Abstract: An editing device accesses a media program and a user of the editing device designates points of interest within the media program. Bookmarks are generated for the designated points of interest. The bookmarks are transmitted via a network from the editing device to a playback device. During presentation of the media program, the playback device uses the bookmarks to skip to one position of interest to another, as defined by the bookmarks, in response to user commands.

Abstract: A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting—method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for producing an output signal suitable for coupling to a display device to produce a displayed image, the video processing system having a system which blocks viewing of programs which are broadcast with ratings or spending information which is outside a profile set by a supervisor who has entered a password accepted by the control system, and which permits the supervisor to temporarily modify the ratings profile according to a set of override parameters. After completion of the time period(s) or supervisor-designated television broadcast(s), the system automatically returns to the normal ratings profile but retains the set of override parameters for easy reimposition by the supervisor.

Abstract: A system for automatically pausing a video program in response to detection of the occurrence of a audio communications event or triggering event. In response to an incoming phone call, message, web page, or other communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the audio communications event. The system also buffers the video programming while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of the video programming. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the audio communications event, in order to pause the video program. The audio (voice) portion of a phone call or voice mail message is converted to text for display to a recipient of the call.

Abstract: A simple program-related information providing apparatus provides information related to a program to be broadcast to a user while the user is watching the program. The program-related information providing apparatus includes a first program-reserve-record setting script generator for generating a first program-reserve-record setting script, which serves as a control command for recording a program in a program table in a recording medium. A program-related information address display script generator generates a program-related information address display script including address information which indicates the network address of the program-related information and from which the program-related information is accessible, and also including display time information specifying the display time of the address information.

Abstract: A video system has an input port to receive video data that includes a plurality of premium contents and has an output port to couple to a video display for displaying video data selected by a viewer. A preference engine is coupled to the input port and is configured to track viewer selections of the video data and to create a viewer profile representing viewing preferences of the viewer. A promotion module, which is coupled to the preference engine and the output port, is responsive to the viewer profile to select at least one preferred promotion content from the plurality of premium contents, to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be stored and to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be displayed to entice the viewer to watch a premium content associated with the selected preferred promotion content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing network media channels. In one implementation, a system for providing a network media channel includes: a network; a server connected to said network, wherein said server includes storage for storing media files, and a network media channel manager for receiving and sending media files according to one or more media network channels; a publishing client connected to said network, wherein said publishing client includes a media capture component for capturing media data and storing captured media data in a media file, a media editing component for editing media files, and a publishing component for publishing to said server a media file corresponding to a network media channel; and a subscribing client connected to said network, wherein said subscribing client includes a subscribing component for subscribing to one or more network media channels, and a browsing component for accessing media files received according to subscribed network media channels.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A method for providing television functionality includes defining a time period, associating a user preference with the time period, providing a first result in accordance with the user preference if a request for television functionality is received during the defined time period, and providing a second result if the request for the television functionality is received outside the defined time period.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving, storing and displaying television program data. The method includes transmitting data including scheduled program data, program guide data, and cache program data. The method further includes receiving the transmitted data and storing the cache program data. Once a cache television program is selected, the cache program data corresponding to the selected cache television program is retrieved, and a display of the television program is generated for viewing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from data transmitted to a receiver location. The EPG is generated from the data for display on a screen. The receiver of the data for the programs to be displayed and to which the EPG relates is capable of interrupting the display of the programs and saving the data in a memory for subsequent display at a later time. The present invention ensures that the EPG data is adjusted in accordance with the data held in the memory so as to continue to be synchronized with the programs which can be displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording program information is provided with a program information obtaining device, a program guide providing device, a storing device, a reception contents recording device, a newest program information obtaining device, and a program information recording device. In the apparatus, the program information obtaining device obtains program information including at least program names, broadcast start times, program lengths or program end times, and broadcast channels of a plurality of programs. The program guide providing device provides a program guide to a user on the basis of the obtained program information. The storing device stores the obtained program information. The reception contents recording device receives the broadcast channel of the selected program in a period within the program length after the broadcast start time, or in a period by the broadcast end time from the broadcast start time, and recording the reception contents, at the stored broadcast start time.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a user to supervise personal exposure to a program exhibited by a consumer electronics device, such as a television system. The consumer electronics device includes “V-chip” circuitry that analyzes a signal and either blocks or passes the signal based on certain content-based criteria. In this connection, a user can program the “V-chip” circuitry with the preset content-based criteria in the form of preset content-based specification sets, which are stored in the consumer electronics device by the manufacturer. The preset content-based specification sets specify either allowable or objectionable content within a program signal received by the consumer electronics device. The “V-chip” circuitry receives a content-based indicator set, which is indicative of the actual content of the program signal. One of the preset content-based specification sets is conveniently selected by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus for printing character data information of an electronic program guide added to externally inputted image information, comprising: an information processor comprising: demodulating/decoding means for detecting and demodulating/decoding the character data information of the electronic program guide added to the externally inputted image information; storage means for storing the demodulated/decoded character data information of the electronic program guide by the demodulating/decoding means; and output means for including the character data information of the electronic program guide stored by the storage means into a packet compliant with the IEEE 1394 standard and outputting the packet to the printer, and a printer comprising: input means for inputting the character data information of the electronic program guide included in the packet compliant with the IEEE 1394 standard outputted from the output means; print control means for detecting print co

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: An electronic program guide displays televsion program listings in a time and channel guide format on a monitor screen. A cursor is provided for display on the monitor screen to selectively highlight one of the television program listings in the guide. Various guide functions are activated in response to movement of the cursor in the guide. For example, program note corresponding to the highlighted television program listing is displayed simultaneously with the television program listings, such that the program note changes as the cursor moves in the guide.

Abstract: Previously recorded personal video recorder (“PVR”) content may be managed using electronic programming guide (“EPG”) metadata. According to an embodiment, a PVR may download EPG metadata corresponding to previously broadcast programs. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the EPG metadata corresponding to the previously broadcast programs comprises only metadata pertaining to programming changes. This change metadata may be compared against a previously recorded content list to determine whether previously broadcast content was changed. If the change metadata matches an item on the previously recorded content list, the item is identified as a changed item, and the PVR may be programmed to take action to manage this changed item.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention for presenting available media for selection and playback on a television display may comprise detecting available media and constructing at least one display indicating the availability of the detected available media at a plurality of different storage locations. An indication of the different storage locations for the detected available media may be presented in the constructed display in a text format, a graphic format and/or an audio format. One or more content categories associated with the detected available media may be identified and the indication of the different storage locations may be associated with one or more of the content categories. Providers of media and/or storage devices at the different storage locations may be queried for available media and the media acquired accordingly. The constructed display may be represented as a graphical user interface (GUI) and displayed on the television screen.

Abstract: A variety of meta data based enhancements to media content viewing are described, including making meta data corresponding to media content available for user searching and using meta data to identify highlight portions of the media content so that only the highlight portions need to be stored. Additionally, comments made to media content can be shared with other viewers of the content, even when viewing the content at different times and even when viewing different versions of the content. Furthermore, a synchronization point can be established for the media content and used by the client systems as a common reference location. In addition, advertisements for media content can be rendered based on how much time has been spent rendering the media content, as well as the amount of a fee paid by the user of the client system.

Abstract: A program guide display apparatus includes control unit for reading program data from RAM for storing a plurality of pieces of program data and controlling display unit so as to change the order of the display positions of program descriptions displayed in a table format in response to input unit and can display the program descriptions in the display order responsive to the operator's liking, improving the convenience of the operator. For example, the program descriptions of the programs of the broadcast station to be checked by the operator can be placed at positions of a display screen where the operator can easily see the program descriptions. For example, the two program descriptions to be compared can be displayed so that they are contiguous. The screen need not be scrolled and the program descriptions of the programs to be checked by the operator can be displayed in one screen.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: A system and method is provided where a DVR service provider receives program sponsorship requests from sponsors and transmits the sponsorship information to the provider's clients. The sponsors pay the provider for including the sponsored programs as starting points in the on-screen guides that are used by the provider's clients. The user requests an on-screen guide and the DVR selects a sponsored program to use as the guide's starting point. The selected program is displayed and highlighted in the resulting on-screen guide display. The DVR keeps track of the number of times each sponsored program is used as the on-screen guide anchor as well as the number of times the user performs the sponsored program. Usage data, along with demographic data regarding the user, are periodically transmitted to the DVR service provider which creates reports for sponsors showing which programs were watched or recorded by different groups of people.

Abstract: A system for reprogramming a consumer electronic device includes a consumer electronic device (CED) having a CED processor and a CED memory and a CED serial port connected to the processor, the memory storing CED processor instructions and CED data. The system also includes a download module having a download processor and a download memory and a download serial port connected to the download processor. The CED processor periodically applies a signal to the CED serial port. When the download serial port is connected to the CED serial port to make a serial connection and the download processor receives one of the periodic signals from the CED processor, the download processor initiates the download of one or more of download instructions and download data from the download memory to the CED memory over the serial connection.

Abstract: A digital video recording system receives a first stream of on-demand video content and can both record the video content and route the video content for viewing on a display device. In response to a viewer request to fast-advance the video content display, the digital video recording system can request a second stream of the on-demand video content and route the second video content for fast-advance display on the display device while continuing to record the first video content without interruption and without a change in the speed at which the video content is recorded.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of reproducing a subtitle recorded in a digital versatile disk player including a subtitle processing section for receiving, storing and reproducing multilingual subtitles, as well as video data and audio data of multiple titles which are recorded at initially manufacturing an optical disc, in which users can watch a movie in their specified language. The apparatus of reproducing a subtitle used in a DVD player comprises a subtitle information processing section for receiving and storing a subtitle of a language wanted by a user, and reproducing the subtitle information of the language wanted by the user on a screen.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) for facilitating obtaining copies of selected programs includes a plurality of program listings, the program listings including listings for previously broadcast programs available for downloading to a user's recording device, programs currently being broadcast available for downloading to the user's recording device, and programs which may be recorded on the user's recording device during a future broadcast of the programs. This EPG merges two models of distribution for broadcast content (e.g., EPGs) and video on demand (VOD) systems (e.g., video catalogs) to address the problem of acquiring a recording of a program that was broadcast in the past. The EPG of the present invention provides a combined, unified user interface whereby a user may easily obtain a copy of any one or more of past, current, or future programs.

Abstract: Interactive television systems and methods are provided for enhancing program guide content using recording and alert features for video related to promotions, advertisements, and other selectable displays presented in an interactive television application such as an interactive television program guide. An option to record video related to a selectable display may be presented to users. The option to record may be presented in an information display screen that is displayed in response to a user selecting a selectable display. The interactive television system may automatically record the related video in response to the user selecting the record option using a local or a network-based recording and storage device. Users may access a list of recordings that have been recorded. Other types of media may be integrated into the list, and listings may be selected and viewed by the user.

Abstract: A method for reserving recording and viewing a broadcast program on a display screen includes the steps of extracting a broadcast program timetable; simultaneously displaying the broadcast program timetable and a viewing reservation timetable; waiting for a selection input to select a broadcast program on the display screen; waiting for an allocation input to allocate a selected program into the viewing reservation timetable; and generating recording instruction to instruct recording of the selected program and reproduction reservation instruction to instruct reproduction of the selected program at a time corresponding to a position at which the selected program is allocated in the viewing reservation timetable.

Abstract: A broadcasting program viewing system using an electronic program guide and a method for the same, includes the steps of storing the EPG for guiding broadcasting programs and a tag for downloading the broadcasting programs guided to the EPG from the corresponding broadcasting program, displaying the stored EPG on the screen according to a request of a viewer and displaying the broadcasting program selected from the corresponding broadcasting station server on a screen on the basis of the tag corresponding to the selected broadcasting program when the viewer selects a specific broadcasting program from the EPG displayed on the screen and therefore, viewers can watch the preferred broadcasting programs by easily selecting them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the display of electronic program guide information. In particular, the method and apparatus perform the operations of receiving an electronic program guide signal including information about television programs or events transmitted by television broadcasting signals, managing and storing the information in accordance with a folder arrangement, and displaying the electronic program guide information in the folders selected by the user. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the electronic program guide information is designed to be configured in a directory system, such as a window filing system, and to be displayed in accordance with a user's selection. Therefore, use of the electronic program guide information becomes much more convenient to the user.

Abstract: A TV for displaying EPG information in an improved manner, and a method for using the same. The TV includes a storage unit adapted to store a received EPG information, a display unit adapted to display the EPG information, an input unit adapted to input a selection command regarding a predetermined channel among receivable channels, and a controller adapted to control the storage unit to store the EPG information among received broadcasting signals, and to control the display unit to display the stored EPG information. Specifically, the controller controls the display unit to display the EPG information with respect to the channel selected by the selection command and a list of channels that can be selected by the user on the display unit on a single screen. Moreover, channels that are not currently displayed on the screen and time information that is not currently displayed in selected channels can be displayed on the screen by using up/down scroll bars.

Abstract: An audience measurement system plays and records television program material on a client system's persistent storage device. Program guide objects are stored on the client system and indicate when television programs are broadcast. A client system stores a viewer's television viewing habits and behavior. Information such as what television programs a viewer watches and/or prefers, and when a viewer uses trickplay functions while watching a television program (such as: variable rate fast forward and rewind, frame step, index, pause, variable rate reverse play, variable rate play, and play) are stored on the client system which the client sends to a central server. The central server stores viewer information from all client systems such that the information obtained is anonymous. The aggregated information is used by the central server to compile statistical reports and make predictions.

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: A method of processing a catalog of electronic programming information, in which the catalog contains information for a program, including a start time and end time of the program, and in which the program is represented by characteristics data gathered from the program, where the processing includes monitoring a programming video input for the characteristics data from the start and/or end times of a program to control the display and/or recording of the program.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing device comprising control input means to input password, password managing part to manage the inputted password, the first program list recording part from which is read only when the inputted password matches the password in password managing part, the second program list recording part from which is read when password is not inputted or when the inputted password is wrong, and program list forming means to form program list of desired program which is read form the first or the second program list recording part.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system provides an extended electronic program guide that generates at least one recorded material database of recorded material and that generates a live stream database (or uses a pre-generated live stream database) of live stream data. The live stream database and the recorded material database are integrated to produce an extended electronic program guide. The recorded material can be time shifted data of a predetermined live data stream or can be material derived from a source of digital data.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for implementing an electronic program guide. The method comprises partitioning a data storage area into a plurality of discrete storage areas; receiving programming information from a source; and storing the received program information, in its entirety, in the discrete storage areas, each discrete storage area storing programming information that is related in accordance with a predefined criterion.

Abstract: In a channel selection and video recording reservation of television broadcast programs, there is provided a video recording and playback device that applies a program list display device which can visually display a past video recording state and a guide of programs scheduled to be broadcast.

Abstract: A method and device for performing enhanced recording, editing and management features for content in a communication system. The device may be a set top box (STB) for example, and preferably a STB equipped with digital video recording (DVR) capabilities. The method offers users an ability to select, record and manipulate desired program content using mutually exclusive menus, or directly from an electronic program guide (EPG). This is done by displaying various parameter menus of selectable parameters for recording operations, so as to select one or more parameters via a suitable user interface in order to effect a desired recording feature or function.

Abstract: In an apparatus for receiving digital television broadcast, a user may be safeguarded from misconception that the apparatus may be in disorder. When a channel for receipt is commanded in the apparatus for receiving digital television broadcast, the number of the channel is acquired at step S11. It is verified at step S12 whether or not the channel so selected has been set as being a channel for reception. If the result of check is affirmative, a picture for the channel is displayed at step S14. If otherwise, that is if the channel selected has not been set as the channel for reception, the effect that the channel cannot be viewed is displayed at step S15.

Abstract: Television program schedule information is recorded, and a plurality of television program recording reservations previously input by a viewer are registered in a reservation storing unit as a plurality of registered television program recording reservations. When an input television program recording reservation for a desired television program newly input by the viewer overlaps with a specific registered television program recording reservation for a specific television program, the television program schedule information is searched for a rebroadcast television program having the same contents as those of the desired television program, and a rebroadcast television program recording reservation for the rebroadcast television program is produced on condition that the rebroadcast television program recording reservation does not overlap with any of the registered television program recording reservations, and the rebroadcast television program recording reservation is registered.

Abstract: A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote superimposes portions of a scroll program guide over a basic programming signal for display on the viewer's display screen. A tuner has an input for receiving TV signals in a plurality of cable channels and an output for passing a signal of any selected one of said channels. A computer has an input for receiving any of a plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote and an output for controlling the tuner to pass the signal of the selected one of the channels in response to one of the plurality of control signals from the TV viewer remote. The computer receives and stores a scroll input picture image signal containing local program guide data and generates a scroll output picture image signal consisting of at least a portion of the scroll input picture image signal. A combiner superimposes output picture image signal over the passed signal to provide a display signal for input to the viewer's display screen.

Abstract: In an apparatus for receiving a digital broadcasting, the apparatus become easier for a user to handle by supplying a recording medium in which service information containing information that cannot be obtained in the broadcasting are recorded to the user. An information receiving and reproducing apparatus comprises a detachable recording medium in which digital broadcasting service information are recorded, a reproducing control apparatus for selectively reproducing service information from the recording medium, means for generating an OSD (on-screen display) signal based on a reproduced signal, a decoding unit for decoding an encoded reproduced signal or an encoded received signal and an OSD synthesizing unit for synthesizing the OSD signal and a decoded video signal.