Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically recording media assets not explicitly scheduled for recording by a user when the user leaves his or her home. For example, when the user leaves home, a media guidance application, being executed on a user equipment device (such as a set-top box), schedules to record media assets that the user has expressed interest in, but has not explicitly scheduled for recording. If the user returns home before a recording has begun, the media guidance application does not record the media assets the user has not explicitly scheduled for recording.

Abstract: A technique capable of allowing a reception side to easily select components is provided. A transport stream in which a first transport packet including predetermined components and a second transport packet including signaling information related to the predetermined components are time-division multiplexed is transmitted via a predetermined transport path. Component selection information is inserted in the second transport packet. The component selection information includes information on a selective layer in which static selection is performed, information on a composite layer in which composition is performed, and information on an adaptive layer in which dynamic switching is performed, and these layers being arranged in that order from top to bottom.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to providing video, and more particularly to streaming of video. There is described a method and a system for performing scrubbing in a video stream of a video item selected at a media device. The video item is streamed from a server system to the media device. The method comprises dividing the selected video item into a number of segments and selecting a first snippet for each segment, which snippet is pre-buffered. The video stream of a first segment of the selected video item is played at the media device simultaneously as scrubbing to a second segment of the selected video item. When the scrubbing is done the video stream of the first segment stops and the first snippet of the second segment starts playing seamlessly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: An electronic device operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: acquiring an additional service and uncompressed audiovisual content information acquired through automatic contents recognition (ACR) function by a first device; outputting the incompressible audiovisual content information and the additional service through a first application including a message exchange function; receiving an execution input executing the additional service which is output through the first application; and executing the additional service according to the received execution input.

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: A device may receive user metadata associated with media content identified in an interactive program guide (IPG). The user metadata may be based on input provided by a user via the IPG, and the media content may be associated with a media content identifier. The device may determine a manner in which the user metadata is to be processed. The device may process the user metadata in the manner in which the user metadata is to be processed. The user metadata may be processed to permit the user to view the user metadata, via the IPG, at a later time, or the user metadata may be processed to permit another user, associated with another device, to view the user metadata.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifted viewing of broadcast television programs is disclosed. Simultaneous recording and playback are provided by using buffer storage as the source and destination of compressed or uncompressed digital video/audio programs, Full VCR-like control is provided for all playback within the buffer storage, Playback and control of recorded programs may be initiated by the user at any time after initiation of the broadcast program with simultaneous continuous recording of the ongoing live broadcast. Larger archival storage and removable is also provided for storing and building a library of programs. Viewer playback control data may be stored as part of the program or used as edit points prior to archival. Numerous options are provided for features such as continuous automatic recording in a circular buffer fashion, program archival, editing, Internet interfaces, multiple-channel recording and more.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting television programs for display on a display device, for example a television, includes a receiver receiving audio/video data representing the television programs and receiving data indicating a schedule for the television programs. A control process receives an indication for at least one of the television programs to be broadcast providing a status of an availability for streaming the television program after the television program has been broadcast, and in response to the indication of the status of the availability for streaming the television program to perform a predetermined action in accordance with predetermined conditions. The predetermined actions may include, for example, recording the television program or generating a prompt for the user to watch the broadcast television program in response to an indication by the availability status that the television program will not be made available for streaming after being broadcast.

Abstract: Provided are a method of recording video data, a method of replaying a video data, and a display device using the same. The method of recording video data receives and stores data provided from the outside, determines whether the received video data is 3D video data, sets a video format for replaying the 3D video data when the received video data is the 3D video data, and stores a video type of the 3D video data and the set video format.

Abstract: A method including providing television content (TC) to a user; receiving a TC capture request; capturing TC frames based on the TC capture request; displaying to the user one or more TC frames included in the captured TC frames; receiving a user selection of one or more TC frames included in the displayed one or more TC frames; receiving a user selection of one or more destinations to send the selected one or more TC frames; and sending the selected one or more TC frames to the one or more destinations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering content according to a customized program lineup are provided. A content source transmits a plurality of media assets in a first schedule according to scheduled transmission times. A processing device may receive a user input to receive the media assets in a second schedule different from the first schedule. When a request to access the content source is received, the processing device may automatically determine, based on the second schedule, whether the user has requested a different media asset than the originally-scheduled asset at the time of the request. If the user has requested a different media asset, the processing device may automatically receive and provide the different media asset instead of the originally-scheduled asset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling content recording for a buddy of a management server are provided. The method includes: receiving a recording request message for the buddy according to an external input; determining whether a local recording apparatus of the buddy is in a recording state; and selectively sending a recording start message to a recording apparatus on a network, different from the local recording apparatus of the buddy, according to a result of the determining.

Abstract: A method for providing notifications relating to a digital video recorder (DVR), may include identifying an issue or conflict associated with the DVR. It may be determined whether to generate a notification message relating to the identified issue or conflict. The notification message may be generated when it is determined to generate a notification message relating to the identified issue/conflict. The notification message may be transmitted to a user device separate from the DVR.

Abstract: A conditional access system generating a permission packet in response to the content request. The permission packet has information for a user device to access content through a connection of a content delivery network so that in response to the permission packet, a first connection from the content delivery network to the user device may be opened by the user device.

Abstract: A system and process is provided in which original video or dialog content is securely received from the content owner. Subtitle language data is derived, translated, stored and served on a separate database for synchronous playback with the content in video streaming, downloading or online TV following the activation of an option by the end user through a media player.

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: Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user.

Abstract: A user interface for a network media channel allows subscribers to share media files according to ad-hoc specification via kernels. The user interface may be accessed via a device and it may be utilized to create and/or modify media files and/or kernels and to transmit them to one or more networks including one or more servers that stores the media files according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to receive one or more media files and to display them according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to navigate thru the media files by clicking (activating) the media files.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to present a plurality of unassociated media programs from a single presentation device having overlapping presentation periods, and cause the single presentation device to present a user interface for one of the plurality of unassociated media programs responsive to detecting a request for the user interface. Each of the plurality of unassociated media programs can be viewable only with a viewing apparatus. The viewing apparatus can be configured for viewing one of the unassociated media programs at a time. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: An image display device for displaying a 3-Dimensional (3D) image and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The image display device includes a user input unit configured to receive an item selection signal for some of one or more items included in a User Interface (UI) image, a control unit configured to generate a detailed image of a selection item selected by the item selection signal as a 3D image, and a display unit configured to display the detailed image. A user can select and receives an UI image or items included therein as a 3D image, and select a 2D/3D mode of the displayed UI image so as to control a sense of depth thereof. If a plurality of UI images is displayed, the image display device can display UI images on multiple layers with senses of depth.

Abstract: A TV control device, for an external TV device includes a storage unit storing a user identification code and user setting data corresponding to the user identification code, and a wireless communication unit transmitting a control signal to the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data, wherein the external TV device determines a TV setting of the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data when the external TV device receives the control signal.

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

Abstract: A method and system of limiting recording demands on digital video recorders and other media records. The limiting being facilitated through analysis of programs and other media available from one or more network resources associated with and/or having capabilities to provide media to the recording element. The network resources may be associated with provider resources, customer resources, and/or any other resource in communication with the recording element.

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

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A programming recorder receives information after receiving at least two programming event recording requests, detects a conflict between the programming event recording requests based on the received information, creates a ranked list of alternative sources for the programming event recording requests, and resolves the conflict by fulfilling at least one of the at least two programming event recording requests utilizing an alternative source. The alternative source may be automatically selected or selected by a user. The ranked list of alternative sources may be ordered utilizing a set of one or more priority criteria. The programming event recording requests and/or the received programming information may include metadata and determining alternative sources may comprise comparing the metadata. The programming recorder may display an indication that the conflict between the at least two programming event recording requests was detected and resolved.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating applications with an electronic program guide are provided. An electronic program guide that includes television schedule information organized in a grid by time and channel may be generated. The electronic program guide may be configured for presentation to a user by an electronic program guide application executed by a programming processing component associated with the user. A second application different from the electronic program guide application may be associated with an entry in the grid of the electronic program guide. The second application may be configured for execution by the programming processing component based at least in part upon the user selecting the entry. Once generated, the electronic program guide may be output for receipt by the programming processing component.

Abstract: A method and system for managing multiple user locks and deletion requests on a digital video recorder (DVR) is disclosed. Files associated with the DVR can be protected from deletion by allowing users to lock a recorded file utilizing a number of locking strategies. The recorded file can also be locked by multiple users and the recording can be deleted when the users specifically remove the lock. A simpler interface for each user can be provided to prevent other users from deleting recorded files, which have not yet been viewed. Such an approach allows for an administrative override to prevent users from locking recordings and never unlocking in order to prevent the DVR exhausting disk space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneously playing back a plurality of content items, wherein preferred content items can be played back in overlays (203, 205, 207, 209) alongside a main screen area (201) playing back a currently selected content item.

Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the display of television recording information to. More particularly, television recording information is presented visually to a user in a recording information menu. The visual recording information menu includes a time axis, and recording timers associated with particular television programs are presented as visual representations along the time axis. In the case that multiple television receiving resources are available, a resource axis may separately present recording timers associated with each of the disparate television receiving resources.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, allows recording and playback of multi-stream interactive television. In one approach to this technology, the service configuration for an interactive television feature is determined. Data describing this service configuration is then obtained, and a recording device is then configured to record a portion of the interactive television feature. A number of data streams associated with that portion of the interactive television feature are recorded. The recorded portion of the interactive television feature can then be displayed.

Abstract: A video switcher (10) advantageously affords the capability of executing a video effect following recall that avoids visible artifacts upon transitioning from one effect to another. At the outset, the switcher identifies active elements within the video effect, the comprising those elements that undergo a change during execution of the video effect, as opposed to those that remain inert during effect execution. The switcher then dynamically calculates offset for application to an initial key frame value for the video effect to avoid any change in value to active elements upon initial effect recall. The offset value is applied to each subsequent interpolation of the video effect, thereby creating the desired result of applying only relative changes to the active elements of the video effect.

Abstract: A television receiver including a tuner and one or more processors may be presented. The television receiver may be configured to tune the tuner to a television channel. The television receiver may be configured to create and store an omnibus channel file containing a plurality of television programs broadcast consecutively on the television channel over a period of time. The television receiver may be configured to, after a predefined period of time, select the omnibus channel file for deletion. The television receiver may be configured to determine a television program to receive extended storage. The television receiver may be configured to store a portion of the omnibus channel file as an individual program file, wherein the portion of the omnibus channel file corresponds to the television program. The television receiver may be configured to, after storing the portion of the omnibus channel file, delete the omnibus channel file.

Abstract: A method comprises a second electrical device receiving a request via a network from a first electrical device to cause a file to be downloaded. The method further comprise the second electrical device causing the file to be downloaded from a server via the network to the second electrical device.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, identification information identifying a specified broadcast content is converted into identification information identifying another broadcast content corresponding to the originally specified broadcast content, in accordance with table information indicating a correspondence among a plurality of pieces of identification information respectively identifying broadcast contents thereby indicating a correspondence among the broadcast contents.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

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: A communication system 10 and method of operating the same includes a website 40, a computing device 30 accessing the website 40 and selecting a content request from the website 40, a conditional access system 60 coupled to the website 40 generates a permission packet in response to the content request. A user device 22 receives the permission packet. In response to the permission packet, the user device 22 forms a connection to the user device 22 in response to the permission packet through a communication network 50.

Abstract: A apparatus for processing EPG information that EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information can be read prior to display independently of an operation by an input device. The EPG information processing apparatus controls the amount of EPG information stored in a database prior to display so that the speed of acquiring EPG information and the speed of supplying EPG information indicating the frequency of using an acquired electronic program guide are kept in a predetermined relation. In response to a direction for updating an on-display electronic program guide, the EPG processing apparatus supplies new EPG information, and stores another piece of EPG information associated with the EPG information in the database prior to next display. The amount of information stored in the database in advance is decided so that the acquiring speed and supplying speed can be kept in a predetermined relation.

Abstract: Enabling a first user to send to a second user a promotional program icon used to enable recording of a program promoted by the icon includes enabling the first user to access a display of content accessible via a network environment. The display of content includes the promotional program icon, and the first user is able to select the promotional program icon and request presentation of the icon to a second user.

Abstract: A recording system includes: a receiving apparatus that receives a content; and a recording apparatus that records the content received by the receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes reception means for receiving the content, acceptance means for accepting a user's operation instructing to record the received content, generation means for generating a control signal for controlling a recording operation of the recording apparatus according to the accepted operation, and supply means for supplying the received content and the generated control signal to the recording apparatus, and the recording apparatus includes acquisition means for acquiring the content and the control signal supplied from the receiving apparatus, recording means for recording the acquired content, and control means for controlling the recording means according to the acquired control signal.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, allows recording and playback of multi-stream interactive television. In one approach to this technology, the service configuration for an interactive television feature is determined. Data describing this service configuration is then obtained, and a recording device is then configured to record a portion of the interactive television feature. A number of data streams associated with that portion of the interactive television feature are recorded. The recorded portion of the interactive television feature can then be displayed.

Abstract: A system that maps media content information to an interactive program guide displayed on a screen includes, among other things, a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to display at least one personal video recording display channel in the interactive program guide. The processor is further preferably configured with the logic to display media content instance listings in the personal video recording display channel for corresponding media content instance recordings.

Abstract: A television device for receiving and storing an electronic programme guide, the electronic programme guide including a plurality of programme entries for respective television programmes, each programme entry having a title field including title data for the title of the respective programme and having a timing field including timing data for timing of the respective programme. Title fields of the electronic programme guide are searched to find titles matching the title of the start programme and candidate programmes are identified accordingly. The timings of the identified candidate programmes are compared with a timing profile representing expected consecutive programme occurrences. On the basis of correlation of the timing data with the timing profile, a consecutive programme in the programme series is identified.

Abstract: A personal computer media center is connected to a media center extension and a personal video recorder (PVR) through a home network. The personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to record a television broadcast. Subsequently, the personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to output a media signal of the recorded television broadcast to the media center extension, which displays the media signal on a television.