Abstract: A method is provided for a content recommendation module. The method includes receiving a user input related to viewing contents from a user and determining whether a recommendation pool containing a plurality of selected recommendation candidates has been changed corresponding to the input. The method also includes, when the recommendation pool has been changed, mapping the plurality of selected recommendation candidates in the changed recommendation pool into a hierarchical data structure with a plurality of levels such that each of the plurality of levels acts as a stage of a zoom operation on the selected recommendation candidates. Further, the method includes rendering mapped recommendation candidates from the plurality of levels to be displayed to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media content reception method for providing augmenting media contents using graphic objects, including: receiving metadata including information representing each event of any one of broadcast contents or moving picture contents, and any one of the broadcast contents or the moving picture contents and graphic object related information associated with events, the events including at least one of a specific scene, a specific situation, and a specific phenomenon of any one of the broadcast contents or the moving picture contents; analyzing the received metadata; designating the graphic objects to correspond to each event within any one of the broadcast contents or the moving picture contents based on the analyzed metadata; and displaying the designated graphic objects to meet each event at the time of playing any one of the broadcast contents or the moving picture contents.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for authoring and/or presenting packages of multimedia content. In at least one embodiment, the digital multimedia package may include video content, audio content, and text transcription content representing a transcription of the audio content. The video content, audio content, and text transcription content are each maintained in continuous synchronization with each other during video playback, and also as a user selectively navigates to different scenes of the video content. The text transcription content is presented via an interactive Resources Display GUI. Interacting with the Resources Display GUI, a user may cause the displayed text to dynamically scroll to a different portion of the text transcription corresponding to a different scene of the video.

Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed, the electronic device including: an operation implementation unit conducting a predetermined operation; a first main controller controlling the operation of the operation implementation unit; an input reception unit receiving an input signal; a second main controller processing the input signal and being in the power saving state in the standby mode; and a subcontroller controlling the second main controller to process the input signal when the input signal is received in the standby mode, wherein the second main controller processes the received input signal according to control of the subcontroller, controls the first main controller to operate in the normal mode when the input signal corresponds to entering the normal mode, and returns to the power saving state in the standby mode when the input signal does not correspond to entering the normal mode.

Abstract: A system may include a media content processing subsystem configured to provide media content to a display device. The system may further include an adjunct computing device in communication with the media content processing subsystem and configured to receive interactive program guide data, receive social information associated with an account on a social network, and display the interactive program guide data augmented with the social information.

Abstract: When display according scheduled program viewing is provided on multi-screen display, a user may not even notice the display. First, upon the start of processing for display according to scheduled program viewing, which has been set in advance (for example, two minutes before the scheduled program viewing), at step S1, whether or not TV is currently providing multi-screen display is determined at step S2. If it is providing multi-screen display (Yes), the processing proceeds to step S3, and the display is switched to single-screen display. If it is not providing multi-screen display (No), step S3 is omitted. In any case, the processing proceeds to step S4. At step S4, whether or not an HTML browser is installed is determined, and if it is not installed (No), the processing proceeds to step S7. If it is installed (Yes), the processing proceeds to step S5, and whether or not the HTML browser is active is determined.

Abstract: Techniques to deliver targeted advertisements and multimedia contents to viewers. Various types of advertisements are encoded and transmitted. The advertisements may be targeted for different coverage areas (e.g., national and local levels) and may further include various categories (e.g., kids, sports, business, and so on). At the terminal, one or more advertisements may be selected for display based on various selection schemes. The particular advertisement to be selected for display at a terminal may be based on the terminal's assigned profile or user interaction at the terminal. The profile may be assigned based on the last program viewed at the terminal, a particular filter icon selected at the terminal, the observed television viewing habits of the viewer at the terminal, and so on. The techniques may also be advantageously used for delivery of other multimedia contents and for other applications.

Abstract: A content processing device within a customer premises is connected to a first network internal to the customer premises and is also connected to a second network external to the customer premises. The content processing device is configured to download via the second network, and then to execute, instructions to detect a computing device within the first network and then to request selectively specified media content from the computing device, whereby the specified media content is retrieved from the computing device via the first network.

Abstract: Interactive audio-video episodes may be provided in which progression of storylines is contingent upon user interactions with the episodes. User activities may be facilitated during presentation of an episode. The user activities may be contextually related to the storyline of the presented episode. A given user activity may include a visual and/or audio queue to prompt the user to participate in the given user activity. Progression of the storyline of the presented episode may be suspended during the given user activity. One or more user interactions may be received during individual user activities facilitated during presentation of the episode. The storyline may continue to progress after the given user activity responsive to receipt of a given user interaction prompted by the given user activity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a apparatus includes a tuner configured to receive a broadcasting wave that is broadcasted from a broadcasting station, an receiver configured to receive program information corresponding to programs, a display controller configured to display an electronic program guide includes program sections corresponding to programs based on the program information, a selection module configured to display a first window includes a first operation area, when it is detected that a first program section is operated, and the first program which corresponds to the first program section is not broadcasted, and a request module configured to request the tuner to select the first broadcasting station when the first operation area is operated.

Abstract: A display device is connected in communication with a mobile electronic device. The display control device detects a movement information of a control object in a first two-dimensional space, and the mobile electronic device detects a movement information of the control object in a second two-dimensional space. The display control device works out at a current three-dimensional coordinates of the control object according to the movement information of the control object in the first two-dimensional space, and a movement information of the control object in the second two-dimensional space and the initial three-dimensional coordinates of the control object.

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 web browser control device includes: a display control unit that causes web pages and a bookmark list screen showing a list of at least one bookmarked web page among the web pages to be displayed; a storage unit that stores (a) pieces of history information of the web pages displayed by the display control unit and (b) bookmark information of the at least one bookmarked web page; and a web browser control unit that (i) instructs, when a web browser is opened, the display control unit to cause the bookmark list screen to be displayed according to the bookmark information stored in the storage unit, and (ii) delete, when the web browser is closed or opened, (c) history information of at least one web page not bookmarked among the web pages from the storage unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products describe customizing the presentation of a content-access list. A preference for a subscriber is received, and a content database is searched for content related to the preference and for content unrelated to the preference. An option list is received including an option, and a non-preference-related option is also received. The non-preference-related option is added to the option list, and the option list is sent to the subscriber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toggling between television channels that appear on a display. A listing of channels is received from a user, with the channels being prioritized in an order of preference. One or more toggle types are also received from the user, with each toggle type further including a toggle trigger. In use, a channel is displayed on the display until a toggle trigger is detected. Once detected, the channel on the display is changed to another channel from the list of channels. This process may continue with the detection of another toggle trigger causing another changing of the displayed channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting multimedia information materials from a database, preferably as a video broadcast. In one example, a plurality of information segments, such as video clips, are stored in the database, information segments are selected from the database, and a user can organize a subset of the selected information segments to affect a presentation of those information segments in desired order. The selected information segments may be loaded into a memory. The selected information segments may also be represented using indicators. The subset of selected information segments may be presented in the same order as the corresponding indicators. The presentation may be realized on a computer, a media player, or a television, the latter of which may interface with a set-top box and/or a personal video recorder.

Abstract: A system for conveying and reproducing images for use with interactive applications is described. The system includes one or more application modules producing images for a display, and a display server for deriving encoded representations of the images and forwarding them to one or more clients. The client includes one or more user input devices such as a touchpad or touchscreen, and forwards information derived from the data received from these devices to the display server. The information is also used locally to modify reconstructed images derived from the encoded image representations received from the display server. The modified reconstructed images are displayed on a video screen.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a tuner unit, a managing unit, a private code verifying unit, an application origin verifying unit, and a device operation command processing unit. The tuner unit is configured to perform a decoding process of a broadcast program and program related information from broadcasting waves. The managing unit is configured to store a private code on a device-by-device basis. The private code verifying unit is configured to verify whether the private code obtained from an information manipulation device matches with the stored private code. The application origin verifying unit is configured to determine whether first origin information that has been received matches with second origin information of the application being executed. The device operation command processing unit is configured to allow execution of the device operation command when the first origin information and the second origin information match and when the private codes match.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display unit; a signal processor which is configured to process an image signal to be displayed as an image on the display unit; a communicator which is configured to communicate with an external network; and a controller which is configured to perform an initial setup service provide a user with a plurality of setup stages for adjusting a plurality of functions of the display apparatus, deduce an installation region of the display apparatus based on network information when the network information for the communicator to communicate with the external network is setup in execution of the initial setup service, and automatically perform at least part of the setup stages based on information on the deduced installation region.

Abstract: A method includes detecting, from an Enhanced Television (ETV) Integrated Signaling Stream (EISS), an indication that an ETV application is available to be downloaded; downloading, in response to the indication, the ETV application from a video stream identified by the indication, where the ETV application does not conform to an ETV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) standard; detecting, from the EISS, another indication that the ETV application is to be started; executing, in response to the other indication, the ETV application to generate an ETV page, where the ETV page includes information that is not permitted by the EBIF standard; and displaying the ETV page on a video display device to enables a user to interact with the ETV page.

Abstract: A systems and methods access electronic program guide (EPG) information via a backchannel link. An exemplary embodiment receives a first portion of EPG information residing in a data channel of a program content stream, establishes a communication link between a media device and a remote EPG content system, and receives a second portion of EPG information from the remote EPG content system via the established communication link.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method of presenting alternative audio content for an audio/visual content segment, such as a television program or a motion picture. In the method, the audio/visual content segment is received into a media content receiver. The audio/visual content segment includes primary visual content and primary audio content. A request to receive alternative audio content for the audio/visual content segment is transmitted. After transmitting the request, the alternative audio content is received into the media content receiver. The primary audio content is replaced with the alternative audio content to generate a revised audio/visual content segment. The revised audio/visual content is transferred for presentation to a user.

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

Abstract: A system and method employs an online site for making stored digital video recordings available for selection and download to a wireless communications device. Upon receipt of a selection for a digital video recording, the system and method causes the selected digital video recording to be wirelessly transmitted to the wireless communications device. The selected digital video recording is also made available to a personal computer associated with the user who made the selection. At least a title of the selected digital video recording is stored in a personal storage account of the user.

Abstract: A television programming recommender combines the explicit viewing preferences, i.e. user specified preferences, of viewers with their television viewing behavior (implicit preferences) to generate program recommendations. The explicit viewing preferences are utilized to generate an explicit recommendation score, E, for an upcoming television program. The implicit viewing preferences are utilized to generate an implicit recommendation score, I, for the program. A combined recommendation score, C, is computed based on the explicit and implicit scores, E and I. The combined recommendation score, C, can be computed using a weighted linear mapping.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for providing for display on a screen of a secondary device augmented content to a television show displayed on a screen of a primary device. A server receives from the secondary device, information corresponding to the television show currently playing on the screen of the primary device. A synchronization cue is identified based on the information corresponding to the television show. The synchronization cue identifies a current temporal segment within the television show currently being played by the primary device. Based on the synchronization cue, augmented content is generated relevant to the current temporal segment of the television show. The augmented content enables an interactive viewer experience with the television show.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image display apparatus, and more particularly, an image display apparatus capable of displaying screen information. The image display apparatus includes a display configured to display screen information, an interface configured to receive an input signal with respect to the display, and a controller configured to display a menu item for controlling the screen information, wherein the display outputs the screen information on an inner region of rounded corners of the display, and wherein the controller decides a shape of the menu item to be displayed on a point where the input signal has been received, in response to the reception of the input signal.

Abstract: A communications system for an aircraft includes an aircraft IFE system, and at least one personal electronic device (PED) carried by an aircraft passenger. The IFE system includes an IFE video entertainment source, IFE passenger seat displays, a respective IFE NFC device associated with each of the IFE passenger seat displays, an IFE wireless transceiver, and an IFE controller. The IFE controller is for selectively displaying video from the IFE entertainment source on the IFE passenger seat displays, selectively transmitting a respective registration ID from each IFE NFC device, and communicating via the IFE wireless transceiver. The PED includes a PED NFC device, a PED wireless transceiver, and a PED controller. The PED controller is for communicating with the IFE wireless transceiver via the PED wireless transceiver based upon the PED NFC device receiving the registration ID associated with one of the respective IFE NFC devices when in proximity thereto.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling presentation of supplemental application content to display devices while particular content is rendered on the display device. One example method includes receiving a request, at a server, to register a display device. The display device has hardware for communication over the Internet with the server that is further configured to provide applications for rendering on the display device. The display device further includes hardware for communication with a broadcast television provider that provides broadcast content to the display device. The method also includes registering the display device with the server. The registering includes receiving attributes of the display device. Also included is receiving information, at the server, regarding content rendered on the display device, and sending to the display device application data for at least one of the applications of the display device.

Abstract: A method for rendering application user interfaces includes providing a user interface of a first application for display on a television screen, and, while providing the user interface of the first application for display on the television screen, providing a user interface of a second application for concurrent display with the user interface of the first application, in a predefined user interface region, on the television screen. The method also includes, while providing the user interface of the second application, receiving a request for a user interface of a third application. The method further includes, in response to receiving the request for the user interface of the third application, providing a user interface of the third application, instead of the user interface of the second application, for concurrent display with the user interface of the first application, in the predefined user interface region, on the television screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus configured to communicate between mobile devices. One example method may include determining a present location of a mobile device being operated by a user, determining a present location of at least one additional mobile device being operated by at least one additional user via a location based service (LBS) and notifying the mobile device when the present location of the at least one additional mobile device is within a predefined threshold distance of a mobile device domain. The method may also include receiving media data captured from the at least one additional mobile device and forwarding the received data to the mobile device. The user of the mobile device may be able to track, maintain communication, and identify the locations and activities of friends, family, and other persons of interest via their respective mobile devices.

Abstract: A system includes a set-top box and a server for a subscription television service. The set-top box includes a processor to receive a video-on-demand (VOD) programming suggestion from a user and send, to the server, the VOD programming suggestion. The server includes a processor to receive the VOD programming suggestion, compile the VOD programming suggestion with other VOD programming suggestions from other set-top boxes, and send a notification to the set-top box that the VOD programming suggestion has been added to the list of available VOD programming for the subscription television service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a Remote User Interface Client (RUIC), on which a remote user interface is displayed, through another RUIC. A message including control information that indicates a control action corresponding to a user input at the other RUIC is received at the RUIC from the other RUIC. The RUIC determines whether the control information is predefined information or undefined information. When the control information is predefined information, the control information is delivered from a web server of the RUIC to an application of the RUIC, and a control operation corresponding to the control information is executed by the application. When the control information is undefined information, the received control information is delivered from the web server to the application through a remote control plug-in in the RUIC to execute the control operation corresponding to the control information by the application.

Abstract: A remote control for controlling a television receiver. The remote control comprises a communication mechanism for communicating with the receiver, an active NFC reader for communicating with an active or passive NFC device, and a mechanism for transmitting the information received from the NFC device to the receiver. The remote control allows the use of a near filed communication (NFC) portable device (e.g., card or smartphone) for transactions using a television.

Abstract: A display apparatus, a server, and control methods thereof which enable a user to selectively use functions provided by the server and functions provided by the display apparatus through a unified UI. The display apparatus receives from a server UI information corresponding to a first function predetermined by a server from among a plurality of functions performable by a display apparatus, displays a first UI including a first item corresponding to the first function based on the received UI information and a second item corresponding to a second function added by the display apparatus from among the plurality of functions. If the second item is selected by input from a user, the display apparatus performs the second function corresponding to the second item.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed in which an estimated time a user will have to wait before a user selected video begins playing is calculated. The estimated time may be calculated based on, for example, speed of the connection, quality of the video (e.g., HD versus standard definition), length of the video, load on the server at the current time, etc. A game may be selected based at least in part on the calculated estimated wait time and the approximate time to finish the game. In some embodiments, one or more advertisements may be selected based on, for example, the type of video selected by the user (e.g., Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy, etc.), the search term(s) used by the user to search for the video, history of games played (e.g., what games, if any, has the user played previously), etc. The selected game and the one or more advertisements may be served to the user substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided in which information is displayed in response to the entry of the digits of a channel number. The interactive system may be implemented on a television, a computer, or a radio system. The displayed information may be program listings information such as the channel designator or the program currently airing on the channel. The displayed information may also be a list of channels. The list of channels may be associated with the entered digits, may be component channels, or channels of the same type and may be sorted by various techniques such as numerically, by favorite channels, by type, etc. The interactive system may allow a user to specify a source identifier to channels from different sources and display the channels with the source identifier when they are entered.

Abstract: A DVR, server, or other agent correlates media metadata from diverse sources, like an EPG data provider and multiple video-on-demand (VOD) service providers. Metadata sets from different sources are compared in order to attempt to identify identical programs to which the metadata sets pertain. From at least one metadata set, information about the program that the other metadata set lacks is selected. A “canonical” data structure instance for the program is created. The information that is lacking from at least one of the metadata sources is inserted into that instance. For each source from which a program is available, the DVR stores the identity of that source on the DVR's persistent storage device in association with the canonical data structure instance for that program. The DVR receives search criteria from a user and then searches the stored canonical data structure instance for programs that satisfy the criteria.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a first set-top-box (STB) of a group of STBs, the first STB having a controller to select via a graphical user interface (GUI) a media program and a second STB of the group of STBs for receiving an invitation to participate in a media session, wherein the media session comprises presentation of the media program, transmit the invitation to the second STB of the group of STBs, wherein information associated with the invitation is visually displayed at a third STB of the group of STBs participating in the media session, and present the media program at the first STB during the media session, wherein the media program is presented at the third STB during the media session. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs for implementing radio frequency (RF) and Internet Protocol (IP) virtual channel maps (VCM) in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver (DVR) are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for managing virtual channel information in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver. One such method comprises: receiving a data set associated with at least one IP transport stream; determining at least one virtual channel number (VCN) and at least one corresponding delivery parameter associated with the IP transport stream; and associating the VCN with the delivery parameter in a virtual channel map (VCM).

Abstract: A control device controls a television. The control device includes a touch module. The control device displays a menu containing a number of soft keys on a screen. The soft keys are activated to control the television to carry out corresponding functions. All positions on the menu are associated with all positions on the touch module correspondingly. As a result, a user can select desired soft keys to carry out corresponding functions by viewing the menu on the television and touching the touch module, rather than viewing the touch module.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a content-list creating unit for selecting, on the basis of a predetermined subject, contents out of recorded program contents, information contents concerning receivable program contents, contents acquired from an outside, and contents stored in the information processing apparatus in advance to thereby create a content list; a content-list selecting unit for selecting out of plural content lists created by the content-list creating unit, on the basis of at least one of contents of the content lists and a situation during user operation, plural content lists to be displayed; and a display control unit for causing a predetermined display unit to display the plural content lists selected by the content-list selecting unit.

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: A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another.

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 one or more available interactive applications identified by the first content source in response to the request.

Abstract: A television receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcasting program, a program information obtaining unit configured to obtain program information about the broadcasting program, a language setting unit configured to set a language used to display an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), a selection unit configured to select a program to be broadcasted in a language set by the language setting unit using the program information, and a program guide generating unit configured to generate the EPG using the program information, wherein the program guide generating unit is configured to generate the EPG that displays and identifies a program selected by the selection unit while not displaying a program that is not selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting with a virtual space, in which a mobile device is used to electronically capture image data of a real-world object, the image data is used to identify information related to the real-world object, and the information is used to interact with software to control at least one of: (a) an aspect of an electronic game; and (b) a second device local to the mobile device. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to gaming, in which the image data can be used to identify a name of the real-world object, to classify the real-world object, identify the real-world object as a player in the game, to identify the real-world object as a goal object or as having some other value in the game, to use the image data to identify the real-world object as a goal object in the game.

Abstract: An embodiment of a dynamic messaging system receives a message presentation request from a program distributor, the message presentation request having a first identifier that identifies the receiving device and a second identifier corresponding to one of a fixed message indicator and a dynamic message indicator. In response to receiving the message presentation request identifying the receiving device and the fixed message indicator, the dynamic messaging system retrieves a fixed message from a memory of the receiving device based upon the fixed message indicator. In response to receiving the message presentation request identifying the receiving device and the dynamic message indicator, the dynamic messaging system receives a dynamic message from an information stream communicated from the program distributor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting information regarding multiple categories of content are provided. In addition, methods and systems that suggest activities by a user in relation to content and determined affinity for content in relation to user contacts are provided. A user interface application is provided that operates to display status and/or historical information regarding content, suggested activities, and suggested contacts. The user can interact with the interface to access detailed information and to act on suggestions.