Abstract: A receiving device, a receiving method, a transmitting device, and a transmitting method. The receiving device acquires a digital broadcast signal that includes audio-video (AV) content and location information, the location information indicating a source from which application control information for controlling an operation of an application executed in conjunction with a progressing timing of the AV content is obtainable, acquires the application control information from the source indicated by the location information, the application control information including an application ID and a uniform resource locator (URL), obtains, from the URL included in the acquired application control information, control information during a polling period that is defined in accordance with an attribute specified in the acquired application control information, and controls the operation of the application based on the acquired application control information and the obtained control information.

Abstract: In a system and method for distribution of media content, a cable provider gateway cooperates with a broker API, one or more streaming provider gateways, and one or more streaming applications to locally cache and display media content from the streaming provider gateways even when the streaming applications do not have connectivity to their gateways.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically transitioning program delivery/reception between alternative sources, e.g., from a non-IP channel to an IP video source or between two alternative IP sources are described. The transition maybe triggered by a detected problem with the delivery via the non-IP channel or because of scheduled service. The transition may be in response to a command sent to a device or because the receiving device detects a problem with one of the content sources triggering an automatic switch to the alternative content source. In at least some embodiments the different content sources corresponding to different coding methods, e.g., with MPEG-2 encoded and packetized content being delivered by a non-IP content delivery channel and MPEG-4 being delivered using unicast IP content delivery techniques. The methods facilitate deployment of new services with IP content delivery being deployed initially on a regional basis with non-IP content delivery gradually being rolled out.

Abstract: In a system and method for distribution of media content, a cable provider gateway cooperates with a broker API, one or more streaming provider gateways, and one or more streaming applications to locally cache and display media content from the streaming provider gateways even when the streaming applications do not have connectivity to their gateways.

Abstract: A television having an Internet browsing function including a network interface configured to access a webpage on the Internet; a display module; a memory configured to store a URL of the accessed webpage; a user interface configured to receive a command signal from a remote controller; and a controller configured to control the display module to display a broadcast program in a first area, in which the broadcast program is received via the network interface, an external device interface or a tuner, control the display module to display a thumbnail list in a second area while displaying the broadcast program in the first area, wherein the thumbnail list includes a captured image of the accessed webpage, and the second area is within the first area, and control the display module to display a webpage corresponding to the accessed webpage based on the URL stored in the memory in response to a command signal for selecting the captured image of the accessed webpage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that aggregates media content and media guidance data for users. For example, the media guidance application may aggregate content from numerous providers and provide the content through a single interface. Moreover, the media guidance application described herein may provide service providers with finder's fees for sharing information about media assets that users are interested in viewing.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to transmission of visual content to a display device. A computing platform may receive user information corresponding to a user. The computing platform may determine, based on authentication information in the user information, a profile corresponding to the user, and further determine a visual data file. The computing platform may determine, based on the user information, a display device, among a plurality of display devices. The computing platform may add the visual data file to a playlist associated with the display device. The computing platform may transmit, to the display device, data corresponding to the visual data file.

Abstract: A system comprises a storage and a processor. The storage is for storing a plurality of Internet protocol multicast video streams, each associated with a live television program content. The processor is in communication with the storage, and the processor is configured to receive the Internet protocol multicast video streams. The processor is also configured to receive a request for a previously transmitted portion of one of the Internet protocol multicast video streams from customer premises equipment in response to the customer premises customer requiring the previously transmitted portion for display. The processor is also configured to begin transmission of the previously transmitted portion as an Internet protocol unicast video stream to the customer premises equipment for immediate display.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, devices, and the like for presenting a user interface. In one embodiment, a system and method is introduced that enables the customization of a user interface on a mobile application. The customized user interface is generated in response to a user interaction with the mobile application. In another embodiment, a system and method are introduced which generate the customized user interface including modules used to present a customized layout created using tiles which are presented on the user interface, wherein each of the tiles are placed and customized specific to the user of the mobile device application.

Abstract: A device can receive configuration information associated with a set of channels to be provided as part of an Internet protocol television (IPTV) service. The device can receive information associated with a set of channel categories after receiving the configuration information associated with the set of channels. The device can receive information associated with a set of channel lineups after receiving the information associated with the set of channel categories. The device can receive information associated with a user device that is associated with the IPTV service. The device can generate, based on the information associated with the user device and the channel configuration information, a custom channel lineup using the information associated with the set of channel lineups. The device can provide, to the user device, the custom channel lineup to permit the user device to provide, for display, information associated with the custom channel lineup.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that aggregates media content and media guidance data for users. For example, the media guidance application may aggregate content from numerous providers and provide the content through a single interface. Moreover, the media guidance application described herein may provide service providers with finder's fees for sharing information about media assets that users are interested in viewing.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for preventing inadvertent viewing of media content for a media program. A processor can detect an inadvertent viewing condition including exposing content for a media program including audio content and video content. The processor can create an alert that indicates the inadvertent viewing condition exists and that includes selectable options for actions to take for the inadvertent viewing condition. The processor can provide the alert to a video display and can further block output of the audio content and the video content to the video display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, a device, and a system of control of and/or verification of interactions of an augmented reality deployment. In one embodiment, a method includes delivering an augment image associated with an augment marker to a computing device through a screen through which the physical environment of the augment marker is viewable. An augment request extracts a geospatial coordinate data of the computing device. In response to a determination within a geospatial boundary and a display limit is below a threshold value, an authorization token permits the computing device to display the augment image positioned relative to the augment marker according to a display parameter data. An augment record may include the capture image of the augment marker and compared to a second augment request. A match may then be determined which may indicated a falsified instance of the augment request and an error data generated.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a reception apparatus, a transmission apparatus, and a data processing method that permit downloaded reproduction of non-realtime content by reducing load associated with implementing resident applications. The reception apparatus acquires a first application, included in a digital broadcast signal, that handles a download of content reproduced in non-realtime, acquires metadata, included in the digital broadcast signal, that includes information for controlling the content download in response to operation of the first application, and handles the download of the content included in the digital broadcast signal by controlling the operation of the first application on the basis of the metadata. The present technology is applicable, for example, to a TV receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that aggregates media content and media guidance data for users. For example, the media guidance application may aggregate content from numerous providers and provide the content through a single interface. Moreover, the media guidance application described herein may provide service providers with finder's fees for sharing information about media assets that users are interested in viewing.

Abstract: A social media sensing post creating method, system, and computer program product, include connecting to a plurality of devices within a predetermined area of a first user to create a sensing network, collecting multisensory data describing an experience of the first user using the sensing network, and creating a social status depicting the experience of the first user from the multisensory data to recreate memory on a later time, or to transmit the same environmental feelings to a second person.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Data associated with content available for viewing is populated into a program guide display interface. The program guide display interface can display one or more QAM in the clear channels as well as IP-based channels. Mined data can be processed to create program guide information for populating a program guide view for display and use by an end-user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a subscription to a plurality of content providers and the irretrievably referring users to an interface of the content provider to directly consume media programs provided by the content providers is disclosed. The method irretrievably passes users to content providers so that the user can view media programs from those content providers using the content provider's application, while providing a central source for users to locate media programs available from a plurality of content providers and to subscribe for access to such media programs. This construct permits content providers to retain control over the user viewing experience and to encourage the user to view further media programs from the same content provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for translating events in a high definition video playback system are disclosed. A disc viewer is configured to read at least one user interactive program on a high definition optical disc defining an original menu of a user interface. The user interface defines a plurality of event handlers for user interaction with the user interface. An express menu renderer is configured to generate a menu populated with a plurality of selectable elements that are responsive to interaction with a mouse and/or pointing device. The selectable elements correspond to user interactive features of the user interface and have a corresponding visual identifier.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the quality of the content is provided. The method and system may identify, in real time, whether the quality of the content has fallen below a predetermined threshold. Once the quality of the content has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the system may identify other delivery mechanisms (e.g., connectivity options and/or other sources) to deliver the content at a lower constant bitrate. Subsequently, the system may check for higher quality content and provide the user with options to switch to the other source. Accordingly, the method and system identifies the available video quality options for a specific content item, which may be provided by a plurality of different content sources, and provides the user with the ability to switch to another content source with minimal user input.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a customizable channel guide, and more specifically, a personalized channel guide for a user, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, indications of types of content for which the user has an interest are received. Information about content that is available for viewing is accessed. Personalized channels for the user are generated based on the received indications of the types of content for which the user has an interest and based on the information about content that is available for viewing. Each separate personalized channel provides the user with access to a separate type of content for which the user has an interest. A listing of at least some of the personalized channels is displayed to thereby enable the user to select one of the personalized channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to content searching of various databases in an interactive television network; caching programming for rebroadcasting to interactive television network subscribers; and interactively offering goods and services referred to in broadcast programming to interactive television network subscribers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a number of parallel gestures are detected, in a particular area on a touch screen interface of a device. A command is identified based at least on the parallel gestures and an action associated with the command is performed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling video input media is described. The method includes receiving video media via a video media input device. The video media input device is communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a data path within the electronic device associated with the video media. The monitoring is performed by a compliance mechanism communicatively coupled with and operable in conjunction with the electronic device. The method further includes preventing the video media from reaching a usage mechanism via the data path, the usage mechanism communicatively coupled with the electronic device. The usage mechanism is able to create an environment in which the video media can be used in an unauthorized manner. The preventing performed by the compliance mechanism is done when usage of the video media with the usage mechanism violates a usage restriction applicable to the video media.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for mobile communication based ordering of on-demand digital content (such as video content in a network-based pay TV service). In some embodiments the mobile communication is via an SMS cell phone text and payment of the ordered content is by billing a financial account associated with the owner of the cell phone. The method generates for display to the user, upon selection of digital content desired to be ordered by the user and accessed by a specific network-enabled device associated with the user, a unique video activation request number (VARN), the VARN comprising a first component which uniquely identifies a specific one or more Internet-enabled devices and a second component that uniquely identifies the ordered digital content.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided that supports newsgroup features. An interactive television application, such as an interactive television program guide, may be used to allow a user to view and post newsgroup messages to one or more newsgroup servers. The newsgroup servers may be located at a television distribution facility. The newsgroup servers may be Usenet servers accessed via the Internet. The user may use the newsgroup feature while watching television programming or while otherwise viewing other content provided by the interactive television application. Cross-referencing may be used to allow the user to access content related to a particular subject matter. Parental control features may be used to limit access to certain newsgroups. Newsgroup messages may contain links to other content made available through the interactive television application.

Abstract: A recording information acquisition unit 626 acquires recording information of a plurality of recorded contents having programs recorded therein and stored in the information processing apparatus or in any of a plurality of recording apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus through a network. A content classification unit 628 classifies the recorded contents into groups based on the recording information acquired by the recording information acquisition unit 626. A group name determination unit 630 determines, for each of the groups of the recorded contents classified by the content classification unit 628, a title of the group. A list displaying unit 632 displays the group names determined by the group name determination unit 630 in a list on a user interface without distinguishing the apparatus in which the recorded contents are stored.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms for providing media guidance with media content from alternate sources are provided.

Abstract: An approach provides management of digital assets. A digital asset is transmitted to one of a plurality of devices configured to support instant communications. The digital asset can be shared among the devices within the instant communications environment. A portal is provided for users of the devices to manage respective instant communications accounts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating initiation of communication actions in accordance with cable attributes. In one embodiment, cable attributes are referenced that indicate utilization of a cable device at a time a communication event is directed to a user device. The user device and the cable device may be associated with the same user. Communication actions to apply in accordance with the communication event are determined based on at least one of the cable attributes. Thereafter, the communication actions are initiated, for example, such that a user is provided with an indication of the communication event visually via the cable device and/or audibly via the user device, depending on the particular cable attributes.

Abstract: A user interface allows for blending of television program choices from which a viewer may select, the blending representing options for linear and non-linear programming presented together within a single hierarchy of a designated category. The blending may further include managed content relevant to the designated category, where desired. Such designated categories may include television programming categories and/or content categories. The options for linear and non-linear programming may be presented together within a single screen of the user interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal. The method for receiving a broadcast signal comprises: generating a broadcast stream including at least one program; generating first program table information that represents the broadcast stream; receiving non-real time (NRT) service schedule information; generating second program table information that represents the NRT service, in accordance with the received NRT service schedule information; configuring a stream including the broadcast stream, the 1st program table information and the second program table information; and transmitting the stream.

Abstract: A method of controlling a display apparatus and which includes displaying received audio and video contents on a display unit of the display apparatus, receiving a request signal for executing an application browser and displaying a list of applications stored in a memory associated with the display apparatus, the list of applications stored in the memory including an editable application group including at least one application that can be edited and a non-editable application group including at least one application that cannot be edited; generating graphic data representing the applications included in the editable application group and non-editable application group; and displaying the received video data in a first area of the display unit and displaying the generated graphic data representing the applications in a second area within the first area.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content presentation system receiving a plurality of timestamped and geotagged media content instances generated during a live event by a plurality of attendees of the live event, detecting input provided by a user specifying a time period associated with the live event and input provided by the user specifying a viewing area within a venue associated with the live event, identifying one or more media content instances that have a timestamp included within the specified time period and a geotagged location within the specified viewing area, and presenting the identified one or more media content instances to the user within a graphical user interface in a manner that is temporally synchronized with an event timeline associated with the live event. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. A video feed is harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. The feed items are filtered to remove those that do not link to video content. A criteria specified by the user is used to filter the feed items.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing communication in a social television framework is described. The method includes retrieving a current context data set corresponding to multiple users, wherein the current context data set includes a user profile component and a media content component. A customized mark set is determined based on an analysis of the current context data set, and at least one of the marks in the customized mark set is sent to a client end device to be experienced by at least one of the users.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system 1) providing a program guide view of a program guide for display within a viewing area of a display screen, the program guide comprising a navigable user axis representative of a plurality of users selected by a main user as being of interest to the main user and a time axis representative of a plurality of time slots, and 2) presenting, within the program guide view, information identifying one or more media content instances designated for access during one or more time slots included in the plurality of time slots by one or more users included in the plurality of users. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a request for media content from a set top box of an Internet Protocol Television System, perform a search of one or more storage devices associated with other set top boxes for the media content based at least in part on a user profile associated with the set top box where the other set top boxes are located remotely from the set top box, receive the media content, and adjust a format of the media content prior to delivery to the set top box based at least in part on the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.

Abstract: An interface system for interfacing media between a video display screen and any one of a plurality of electronic devices having media files as sources of displayed video for presentation on the video display. The device employs a microprocessor and software to provide an interface for networked electronic components operating over different communications protocols. Also provided is a graphic interface between a smartphone and the video display allowing the smartphone to operate as a remote control to command the system using generated icons for devices on the network achieved using actual photographs. A display screen on the smartphone allows for hand held remote viewing when a user leaves the room where the current video display is located.

Abstract: The following description relates to an e-commerce system using content platform independent product broadcasting which combines a channel map for pay TV broadcasts provided over a broadcasting network with a channel map for product broadcasts provided over the Internet to thereby generate an integrated channel map. Using the integrated channel map, a user is able to easily connect to or change a product broadcast provided over the Internet with simple manipulation so as to perform an e-commerce transaction using content platform independent product broadcasting.

Abstract: A hybrid passive-interactive program guide is generated by combining the features of an interactive program guide with the passive video portion of a passive program guide. The interactive guide may replace passive listings with interactive listings, replace passive features with interactive features, provide supplemental advertisements, or replace passive tagging information with interactive tagging information. Users may be provided with an opportunity to purchase a program or product being advertised, to view listings for segments aired in the video portion of the passive guide, to schedule reminders for listings or video segments that are displayed by the passive guide, or to schedule video segments and related information for recording.

Abstract: A user computing device, such as mobile device, is provided with an electronic program guide (EPG). The EPG lists video content that is available or being broadcast on one or more websites. The video content may be considered to be premium content or user content. Premium content may be video content that is available from the website of a commercial broadcaster. Premium content may be generated by the commercial broadcaster. User content may be video content that has been generated and provided to websites for viewing and sharing by users such as members of the websites. An EPG may display listings of both user content and premium content.

Abstract: A hierarchical indexing system, which includes a plurality of indexing servers and a search agent. The plurality of indexing servers are configured to index electronic programming guide data. The search agent is in communication with the plurality of indexing servers. The search agent is configured to receive a request to display multimedia programs associated with multimedia programs frequently being accessed by a device, to search the indexed electronic programming guide data for multimedia programs associated with the frequently accessed multimedia programs, and to output a favorites list of multimedia programs based on the indexed electronic programming guide data and the frequently accessed multimedia programs.

Abstract: A method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a receiving unit, an SI handler, and a decoding unit. The receiving unit receives broadcast signals including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure a data group, and the data group may include a signaling information region in some of a plurality of data regions. Also, the signaling information region may include TPC signaling data and FIC signaling data. The SI handler acquires channel configuration information of the mobile service data from the broadcast signal using pre-decided IP access information, and extracts encoding format information for each IP stream component within a corresponding virtual channel service RTP-packetized and received from the acquired channel configuration information.