Abstract: Methods, systems, and products index digital scenes in digital media. A uniform resource locator is assigned to each different digital scene within the digital media. The uniform resource locator uniquely identifies a resource from which each different digital scene may be retrieved. Individual scenes may thus be retrieved, thus conserving bandwidth and memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and delivering selected primary content and contextually-related, targeted secondary content to users of a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a packet-switched data (e.g., IP) network such as the Internet, and the primary content comprises video or media clips that are user-selectable via a network site or web page. The primary content carries with it descriptive metadata that is accessed by a distribution server and forwarded to a secondary content source. The secondary content source (or its proxy) utilizes the metadata to identify and return contextually-related secondary content such as advertising links. This secondary content is then presented to the user in conjunction with the primary content, such as in a common display window and in a seamless fashion, thereby avoiding distractions to the user associated with generating ancillary windows or other display mechanisms, and providing the user with highly relevant secondary content choices.

Abstract: Certain embodiments involve providing advertisements in response to navigation on an electronic device. On a mobile or other electronic device navigation may be controlled by moving a focus indicator amongst a group of displayed items. Certain embodiments provide an advertisement break between navigation items. When a user crosses the advertisement break by navigating the focus indicator from an item on one side of the advertisement break to an item on the other side, an advertisement is presented to the user.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a detection section adapted to detect a pointing direction of a pointing body, and a rotation section adapted to rotate an image based on the pointing direction detected by the detection section.

Abstract: A method for displaying ads on a media device includes a processor loading a flippable ad unit onto the media device, the flippable ad unit comprising a primary ad display and alternate ad displays; displaying the primary ad in the primary ad display of the flippable ad unit upon loading the flippable ad unit; receiving a select signal to rotate the flippable ad unit to an alternate ad display; rotating the flippable ad unit to display the selected alternate ad display; sending an ad request for an alternate ad; receiving the alternate ad for the selected alternate ad display; and displaying the alternate ad in the selected alternate ad display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a podcast file that has inserted content that is distinct from the content of the podcast. A remote server provides a web page to a subscriber computing device via a network, and a subscriber computing device transmits a podcast file to the remote server via the network. The remote server inserts content into the podcast file and provides the podcast file along with the inserted content for access from the web page. The remote server transmits the podcast file along with the inserted content responsive to requests from the subscriber computing devices. The subscriber computing devices can process and play the podcast content along with the inserted content from the remote server.

Abstract: A content recommending device includes a storage module configured to store a user profile as security information and non-security information, and a control module configured to receive portions of first content corresponding to the non-security information from a plurality of content providing servers, and extract at least one portion of second content corresponding to the security information from the portions of first content to recommend the at least one portion of second content.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: A system and method for formatting an electronic document. Format preference information related to the format of a user network site associated with a user is received. Document format criteria based on the format preference information and format performance information is automatically determined. An electronic document associated with the user network site is output according to the document format criteria.

Abstract: A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of associating, at a secondary device, secondary media content with primary media content being output at a primary device. The method includes receiving, at the secondary device, first information based upon the primary content being output at the primary device, wherein the first information includes at least one of an audio and a visual signal, determining at the secondary device second information corresponding to the first information, receiving at the secondary device one or more portions of secondary media content that have been made available by a third device, determining at the secondary device whether one or more of the portions of the secondary media content match one or more portions of the second information, and taking at least one further action upon determining that there is a match.

Abstract: Increased user interaction performance in group settings is achieved by providing individually interactive secondary content to individual users of a group of users, including a group that is consuming content from a single display device. A group of users is defined based upon detected commonalities. Secondary content is concurrently presented to the defined group of users and includes both non-interactive and interactive content. The interactive content is individually and separately presented to multiple users of the defined group, including co-located users that were consuming the primary content from a single physical display device. The individual and separate presentation includes presenting multiple panels, or sub-divisions, on the single physical display device, with individual, separate panels directed to individual ones of the multiple co-located users and the utilization of personal computing devices that are associated with specific ones of the multiple co-located users.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a streaming banner promoting one or more items/content on mobile devices are disclosed herein. User activity information is determined based on a user interfacing with a mobile device. The user activity information is transmitted by the mobile device to a server. In response to receiving a streaming banner, the streaming banner is displayed at a pre-determined portion of a screen of the mobile device. The streaming banner recommends one or more applications that targets the user based on the user activity information and an initial application identification source.

Abstract: A moving picture providing method includes playing, by a processor, a second moving picture provided with respect to a first moving picture before or during playing the first moving picture; playing, by the processor, the first moving picture in response to a termination or a suspension in playing the second moving picture; activating, by the processor, a recall user interface (UI) for recalling the second moving picture during playing the first moving picture; and playing, by the processor, the second moving picture again in response to a request for recalling the second moving picture through the recall UI.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that receives, from a particular user, identification of selected users from which recommendations are sought. Those users that have made recommendations are determined, and a recommendation graphical user interface is provided to equipment of the particular user. The graphical user interface item is associated with a recommending user and a television program. A selection of the recommendation graphical user interface item is received, and information is provided for presentation, responsive to a determination that viewing of the information has been authorized. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A content delivery system and method that receives a request for a content stream that includes splice points. The method receives a playlist that includes an ordered list of media segment files that represent the content stream, and splice point tags, where generation of the media segment files aligns segment boundaries with the splice points in the content stream, and where each splice point tag is in a location in the playlist that corresponds to the position of one of the splice points in the content stream. The method identifies an insertion position in the playlist based on the location of the splice point tags, selects an advertisement segment, inserts the advertisement segment at the insertion position to create a modified playlist, removes the splice point tags from the modified playlist, and sends the modified playlist to the video display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing webpage JavaScript objects are disclosed. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for sharing JavaScript objects of webpages that are provided by a server by way of a browser executed at a user client. The method includes: (a) storing a shared JavaScript object from among one or more JavaScript objects of a first webpage in a predefined object storage area; (b) checking for a shared JavaScript object in a second webpage; and (c) forming the second webpage with the shared JavaScript object extracted, where the object storage area is positioned in a JavaScript context.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a podcast file that has inserted content that is distinct from the content of the podcast. A remote server provides a web page to a subscriber computing device via a network, and a subscriber computing device transmits a podcast file to the remote server via the network. The remote server inserts content into the podcast file and provides the podcast file along with the inserted content for access from the web page. The remote server transmits the podcast file along with the inserted content responsive to requests from the subscriber computing devices. The subscriber computing devices can process and play the podcast content along with the inserted content from the remote server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining demographic information of a user associated with a media device, the media device including monitoring functionality. An agreement is presented to the user via the media device. The monitoring functionality is enabled to monitor at least one of media presentation or user interaction via the control processor if the agreement is accepted.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering targeted advertising data over a network including but not limited to a first video server processor interface for sending data for rotating one of the set of follow-on advertisements off of the on-screen picture in picture queue display to an off-screen storage; and a second video server processor interface for sending data rotating another one of the follow-on advertisements from the off-screen storage to the on screen picture in picture queue display.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for receiving and processing a broadcast signal and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving a notification through a network interface or a tuner, generating a promotion card object including the notification by processing the received notification by a card object generator, and displaying the promotion card object on a display.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for receiving and processing a broadcast signal and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The method includes displaying a home screen including a plurality of card objects, displaying a broadcast image and a favorite channel object representing favorite channels in a broadcast card object representing a broadcast image among the plurality of card objects, and displaying a favorite channel list including favorite channel items on the display, upon selection of the favorite channel object.

Abstract: A method of delivering advertisement data to a mobile device that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, extracting metadata from video content corresponding to the selected advertisement in response to receiving an advertisement selection command and sending the metadata to an advertising management system. Data is received from the advertisement data management system indicating multiple communication devices associated with the media processor and a selection is received indicating a selected mobile communication device of the multiple communication devices. Identification of the selected mobile communication device is sent to the advertisement data management system to cause the advertisement data management system to deliver a mobile version of the advertisement to the selected mobile communication device via a mobile communication network.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for receiving and processing a broadcast signal and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving a notification through a network interface or a tuner, generating a promotion card object including the notification by processing the received notification by a card object generator, and displaying the promotion card object on a display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

Abstract: A content delivery system and method that receives a request for a content stream that includes splice points. The method receives a playlist that includes an ordered list of media segment files that represent the content stream, and splice point tags, where generation of the media segment files aligns segment boundaries with the splice points in the content stream, and where each splice point tag is in a location in the playlist that corresponds to the position of one of the splice points in the content stream. The method identifies an insertion position in the playlist based on the location of the splice point tags, selects an advertisement segment, inserts the advertisement segment at the insertion position to create a modified playlist, removes the splice point tags from the modified playlist, and sends the modified playlist to the video display device.

Abstract: Techniques to allow advertising or other secondary content to be dismissed for later follow up are disclosed. In various embodiments, a user input associated with dismissing a displayed content for later follow up is received. Display of the content item discontinued and a follow up record is stored based at least in part on the indication. The follow up record is used to provide to a user with which the user input is associated a follow up content associated with the dismissed content.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for presenting program guide information using a mosaic of video sources broadcast in a television services system. An application program executed on a television services set-top box generates a matrix of still images representing multiple video sources presently being broadcast in the television services system. The matrix of still images is presented as a video mosaic representing current program guide information in the television services system.

Abstract: A toolbar that is provided or inserted in a markup language document so as to facilitate features or functionality provided by a server is disclosed. The toolbar is able to determine whether the toolbar should be displayed as part of the markup language page being displayed. In one embodiment the server is an intermediary server.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to process a flagging request, which designates a scene within the media content instance as a flagged scene. The processing subsystem is further configured to generate an actionable data module containing additional content corresponding to the flagged scene.

Abstract: In a method for displaying video data within result presentations in information access or search systems, compressed thumbnails are computed for videos in a result page and applied to the result page. An end user is enabled to select a video in the result page and activate streaming of a video summary within the context of the associated result page.

Abstract: Implementations related to system and techniques for providing audio news reports are discussed. A computer-implemented method includes identifying, with a computer system, one or more news preferences for a first user, selecting a plurality of news stories, wherein particular ones of the new stories are determined to be responsive to the news preferences for the first user and comprise audio versions of stories converted automatically from textual news stories, assembling, with the computer system and for the first user, an audio news report that includes the audio versions of the selected news stories, and delivering, to a computing device, the assembled audio news report.

Abstract: An alternative system and method for charging to provide audio visual services typically made available by providers, namely DVR services, rDVR services, on-demand services, broadcast and switch video television services, and pay-per-view services, for example. A customer/user may be enabled to access certain services from a provider in exchange for viewing one or more commercials, advertisements, overlays, watermarks, logos, or the like, preferably in real time, before, during, or following viewing an audio visual work provided in accordance with the services.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving an identification of a media program from a broadcast channel on an electronic program guide for inclusion in a personalized channel, adding the identified program to a personalized channel at a first time, and adding one or more additional programs to the personalized channel at times other than the first time.

Abstract: A broadcast system provides consumers with inducement to consume portions in which they may not have an active interest, such as commercials. To dissuade consumers from leaving the vicinity of the broadcast receiver or from switching to other broadcasts while a first broadcast airs such a portion, the first broadcast is augmented by a second content entity calculated to be of interest to the consumer. Interaction is required of the consumer in order for him to receive the second content entity, which necessitates his presence and attention.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to detect a first position of a viewing apparatus, wherein the viewing apparatus enables viewing of media programs, obtain a media program in a first viewing perspective that conforms to the first position, present the media program with the first viewing perspective for viewing by way of the viewing apparatus, and transmit to the viewing apparatus a first audio signal corresponding to the first viewing perspective. The storage medium can also have computer instructions to detect that the viewing apparatus has moved to a second position, obtain the media program in a second viewing perspective according to the second position, and present the media program with the second viewing perspective for viewing by way of the viewing apparatus. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

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

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server comprising a memory to store executable instructions and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller, reponsive to executing the instructions, performs operations comprising presenting a graphical user interface enabling selectable advertisements or a selectable channel distribution service for delivery to a set top box, presenting filters for targeted delivery of advertisements to subscriber equipment based on information descriptive of the subscriber, selecting advertisements from an advertising server based on detected selections of advertisements or a detected channel distribution service preference, transmitting a globally unique identifier of the set top box to a billing server, initiating storage of the selectable advertisements at a remote advertisement delivery server, and presenting the selectable advertisements to the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing user interaction with third parties through an electronic programme guide for a television receiver is described. Either the television receiver or computing equipment local to the television receiver and in communication with it comprises a system for assembling an electronic programme guide. The system receives scheduling information for populating the electronic programme guide, and also receives offer information associated with the scheduling information. The system then displays as an electronic programme guide the scheduling information together with its associated offer information. A user selection of offer information is received, and a transaction for the offer information is established. Apparatus and software for achieving this result are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method which includes at least the following steps of requesting a consent to obtain an individual social media profile data; based on the consent, electronically obtaining the individual social media profile data from a social media electronic data source; determining individual specific parameters based on the individual social media profile data; matching the individual specific parameters to at least one segment identifier generated based on a predetermined segmentation of a target population of individuals; based on the matching, associating the at least one segment identifier with the individual social media profile data; and outputting an advertisement to the individual based on the at least one segment identifier associated with the individual social media profile data of such individual.

Abstract: System and method for delivering video programs from a cloud to an electronic terminal is disclosed. Channels may be generated based upon personal data of a user. Channels may also be generated by the user's inputs through a user input device of the terminal. The user may select to access video programs in the cloud either through generated channels or through a search engine. Advertising messages can also be delivered based upon disclosed system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining if a commercial contains one of metadata, close captioning information, recognizable speech in an audio component of the commercial, or a combination thereof. In response to determining that the commercial does not contain metadata, but does contain close captioning information, an advertised show is identified based on the close captioning information. Likewise, in response to determining that the commercial contains neither metadata, nor close captioning information, but does contain recognizable speech in an audio component of the commercial, the advertised show is identified based on the recognizable speech. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to display and interact with a social networking structure on a video device connected to a network enabled host device is provided. A user interface (UI) 700 is also provided for displaying content (e.g. messages or tweets) that is output in an overlay for display on a display while program video is playing. The method provides for accessing a social networking site in response to a user input, the user input initiated while outputting a program for display, generating at least one keyword for searching the social networking site based on at least one characteristic associated with the program, retrieving content from the social networking site based the at least one keyword and outputting the retrieved content in an overlay for display simultaneous with the program.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for providing advertisements with a media program transmitted to a user device are described. The method permits the user to interrupt the playback of the advertisement and continue with the playback of the media program with no further advertisements, or to interrupt the playback of the advertisement to substitute a different version of the advertisement.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and apparatus are provided for delivering information and commands regarding a media program. An advertisement is provided that allows a user to request more information about the media program by clicking on or otherwise selecting the advertisement. The information may be based on the identity of the user. The information may include programming guide information regarding the media program that is available to an associated set top box of the user. The user may also be able to send commands, such as record the media program or set up a reminder about the media program, through a DVR scheduling facility to the set top box. The set top box may be able to send an acceptance of the command or a notice of conflict to the user through the DVR scheduling facility.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.