Abstract: A personal broadcasting home shopping providing system is linked with a seller terminal capable of photographing a moving picture and one or more viewer terminals capable of receiving a broadcasting signal, which each is provided with a communication function. At this time, the service control server establishes a personal broadcasting home shopping channel in accordance with a request from the seller terminal and sets a reception target of the personal broadcasting home shopping channel. A relay server receives a real-time moving picture of a sold product photographed by the seller terminal from the seller terminal through a mobile communication network and transmits the received real-time moving picture to one or more viewer terminals included in reception target information set by the service control server.

Abstract: The home viewing of movies currently being shown in one or more theaters is facilitated. Facilitating home viewing of first-run, feature length movies may increase the amount of money earned during the theatre run of the movies. For example, this may enable users that would not be able to view movies in the theatre, and/or that would not be willing to view at least some of the movies in the theatre, to purchase the ability to view the movies.

Abstract: A system for online shopping and item selection includes an audiovisual system coupled to a remote cable\satellite server, an audiovisual program transmitted from the remote cable\satellite server to the audiovisual system and an input device coupled to the audiovisual system. The audiovisual system includes a video display that displays the audiovisual program. The online shopping and item selection system includes at least one item displayed within the audiovisual program that is selectable using the input device. The system also includes a menu that is selectively displayable on the display information about purchasing the item onscreen.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of multimedia access. In an embodiment, an authorization signal can be received from a multimedia distribution system at a multimedia receiver having a peripheral device interface. The authorization signal can authorize data transfer via the peripheral device interface.

Abstract: A method for delivering digital cinema concurrently to a retail exhibitor and a remote theater that includes forming a digital cinema right-to-distribute contract between a content owner and a retail exhibitor. In addition, a digital cinema movie rental contract is formed between the retail exhibitor and a remote theater user. Newly released digital cinema content is delivered both to the remote theater and to the retail exhibitor. Display of the newly released digital cinema content occurs at the remote theater as early as the display of the newly released digital cinema content at the retail exhibitor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and budgeting television viewing in order to influence and manage television-viewing habits in a manner that promotes self-monitoring. Example embodiments provide a Content Viewer Control System (“CVCS”), which enables devices and systems connected to a head-end, such as through a standard set-top box or a media center, to track and potentially control differing aspects of television viewing according to a viewing budget. For example, the CVCS can allow tracking and control over what content is viewed according to a variety of criteria, during which time periods, and for what duration on an individual or on a per-location basis, and/or based upon other configurable parameters. In summary, the CVCS receives notification of content as potential viewing events, compares a potential viewing event to stored viewing budget “allocations,” and reconciles the potential viewing event against the viewing budget.

Abstract: A system for and method of sharing Video on Demand content is presented. The system and method may facilitate sharing of Video on Demand (“VOD”) content between friends and family. The sharing of VOD content between users may allow for the users to view the content in a more cost-effective manner than if the VOD content was purchased individually by all the users. Further, giving users the ability to share VOD content between one another may result in more overall viewing of the content.

Abstract: A data-providing system comprising a first data-transmitting section (control unit 1), a control section (control unit 3), and a second data-transmitting section (control unit 3). The first data-transmitting section transmits a continuous stream of content data that consists of multimedia content groups, each composed of program data and auxiliary data items. The control section processes data items obtained by dividing each program data, attribute data of the auxiliary data items and user profile data, thereby to automatically assemble new data. The second data-transmitting section changes the order in which to transmit the auxiliary data items inserted in a program, in accordance with the new data assembled by the control section.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes not adding the voting selection to a tally of votes associated with the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote was received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to the set-top box device from the server, the message indicating that the previous vote associated with the video content was received from the set-top box device.

Abstract: A system for handling data and transactions involving data through the use of a virtual transaction zone, which virtual transaction zone removes the dependency of such transaction on the delivery medium of the product. The invention may reside and operate on a variety of electronic devices such as televisions, VCRs, DVDs, personal computers, WebTV, any other known electronic recorder/player, or as a stand alone unit. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for combining mediums, data feeds, and manipulation of those feeds. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for controlling the content, delivery, and timing of delivery of the end consumer's product.

Abstract: A content distribution system is described. The content distribution system includes a show account database and a plurality of credit cards stored in the show account database. The content distribution system also has a linking module associating a viewer entering the call-in number with a credit card number in the show account database. The system has a charge module that charges a credit card account corresponding to the credit card number associated with a viewer entering the call-in number. The system also has an interactive recognition system that provides a qualifying question for the viewer to answer before a call of the viewer is connected to a studio.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission of media to the media distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted media can then be encoded in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site into a suitable digital form and then made available for online purchase and distribution.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes adding the voting selection to a tally of votes related to the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote has not been received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes changing the voting status to indicate that a vote has been received from the set-top box device after adding the voting selection to the tally of votes.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating the distribution of video content. According to one embodiment, a data-storage device stores computer-executable process steps and data, with: the data including (i) file digests and/or (ii) links to file digests that are located on one or more remote unaffiliated server, the file digests containing information for downloading corresponding files using at least one peer-to-peer network, the corresponding files including both restricted-access sponsored video files and unrestricted files, and the unrestricted files having made available by different participants in at least one peer-to-peer network.

Abstract: A system for accessing video content or audio content over the internet comprising a server linked to the internet and storing the video content or audio content; a nominated terminal device of a subscriber to access the video content or audio content; and a graphical interface enabling the subscriber to select available programs from the audio or video content for viewing or listening on the nominated terminal device. The selection of programs is transmitted over the internet to the server and the server transmits the selected programs or links to the selected programs to the nominated terminal device for access by the subscriber for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for ordering a selection in advance, characterized in that it includes a step in which a menu is displayed followed by a selection in this menu, to make specific requests and particularly: a step displaying the event for which the advance order of a selection is made, and then selection of the event; a step displaying the identity of destination equipment on which the selection is to be played, and then selection of this equipment; a step displaying the date and time at which the selection is to be made on the destination equipment; a step in which particular requests are recorded and downloaded onto a file only after payment has been verified.

Abstract: A video on request (“VOR”) system is disclosed. The VOR system includes a producer having a location device for providing location data and a video recording device. The VOR system also includes an information exchange having a producer database configured to store a producer profile having current location and status of the producer. The current location and status are continually updated based on the location data. The VOR system also includes a viewer having access to the information exchange to search the producer database for available producers within a predetermined range of a desired location. Upon finding the available producer at the desired location, the viewer requests an information segment to be produced by the producer from the desired location. The producer thereafter records the information segment and transmits the information segment to the viewer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a set-top box are described. In some embodiments, a set-top box for controlling a display device includes first circuitry configured to control the display of information on the display device, a housing sized to contain the first circuitry, and one or more adjustable grips attached to the housing. The adjustable grips may be adapted to removably attach the set-top box to the display device. In some cases, a set-top box may be adapted to sit atop a display device having a thickness (in a viewing direction) of less than six, three, two, one, or even 0.5 inches. Some embodiments may be shaped to “hang” on a top surface or edge of a display device. Some embodiments include a set-top box having a feature shaped to hook, latch, or otherwise engage with a display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the distribution of on-demand media in an interactive television application are provided. An interactive television application may receive a request for on-demand media from a user. The interactive television application may provide an option to the user for the transmission of the on-demand media. Such options may include, for example, an option to request a reduced-bandwidth version of the on-demand media, an option to schedule a future time for presentation of the on-demand media, an option to download the on-demand media to a recording device, and an option to check the availability of the on-demand media. A reduced price for transmission of the on-demand media may be provided to the user.

Abstract: A billing system comprising servers, routers, and processors programmed to provide reservation based prepaid billing is disclosed. The billing system is also programmed to concurrently process multiple billing events on a single, prepaid subscriber account.

Abstract: A place-shifting system for distributing video content from a content source (2) has apparatus including a set-top box (STB) (1) with a digital interface to a sender (6). The sender (6) receives video content from the STB (1) conditional upon access permissions that may be associated with a subscription. The permissions may also be determined using the identifier of a viewer device (9). The viewer (9) requests connection to a specific sender (6) by sending an association request to an association server (8) via a network connection (10). The association server (8) returns location information specific to the sender (6) being requested to the viewer (9). The viewer (9) and sender (6) then communicate directly (11) to establish communication and to start transfer of video and other information. The sender (6) can remove content protection from the video content before transcoding, re-applying content protection and sending it.

Abstract: A method for providing subscription-on-demand services for video-on-demand programs within an interactive information distribution system. The method includes associating a plurality of video-on-demand programming packages as a programming bundle and identifying a number of video-on-demand programming packages within the programming bundle that a subscriber has subscribed. When the number of video-on-demand programming packages exceeds a pre-specified number of programming packages, the subscriber is automatically subscribed to all the video-on-demand programming packages in the programming bundle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products describe customizing the presentation of a content-access list. A preference for a subscriber is received, and a content database is searched for content related to the preference and for content unrelated to the preference. An option list is received including an option, and a non-preference-related option is also received. The non-preference-related option is added to the option list, and the option list is sent to the subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide customer support services through interactive television sessions via a cable services network. Cable services customers may pay bills or enroll in automatic bill payment via interactive television sessions. Information on pending work orders, answers to frequently asked questions and helpful service provider contact information may be obtained from a data services system through an interactive television session via a cable services network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing live entertainment at home through interactive display electronic devices like television, personal computer. The system includes web interface components, ticket booking module, billing module, validation module and notification module. The web interface component gathers entities from viewer while booking a ticket for movie/event. The entities include viewer's preferred location to watch the event like if they want to see the event at home or in the theatre/auditorium along with event details, date, time and IP address. The validation module obtains identification credentials, which is 6-digit authentication from a viewer's ticket and validates those credentials. If the ticket credentials are valid, the entity that submitted the credentials is considered an authenticated identity. Once authenticated, the authorization process determines whether that identity has access to the event.

Abstract: A content transmission server and client and method which may implement the viewing of contents by concentrating all the contents into the storage/delivery-performing server, and performing the television broadcast, and which may make unnecessary the video-recording at user's own whereabouts, and may prevent the unauthorized copy and leakage-out onto an unauthorized network by making the on-server video-recording always available in a manner of the on-server right purchasing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal apparatus that charges an appropriate amount of money according to the usage of individual users without using a network. A terminal apparatus reproduces content in response to a reproduction request from a user. The terminal apparatus includes a charging management unit that charges for the reproduction of the content and stores charging history as history information; a history information database that stores the history information in association with the reproduced content; and a removal determining unit that determines whether to remove the reproduced content from a charging target on the basis of the magnitude relationship between the standard price of the content charged for the reproduction and the sum of charges based on the history information. In this way, it is possible to charge an appropriate amount of money according to the usage of individual users and achieve a user-oriented charging process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of receiving audiovisual programs transmitted to terminals. The users of the terminals choose a program from a catalogue and make a proposition to a server to download it to their terminals. The proposition is accompanied by a price and/or deadline. The server analyzes the propositions it receives and, taking account of its profitability constraints, decides whether or not it will transmit the program. Depending on the case, it sends the acceptance to each user who has made a proposition with profitable parameters for the transmission of the program and gives the users the means of receiving the program for viewing. The decision to transmit the program is determined according to various strategies the common criterion of which is profitability. The invention also concerns a terminal and a server for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: Customer-specific information such as billing information, a listing of available services or the like can be provided to multiple receivers via a satellite or other high-bandwidth connection. The customers to receive customer-specific information are selected, and a broadcast message is created that includes the customer-specific information, as well as an identifier for each receiver associated with the selected customers. The broadcast message is transmitted on the high-bandwidth connection to thereby allow each of the receivers associated with the selected customers to extract the customer-specific information based upon the identifier and to display the customer-specific information to the customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time in-line encryption of data transmitted over a serial channel from a source device to a target device. An encryption unit includes logic configured to receive data packets including headers with control information and data on the channel, which may be a fiber channel bus, serial ATA, serial SCSI, USB or the like. The encryption unit encrypts the data and passes the control information to the target device along with the encrypted data. The encryption unit may filter, convert or reject predetermined commands or types of information in the header to prevent covert channel transmissions. There may be one or multiple source devices, e.g. host computers, and one or multiple target devices, e.g. storage systems, configured in a variety of network topologies. The encryption unit also decrypts data and remaps control information transmitted from the target device(s) to the source device(s).

Abstract: An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The apparatus also includes a display screen that is located in the first aperture of the housing. An interface module may be located in the second aperture of the housing, wherein the interface module can be configured to receive a portable memory device. The apparatus also includes a data store that is communicatively coupled to the interface device, wherein the data store includes a plurality of movies available for rental.

Abstract: An account in an item rental service is shared with others using computer-implemented profiles, subject to computer-enforced constraints. In one embodiment, a method provides for establishing a user account, wherein the user account is associated with an account owner, wherein the user account comprises a first ordered queue indicating two or more items that the account owner desires to rent; receiving a request to add a second ordered queue to the user account, profile member identifying information, and a constraint value; creating and storing a profile record based on the profile member identifying information and the constraint value, wherein the profile record is further associated with a second queue; receiving a request to add a specified rental item to the second queue, wherein the specified rental item does not conform to the constraint value; and adding the specified rental item to the second queue only in response to receiving confirmation by the account owner.

Abstract: A content reproduction system that allow the user to rent or purchase any desired contents for reproduction without depending on a predetermined type of information of the user. The content reproduction system includes: a recording medium storing a license ticket including an encrypted master key; and a reproduction apparatus that receives from the user a request for a selected content and the information of the selected content, acquires distribution content information corresponding to the selected content, stores it in association with the license ticket into the recording medium. When reproducing the content, the reproduction apparatus generates a content using an encrypted content decryption key and an encrypted content that are contained in the distribution content information, and using a master decryption key information corresponding to the distribution content information, and reproduces the generated content.

Abstract: An improved billing system for communication service is disclosed. A printed and/or online invoice will be generated for a subscriber's account and will be structured to include a visual gauge that depicts the extent of use for the billing period at issue. More particularly, the visual gauge will take the form of a table or listing that shows a continuum of possible time-increment or data-increment-ranges and that shows, for each range, the associated cost. The visual gauge will then include a visual marker that highlights or otherwise points out the increment-range into which the subscriber's use fell in the billing period at issue. Conveniently, the invention thus enables a subscriber to readily visualize where the subscriber's use fell within the continuum of possible increment-ranges.

Abstract: A viewer of broadcast media requests or receives programming content including advertising over the Internet. The production system manipulates the programming content including the advertising with one or more computer processors to create a video broadcast based on input received over the Internet. The programming content promotes products or services by inserting advertisements or promotional material into the video broadcast based on one or more user interests. In addition, the production system transmits to the user the customized production with the inserted advertisements and promotional material embedded therein.

Abstract: With a contents viewing and listening management method using a contents viewing and listening management apparatus, a viewing and listening request of a content is made for displaying a predetermined content. Information relating to users whose viewing and listening of the relevant predetermined content is restricted, and information relating to administrators who manage viewing and listening of a content by the users are managed. If restriction is set to a content relating to the viewing and listening request, a relevant user ID is obtained. Whether or not the requested is a content of which viewing and listening has been permitted by the administrator as to each of the users is determined. If the content of which the viewing and listening has been requested is not permitted, a message which requests permission for viewing and listening of the requested content is transmitted to a second terminal possessed by the administrator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a payment system and method for chargeable data that is broadcasted from a remote location. The payment system and method includes a Web site, the remote location (or a broadcasting station), and an end receiver. The Web site is configured to allow for the payment of a limited purchase amount (LPA) and to create and/or provide an encryption code. The LPA specifies an amount of chargeable data that has been purchased. The encryption code specifies the LPA at the time of payment and an authorized receiver associated with the LPA. The end receiver receives and stores the chargeable data broadcasted from the remote location. The end receiver includes an input unit for inputting the encryption code into the end receiver, and it extracts the information specifying the LPA and the authorized receiver from the inputted encryption code. The end receiver then uses an amount of the chargeable data (e.g.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the presentation of electronic media according to a credit-based scheme. “Debit-bearing” media may include video, audio, interactive software, etc. “Credit-bearing” media typically include commercials or banner ads. Other credit factors include cash, prizes, etc. The customer determines how to accumulate credits and how to spend them.

Abstract: An access verifier may act as an intermediary to allow users to receive single use user IDs while protecting their anonymity. The access verifier has some relationship with the user that allows the access verifier to know details regarding the user that might be helpful in determining whether the user is a potentially desirable customer. The user may request a user ID from the access verifier. The user may then pass the user ID to the access provider when the user wishes to gain access. Upon receiving the user ID, the access provider may request verification that the ID is valid from the access verifier. The access verifier may respond that the ID is valid (if appropriate), and also may include user information. The access provider is thereby provided with some level of assurance that the user is a potential customer without knowing confidential information.

Abstract: A system and method includes a user device having a subscriber activation client application stored therein. The user device prompts entry of an ordering identifier and receives the ordering identifier through a user interface. A subscriber activation system is in communication with the user device through a secure network. The subscriber activation system receives the ordering identifier from the user device. The subscriber activation system verifies the ordering information and generates an activation signal from the order identifier. The subscriber activation system communicates the activation signal to the user device to activate the user device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for a client device discovering remote user interface applications over a network are disclosed. Embodiments may include a remote user interface client of the client device receiving from a content directory service server a code fragment comprising a uniform resource indicator and determining whether the uniform resource indicator is associated with a remote-capable application. Further embodiments may include, in response to determining that the uniform resource indicator is associated with a remote-capable application, engaging by the client device a remote user interface server and receiving by the client device from the remote user interface server one or more display control commands associated with the remote-capable application and displaying a user interface based on the received display control commands. In some embodiments, engaging the remote user interface server comprises switching from the content directory service server. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections.

Abstract: Internet-based viewing system for interactive synchronized shared viewing of video content comprises a website accessible to customers of the viewing system and providing mechanisms for the customers to select, author and schedule viewing sessions for transmission by the system, to invite other customers to view selected viewing sessions in synchronicity as a shared viewing group while allowing interactive communication between the customers within the viewing group. The system website provides mechanisms for providers of video content and customers to author viewing programs and makes them available to customers on the system website. Advertisements and/or interactive components may be included in the viewing programs as part of the authoring processes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for correlating a cost of receiving media to a user's exposure to advertising. A media display system including a media recorder detects and reports that a media display system user has skipped over an advertising program without watching or listening to the advertising program. A fee is calculated and charged to the user in lieu of the user's watching or listening to the advertising program. Alternatively, a user may subscribe to a service that allows the user to skip over some or all advertising programs displayed on the media display system.

Abstract: A method and system for processing commerce transactions between a consumer and a business in an interactive environment is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises generating a request package from commands received at a set top box. The request package is received over a cable network. The request package includes a product identifier. Product information is retrieved from a product database using the product identifier. Vendor information is retrieved using the product identifier; and a vendor fulfillment package is sent to a deployment server.

Abstract: Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of multimedia access. In an embodiment, an authorization signal can be received from a multimedia distribution system at a multimedia receiver having a peripheral device interface. The authorization signal can authorize data transfer via the peripheral device interface.

Abstract: A billing system comprising servers, routers, and processors programmed to provide reservation based prepaid billing is disclosed. The billing system is also programmed to concurrently process multiple billing events on a single, prepaid subscriber account.