Abstract: A system and method for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media system having a controller element that contextually associates a plurality of portals with a corresponding plurality of multimedia broadcast channels as an aggregated service offering. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The multimedia content presentation system and method includes a preparation component, a deployment component, an interface component and a metrics component. Multimedia content assets and targeted advertising are placed by the preparation component with a hierarchal N×M matrix of display cells. The deployment component uses conventional transmission networks, such as the Internet, broadband cable and wireless phone systems to transmit to the interface component a configuration file defining a matrix of display tiles. The interface component presents and navigates the user through a hierarchy of display palettes, multimedia assets and targeted advertisements on a variety of platforms, such as televisions, personal computers, personal digital assistants and cell phones. The interface component further collects usage data and provides the data to the metrics component for use by the preparation component and the deployment component for targeted content and advertisements.

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: A viewer may directly interact with a 3D object that is virtually placed in a physical location in a video scene. Initially, the object appears as an integral part of the original video scene and does not interfere with the general viewer's experience of the program. A viewer may initiate interaction with the object using an input device. An interested viewer may navigate through the object's architecture based on the viewer's interest. For example, the viewer may drag the object to a new physical insertion point in the scene. The user may rotate the 3D object into different orientations and zoom in. Each orientation of the object, if selected by the viewer, may invoke a new linked object in the predefined architecture. For example, the viewer may walk through the linked objects in the predefined architecture or observe an object at an increasing level of detail.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for providing a plurality of protected segments from a contiguous media content segment, and selectively providing a user access to at least a portion of one of the protected segments in response to accessing a gating media segment associated with the protected segment.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable storage media to publish a programming schedule. An example method includes, if a current geographic location of a mobile device associated with a user is different than a home geographic location, determining a broadcast time and a channel schedule when a program of interest to the user is to be presented in the current location, the program of interest identified while the user is in the home location. The example method includes pushing the broadcast time and an identifier of the broadcast channel of the program to the mobile device.

Abstract: Information providing method and apparatus. The method includes generating scene information based on broadcasting related information received from a broadcasting information generation apparatus, providing the generated scene information to a user device in response to a scene information request received from the user device, receiving an information request from the user device and providing information with reference to the scene information to the user device in response to the information request. The broadcasting information generation apparatus generates the broadcasting related information based on a broadcasting program schedule generated by a broadcasting transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A method of substituting content during a program break, includes: detecting a break in a broadcast program, and in response to the break, showing substitute content. A method of substituting broadcast content displayed on a screen, includes: determining an occurrence of a break in a broadcast content; and in response to the occurrence of the break, displaying substitute content on the screen. The method may further include: displaying the broadcast content when the break terminates.

Abstract: A pay-program transmission/reception system provides a pay program at low viewing fee by inserting CMs. A viewer who wants a program without CMs does not newly receive a CM-deleted program. A CM data management apparatus transmits, to a pay-program reception terminal, (a) a CM-inserted program constituted from video/audio and CM data, and (b) a CM-inserted program schedule showing reproduction orders thereof, when receiving a program request by a program name designated in the pay-program reception terminal. The pay-program reception terminal, when its input reception unit receives the CM deletion request from the viewer after its video/audio processing unit reproduces the CM-inserted program, passes the request to the CM data management apparatus, obtains a CM-deleted program schedule, and reproduces the pay program without CMs.

Abstract: Techniques for transmission and preparation for display of real-time audio-visual content of a plurality of TV programs over electronic communications network channels and display of the audio-visual signals as a part of a TV Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) are disclosed herein. In particular, the use of video coded using a layered codec, and stored in a layered format, allows a properly configured system to present to an end user a live preview of multiple TV channels, along with EPG information (e.g., the channel, time, title and genre of video content, a list of programs scheduled in the future, as well as the ability to, for example, set parental controls, order pay-per-view programs, to search for programs based on theme or category, and to set recordings for the future when combined with a recording system), on his/her TV screen, without taking significantly more resources (e.g., in terms of bandwidth, system complexity) than the traditional digital TV transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a user interface. First, a first input may be received and a currently displayed programming content may be shrunken. Next, the shrunken programming content may be displayed. Then, in response to the received first input and concurrent with the shrunken programming content, a media guide comprising at least three display elements may be displayed. Each one of the three display elements may include a first content element, a second content element, a third content element, a fourth content element, or a fifth content element. The first content element may display available programming channels. The second content element may display programs available on the available programming channels. The third content element may display description information. The fourth content element may display actions that can be taken. The fifth content element may display an advertisement or information relative to one of the actions.

Abstract: A video advertising insertion system is comprised of a processing system, interface, and video advertising. The video advertising insertion system receives a video stream carrying selected video content from a video-on-demand system. The video advertising insertion system selects and inserts video advertising into the video stream. The video advertising insertion system transfers the video stream carrying both the selected video content and the selected video advertising for display to a target viewer.

Abstract: By describing electrical program guide information in a language such as XML and then multiplexing the electrical program guide information to a broadcast signal for transmission, advertisements, images and sounds can be easily entered and various program guides can be realized. For manufacturers of receiving devices, it suffices to develop only the software for receiving, decoding and displaying received XML data. There is no need to develop the software for displaying the EPG for each type of receiving device. Thus, the number of development steps can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of determining advertising content to be included in a broadcast is disclosed. An inclusion criterion is received for each of a plurality of items of advertising content to be used to determine one or both of whether and how that item of advertising content is to be included in a broadcast. Stored user profile data associated with a plurality of users who provided within an observation period an indication that the user was consuming the broadcast is processed, and the respective inclusion criteria of the items of advertising content, to select and integrate into the broadcast selected ones of the items of advertising content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing custom video mosaic pages are provided. The custom pages may be locally-generated, remotely-generated, or partially locally-generated and partially remotely-generated. The custom pages may include local content, such as content recorded to a digital video recorder (DVR), overlaid on a multi-video composite feed. A local compositing system may render the mosaic pages and dynamically customize the pages based on user profile data, user preferences, and active user monitoring.

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 device receives an advertisement, a code, an encryption key, and information associated with a product and/or service, and provides the advertisement to a set-top box (STB) for display on a television. The device receives, from the STB, a request for a promotion associated with the advertisement and an identification associated with the STB, and provides the code associated with the product and/or service to the STB for display on the television. The device receives, from a user device, a claim for the code and the identification associated with the STB, and validates the claim for the code and the identification associated with the STB based on an identification associated with the user device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a distributed audience response for a broadcast records a response from a participating client of a broadcast and transmits the response to an audience server. The audience server combines the response with responses from other participating clients of the broadcast, and the combined response is then transmitted to a receiving client for playback in synchronization with the broadcast. Intelligible speech can be removed from the combined response. The participating client can be part of a group of clients of the broadcast, where the responses from the group of clients are combined and played back. A participant can invite certain other participants to “sit next to” him or her, where the responses of the invitees are configured to be intelligible over the combined response.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a database to video multimedia is disclosed. Certain embodiments provide media content owners the capability to exploit video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling visual content on a network. Mechanisms of associating video with commerce offerings are provided. Video server and search server technologies are integrated with ad serving personalization agents to make the final presentations of content and advertising. Algorithms utilized by the system use a variety of techniques for making the final presentation decisions of which ads, with which content, are served to which user.

Abstract: A method of facilitating purchases of products via a media content receiver is presented. In the method, the media content receiver receives media content representing a product. The receiver also receives a product code associated with the product. The media content representing the product is presented to a user. While presenting the media content, a request is received from a user. In response to receiving the request, the product code is transmitted. After transmitting the code, data descriptive of the product is received. The data is presented to the user. A product selection based on the data for the product is then received. In response to receiving the selection, an order for the product is transmitted. In another embodiment, no product codes are received at the receiver; instead, a channel identifier for a channel carrying the media content is transmitted instead of the product code.

Abstract: A method of operation of three dimensional (3D) stereoscopic television consistent with certain implementations involves turning on or installing a set of 3D glasses on a viewer to cause the set of 3D glasses to enter an active operational mode; and at the 3D glasses, emitting a signal to the television that causes the television to switch from a 2D display mode to a 3D display mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Electronic Guide products give the user the ability to videotape selected programs. Once a program has successfully been taped a message is displayed, reminding the viewer that they have taped it. (E.g. “You taped ______; have you watched it yet?”) Information comprising information that shows are taped, the particular shows taped and viewer profiles allow advertisements targeted to the viewer who typically records a given type of programming to be presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating advertisements using a media guidance application are provided. In some embodiments, an advertisement database is searched to identify a stored advertisement for display in an advertisement display region of a media guidance application display screen. Upon determining that the advertisement database does not include a suitable stored advertisement, a new advertisement may be generated for display in the advertisement display region.

Abstract: An information signal is received, which includes a main information content signal carrying the contents of the information, a CM portion signal carrying commercial messages (CM) and an information mode discriminating signal used for discriminating information modes of the main information content signal and the CM signal from each other according to the contents. A video signal is encoded per plurality of several video frames, the video signal including the main information content signal and the CM portion signal. The encoded video signal is recorded in a storage medium. The video signal is reproduced, during the recording, from the storage medium while the CM portion signal is skipped. The received main information content signal and CM portion signal are recorded in the storage medium. The information mode discriminating signal is recorded in the storage medium or another temporary storage medium.

Abstract: A processing system includes a memory module that stores an electronic program guide (EPG) authoring application. A processing module executes the EPG authoring application including a graphical user interface that responds to input from an end user. The EPG authoring application creates EPG configuration data to configure an EPG application of a client device associated with the end user.

Abstract: A user interface for interactive television services is represented as a visual overlay that provides a viewer with knowledge of a library of available content relating to a currently tuned to television channel and navigation options for selecting desired portions of the available content from the library, the available content being designated according to business rules specified by a provider of the interactive television services. The visual overlay may be displayed over full-screen or embedded television programming, which may be broadcast television programming or on-demand television programming.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing application service are disclosed. The method of providing application service in a digital data broadcasting system coupled to at least one broadcasting terminal through a network includes generating a preview contents by using first data combined with an application for data broadcasting service, wherein the preview contents has second data provided when a user requests the application service, and transmitting the generated preview contents to the broadcasting terminal. Here, the broadcasting terminal outputs the preview contents before data broadcasting standby time. Accordingly, useful information may be provided to the user before the application is executed.

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: It is desired to link photo data and video data taken by a digital camcorder. Therefore, there is provided a device and method for linking multimedia data, wherein linking information is formed on the basis of first and/or second multimedia data. The linking information is stored on a recording medium together with the first multimedia data. The second multimedia data may be stored together with respective linking information to the first multimedia data on a second recording medium. Thus, a camera-man while recording is able to set up logo or index pictures for a video film.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely scheduling for recording or ordering a program advertised on a web page of a website. A program advertisement is displayed on a user device. In response to a user's selection of the advertisement, information is transmitted from the user device to a web server of the web page without navigating the user away from the website. The information includes information that identifies a user's equipment to a remote access server. A record request or an order request is transmitted by the web server to the remote access server. The remote access server cross-references the record or order request with an action request. The action request is transmitted to the user's television equipment to record or access the advertised program.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display; a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal including a program with a data format; an image processing part which processes the received program according to an available data format; and a controller which controls the image processing part to display a message informing that both data formats are not matched on the display if the data format of the received program is not matched with the available data format to be processed by the image processing part.

Abstract: A method for displaying video information in a digital broadcast receiver during a change from a current channel to a new channel is disclosed. The method is suitable for displaying video information such as an advertisement, information selected by the user, or a program guide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for message-based advertising in a wireless communications network are described. A digital message is contained in a data packet set in transit from a terminal of a sender to a terminal of a recipient. At least one of the terminals is implemented as a mobile telephone. The digital message is received through a network connection. A processor determines a context for the digital message and matches the message context to content of advertisements stored in an advertisement database in order to identify at least one relevant advertisement. The data packet set is transmitted to the terminal of the recipient. A processor retrieves the relevant advertisement(s) from the advertisement database and generates a confirmation message containing a delivery status of the data packet set. The confirmation message includes the relevant advertisement and is transmitted to the terminal of the sender.

Abstract: Inquiry about information on a CM can be made based on a feature of that CM, and a server can be inquired about a CM which meets a condition such as keyword, thereby permitting the user to view his desired CM. Detecting a commercial message from a television broadcast, calculating a feature of the detected commercial message and accepting input information appendant to the commercial message, a CM information server creates a data base in which the calculated commercial-message feature and commercial message-appendant information are associated with each other. In response to a request for a commercial message search in which a keyword sent from the user via a network is taken as a key, the CM information server searches the data base for a commercial-message feature and sends the commercial-message feature detected in the data base to the user via the network.

Abstract: Providing re-addressable alternate video content to consumers during trickplay modes of operation. For example, providing first video content for standard playback to a consumer; receiving a first consumer request for a first trick mode operation during the standard playback of the first video content; responsive to the first consumer request, providing addressable second video content, different from the first video content, to the consumer; receiving, during providing of the addressable second video content, a second consumer request for a second trick mode operation on the addressable second video content; and responsive to the second consumer request, providing addressable third video content, different from the first and second video contents, to the consumer.

Abstract: A computer system is used to distribute an application using a data resource. An application using a data resource is created using an authoring environment. The application is converted into a certified master application template. The certified master application template is used to create a certified application and certified data resource. The certified application and certified data resource are distributed. During the distribution of the application, the certified master application template is modified and a new certified data resource is created. The new certified data resource is distributed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying instances of content available within a media distribution system that is related to a media program being streamed, presented, displayed, viewed, or otherwise placeshifted from a media device to a client device communicating with or otherwise coupled to the media device over a network. An exemplary method involves obtaining an identifier, metadata, or other descriptive information associated with a media program being presented on a client device, identifying content related to the streamed media program available from a content source in the media distribution system using the identifier, the metadata, or the descriptive information, and providing indication of the related content on the client device in conjunction with the media program. In an exemplary embodiment, the media program is streamed from the media device to the client device using a connection established over the network to create or otherwise support a placeshifting session.

Abstract: Received by a program display apparatus are: programs for each of which a receiving time has been determined; digest views corresponding to the programs; and receiving-time information for the programs. The received digest views and receiving-time information are stored in a memory. A moving picture is displayed on a main screen zone of a monitor screen, with the digest views that have been stored in the memory on a sub screen zone of the monitor screen, as being superposed on the moving picture, according to the user's operation. Each digest view is allowed to be displayed on the sub screen zone when a remaining time of the program corresponding the digest view, obtained based on the receiving-time information, is longer than the reference time. The digest view is, however, inhibited from being displayed on the sub screen zone when the remaining time is equal to or shorter than the reference time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for presenting advertisements to users of a fantasy sports contest application. Advertisements are displayed in conjunction with fantasy sports contest information and may be interactive in nature. The advertisements may be used to inform the user of prizes being awarded for performance in the fantasy sports contest, including prizes being awarded for performing in an instant scoring opportunity based on real-time action in a related sports broadcast. The advertisements may be intelligently scheduled around certain events in a related sports broadcast to take advantage of user purchasing habits. The advertisements may be selected according to a user profile. The user profile may include information on the user's demonstrated interests, which may be determined using the user's preferences in the fantasy contest, prior television viewing habits, and other suitable information. The advertisements may be targeted to the user's specific geographic location.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides access to interactive features of an electronic program guide by a user from within a broadcast advertisement. The method of the present invention comprises receiving the broadcast advertisement comprising audio, video and promotional metadata over a broadcast distribution network. The received promotional metadata is analyzed to determine one or more valid electronic program guide features and present options on a display device corresponding to the one or more valid electronic program guide features. The user selects a presented option for execution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for embedding and associating triggers within a promotion or other similar content element with the event being promoted are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a digital set-top box is used to interface between the user and an external network (such as an HFC cable network) and facilitate the user selecting and scheduling viewing or recording of a subsequent event (e.g., broadcast movie) via the promotion itself. The trigger(s) within the promotion allow the user to contemporaneously select the promoted event for viewing, recording, etc. without any further action. The trigger(s) then initiates tuning of the user's receiver to the scheduled event at the appropriate date and time. This approach obviates additional actions by the user (such as programming their DVR), and also permits the user to commit to viewing the event when their interest level is highest; i.e., contemporaneous with the promotion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying audiovisual sequences, typically advertisements, carried out by a device provided with means for the reception and recording of said sequences. A display scenario is sent to the device. Said scenario comprises groups of data made up of sequence identifiers and at least one time display window. Following the reception of a signal which typically announces an advertising spot, the device selects a sequence whose associated time display window includes the present moment and displays it. Usual behavior of the user is stored by the device which plans the display of said sequences when the user is not normally present during the planned time window. In an advanced form, the time window is broken down into periods and the scenario specifies a number of displays of the sequence during said period. The invention also relates to a device which can receive a scenario and run it in order to select sequences and display them according to the display method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing travel information associated with a presently viewed media content event. An exemplary method receives a selection for a media content event, receives a media content stream corresponding to the selected media content event, communicates the selected media content event to a media presentation device, communicates to the media presentation device a travel indicator during communication of the media content event, receives a user selection associated with the travel indicator, and presents travel information to the user based on the received user selection. The travel information is based on an analysis of content of the EPG information. The media content event is paused after receiving the user selection of the travel indicator. The travel information associated with the media content event is saved after receiving the user selection of the travel indicator.

Abstract: Advertising is tailored based on usage patterns of a portable electronic device are provided including determining if a portable electronic device has entered an area associated with a local area network (LAN). A link is established between the portable electronic device and the LAN if it is determined that the portable electronic device has entered the area associated with the LAN. User services are established between the portable electronic device and a remote server using the established link based on a user profile associated with the portable electronic device. Devices associated with the remote server communicatively coupled to the LAN are controlled using the portable electronic device. Actions and/or behaviors of a user are tracked based on use of the portable electronic device. Advertisements are displayed and/or played on at least one of the controlled devices based on the tracked user actions and/or behaviors.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is disclosed. The method includes determining, at a set-top box device, that a plurality of menu items in a menu includes a particular menu item associated with a content item that is to be promoted when displaying the plurality of menu items in the menu. The method further includes displaying the plurality of menu items in the menu. A determination is made at the set top box whether to display a promotion of the content item. In response to determining to display the promotion, the promotion of the content item is displayed beside the plurality of menu items, and a right command is enabled allowing a cursor position to jump directly to the particular menu item from a different menu item of the plurality of menu items. The jump is performed after a single application of the right command, where the different menu item does not have a restriction as to a position in the menu. In response to determining not to display the promotion, the right command is disabled.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for facilitating advertisement placement over video content are provided. Images within a video are partitioned into image regions. Upon partitioning images into image regions, an intrusiveness score is determined for each image region. Based on the intrusiveness scores, optimal placement of an advertisement within the video is determined.

Abstract: A method of arranging row ads system within a program guide includes communicating row ad metadata to a user device and communicating program guide information to a user device. The program guide information defines a plurality of rows, wherein at least a first row is associated with a first channel. The method includes associating positioning information with the row ad relative to the first row, populating a second row from the plurality of rows in response to the metadata and displaying the row ad and displaying the first row associated with the first channel within a program guide structure on a display associated with the user device in response to the positioning information.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering a personalized media item to a user of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The computing device further comprises a set top box. The computing device may be connected to a server through a communication network. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. The user's identity is determined after a user switches on the television. Media items organized by media categories are stored in the computing device. A user may select a media item through a hierarchical user interface based upon scrolling tickers on the television terminal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.