Abstract: A method and system for providing digital rights to a user device is set forth. The user device forms a selection signal from guide data. The user device communicates a digital rights determination signal to a first authentication module in response to selecting. The first authentication module communicates a query signal to a second authentication module to determine whether the user device is authorized to receive content associated with the selection signal. The second authentication module communicates an address of a content delivery module to the user device through the first authentication module when the user device is authorized. A digital rights management server communicates a request for content to a content delivery module using the address of the content delivery module. The content delivery module communicates content to the user device corresponding to the selection signal. The user device displays content on the display associated with the user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying objects displayed in a media asset are provided. First and second parental control restrictions associated with first and second users within a perceivable range of a user equipment device are retrieved. The first parental control restriction enables access to content associated with a first authorization level and the second parental control restriction enables access to content associated with a second authorization level. A common authorization level that does not violate the first and second parental control restrictions is identified. A media asset that satisfies the common authorization level is presented to the first and second users in a first form. Supplemental content associated with the media asset that violates the second parental control restriction but does not violate the first parental control restriction is selected. The supplemental content is presented in a second form while the media asset is being presented in the first form.

Abstract: A television receiver receives a programming signal including programming content and EPG data. The television receiver receives a request for an EPG display. The television receiver modifies the EPG data for one or more records in the EPG data which include content ratings that exceed a ratings lock setting of the television receiver. The television receiver may modify the EPG data for one or more records in a variety of different manners depending on a variety of different factors associated with the records. The television receiver then generates the EPG display from the modified EPG data and transmits the generated EPG display to a display device. The modification of the EPG data may prevent display of objectionable content in the EPG display and/or may indicate that the records correspond to blocked programs.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for managing communication between a display device and a remote server or services is provided. A remote server provides access to widget applications that are to be used on the display device. The method includes receiving a request from the display device, and the request includes data that identifies attributes of the display device. Then, examining the data to authorize access a specific application widget gallery. The specific widget gallery includes widget applications that have passing filter parameters for the request. Then, returning to the display device data for populating attributes or widget application data for rendering on the display device. Furthermore, the methods and systems for providing access to, installing, administering and rendering web-based applications (e.g., widgets) on a display device, which connects to a server, are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus interposed between a healthcare pillow speaker and an internally-unmodified commodity television where said apparatus powers the pillow speaker, enables the pillow speaker to control the television and drives the pillow speaker with said television audio content. The apparatus is designed to attain applicable healthcare safety approvals. The apparatus is designed to be compatible with standard healthcare equipment and to be placed within new and existing installations. The apparatus can selectively shut off the audio drivers to reduce noise. The apparatus generates its own audio content for the pillow speaker. The apparatus can enable, disable, set access timers, track and report on user access and equipment operational. The apparatus can internally configure limits and alternatives in how the television equipment will be controlled.

Abstract: A device is secured against unauthorized use with a passcode based on a sensory association of a visual item with one or both of a sound clip and a tactile pattern. The sensory association passcode is encoded from one or more frames containing a user-selected combination of the visual item with the sound clip and/or the tactile pattern. The sensory association passcode can be further encoded with a sequence that indicates an order of the one or more frames of the passcode. Users can retrieve a portion of the sensory association passcode to facilitate recall of a forgotten passcode. The user-selected combination of the visual item with the sound clip and/or the tactile pattern facilitates easier recall of a passcode than might be possible with conventional passcode techniques.

Abstract: A user obtains access to particular services levels associated with media content. A user and devices associated with the user may be authenticated to access content at a particular service level such as a particular quality level, content level, resolution, limited viewing, unlimited simultaneous viewing, etc. When the user is authenticated at a device, content at an appropriate service level is selected and provided to the device. Authenticating the user at a device such as a set top box may involve receiving a manually entered login and password, a passcode transmitted from a mobile device, face detection, a mobile device authorization code sent using infrared or radio frequency transmission, or other mechanisms identifying that the user or the mobile device is in the vicinity or is periodically in the vicinity of the set top box.

Abstract: A method for blocking objectionable information on a terminal. The method includes receiving header information corresponding to a particular multimedia content, extracting grade information from the header, determining if the extracted grade information is an allowable grade indicating that the particular multimedia content can be received by the terminal, receiving the particular multimedia content if the determining step determines the extracted grade information is the allowable grade, comparing the received multimedia content with objectionable information determination data stored in the terminal to determine if the multimedia content is objectionable, and assigning an objectionable grade to the header of the multimedia content when the comparing step determines the received multimedia content is objectionable.

Abstract: A method may include automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual. A system may include a facial recognition module configured for automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and a display module coupled with the facial recognition module, the display module configured for providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a digital broadcasting service may allow direct and real-time control of a digital broadcasting receiver. A service providing server inserts a content control access criteria descriptor into a transport stream and transmits content and the content control access criteria descriptor to the receiver through the transport stream. The receiver receives the transport stream and processes the content according to the content control access criteria descriptor, which can contain lock control information and coupon provision information. The lock control information indicates whether a control function of the receiver is locked or unlocked for specific content. The coupon provision information indicates whether a coupon available for the purchase of pay content is granted depending on execution of specific content.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying operating a receiving device includes a second screen device in communication with the receiving device. The second screen device displays streamed content having an identifier associated therewith having a touch screen, forms a tune command comprising the identifier and a receiving device identifier in response to a gesture on the touch screen and communicates the tune command to the receiving device from the second screen device. The receiving device is tuned to receive a channel corresponding to the streamed content in response to the tune command. The receiving device displays the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling an administrator to monitor and control usage of media content in a locale. In one embodiment, the locale includes one or more media devices that have access to media content from one or more local and/or remote content sources. Usage data defining usage of the media content by a user is obtained. A pattern including two or more media segments consumed by the user is detected based on the usage data and one or more predefined pattern detection rules. The administrator is then enabled to review the pattern and choose whether to block usage. Usage of at least one of the media segments included in the pattern is then blocked at the one or more media devices at the locale in response to the administrator choosing to block usage of the at least one of the media segments included in the pattern.

Abstract: Subject matter described herein relates to providing to a mobile device a version of content (e.g., music, video, text message, live call, etc.) that is consistent with a user's filter setting. That is, a user is allowed to specify content elements (e.g., words or images) that are proscribed from being presented on the mobile device, and the user's preferences are stored by a mobile telecommunications network. When the network receives content to be provided to the mobile device, the network edits the content in real time to prevent proscribed elements from being presented on the mobile device.

Abstract: Access to media content is restricted. A message may be sent to a remote computer requesting access to the media content, wherein the message is based at least in part on user input. A response to the message may be received from the remote computer. It may be determined whether to provide access to the media content based on the response.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for performing an operation, the operation including broadcasting one or more media streams to one or more remote devices, the remote devices configured to provide feedback related to the one or more media streams, the remote devices configured to display a media stream on a television coupled to the remote device. The operation then aggregates, based on a predefined aggregation criterion, feedback received from the remote devices related to a first media stream. The operation then, upon determining that the aggregated feedback of the first media stream exceeds a predefined threshold for the predefined aggregation criterion, marks the first media stream based on the predefined aggregation criterion, the remote devices configured to, responsive to receiving the marked first media stream, perform a predefined operation to effect prioritized display of the first media stream on the television.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment.

Abstract: Locked electronic device, e.g., a device which produces a video output, such as a game console or TV. The device is shipped in a locked state, and cannot be used as a game console or a TV until it is unlocked. The unlocking is carried out by a code. The code is provided separately from the device, and only once authorized sale is detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reproducing a moving image according to a parental level are provided. In the method, a video frame stream is digital-processed, so that frames are detected. Whether a parental level is set in each detected frame is determined. When the parental level is set, a frame sequence number of a frame to be reproduced next is determined using a next frame sequence number set in the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow users to browse services, content items, or the like using the language that is generally most familiar to them, and in particular ones that are not available on an IPTV. Thus, users can browse content offerings on the second display in a language and font set that are personalized to themselves, and they may further send the content item to the IPTV for playback. The disclosed systems and methods provide a way for a group of users to exploit individual “second displays” to view, browse, and navigate content or data service offerings, by service providers, e.g., internet network services, in a preferred language and using preferred fonts, especially one not supported by a content playback device, on behalf of a content playback device, e.g., IPTV, the same having authenticated credentials for playback of such content, and then arrange for a selected content item or items to be played back on the content playback device.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium is disclosed having a computer program stored therein, which in a particular embodiment, the computer program includes but is not limited to machine readable instructions that when executed by a computer manage a plurality of sub accounts under a main account in a data distribution system, the computer program including but not limited to instructions to assign the plurality of sub accounts under the main account in a main account data structure at a server in the data distribution system; instructions to assign a plurality of end user devices to each one of the plurality of sub accounts; and instructions to receive end user device attribute data from at least one of the end user devices to the main account data structure after the attribute data is created at the at least one end user device.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided to facilitate a second user to allow or deny a first user, such as a child, from accessing content by proving the second user with a content profile based on decisions made by other users with respect to the content. In one implementation, a system allows the second user to set a threshold to automatically allow or deny access based on the other users' decisions. The decisions made by other users are aggregated into information that may be based on similarities between the child and other children from whom other users have previously made decisions regarding the particular content. In addition, the aggregation may more heavily weight decisions by users that have a history of making similar decisions to the second user.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information.

Abstract: In particular embodiments a social networking system may receive authorization from a first user of a social-networking system to control at least in part one or more functions of a set-top box (STB) of the first user, determine one or more social actions of one or more second users of the social-networking system, determine one or more instructions for the STB of the first user based at least in part on the social actions, and provide the instructions for the STB of the first user. The social-networking system includes a graph having a plurality of nodes and edges connecting the nodes.

Abstract: This broadcasting receiver includes a receiving portion receiving a broadcast signal, a determination portion determining whether or not a user to be subject to parental control of the broadcast signal has entered a prescribed range, and a control portion performing control of enabling parental control corresponding to a user determined to have entered the prescribed range in the case where the parental control corresponding to the user determined to have entered the prescribed range is disabled when the determination portion determines that the user to be subject to parental control has entered the prescribed range.

Abstract: A digital television signal for receiving program and system information protocol (PSIP) data, a method for processing the digital television signal, and a digital television receiver are disclosed. The digital television signal used in the digital television receiver in order to receive a program system information protocol (PSIP) data from a broadcast transmitter includes a rating region table containing the PSIP data. Herein, the rating region table includes a global rating value field defining a global rating value which is valid for all graphical rating regions, a rating region field defining a specific graphical rating region to be associated with the rating region table, and at least one local rating value field identifying a local rating value which is valid for the specific graphical rating region only.

Abstract: Parental controls for entertainment digital media are provided that allow a parent to restrict multiple user's access to entertainment content. One or more updatable rating definition files with dynamic data are used to define rating levels and content descriptors for a regional rating system. Entertainment content definition files define the rating level and content descriptors for entertainment content. User permission settings define a particular user's access rating level and content descriptors. The rating definition file can be used to compare the entertainment content definition file and user permission settings in determining if a user is allowed access to particular entertainment content.

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 device is enabled to display Internet TV by accessing a management server and receiving back from the server a user token and a service list of predefined content servers. A user can select a content server on the service list which causes the device to upload its user token to the management server, which in turn sends back the network path to the content server along with a content server-user-unique service token (SUIT) that the device uses to access the content on the content server, in some embodiments on per-title PPV access, per-content category PPV access, or per-service PPV access.

Abstract: An end-user device, including a processor to prepare barcode-input data including (a) at least one of an identification of a user of the end-user device, and an identification of the end-user device, and (b) data based on activity of at least one of the end-user device, the user of the end-user device, and a security element removably inserted into the end-user device, and prepare a two-dimensional barcode including the barcode input data, the two-dimension barcode being prepared for displaying on a display in a manner suitable for scanning by a communication device. Related apparatus and methods are also included.

Abstract: To suitably perform a delivery service of content to which information of ages, viewing by which is restricted, is added. In a DMS, information of whether age restriction for viewing has been imposed on the content is provided using meta-information. In response, a DMC acquires the meta-information of content, reproduction of which is intended to request to a DMR, and confirms whether the content has the age restriction for viewing. In addition, the DMC acquires information related to the device type from the DMR to which the reproduction of content is requested, and confirm whether the device is capable of controlling reproduction of the content according to the age restriction for viewing.

Abstract: An apparatus for content transaction is disclosed, which includes a Common Interface Conditional Access Module (CICAM) and a host device which are connected through a common interface. The host device receives a signal for playing a recorded content and determines whether the recorded content includes information about the viewing rating restriction by the CICAM and executes a procedure of relieving the viewing rating restriction by at least one of the CICAM and the host device according to the result of determination. A method of content transaction is also disclosed, which includes judging whether the recorded content includes information about the viewing rating restriction by the CICAM and executing a procedure of relieving the viewing rating restriction by at least one the CICAM and the host device according to the result of the determination.

Abstract: Techniques described herein automatically identifies, in a multimedia content, an advertiser from which an advertisement in the multimedia content originates and/or a brand to which the advertisement pertains. The system determines whether the identified advertiser and/or identified brand is specified in a not to be displayed list and if so, performs at least one of: presents alternative content during the time interval that the advertisement occupies in the multimedia content or skips over the advertisement in the multimedia content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products modify and/or block content. A program is received, along with a default rating of the program and dynamic ratings of portions of the program. A preference is received from memory to at least one of block and modify the program. When a dynamic rating is missing for a portion of the program, then revert to the default rating and block the portion of the program from presentation.

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 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 method for performing parental control a channel for building a channel map in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver and the IPTV receiver thereof are provided. The method includes receiving a master service information (SI) table including a first element defining location of a virtual channel map table, parsing the first element in the received master SI table, receiving the virtual channel map table including a second element defining location of a virtual channel description table based on the parsed location element, parsing the second element in the received virtual channel map table, receiving the virtual channel description table, which includes a third element indicating a default parental guidance rating of a virtual channel service when present, based on the parsed second element, parsing the third element in the received virtual channel description table, and controlling to allow ratings based on the type of parental guidance system according to the parsed third element.

Abstract: A scheduled broadcast time is retrieved for a program that is to be delivered in advance of the scheduled broadcast time, wherein the scheduled broadcast time is associated with a program content identifier for the program. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a pre-cast channel is selected on a network by selecting a dedicated pre-cast channel. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a signal is sent for placing a viewer program storage device into a pre-cast mode, such that viewing of the pre-cast channel is disabled. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, the program is delivered to the viewer program storage device over the pre-cast channel, wherein the delivered program is associated with the program content identifier and a time stamp for disabling playback of the delivered program until arrival of the scheduled broadcast time.

Abstract: The television device is capable of accessing a first server and a second server. The television device is able to execute a first program that is suitable for a process that requires responsiveness, and a second program that is suitable for a process that requires confidentiality. In the case of performing a sequential plurality of processes, when, of the sequential plurality of processes, a first process is performed that includes the process that requires responsiveness but does not include the process that requires confidentiality, the television device executes the first program to perform the first process by means of communication with the first server, and when, of the sequential plurality of processes, a second process is performed that includes the process that requires confidentiality, the television device executes the second program to perform the second process by means of communication with the second server.

Abstract: A system for executing a method is disclosed for monitoring video data, the method including but not limited to monitoring end user activity data for media usage for a plurality of end user client devices associated with a designated group of end users in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system; receiving from a first one of the end user client devices, avatar data indicating at least one search criterion within the end user activity data; searching the end user activity data based on the at least one search criterion; and sending to the first one of the end user client devices, search result data from the search based on the at least one search criterion.

Abstract: The invention provides a program managing method for use in a digital television for managing programs by rating region tables (RRTs). The method includes receiving a channel switch signal; switching to a channel according to the channel switch signal; searching whether a local rating region table (RRT) of the channel is stored in the digital television; and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table when the local rating region table is stored in the digital television, else creating the local rating region table in the digital television and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information output device includes an extractor, a receiver, and an output module. The extractor is configured to extract, from broadcast waves, identifying information related to on-air content. The receiver is configured to be capable of receiving, from an external service, relevant information related to the content using the identifying information as a search keyword. The output module is configured to output relevant information obtained by excluding information inappropriate as relevant information of the content from the relevant information provided from the external service by using filtering information. The filtering information is stored in a storage module and is for excluding the information inappropriate as the relevant information of the content from being output.

Abstract: A user may utilize a “home video on demand (HVOD)” service to distribute a video recorded using, e.g., a conventional camcorder, to desired viewers who have access to a broadband communications network, e.g., a cable TV network. The inventive system providing the HVOD service may receive from the user the video recording via email, postal mail, the Internet, computer transfer, etc. The inventive system converts the received video recording from its original video format to a uniform format, e.g., an MPEG-2 format. The converted video recording is stored in storage and made available to authorized viewers through the cable TV network.

Abstract: A network system includes a receiving apparatus for receiving contents, and a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing the contents received by the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus and the recording and reproducing apparatus being interconnected via a network. The receiving apparatus includes a viewing age limit compliance information acquisition section, and a determination section. The recording and reproducing apparatus includes a storage section, and an address information delivery section.

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: When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Abstract: A method for replacing audio data within a recorded audio/video stream is presented. In the method, a first audio/video stream including audio data, video data, and supplemental data is stored. Location information is received which references the supplemental data to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location information is received in a data file separately from the first audio/video stream. Also received is an audio data segment. At least a portion of the audio data of the first audio/video stream is replaced at the identified location with the audio data segment to produce a second audio/video stream. At least a portion of the second audio/video stream is then transferred for presentation.

Abstract: Methods and system for controlling access to viewable content on an individual title basis. In one embodiment, the method enables a user, such as a parent, to assign passwords to individual titles, thereby preventing unauthorized users, such as children, from viewing content corresponding to a selected title while enabling authorized users to view the content via correct entry of the password. In another embodiment, the method enables an administrative user (e.g., parent) to define allowed access levels and assign the same to various users of the system. The administrative user is also enabled to assign access levels to individual titles. In response to a user selection to view a title, the system identifies the user and determines whether the user is authorized to view the content based on the access level assigned to the title and any allowed access levels assigned to the user. The system includes set-top boxes and the like that may be used to implement the methods.

Abstract: A method of sharing media content is disclosed. A request is received at a network-connected media recorder to send a recording including media content to one or more users. At least one subscriber in the one or more users is identified, where the at least one subscriber is authorized to display the media content. At least one media device associated with the at least one subscriber is determined. The recording is sent to the at least one media device associated with the authorized subscriber.

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

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for user login to a multimedia system. In one embodiment, a method of logging in one or more user profiles on a multimedia system includes associating one or more actuation sequences of one or more buttons on a remote control device each with a user profile, each user profile having one or more characteristics for outputting multimedia content, the characteristics affecting multimedia content provided by a multimedia system to personalize the user's multimedia experience, communicating a first signal corresponding to one of the one or more actuation sequences from the remote control device to a multimedia system to identify a first user profile for login, logging in the first user profile as an active user profile on the multimedia system based on the first signal, and controlling multimedia content provided to an output system of the multimedia system based on the active user profile.