Abstract: An extended connectivity apparatus provides multimedia data from a multimedia source device to a multimedia presentation device. An electrical connector mechanically couples to a connector of the multimedia presentation device to provide a communication path to the multimedia presentation device. A wireless communication interface, which is selectively separable from the multimedia presentation device at the electrical connector, receives multimedia data over a wireless communication channel. A processor, which is also selectively separable from the multimedia presentation device at the electrical connector, encodes the received multimedia data into a format compatible with presentation capabilities of the multimedia presentation device and conveys the encoded multimedia data to the multimedia presentation device through the electrical connector.

Abstract: A content receiver useable in a broadcast content distribution system includes a content source that broadcasts audio/video content for reception by content receivers with associated metadata defining links to other content for possible reproduction by the content receiver and information indicative of a category of each link. The content receiver is configured to generate link information for display in dependence upon received metadata relating to links having a subset of categories while reproducing the broadcast audio/video content, and includes a user control operable to select a link for which link information is currently displayed by the content receiver causing the content receiver to reproduce content defined by that link and a category memory storing category information defining the subset of categories, the content receiver configured to modify stored category information in dependence upon which links are selected using the user control.

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 mobile settings control device (MSCD) presents a user interface (UI) enabling a user to establish display settings for a display associated with an audio video display device (AVDD) with which the MSCD communicates. Before and after adjustment screen shots may be presented full screen and toggled between on either the AVDD or MSCD, or split screens of before and after adjustment screen shots can be presented side by side on the AVDD or MSCD.

Abstract: An approach is provided for the real-time creation of a menu of chapters for navigating a video program. The chaptering process creates at a dynamic chapter navigation menu that enables a user to precisely navigate within a video program by recursively creating chaptering points of finer temporal granularity for selecting a desired point within the video program.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device, a first selection of first video content. The method also includes sending the first video content to a display device. The method further includes adding a first element corresponding to the first video content to a list. The list includes multiple elements and each element of the list corresponds to respective previously displayed video content. The method includes sending the list to the display device. The elements of the list are ordered based on display times of the corresponding video content.

Abstract: A method of combining an interactive user interface for generating a blended output that includes the interactive user interface and one or more supplemental images. At a client device remote from a server, a video stream that contains an interactive user interface is received from the server using a first data communications channel configured to communicate video content, and a command that relates to an interactive user interface is transmitted to the server. In response to the transmitting, an updated user interface is received from the server using the first data communications channel, and one or more supplemental images for supplementing the interactive user interface are received using a second data communications channel different from the first data communications channel. The updated user interface and the one or more supplemental images are blended to generate a blended output, which is transmitted toward the display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television system having a controller to create a template defining a format of presentation of an webpage or HTML page using an iTV or IPTV application system, receive a request for the page from a subscriber of the iTV or IPTV system. The system can access application system subscriber data for the subscriber and a presentation of the page is dynamically adapted according to the application system subscriber data. In one alternative at, the page can be dynamically adapted by changing in content or by changing a look and feel of an HTML page or webpage. In another alternative, the webpage or HTML page can be dynamically adapted by modifying graphic user interface elements based on the application system subscriber data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing an electronic program guide is disclosed. The method comprises receiving subscription data indicating channels for which a subscription exists; and displaying a list of available channels wherein currently unsubscribed channels and currently subscribed channels are distinguished from each other.

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 and apparatus for transferring user information between different terminals are disclosed. The method includes saving by a first terminal, when a change is made to user information during playback of content, the changed user information in a scene history, performing a terminal change from the first terminal to a second terminal, and resuming, by the second terminal, playback of the content from a continued scene after the last scene played back by the first terminal. Consequently, in a terminal change, the user may use the second terminal to play back the same content from the continued scene using the same content usage environment as the first terminal.

Abstract: A mobile device stores a TV application for serving as a remote control capable of controlling a TV receiver. The mobile device starts the process of starting the TV application and transmits, to the TV receiver, control signals to turn on the TV receiver before the TV application has been started. More particularly, the mobile device transmits the control signals to turn on the TV receiver while performing the process of starting the TV application. When the mobile device has started the TV application and then the TV receiver has been turned on in normal mode, a user can control the TV receiver by using the mobile device.

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, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for presenting an advertisement for playback in conjunction with a streamed media program are described. The method permits the user to control advertising breaks and in particular, the timing of advertising breaks associated with the media program.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processor includes a display, an operating module, and a controller. The display includes a display screen. The operating module is configured to be capable of receiving an operation with respect to an image displayed on the display screen. The controller is configured to receive, from an external display device, layout information on layout of a plurality of display images displayed on an external display screen of the external display device, and to bring, based on the received layout information, a layout of a plurality of operation images displayable on the display screen and corresponding to the respective display images close to the layout of the display images corresponding to the operation images.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze scheduled media content with limited temporal accessibility provided by a content provider, select a portion of the media content based on the analysis of the media content and a recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR to store the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content to a server. A request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the recipient media device via the server, and the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the recipient media device accepts the request. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a digital TV and a method for controlling same. The method for controlling a digital TV according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: displaying a user interface (UI) capable of selecting the standby mode for a power-off operation; and disconnecting the power source for a display panel so as to enter the standby mode when the standby mode is set through the UI in the power-off operation, and a power-off command is received. The standby mode includes a lower standby mode based on the operation of the digital TV and a network function, and the digital TV in the standby mode stops AV channel communication and performs SI channel communication.

Abstract: A method of controlling a display apparatus is provided. The method of controlling a display apparatus includes generating a display screen which displays a default home screen, from among a plurality of home screens, and a portion of a home screen, from among the plurality of home screens, different from the default home screen, when power to the display apparatus is turned on; and displaying the generated display screen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-function handheld user device that may have multiple selectable modes of operation. Various mechanisms may be provided for switching between modes. Within each mode, context awareness and situational awareness may be used to obtain additional information or perform additional functions not directly requested by the user.

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: An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a displayable application providing content (e.g., community content) that is generated based on information corresponding to a user of the set-top box. The displayable application is overlay on video content of the set-top box.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, for automatically preparing content. A method includes receiving a selection of a video content item for distribution by a content distribution system as part of a campaign; prompting a user to determine if the user wants control over formats and networks the video content item will be displayed in; receiving a user selection that the user wants automatic format and network selection; receiving attribute information from the user for use in presenting the video content item in accordance with the received selection for automatic format and network selection; automatically preparing the video content item for distribution in a predetermined number of formats and across a predetermined number of networks including determining a distribution among the formats and the networks consistent with a first predetermined criteria; and storing the campaign.

Abstract: A method for controlling a video system wherein the nearest display apparatus is selected by detecting a distance to each of a plurality of display apparatuses and information regarding the nearest display apparatus is transmitted to another video apparatus allowing a user apparatus to select the nearest display apparatus without additional input.

Abstract: A method for generating an on-screen menu comprising menu buttons and other menu items, e.g. help text, is characterized in that one or more groups of menu buttons or menu items are defined, wherein a group comprises one or more menu buttons or menu items and has associated a defined area on the screen. A state is assigned to a button, the state being “enabled” or “disabled”, wherein only an enabled button or item may be displayed, and wherein within a group not more than one button or item may be enabled. The state of a button can be changed by commands associated with other buttons.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure includes a settop box that receives electronic programming from a program source and a television that is configured to reproduce the electronic programming. A remote control device controls various functionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. The remote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the television and a configuration server to allow the remote control device to also control various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STB communication link. The television and the configuration server support a user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine and provide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriate settop-box control functions to the remote control device during the remote control configuration procedure.

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: Social media content items and references to events that occur therein are aligned with the time-based media events they describe. These mappings may be used as the basis for sending messages to populations of authors of content items, where the populations are determined based on whether the author has written a content item that refers to a specific TV show or advertisement. TV streams are monitored to detect when and where a specific advertisement for a particular advertiser is shown. Concurrently, social media streams are monitored for content items that refer to or are about specific TV shows and advertisements. Responsive to a specific advertisement being detected as being shown during a specific TV show, a message associated with the advertisement is sent to the authors of the content items associated with that TV show or advertisement. The messages can be transmitted while the advertisement is being shown.

Abstract: The invention provides a new solution for multimedia service guides, so as to aid the user equipment to receive multimedia service. The multimedia service management device notifies a service identifier and a service address of the multimedia service to a network server, and notifies the service identifier of the multimedia service to multimedia service guide device. Multimedia service guide device generates multimedia service guides comprising service identifier. After the user equipment obtains the multimedia service guides, it queries the network server for the service address corresponding to the multimedia service according to the service identifier comprised in the multimedia service guides, and obtains the multimedia service according to the service address.

Abstract: A display device according to the proposed embodiment includes a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; a broadcasting signal) separation unit that separates the broadcasting signal received through the broadcasting signal receiving unit into video, audio, and data signals; a controller that analyzes the data signal separated through the broadcasting signal separation unit to comprehend whether data broadcasting is serviced and the kind of the data broadcasting; and a memory that stores information on a channel on which the data broadcasting is serviced according to a control signal of the controller and information on the kind of the serviced data broadcasting, wherein the broadcasting receiving unit sequentially receives and outputs broadcasting signals of an entire channel according to the control signal of the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting to a plurality of client side devices over a network, such as the Internet, using visual layers for assembly in a media broadcast. In response to receiving input for simulating the media broadcast defined by content objects and arrangement of each layer in the simulation, transmitting the content objects for each of a plurality of the layers in a different live stream to each of the client side devices and transmitting design parameters defining the arrangement of the layers in the simulation to each of the client side devices. Each of the client side devices may be adapted to assemble the layers of a media broadcast according to the content objects and design parameters of the transmissions so that the content objects and design of the media broadcast assembled at each of the client side devices substantially matches that of the simulated media broadcast.

Abstract: The system includes a metadata generation apparatus for generating metadata to designate a specific space and time in and on which a speech balloon or a music book will be displayed on broadcasting content, a multiplexing broadcasting server for multiplexing the metadata received from the metadata generation apparatus and the broadcasting content and sending the multiplexed result to a reception apparatus, an augmented content providing apparatus for sending the speech balloon suitable for speech included in the broadcasting content or the music book suitable for music included in the broadcasting content to the reception apparatus, and the reception apparatus for displaying the broadcasting content and displaying the augmented content in a specific space and time of the broadcasting content based on the metadata.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating multiple multimedia viewing planes in media display systems according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes using a plurality of multimedia planes corresponding to a plurality of multimedia content types. The plurality of multimedia planes may be integrated to be presented through an integrated user interface at a media processing device. The method may further include selecting, via the integrated user interface, one or more content categories from a plurality of multimedia content categories, and presenting, via a multimedia plane of the plurality of multimedia planes, contents associated with the one or more selected content categories.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing interactive content. The method may include sending, from a media device, a request for one or more interactive applications to a first content source that is distinct from a second content source that provides video content to the media device. The request may indicate one or more locations to be polled for the one or more interactive applications. The method may include generating, at the media device, a menu of selectable interactive applications displayable at a display device. The selectable interactive applications may include at least one of the one or more interactive applications corresponding to the request.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. User interface layouts can be displayed that each have multiple tiles displaying multiple pieces of content, where the multiple pieces of content includes different types of content and each of the multiple tiles display a piece of the content. A command input can be received to change a current user interface layout, and a transition is initiated to display a next user interface layout that includes one or more of the multiple tiles displaying the multiple pieces of content or different multiple pieces of the content.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a client and a messaging fabric associated with a video system that includes a metadata broker element; storing metadata information associated with content, where the content is associated with a release uniform resource locator (URL); and generating a content guide, (e.g., an electronic program guide) that includes a plurality of content definitions (e.g., channels). A particular content (e.g., program) in the content guide is associated with a particular release URL that can be translated into a more specific URL based on a number of criteria.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first receiver, a screen transmitter, a second receiver and a controller. The first receiver receives first information associated with a display function of an external device. The screen transmitter generates an operation screen for operating the apparatus based on the first information, and transmits a video signal of the generated operation screen to the external device. The second receiver receives second information associated with content of an operation on the operation screen from the external device. The controller controls operation of the apparatus based on the second information.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the performance of feedback-based weighted content recommendation. According to various embodiments, input data for performing media content recommendation analysis may be identified. The input data may describe the presentation of a plurality of media content items in association with a plurality of content management accounts. The input data may comprise a plurality of data points. Each of the data points may identify respective feedback data for a respective one of the media content items previously recommended for presentation in association with a respective one of the content management accounts. The feedback data may identify a viewer reaction to the recommended media content item. For each or selected ones of the data points, a respective weighting factor based on the feedback data for the respective media content item presented in association with the respective content management account may be applied.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a test system for testing set-top boxes which provide a video output to a televisión. The test system records the execution of a test script, inputs to the set-top box and video output, each separately with a time stamp. The test system has a graphical user interface for playing back the video, inputs and scripts in a synchronised fashion.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a remote controller adapted to present a graphical user interface (GUI) with a first portion for selecting one or more set-top boxes (STBs) and one or more user accounts, and with a second portion corresponding to a console comprising a plurality of selectable icons, disable access to at least a portion of the plurality of selectable icons of the console, detect a selection of one of the STBs, detect a selection of one of the user accounts, establish a communication session with the selected STB, and enable access to the plurality of selectable icons of the console to manage operations of the selected STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A multifunctional display device includes a processor to control display of information during booting of an operating system. The operating system is booted in response to a predetermined signal and displayed the information includes first information corresponding to visual information, and second information indicating that the operating system is currently booting. The operating system is one which controls display of multimedia content.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive content, an acquiring unit configured to acquire a time required for reproducing the content, a counter configured to count a first time including at least the required time, and a display controller configured to display the content on the display unit and terminate display of a video on the display unit after expiration of the first time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio-visual (AV) system that includes: (a) one or more AV devices (such as a TV) operable to provide audio and/or visual information; (b) a set-top box (STB) associated with each AV device; (c) a router; (d) an Ethernet connection between each STB and the router; and (e) a control server which operates to receive and record data from the router, the data including data indicative of the operating status (e.g., on or off) of the or each AV device, the operating configuration (e.g., TV channel) and the time of each change of status and/or configuration of the or each AV. The system comprises at least two remote AV control devices (Human Interface Devices, “HIDs”) for each AV device. The HIDs associated with each AV device operate to be automatically synchronized to the same status and configuration. The system may include a web server and a content server.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to join a multicast group having an associated multicast address, wherein the multicast address is associated with a first content type of a plurality of content types, access encoded content associated with the first content type from the multicast address, wherein the encoded content is transmitted by at least one source associated with the multicast group to the multicast address, decode the accessed encoded content, and display the decoded content on a channel mapped to the multicast address. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A set top/back box and system and method for providing a remote control device are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes television input/output, a processor, and memory. The set top/back box may establish a pairing with a programmable device, such as a proximate wireless-enabled interactive handheld device having a touch screen display, whereby formatted parallel audiovisual experience instructions, including virtual buttons, may be transmitted to the programmable device for display on the touch screen display to create a experience parallel to the experience on the television. The set top/back box receives and processes virtual remote control functionality input instructions from the programmable device to control amenities associated with the set top/back box.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile associated with a user of the IPTV system, cause a set-top box (STB) operating in the IPTV system to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, wherein the one or more responses are collected by the STB from a communication exchange between the avatar and the user, identify from the one or more responses a need to communicate with a content source, establish a communication session with the content source, receive from the content source an avatar profile, adapt the characteristics of the avatar to correlate at least in part to the avatar profile, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated content delivery interface enables a user to access content from a multi-channel service provider (such as a cable television service) and over-the-top sources. The system displays a set of cable channels and over-the-top channels based on a combination of the user's subscription status for the various services, personalization criteria, and device type. The system may provide the user with a playlist of available videos for each channel. For videos from over-the-top sources, when a user selects the video for on-demand play the user's device will directly access the video as served by the over-the-top source. Before including any video in the playlist, the system will ensure that the video is available to the user based on subscription status and/or device type, and it will ensure that the over-the-top source serves the video in a format that is compatible with the user's device.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for producing a space time summary for one or more original videos includes automatically recognizing a key element in an original video, extracting pixels related to the key element from a series of video frames of the original video, producing a video bit comprising a series of video frames comprising the pixels and audio information extracted from the original video, wherein at least one video frame of the video bit is formed by a subset of pixels of the corresponding video frame in the original video, automatically displaying a plurality of video bits in a user interface, wherein the plurality of video bits are extracted from one or more original videos, and provide a space time summary for the one or more original videos, and allowing two of the plurality of video bits to be played simultaneously with audio and motion in the user interface.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.