Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a first electronic device, and a control unit operatively coupled with the communication unit, the control unit configured to receive, from the first electronic device via the communication unit, information associated with a playback location of multimedia data, the multimedia data to be presented at a second electronic device operatively coupled with the apparatus, based at least in part on the information, and transmit at least one portion of the multimedia data, to the second electronic device.

Abstract: A method of providing a menu for video content is disclosed and may include delivering a looping video clip over a first video channel. The looping video clip may be configured to be displayed on a video plane. The method may also include delivering side channel data over a second video channel. The side channel data may include two or more navigable menu elements that may be configured to be displayed on a graphics overlay plane.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a start and end broadcast time. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The system schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The system allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: A storage medium disposed in a television is provided. A code of a television software system is stored in the storage medium. The television software system includes a first application, a second application and an application management module. The first application has a first function library. The second application has a second function library different from the first function library. The application management module manages the first application and the second application according to the first function library and the second function library, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting advertising content in a video stream are provided. A screen layout includes a plurality of sections is determined with reference to user-designated parameters or with reference to pre-set rules. An output video stream is generated, in which an input video stream received through an input port is shown in one of the sections of the screen layout and supplemental content comprising advertising received through a content port is shown one or more other sections of the screen layout. The output video signal is then output to a display device through a video output port.

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: A method, system, and related device for operating a display device are disclosed. The method includes: a control device transmitting the directional light to the display device when detecting a key thereof is pressed, and transmitting the collected intensity data of the first reflected light and the key information to a light tracking system; the light tracking system matching a corresponding coordinate position according to the received intensity data of the first reflected light and the known current distance between the control device and the display device, from the preconfigured reflected light intensity corresponding to the distances between the control device and the coordinate positions of various directional points on display device at the distance, then executing a corresponding operation on an area of the display device corresponding to the coordinate position in conjunction with the key information, and reflecting an operation result on the display device.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include receiving an instruction to compare at least one criterion to content items associated with multiple series subscriptions. A method includes issuing an instruction to selectively perform an action upon those content items that match the at least one criterion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely accessing user equipment implementing an interactive media guidance application are provided. In particular, a method includes the steps of receiving user equipment identification information and receiving a user request from a user device indicating instructions for the user equipment. The user request is cross-referenced with an action request in a user equipment format selected from a plurality of formats to be compatible with the user equipment. The action request is transmitted for receipt by the user equipment for enabling execution of the indicated instructions.

Abstract: A system may store program information associated with a group of video programs. The program information may include a program description associated with a particular video program of the group of video programs. The system may receive an instruction to provide the program description, read the program description in response to the received instruction, obtain an advertisement that is related to a content of the particular video program, and present the program description and the advertisement to a video display device, where the advertisement is presented adjacent to the program description on a screen of the video display device.

Abstract: A method for controlling touch screens and a mobile terminal are disclosed. The method includes: a mobile terminal, connected with an HDMI device, requesting the HDMI device for obtaining a right of controlling a touch screen of the HDMI device; and after receiving a permission response message of the HDMI device, the mobile terminal performing a control operation on the touch screen of the HDMI device.

Abstract: The purchase of entertainment content online via advertising credits is disclosed herein. One disclosed embodiment comprises providing an advertising content item to a user over a network, and awarding an amount of advertising viewing credit to the user based upon the advertising content item provided to the user. Next, a request is received from the user to view an entertainment content item. In response, the entertainment content item is provided to the user, and at least a portion of the advertising viewing credit is deducted in exchange for providing the entertainment content item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for browsing a plurality of broadcast programs are provided. The method includes classifying a plurality of broadcast programs into one or more broadcast program groups with reference to electronic program guide (EPG) information or viewing records of a user regarding the broadcast programs, one-dimensionally arranging the broadcast programs so that the broadcast program groups are one-dimensionally arranged, displaying the broadcast programs and the broadcast program groups on a screen as a graphic image, and allowing the user to change a rule used for forming the broadcast program groups. Accordingly, it is possible to enable a user to effectively browse broadcast programs and to provide the user with a user interface customized for the user by using a simple one-dimensional input method and intuitively utilizing EPG information.

Abstract: System for providing interactive two-way audio in desktop virtualization environment, the desktop virtualization environment comprising desktop virtualization server computer and desktop virtualization client endpoint device with associated microphone element. The system incorporates instance of server software executing on the desktop virtualization server and providing interactive user interface functions to associated desktop virtualization client endpoint device; and instance of endpoint software executing on the desktop virtualization client endpoint device including network port, the instance of endpoint software receiving an incoming real-time audio stream from the network port and providing real-time and audio playback functions on the desktop virtualization client endpoint device.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising at least one processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds available from a service provider network, a plurality of display selections from a plurality of available displays, and a plurality of pairing selections assigning each feed selection of the plurality of feed selections to at least one display selection of the plurality of display selections, transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration, modifying the content display configuration according to a request, and transmitting the plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus providing UI functionality at a client device via a video decoder/renderer operates to decode a compressed video stream bearing UI imagery and a messaging proxy is adapted to process user interaction data indicative of a local function to invoke an application programming interface (API) associated with the local function in order to select an appropriate channel of the decoded compressed video stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noise reduction control method using a microphone array and a noise reduction control device using a microphone array wherein the method comprises the steps of: S1: collecting, by the microphone array, acoustic signals; S2: estimating incidence angles of all acoustic signals of the microphone array; S3: conducting a statistics on signal components according to incidence angles; S4: determining a parameter ? from a ratio of noise components according to the statistical result and using the parameter ? as a control parameter for controlling an adaptive filter. With the present invention, space position information of the sound is obtained directly with the microphone array to control update of the adaptive filter more accurately, so as to eliminate noise, enhance SNR and protect speech quality well at the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary data detection. Data is received on a hand-held device from a display of a signal on a monitor. The signal is visually displayed on the monitor at a frequency. A modulated video signal is received on the hand-held device from a display device. The modulated video signal contains auxiliary data modulated within a video signal in a substantially invisible way. The modulated video signal is demodulated to obtain the auxiliary data. At least one of the data or the auxiliary data is processed to identify a promotional opportunity available through the hand-held device. The user of the hand-held device is notified of availability of the promotional opportunity through the hand-held device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a computer system comprising a base station having a communication interface adapted to communicate with an external network, an external display device configured to receive output display signals from the base station, a user interface displayed on the external display device and generated in response to the output display signals, wherein the user interface is selectively configurable in one of a plurality of modes of content, and a remote control configured to interact with the user interface displayed by the external display device, wherein the remote control is selectively operable in at least two configurations and wherein the selectively operable remote is configured to permit a user to select for display on the external display device one of the plurality of modes of content of the user interface based on the selected configuration of the remote control.

Abstract: Method and system for overlaying videos in a television include: receiving a plurality of video signals directly from a plurality of video sources by the television; receiving and processing a script by the television, the script includes instructions for placing a first picture from a first video signal of the plurality of video signals in a first position at a first depth value on a display coupled to the television, and instructions for placing a second picture from a second video signal of the plurality of video signals in a second position at a second depth value on the display; and simultaneously displaying the first picture and the second picture on the display by the television in an overlayed manner, the first picture being displayed at the first position and at the first depth value, the second picture being displayed at the second position and at the second depth value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

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 electronic device system includes: a set-top box which causes a display unit to display an image; and a remote control which is capable of bidirectionally communicating with the set-top box, for remotely operating the set-top box, wherein the remote control includes: a gyro sensor which detects a motion of the remote control; and a power supply unit switchable between (i) a normal mode in which power is supplied to the gyro sensor and (ii) a power save mode in which power supply to the gyro sensor is stopped, the set-top box transmits a first signal to the remote control, when determining that a first condition is satisfied for the set-top box, and the power supply unit of the remote control is switched from the normal mode to the power save mode, according to the first signal from the set-top box.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a set top box interaction method and a related set top box and system, which are used for conducting a social network activity with equal social status between remote set top box users. The method in the embodiments of the present invention includes: sending, by a first set top box, interaction information to a second set top box, so that the second set top box displays interaction content; and receiving, by the first set top box, interaction result information that is sent by the second set top box according to the interaction content. The invention solutions in the embodiments ensure equal social status between users in an interaction process, thereby improving set top box-based social interaction experience of the users and satisfying social needs of the users.

Abstract: An operating method of application for the television apparatus is provided. Wherein, the operating method includes: receiving a channel selecting instruction; reading a channel list, the channel list includes a plurality of applications (APPs) and a plurality of physical channels corresponding to a plurality of channel numbers, wherein each of the APPs is assigned to one of the channel numbers respectively; mapping the channel selection instruction to one of the plurality of channel numbers in the channel list; and launching and executing a selected APP if the channel selection instruction is corresponding to the channel number of the selected APP.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may perform operations including, for example, receiving a plurality of user-generated comments associated with media content where the plurality of user-generated comments are temporally associated with a portion of the media content during a presentation of the media content at a group of communication devices, and identifying from the plurality of user-generated comments a cluster of comments associated with a segment of the media content based on satisfaction of a threshold number of comments for the segment. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processor that causes a STB to present an avatar. The processor can receive from the STB a response of the user, detect from the response a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the change in the emotional state of the user, and adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the change in the emotional state of the user. The processor can cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple applications may be targeted via key/value data associated with a resource identified by a primary Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”). By parsing the key/value data, an alternative application for accessing the resource may be identified. When the alternative application is installed on a device, the alternative application may be invoked to access the resource.

Abstract: A control apparatus which is inexpensive and highly effective in shortening a start-up time, a method of controlling the control apparatus, and a digital broadcast receiving apparatus are provided. The control apparatus includes: a control microcomputer; at least one device; and a ROM which stores a simple control program, a main body program, and a boot loader. The simple control program includes an interrupt program having an interrupt for starting the at least one device so that the at least one device is activated, accepts an interrupt signal requesting for the interrupt from the at least one device during loading of the main body program, and performs the interrupt.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to generation of dynamic content interfaces based on device capabilities and user entitlements. Multiple devices associated with a user account may each request a content interface. Generation of the content interfaces may be based on capability information of the devices and a tier entitlement associated with the user account. A service included in both the content interfaces may be assigned a same virtual channel in each of the content interfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted apparatus is disclosed which includes a displaying unit for providing information to a user, an inputting unit for inputting operations carried out by the user, and a controlling unit for controlling a display of the displaying unit based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The inputting unit has at least a touch-sensitive panel attached to a display screen of the displaying unit. The controlling unit causes the displaying unit to display a menu screen based on the operations input through the inputting unit. The controlling unit also causes the displaying unit to switch the displays based on menus selected on the menu screen. Furthermore, the controlling unit causes the displaying unit to switch, as when a specific menu is selected on the menu screen, the displays in response to a fingertip gesture made by the user for detection on the touch-sensitive panel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content control apparatus includes: a display configured to display content items; and a controller configured to: generate a grid for setting regions when an editing event occurs; display the grid on the display, such that each content item is displayed at a region of the regions; automatically generate a folder when it is determined that one or more of the regions are selected, wherein one or more of the content items are displayed at the selected one or more regions; store the one or more content items in the generated folder; and automatically retrieve the stored one or more content items from the generated folder and concurrently delete the generated folder when an event for retrieving the stored content item(s) from the generated folder occurs. The controller is further configured to display information regarding folder editing on the display unit when the grid is selected.

Abstract: When a scene group including plural scenes, for example a group of scenes bookmarked during viewing of video contents is inputted, a combination of a scene and metadata in a group of metadata that represents characteristics of the scene, corresponding to the respective scenes in the scene group, which combination has a largest distance between the metadata, is selected as explanatory descriptions that are explanations for distinguishing among the scenes, and the selected explanatory descriptions for each scene included in the scene group is added to each scene.

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are currently being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television.

Abstract: A method to obtain visual content items matched to scheduled programs comprising: providing a program guide display that includes a grid with grid locations that identify scheduled programs, and that correspond to respective a scheduled program air times and a respective program sources; wherein the program guide extends over a time frame prior to the current date; providing an icon associated with a grid location that indicates that a visual content item matched to the program identified by the grid location currently is available; providing an identifier that is encoded in computer readable storage device and that is associated with the grid location and that indicates a location where the visual content item can be obtained; and accessing the location indicated by the identifier in response to a user selection of the grid location associated with the icon.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a television configuration technique includes determining a location, from a web service, of a television set using an internet protocol address of the television set or a zip code corresponding to a physical location of the television. Electronic programming guide, interactive programming guide or the like data for a plurality of service providers in the determined location are downloaded. The electronic programming guide data, interactive programming guide data or the like for one or more channels that are unique between the plurality of service providers are checked against transmitting station identifier data or system information protocol data to identify the specific service provider that the television set is connected to. A channel list for the specific service provider is then determined from the electronic programming guide or interactive programming guide corresponding to the specific service provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an interactive display having indicators of video-on-demand programs are described. The systems and methods select indicators for inclusion in the interactive display according to a promotional selection algorithm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to share a viewing experience of a free viewpoint format media content event. An exemplary embodiment receives the free viewpoint format media content event, receives unique geometric orientation information from each one of a plurality of head mounted displays (HMDs), determines a unique viewpoint location for each one of the plurality of HMDs based upon the geometric orientation information received from each one of the plurality of HMDs, determines a unique viewpoint area for each one of the plurality of HMDs based upon the determined unique viewpoint location, and communicates each one of the unique viewpoint areas to the associated one of the plurality of HMDs.

Abstract: The method of communication between terminals includes: a step of discovery between the terminals (13, 16), a step of broadcasting by one of the terminals, termed the “first” terminal (13), a televisual programme, a step of displaying, by the first terminal, an item of information representative of a first additional stream associated with the televisual programme, a step of transmitting, by the first terminal to a second terminal, an item of information representative of a second additional stream associated with the televisual programme, a step of access to a remote application, by the second terminal (16) and a step of displaying by the second terminal, in a user interface of the application, messages representative of the second additional stream. Preferably, during the transmission step, the item of information representative of the second additional stream is emitted on a multipoint network.

Abstract: A method for rendering application user interfaces on a television screen executes at a computer system coupled with the television screen. The computer system includes one or more processors and memory storing a plurality of applications configured for execution by the one or more processors. The method provides a user interface of a first application of the plurality of applications for display on the television screen. The method receives from a personal user device a user interface of a second application. The personal user device is distinct from the computer system and the user interface of the second application is provided by one or more programs executing on the personal user device. The method concurrently displays on the television screen the user interface of the first application and the user interface of the second application.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface for allowing a user to select a data stream to be played, a receiver for receiving the data stream to be played and a transmitter for transmitting the received data stream to a device that is capable of playing the stream. The system includes a first and a second device, which are separate from one another. The first device, called a receiving device, integrates the receiver and the transmitter. The second device, called a control device, integrates the user interface and, following the selection, by a user, of a stream to be played, transmits to the first device a command for playing the selected stream, the command containing data for locating the selected stream.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable media to provide custom video content via a custom content channel are disclosed. A method to display custom video content includes receiving a selection of a channel via a set top box (STB) device and determining whether the channel is a custom content channel. The method further includes accessing a play list associated with the custom content channel based on the determination. The play list identifies one or more video files stored at the STB device. The method also includes playing the one or more video files of the custom content channel to a display device coupled to the STB device.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying video from a plurality of video streams on a display. It includes an input interface for receiving video data from a plurality of video streams and transferring the video data to a frame controller in communication with a television display. The frame controller causes the video data from each of the plurality of different video streams to be displayed in a separate frame on the television display, and each frame occupying an area of the television display separate from an area occupied by any other frame. The frame controller displays a channel group on the television display. The channel group comprises a list of channels sharing at least one common attribute.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided The display apparatus includes: an image processor configured to process an image of content; a display configured to display the processed image of the content; a camera configured to capture an image of a remote controller; a storage configured to store information regarding a plurality of appearance states of the remote controller corresponding to user commands; and a controller configured to determine an appearance state from among the plurality of appearance states of the remote controller based on the image of remote controller captured by the camera, and control the display section to display the image of the content according to a user command corresponding to the determined appearance state of the remote controller.

Abstract: A method for offering at least one piece of content available for downloading to a viewer of a viewed program commences by first extracting from the viewed program information indicative of at least one piece of content associated with the viewed program available for downloading. Thereafter, a link established to a source of the content available for downloading. Lastly, both a portion of viewed program and the established link undergo display to the viewer so the viewer can actuate the link and download the at least one piece of content.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media device. The media device comprises an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user. In addition, the media device comprises a pairing communication link for exchanging information about the experience with a paired user device, and a detection component configured to directly detect an indication received from the user device. The indication is received over an air interface other than the communication link. Further, the media device comprises a processing component for decoding the indication. It is configured to exchange information via the pairing communication link with the paired user device in response to decoding the indication, the information including information about an option. The processing component is further configured to detect selection of the option and modify operation of the media device to implement the selected option.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to obtain display parameters associated with a display device, adjust a format of media content at the set top box based at least in part on the display parameters where the adjustment is of one or more portions of a display of the media content, and transmit the media content from the set top box to the display device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A program information processing apparatus and a program information processing method that are capable of easily conducting a program search using an electronic program guide and displaying the search result clearly on the electronic program guide. A display control unit for displaying on a display unit an electronic program guide containing information relating to a plurality of programs, a selection unit for selecting a program from the plurality of programs in response to the operation of a user, and a search unit for searching a program containing information identical to or similar to at least a part of the information of the program selected by the selection unit are included, wherein the display control unit displays search result by the search unit on the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.