or sharing time-shifted annotation datasets (e.g., commentary tracks) synced to any on-demand programming, and for enabling sharing of access to portions of a content item with users across a plurality of content delivery services.

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 user interface may be provided including a media guide. The media guide may comprise at least two display elements. One of the displayed at least two display elements may comprise an action card. The action card may be configured to display a plurality of actions that can be taken with respect to the one of the plurality of programs. The plurality of actions may include a parental information action.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a TV operation environment for users submitting authorizing passwords. The method of setting a user environment of a television (TV) includes displaying a plurality of icons of Identifications (IDs) for respective users, each of the IDs corresponding to an operation environment for a user. If an ID icon is selected among the displayed icons, a password corresponding to the selected ID icon is authenticated, and if a user is authenticated by the password, a preset operation mode for the user is set.

Abstract: A transport stream provider for providing a plurality of transport stream packets describing digital media information is configured to provide a transport stream packet of a first packet type including a program association table and key information for decrypting encrypted media information. The program association table contains an association between a program No. and a packet type identifier of a further transport stream packet of a second packet type. The transport stream provider is configured to provide a transport stream packet of the second packet type in such a manner that the transport stream packet of the second packet type contains a reference to packet type identifiers of transport stream payload data packets which describe contents of different content types of the digital media information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media controller subsystem that can provide video streaming using a distributed network control server, media server, and virtual network console on a common processing or circuit board and filter and apply restrictions to media content based on one or more of the identity of the vehicle occupant requesting media content, the identity of a portable computational device associated with the vehicle occupant, and the spatial location of the vehicle occupant and/or remote computational device.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and a method of restricting harmful information thereof are provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a data judgment module which judges whether to restrict digital content by comparing content information included in a packet of the digital content with viewing restriction information; and a control unit which controls whether to display the digital content in accordance with a result of the judgment of the data judgment module. The method includes receiving digital content that is transmitted in a unit of a packet; judging whether viewing of the digital content is permitted by comparing content information included in the packet with viewing restriction information; and preventing a display of the digital content if it is judged that the viewing of the digital content is not permitted.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to store a policy specifying rules 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 a rule. According to an example embodiment, a method and system provide for a subscriber requesting that a broadcast television program be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and that the program offered to the subscriber for saving is determined based on a policy established for the program. According to another example embodiment a system provides a computing device including a computer program to control the recording or delivery of a broadcast television program in accordance with a policy established to control the recording or delivery of the broadcast television program.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) application which can be applied to TVs. The P2P application promotes a social networking aspect by allowing devices connecting to either the home mesh network and/or Internet to share contents and create common-interest channels. The P2P application does not require support from network infrastructure (e.g., no central servers), and consequently is extremely cost-effective and easy to deploy. The distributed nature of this system allows users to join or leave the network at will. It takes advantage of the local home mesh network connectivity, or existing Internet connections. A participant that tunes into a broadcast on an Internet channel is not only downloading a video stream, but also uploading it to other participants watching the program. Data mining systems capture user preferences and create personalized Internet channels on the TV using the P2P network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing, receiving, and playing a video in multiple rating formats are disclosed herein. A storage component stores video segments of a video, wherein different rating formats of at least one of the video segments are available for streaming to a streaming component. An identification component determines a desired rating format for the at least one of the video segments and a selection component selects and requests a subset of the video segments to be streamed based in part on the desired rating format. The streaming component then receives the subset of the video segments of the video.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.

Abstract: A media content broadcast blackout control method, comprising receiving a retune message requesting a blackout of a primary media content broadcast in specific regions, generating a playlist for each region comprising a content key wrapped in a region-specific media key, wherein the content key in the playlists for regions that are not subject to the blackout is configured to access the primary media content broadcast, and the content key in the playlists for regions that are subject to the blackout is configured to access an alternate media content broadcast, providing the playlists to client devices within each region, providing the primary media content broadcast to client devices whose region-specific media key unwraps the content key for the primary media content broadcast, and providing the alternate media content broadcast to client devices whose region-specific media key unwraps the content key for the alternate primary media content broadcast.

Abstract: A method includes sending, by a user device, a request for video content based on a selected video content chapter of the video content. The method also includes receiving video content information that includes a list of video content chapters of the video content. The method includes determining, for each listed video content chapter, whether the video content chapter has been previously stored on the user device. The method further includes downloading particular chapters of the video content in a priority order based on the selected chapter in response to a determination that the particular chapters have not been previously stored on the user device, and playing the video content based on the selected chapter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.

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: A client device receives streaming first media from a content delivery network (CDN). The client device executes a media player to play the streaming first media, and receives a first input from a user of the client device that marks a first censoring start time and a first censoring stop time associated with a first portion of the first media that the user wishes to censor. The client device further receives a second input from the user that includes a reason that justifies censoring the first portion of the first media, and stores the first censoring start time and the first censoring stop time in association with data corresponding to the second input from the user in a cut profile for the first media. The client device sends the cut profile for the first media to a content management server in the CDN.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product automatically selects broadcast content at a broadcast receiver. A first broadcast content on a first channel of a broadcast receiver is received and presented aurally and/or visually. A second broadcast content on a second channel of the broadcast receiver is evaluated to determine if it is rated higher than the first broadcast content. A determination is also made as to whether the first broadcast content can be interrupted by the second broadcast content. If the second broadcast content has a higher rating than the first broadcast content, and if it is deemed permissible to interrupt the first broadcast content, then the broadcast receiver automatically switches to the second channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a request receiver, a content selector, and a transmission initiator. The request receiver receives a request from a remote player for a transmission of on-demand content. The request includes a rating control setting. The rating control setting indicates an allowable rating for the on-demand content. The content selector identifies a content file relating to the on-demand content with a rating matching the rating control setting. The content selector also selects, based on the rating control setting, the identified content file for the transmission to the remote player. The transmission initiator initiates the transmission of the selected content file to the remote player.

Abstract: A method for switching between minor channels for digital televisions is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a minor channel is in a non-signal state, analyzing information of a major channel, to which the minor channel in the non-signal state pertains, if the minor channel is in the non-signal state, followed by obtaining information of minor channels pertaining to the major channel, and selecting other minor channels excluding the minor channel in the non-signal state based on an analysis of the information of the minor channels to sequentially determine whether the selected minor channels are in a signal state, followed by switching from the minor channel in the non-signal state to a minor channel in the signal state if a minor channel in the signal state is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for on-the-fly playlist shuffling. There can be multiple ways to perform the shuffling. In one instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by sorting the media files based on a parameter. In another instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by shuffling the media files. In yet another instance, the electronic device can first sort the media files into groups of media files based on a parameter. The electronic device can then shuffle the media files within each group. In this manner, the media files can be randomized but only within each group. In all instances, the current media file can continue to play without any interruption. Finally, the electronic device can sort the media files based on the context of the media file that is currently playing.

Abstract: The video services receiver system and related operating methods disclosed herein enable better management of blackout information for events associated with a broadcast service, such as a satellite television service. A system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with a service, a display interface for the display, at least one memory element configured to store dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, and a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element. The processor is configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing both the dated blackout information and the frequently updated blackout information. The processor is configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted.

Abstract: A method for adding a conditional access system to a digital audio/video transmission system that delivers content from a source to a security device associated with an audio/video processing device by providing at the broadcast source a datastream having system information data including an unused identifier reserved for security data associated with the additional conditional access system.

Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

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: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: Multiple rating versions of content are provided and selectable by a viewer. A user can select one of the rating versions of the content for viewing. The user selection is dynamic such that the user can change the rating version selected while watching the content. Substitution instructions and substitution segments are downloaded and stored in a substitution cache. When a substitution descriptor is encountered in the content, a processor obtains at least one substitution instruction that corresponds to a substitution instruction identification code stored in the substitution descriptor. The processor executes the instruction to effect the rating change.

Abstract: A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A receiver and method for operating the same includes a memory storing purchase information therein and a communication module. A controller is in communication with the memory and the communication module. The controller determines whether an existing Internet connection is present at the communication module when the existing Internet connection is present and communicates purchase information to a service provider through the existing Internet connection. The controller determines whether a subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within a mandatory callback time period, when purchase information has been communicated within the mandatory callback time period and advances the mandatory callback time period. The controller initiates the communication module to initiate a new Internet connection when there is no existing Internet connection present or no subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within the mandatory callback time period.

Abstract: A method for installing different security clients for channels in a terminal in a conditional access system includes: searching one or more channels searchable in the terminal; requesting, for respective searched channels, security clients necessary for receiving pay programs to be transmitted through the searched channels, to a broadcasting station which takes charge of the searched channels; and downloading and installing, for respective searched channels, the requested security clients from the broadcasting station.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of pornographic contents in a sequence of video frames having associated respective motion vectors, includes identifying groups of motion vectors having similar orientation and the presence, in subsequent frames of the sequence, of motion types defined by affiliated groups of motion vectors having homologous motion characteristics in subsequent frames. Thereafter, detection in these motion types of the occurrence of negative affiliations representative of an inversion in the motion of the respective group of vectors. If the number of such negative affiliations counted at a given interval reaches a given count threshold, identified in the sequence of frames is a periodic motion susceptible of having pornographic content. Repetition of the periodic motions may be verified, the image sequence identified as susceptible to having pornographic contents and/or subjected to an optional verification procedure such as “skin detection” type, and transmission may be blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resuming playback of media content from more than one Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) device. The playback of a media asset or media content typically contains an asset ID and a start time. Based on the architecture of a second display device (e.g., a second IPTV device) the IPTV system determines the identity of an account and its associated IPTV devices. When a user pauses an asset, the system sends the asset identification (ID) and the stop time to a server operatively coupled to the system. The next time (within a predefined duration) the user requests the same asset ID, the pause time and the asset ID are returned. Using the pause time and the asset ID, the user can resume playback of the asset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.

Abstract: A first version and a second version of audio visual content are provided via a disc, a web site or a mobile device application to consumers. The second version has audiovisual content removed from the first version that is not appropriate for a type of viewer, such as children. In addition, a menu is provided that allows a user to select the first version or the second version to play on a device. In addition to or instead of the second version, the menu may allow the user to customize the first version for an intended audience.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: When the set-top box (STB) has been switched on, registration and authentication with the provider (IDP) are carried out (1, 2, 3). Following successful authentication, a piece of authentication information is then sent (4) to the set-top box (STB), which the set-top box (STB) sends (5) to a service provider (SP1) for registration. The service provider (SP1) then sets up (6) a connection to the provider (IDP) of the registration and authentication function in order to verify the authentication information and to request guidelines for charging, and the provider (IDP) of the registration and authentication function sends (7) confirmation to the service provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking content sources from which media assets have previously been viewed are provided. A user request to access a first content source is received. Content currently being presented to the user from the first content source is monitored to determine whether the content meets a criterion. An amount of time the content being presented meets the criterion is measured. In response to determining the amount of time exceeds a threshold, an identifier of the first content source is stored in a list of content sources from which content meeting the criterion was previously presented to the user. Content received from one of the content sources in the list is presented each time a user request to access a last content source is received.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for performing an operation, the operation including transmitting a media stream to one or more devices configured to display the media stream on a display coupled to the respective device, receiving user feedback from a first set of devices, of the one or more devices, marking the media stream as inappropriate, and upon determining that the received user feedback exceeds a threshold, marking the media stream as inappropriate, transmitting the marked media stream to a first device, of the one or more devices exclusive of the first set of devices, and wherein the first device is configured to, responsive to receiving the marked media stream, restrict display of the marked media stream on the respective display.