Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and computer program products are provided for an improved media content rating system. The rating system herein disclosed is highly-granular in nature, in that, the rating system allows for ratings to be based on the number of times that portions, segments, clips of the media file are played or otherwise executed, as opposed to basing the media content rating solely on the number of times that the media file is played. In this regard, the aspects herein described may further provide for ratings of the portions, segments, clips of the media content as opposed to limiting the rating to a rating for the overall media content file.

Abstract: Playlist bookmarking may be provided. First, a content program from a playlist may be displayed on a first user device. The content program may then be paused and a time stamp may be placed in the playlist at a point where the content program was paused. Next, the time stamped playlist may be transmitted to a server. At a second user device, the time stamped playlist may be received from the server and the content program may be displayed from the playlist from the point in the content program corresponding to the time stamp.

Abstract: Content scheduling may be provided. First, a media guide may be displayed. Next, a plurality of asset selection input data respectively corresponding to a plurality of assets selected from the displayed media guide may be received. Then the plurality of asset selection input data may be stored in a playlist database. The playlist database may then be executed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates metadata for a plurality of content including the content titles. The system also includes the user device that generates a screen display comprising the plurality of content titles from the metadata and generates a selection corresponding to a first content title from a user interface, the user device adds metadata for the first content title to a queue and displays the queue in a priority order on the screen display. The user device is tuned to receive content corresponding to the first content title and stores the content in a storage device.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media player user interface system 1) displaying a GUI on a display screen associated with a computing device, the GUI including a user-scrollable media content menu that contains a display area associated with a media feed accessible by the computing device, 2) selecting menu display content for the display area based at least in part on a scroll status of the user-scrollable media content menu, 2) and populating the display area with the selected menu display content. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed remote control, suitable for use with a set top box or other form of multimedia handling device, includes a processor, a user input device, and a display. The user input device and the display are communicatively coupled to the processor. A communication adapter is configured to place the processor in bi-directional communication with the multimedia handling device. The remote control further includes a storage medium that may include a unique identifier of the user and a user profile indicative of the user's channel preferences and viewing permissions. The storage medium may further include software instructions to synchronize the user profile with a corresponding user profile on the multimedia handling device, receive input from the user via the user input device, the input including commands from the user to manipulate the multimedia handling device, and display output on the display screen in response to the user's commands.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronic transactional environment including a database, a server and a processor and a number of set-top boxes in communication with the server. The database stores user registration data and product information data relating to a plurality of products and the server broadcasts the product information data to the set top boxes. The server is further provided to transmit to the set top boxes updated product information data that replaces at least part of the previously transmitted product information data. Furthermore, the processor compares data relating to a transaction request from a user of one of the set top boxes with user registration data in order to identify the specific user. Based on the identified user, the processor generates customized transaction data for the specific user and the server transmits the customized transaction data and additional updated product information data to the set top box corresponding to the identified user.

Abstract: An interactive input system comprises computing structure; and an input device detecting at least one electronic device displaying a recognizable pattern within a three-dimensional (3D) input space and providing output to the computing structure. The computing structure processes the output of the input device to recognize the pattern displayed by the at least one electronic device in the 3D input space; detect the state of the at least one electronic device; and modify image data by applying a transition to digital content associated with the displayed pattern based on the detected state of the at least one electronic device.

Abstract: A local user of a local mobile device is allowed to participate in a video conference session with a remote user of a remote mobile device. Live video can be shared between and collaboratively digitally annotated by the local and remote users. An application can also be shared between and collaboratively digitally annotated by the local and remote users. A digital object can also be shared between and collaboratively digitally annotated by the local and remote users.

Abstract: A STB, communicatively coupled to a server, receives a web page request when, for example, a URI, is entered into a web browser running in the STB. In response, the STB sends a processing assistance request to the server for processing the entire web page regardless of processing capability of the STB. The STB receives processed information resources or contents associated with the entire web page from the server. The server retrieves information resources or contents associated with the entire web page from a web server based on the received processing assistance request. The server determines content type such as video and/or graphics of the retrieved information resources or contents for corresponding content processing. The server determines content formats supported by the STB for content encoding. The STB decodes the resulting encoded information resources or contents from the server to render the entire web page in the STB.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: A group of streaming video segments that includes a first set of streaming video segments that are associated with a first storyline is identified. The first set of streaming video segments is provided to a client device. The first set of streaming video segments includes data indicative of a set of storyline options associated with the first storyline. User input indicating a user selection of one of the storyline options is received and the group of streaming video segments is updated to include a second set of streaming video segments based on the user input. The second set of streaming video segments is provided to the client device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for dynamically updating list views. In some implementations, a method for expanding items includes presenting media display including a list of a plurality of items. The presented list includes an expanded view of a first item from the plurality of items at a predefined position in the media content. A request to scroll to a second item from the plurality of items is received. A view of the second item is automatically expanding in response to at least the request. The expanded view of the second item is presented at the predefined position in the media display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling access to a computing device entails displaying a user-rotatable three-dimensionally rendered object on a display of the computing device, the object presenting a plurality of user-selectable visual indicia such that only a subset of the indicia are visible at any one angle of rotation and providing access to the computing device based on user input received in relation to at least one of the visual indicia. The object may be spherical or polyhedral or it may be composed of a plurality of independently rotatable rings that together form a generally spherical shape. The visual indicia may be letters, numbers, symbols, colours, photographs or any other visually distinctive indication.

Abstract: A method of sharing a data content between a transmitter and a receiver, said method comprising the steps of:—retrieving (210) the data content in a server, from attribute information of said data content, and the attribute information being sent by the transmitter, and —generating (220) for said receiver an output message containing the retrieved data content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording content from a different source when previous content runs over are provided. A recording of a first media asset from a first content source is scheduled. The first media asset is scheduled for transmission from the first content source at a start time following a scheduled transmission end time of a second media asset from the first content source. Transmission of the second media asset from the first content source is determined to run past the scheduled end time. A determination is made, based on a visual component and/or an audible component of the second media asset, that transmission of the first media asset at the start time from the first content source has been changed to a second content source. The recording of the first media asset is modified to record the first media asset at the start time from the second content source.

Abstract: Various embodiments determine electronic program guide information based on user viewing habits. One embodiment provides an electronic program guide generator that receives usage information that includes indications of a plurality of viewed channels, determines one or more channels of the plurality of viewed channels based on the received usage information, and provides indications of the determined one or more channels.

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

Abstract: A controller device (209) is enabled to provide a virtual user interface of an electrical device (201) to be remotely used and to generate control messages (241) for controlling the electrical device by providing the controller device with a proxy (211) of the electrical device. The proxy is a movable software package which can be used for representing the electrical device in the controller device. The proxy can be configured to have a limited time-to-live in the controller device and/or a surrounding system may have been arranged to send to the controller device a proxy removal message when the corresponding electrical device is leaving the system or a data transfer connection to it has otherwise been lost. Therefore, a sufficiently up-to-date awareness of the electrical devices and a capability of remotely using them can be maintained in the controller device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an operation part and a display part to display an object selection image. The object selection image includes a position designation figure group including N (N is an integer of 3 or more) position designation figures which are arranged in a ring shape and on each of which one object can be arranged. In the object selection image, the display part rotates and moves the position designation figure group, together with the arranged objects, along a circumferential direction of the ring, and causes a specific position designation figure in the position designation figure group to be displayed to enable recognition that the object arranged on the specific position designation figure can be selected by an operation of the operation part.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for controlling display of an image in a mobile terminal includes: displaying a two-dimensional (2D) image including a plurality of objects; converting the 2D image to a three-dimensional (3D) image including the plurality of objects in response to a touch input; measuring an ambient brightness; and automatically adjusting a screen brightness and a depth of the 3D image using control values corresponding to the measured ambient brightness.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a signal reception configured to receive an image signal of content; a signal processor configured to process the image signal received by the signal reception according to a preset image processing process; a display configured to display a content image based on the image signal processed by the signal processor; a communicator configured to with a plurality of servers respectively providing a plurality of services related to the content; and a controller configured to display a keyword over the content image which is related to the content image displayed on the display, changing identifiers of the services related to the content on the display based on a preset user input with respect to the keyword being displayed, and being provided with the service related to the content based on the keyword from a server which corresponds to a selected identifier through selective input of the identifiers.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: User-based parental controls (UBPC) are provided. UBPC are provided to users according to a user profile associated with a specific user. Parental controls may be tailored to meet a parental control need according to each user. User profiles may be created by one or more administrative users and may include restrictions according to a TV, movie, application, or game rating system, specific channels, or specific programs. User profiles may be stored in a remote database allowing for various media content receiving and/or viewing devices to access the user profiles for applying parental control features according to a specific user profile. A user profile may be altered by one or more administrative users who may create an override access code which may allow the administrative user to manage other users' parental controls.

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for presenting information associated with a user-selected object in a television program is provided. An identity of a user-selected object in a television program being presented to a user is determined. Based at least in part on the identity of the user-selected object in the television program, information to present to the user is determined. The determined information is presented to the user on a television display.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a voice control system. The system may include a first apparatus with a processing unit configured to execute a voice recognition module and one or more executable commands, and a receiver coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive a first audio file from a remote control device. The first audio file may include at least one voice command. The first apparatus may further include a communication component coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive programming content, and one or more storage media storing the voice recognition module. The voice recognition module may be configured to convert voice commands into text.

Abstract: An operation method of an image display apparatus is discussed, which includes displaying a first dashboard including a live broadcast video and content information based on viewing history of a user on a display unit, displaying a portion of a second dashboard and a third dashboard including the content information based on the viewing history of the user at left and the right sides of the first dashboard or at upper and lower sides of the first dashboard, receiving an input to select the second dashboard or the third dashboard, displaying the entirety of one selected dashboard on an area on which the first dashboard was displayed based on the selection input, displaying a portion of a fourth dashboard on an area on which the selected dashboard was displayed, and displaying a portion of the live broadcast video on an area on which an unselected dashboard was displayed.

Abstract: Administration of sessions, such as but not necessarily user interface (UI) and media sessions, is contemplated. The session administration may include transferring and/or sharing a session from one client to another without requiring an application required to process the transferred/shared session to be operational when receiving an action used to initialize session administration.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving or suggesting alternatives to content surfing are provided. When it is detected that a user wishes to surf, a pipeline tuning sequence is implemented where by storing one or more frames of a first content selection to the user equipment and acquiring a subsequent content selection while concurrently displaying the previously stored one or more frames. Content suggestions, program listing grids, media guidance application and tuning hints, advertisements, digital audio, and live video may also be presented to user while content surfing. In some embodiments, content surf landing channels may be anticipated based on user history, user profiles, or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, thumbnails of the user's recently tuned, or paused on, content are displayed to the user while content surfing. In multiple tuner systems, more than one thumbnail may be displayed in full motion video.

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 virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing access to content are disclosed. The method is performed at least in part at a client computer system having a processor and memory. The method includes executing a host application associated with a first party. In some implementations, the host application is a media player. The method further includes initiating a secure communication channel between the host application and a server associated with the first party. The method further includes executing a supplemental application associated with a second party. The method further includes accessing, with the supplemental application, content licensed to the first party, wherein the licensed content is accessible to the supplemental application via the secure communication channel subject to terms of a licensing agreement. In some implementations, the content is media content, such as music, movies, and the like.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes detecting, on a media content recording device, a media content recording conflict between a plurality of scheduled recordings of media content instances, and outputting, for display on a display device, data representative of a graphical user interface including a plurality of graphical objects representative of the plurality of scheduled recordings of the media content instances and at least one option configured to facilitate resolution of the media content recording conflict. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method including selecting a presentation content group, displaying content identifiers corresponding to the presentation content group, selecting a content identifier, and instantly presenting a substantially live presentation content from a media provider corresponding to the selected content identifier to a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application disclose a text information input method and apparatus, where the method includes: firstly, invoking a first edit box of a handheld device; afterwards, updating display content of the first edit box according to an editing operation performed by an operator on the first edit box; and then, detecting whether first display content of the first edit box at a current moment and second display content of the first edit box at a previous moment are the same, and if they are different, sending the first display content to a set top box, so that the set top box updates display content of a second edit box.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving, via a distribution channel, video data having an identifier that identifies a position within a video and an address defining a location of a stored playlist. The method also comprises obtaining from a server a playlist in response to a user input, where the playlist includes location information identifying a location of a stored transport stream. The method also comprises receiving the transport stream from the location identified in the playlist over a network, and displaying the obtained transport stream.

Abstract: A set top box can provide coordinated graphical user interfaces on a plurality of devices. The set top box can output first media content to a primary display (a television) and can output second media content to a second-screen device (a tablet). The primary display can display a video stream associated with the first media content. The second-screen device can display a video stream associated with the second media content. The video stream of the second media content can be displayed in a video display area on the second-screen device. The outputted video streams can be associated with the same content and can be substantially synchronized. The second application can receive user gestures on a touchscreen of the second-screen device to control the video stream displayed on the primary display. As a result, the second-screen device acts as a bridge to affect the displayed video stream on the primary display.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying video streams, including receiving video data from a plurality of video stream by a frame controller in communication with a television display including a first picture and a second picture, and also receiving a television program summary list. The television program summary list includes television program data corresponding to the received video streams, and displaying the television program summary list in the second picture, and allowing the selection of a program from the television program summary list by a consumer, and displaying the selected video stream in the first picture.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Allowing a user of a mobile computing device to link the mobile computing device and its associated network or system to a subject piece of hardware operating via a second network or system is provided. After the mobile computing device is linked to a given hardware device, functional operation of the hardware device and access to accounts associated with the hardware device may be provided to the linked mobile computing device.

Abstract: There is provided a method for guiding viewer selection of television content. The method comprises receiving a request for delivery of television content from a remote system; establishing an identity of the remote system; accessing a viewing history corresponding to the remote system in response to receiving the request; identifying a desirable subset of content items from available television content based upon a first plurality of discrimination criteria including the viewing history; determining a display subset of content items from the desirable subset, to be provided for selection by the remote system, according to a second plurality of discrimination criteria including the viewing history; and delivering an interface to the remote system for enabling a viewer of the remote system to select content items from the display subset.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a communication unit, a storage, an operation reception unit, and a controller. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a different information processing apparatus and a server on a network. The storage is capable of storing data. The operation reception unit is capable of receiving an operation of a user that selects the data. The controller is capable of controlling the communication unit to transmit the selected data to the server and transmit notification information to the different information processing apparatus, the notification information indicating transmission of the data to the server.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for processing iTV. A request to play a first interactive television signal at a first electronic device is received. A first virtual machine for processing the first interactive television signal is instantiated at the first electronic device. A first file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the first electronic device is accessed from non-volatile storage on the first electronic device. A request to play a second interactive television signal at a second electronic device that is communicatively coupled to the first electronic device is received. A second virtual machine for processing the second interactive television signal is instantiated at the first device. A second file that includes information associated with playing interactive TV on the second electronic device is stored in non-volatile storage on the first electronic device.