Abstract: A method is provided comprising: receiving a constant bit rate video stream representing a single video from a video source via a managed broadband connection; converting the constant bit rate video stream into a single non-adaptive bit rate video stream by modifying a video transport stack of the video to be compatible with a home device media player video transport stack; modifying a video control stack of the video to be compatible with a device in a home network; adding a home networking transport stack to the video stream, wherein the home networking transport stack is such that it would appear to the device in the home network as if the video stream came from a server local to the home network; and delivering the video stream to a device in the home network.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system provides a user-friendly communication interface for coupling with a portable media device and can perform a plurality of integration tasks simultaneously, enabling the personal media device to become fully integrated with the information system. Viewing content thereby can be selected from video and/or audio viewing content stored internally within the personal media device, and the selected viewing content can be communicated from the personal media device to the information system for presentation via a video presentation system and/or an audio presentation system of the information system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods related to content management in a cloud-enabled network-based digital video recorder. In some embodiments, a request to view a listing of content assets associated with a user account may be received from a user device. One or more content assets associated with the user account may be identified. The listing of content assets may be generated based at least in part on the identified one or more content assets. The listing of assets may be transmitted to the user device.

Abstract: A communications method for broadcasting an event is provided. This includes generating a plurality of media streams at an event and providing a service to receive the media streams. From the service, an interface can be generated to select a subset of the media streams. Media streams can include audio, video, or other formats that are selected from alternative broadcasting channels provided at the event.

Abstract: A method of presenting still image data on multiple display devices using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices with the wireless home entertainment hub, where the plurality of devices includes at least two display devices. An assignment of a zone for each display device of the at least two display devices is received. Still image data is caused to be displayed on a subset of the at least two display devices.

Abstract: An improved user experience is provided for passengers on a vessel such as an airplane, train or ship. Passengers can customize their travel experience ahead of time by accessing a web-based server system to indicate preferences with respect to a number of in-flight entertainment options. The passenger's experience is also enhanced by allowing passengers to share preferences such as media playlists with others. Meals can be ordered on-demand once on board, and seat-to-seat chat as well as group chatting is also made available through an in-seat or other proximate entertainment device.

Abstract: An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video receiving apparatus includes: a receiving module for receiving identifiers of respective video transmitting apparatus and key information to be used for permitting a wireless communication with the video receiving apparatus; a connecting module for establishing a wireless connection with each video transmitting apparatus; a registering module for registering all or part of the one or more video transmitting apparatus; a first display control module for displaying identification information of the one or more video transmitting apparatus, selection images, registration information indicating whether or not the one or more video transmitting apparatus are registered, and connection information indicating whether or not wireless connections are established on a display screen; a video receiving module for receiving video from the specified video transmitting apparatus using the established wireless connection; and a second display control module for displaying the received vi

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: A distribution management apparatus includes a generating unit configured to render content data to generate video data; a converter configured to convert a data format of the video data into a data format allowing the video data to be distributed to communication terminals including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal; a transmitter/receiver configured to distribute the converted video data to the communication terminals; a receiver configured to receive path information indicating an operation path drawn by the first communication terminal and a drawing timing of the operation path from the first communication terminal; an acquiring unit configured to acquire identification information that identifies content data corresponding to video data reproduced by the second communication terminal at the drawing timing; and a storage unit configured to store therein the path information and the identification information in association with each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enhancing the viewing experience of video content by analyzing the content to determine where enhanced sensory experience events may be appropriate, by identifying devices at the viewing location and devices personal to the viewer that can be controlled to provide an enhanced sensory experience, and by activating those devices in a way that is synchronized with the presentation of the content.

Abstract: An improved user experience is provided for passengers on a vessel such as an airplane, train or ship. Passengers can customize their travel experience ahead of time by accessing a web-based server system to indicate preferences with respect to a number of in-flight entertainment options. The passenger's experience is also enhanced by allowing passengers to share preferences such as media playlists with others. Meals can be ordered on-demand once on board, and seat-to-seat chat as well as group chatting is also made available through an in-seat or other proximate entertainment device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing data for broadcast via digital radio broadcast transmission is disclosed comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of content files corresponding to programming information for program content to be broadcast; receiving an index file having a pointer for each of the plurality of content files, wherein the index file is associated with a first logical address; storing the index file and the plurality of content files; scheduling a broadcast rotation of the index file and the plurality of content files (wherein the index file is scheduled for repeated transmission intermittently relative to selected ones of the content files); and transmitting the index file and the plurality of content files to an importer in accordance with the broadcast rotation.

Abstract: An entertainment system including one or more display devices. Each display device may have a media player to play the content of a disc or media inserted in the media player. Each display device may also have a storage unit to store the media content. The media content can be shared between different display devices. The connection between display devices can be either by plurality of cables or by a wireless network. Each display device receives its power from a power filter. The power filter is connected to a power source.

Abstract: A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TTA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating in-vehicle services for user-provided devices is provided. One or more communication sessions with one or more user-provided devices may be facilitated by an in-vehicle computer system. One or more content items available to the one or more user-provided devices may be stored by the in-vehicle computer system. A list of the one or more content items may be provided by the in-vehicle computer system to the one or more user-provided devices. A selection of at least one content item from at least one user-provided device may be received by the in-vehicle computer system. Access to the at least one content item may be provided, by the in-vehicle computer system via the one or more communication sessions, to the at least user-provided device based on the selection.

Abstract: A control device that interacts with a television system. The control device may receive a user input identifying a video selection. At least one module of the control device may display video information corresponding to the video selection. The control device may alternately, or in addition, cause display of the video information on a television system. The control device may respond to a second user input identifying a storage selection by triggering storage of the video information in a storage unit corresponding to the storage selection. The control device may also receive a third user input identifying a replay request for other video information that may be selected from a plurality of stored videos. The control device may direct display of the other video information on the television system and/or on a display of the control device.

Abstract: Whether or not HDCP authentication is necessary is determined and managed for each device connected to an HDMI port. In selector control, when switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that requires HDCP authentication, DDC access is turned off by setting an HPD signal to Low. Communication is then resumed after a predetermined amount of time has passed by setting the HPD signal to High and thereby turning the DDC access back on. When switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that does not require HDCP authentication, the HPD signal is kept at High, and video and audio data is output without resuming the DDC access.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for wirelessly providing transcoded broadcasts to mobile devices and receiving content wirelessly via mobile devices. For example, in one embodiment, a distribution device can receive an over-the-air broadcast, transcode the over-the-air broadcast, and broadcast the transcoded broadcast to mobile devices within range.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a content (e.g., media) transfer or fling platform system and method. In a media fling platform system, media items may be cached at a rendering device prior to any selection of media items to fling. The determination of which media to cache may be based on a variety of factors including a user fling history, a currently viewed media item, and a navigation point in the media files. A fling request may take priority over caching, and the fling request may interrupt any caching processes.

Abstract: A real time system to both televise and stream sporting events from sports paraphernalia that are ordinarily used by the players on soccer playing fields, ice hockey rinks, tennis courts, baseball playing fields and football playing fields are disclosed. The sports paraphernalia are instrumented with a variety of TV cameras, microphones, and bi-directional communication electronics. Instrumented sports paraphernalia such as ice hockey goals, ice hockey pucks, soccer goals, tennis nets, tennis posts, baseball bases, baseball home plates, baseball pitcher's rubbers and footballs are disclosed. Instrumentation is built into and contained internally within some of the instrumented sports paraphernalia. Instrumentation is mounted and attached onto some of the sports paraphernalia. The instrumented sports paraphernalia can both televise signals to a TV viewing audience, and simultaneously stream onto the internet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing synchronized content are disclosed. The synchronized content may be content related to visual content captured by an imager of a mobile computing device. The mobile computer device may send the captured visual content to a content synchronization server that may identify the captured visual content, find relevant content associated with the captured visual content, synchronize the relevant content with the captured visual content, and send the synchronized relevant content to the client device.

Abstract: A home entertainment system that employs DRM (Data Rights Management) data protected multimedia programs and rights management component (RMC), with corresponding hardware and software systems incorporated in to home entertainment systems, to protect rights of the media program providers and the users. The system employs STB (Set Top Box) as a hub. The rights management component is incorporated in to the set top box (STB Circuitry), as well as some of the media devices. Three operational scenarios are envisaged regarding the home entertainment system. The first operational scenario involves a remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry; where as the STB Circuitry performs the duty of a mediator. The second operational scenario involves remote media source and the media device interaction via STB Circuitry, where as the STB Circuitry having rights to reissue licenses to media players.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely transcoding content includes a set top box generating a playlist corresponding to content titles stored in a memory of the set top box. A user device is in communication with the cloud location and the set top box through a network. The user device reviews the playlist and selects a first content title from the playlist to form a selection. The cloud location includes a transcoder device transcoding content corresponding to the selection to form transcoded content. One of the cloud location and the set top box communicates the transcoded content to the user device.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising at least one processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds available from a service provider network, a plurality of display selections from a plurality of available displays, and a plurality of pairing selections assigning each feed selection of the plurality of feed selections to at least one display selection of the plurality of display selections, transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration, modifying the content display configuration according to a request, and transmitting the plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A content upload system includes: a content distributing server that is installed in an airplane and distributes audio-video contents into the airplane; and a plurality of content accumulating servers that are installed in a plurality of airports, in which the airplane is parked, and transmit the audio-video contents to the content distributing server through a network. The content distributing server selectively writes audio-video contents that have not been stored in the content distributing server of audio-video contents transmitted from the content accumulating server while the airplane is parked on the airport.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.

Abstract: A mobile content distribution system in an airplane, a train, or a bus is capable of receiving wireless broadcast channels from a wireless service provider. The system offers a user purchase of wireless services including one or more broadcast channels provided by the wireless service provider, receives information indicative of a route from an originating location to a destination location, and determines if the content distribution system is authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information; and if the content distribution system is not authorized to receive services from the wireless service provider according to the information, the system provide a refund to the user. If the system is within an authorized area, the system determines if the system is authorized to provide full service from the wireless service provider according to the information and if the system is not authorized to provide full service, the system provides a partial refund to the user.

Abstract: There is provided a display device including a detection section which detects a presence of another display device, and acquires information of a provision source of a function provided by the another display device, a function execution section which executes the function provided by the another display device based on the information acquired from the another display device, a communication section which establishes a connection with the another display device by the execution of the function by the function execution section, and a display section which displays information corresponding to reception, by the communication section, of information of a content provision source specified from content displayed on the another display device with which a connection has been established by the communication section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to share a viewing experience of a free viewpoint format media content event. An exemplary embodiment receives the free viewpoint format media content event, receives unique geometric orientation information from each one of a plurality of head mounted displays (HMDs), determines a unique viewpoint location for each one of the plurality of HMDs based upon the geometric orientation information received from each one of the plurality of HMDs, determines a unique viewpoint area for each one of the plurality of HMDs based upon the determined unique viewpoint location, and communicates each one of the unique viewpoint areas to the associated one of the plurality of HMDs.

Abstract: The synchronous display streaming system for multi-view frames is provided. The server provides a plurality of display streamings of a content in a plurality of angles. The server stores accounts. The first electronic device logs in a relation account of the accounts of the server. The second electronic device logs in the relation account of the server. The first electronic device and the second electronic device are grouped in a synchronization operation group. The server provides the plurality of display streamings in the plurality of angles to the first and the second electronic device which log in the relation account respectively and display the frames of the content in the plurality of angles on the first and the second electronic device. Any electronic device of the synchronization operation group performs an operation on one of the electronic devices of the synchronization operation group through the relation account of the server.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication controller includes: an output module; a transmitter; and a receiver. The output module is configured to control output of image information to a display. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image information to a first communication device by unicast. The receiver configured to receive a transmission request of the image information from a second communication device. If the receiver receives the transmission request from the second communication device, the transmitter stops transmission of the image information to the first communication device by unicast, and transmits the image information to the first communication device and the second communication device by multicast.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus which cooperates with a terminal apparatus to configure a home network system, including: a frame visual attribute setting section configured to set a frame visual attribute to a window provided on a screen to display a reproduced piece of content; a publication section configured to publish a command adapted to request notification of the frame visual attribute set to the window from the terminal apparatus to the terminal apparatus; and a notification section configured to notify the terminal apparatus of the frame visual attribute of the window in response to calling of the command from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring user information between different terminals are disclosed. The method includes saving by a first terminal, when a change is made to user information during playback of content, the changed user information in a scene history, performing a terminal change from the first terminal to a second terminal, and resuming, by the second terminal, playback of the content from a continued scene after the last scene played back by the first terminal. Consequently, in a terminal change, the user may use the second terminal to play back the same content from the continued scene using the same content usage environment as the first terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a content proxy in a wireless network. A set of media is provided to an edge proxy server located at a wireless site using satellite communications and stored by the edge proxy server independent of a local mobile station request for media in the set of media. Mobile stations can access live streams of media selected from the set of media by wireless communications with a wireless node and as mobile station move from one wireless site to another, the live media stream can be provided uninterrupted to the mobile station.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for live event augmentation are provided. A central server computer system detects intelligent beverage containers at an event. The beverage containers include an integrated electronic display. Extrinsic data is received during the course of the event that is used to generate a message. The message is transmitted to the beverage containers at the event to update the electronic display. The extrinsic data may be related to the event or to an activity occurring separate from the event. The electronic display of the beverage containers may be changed periodically during the event. The beverage containers may be divided into one or more groups based on information stored in a user account associated with each beverage container. Different messages can be sent to the different groups to display different information on the beverage containers of each group.

Abstract: A media distribution server presenting interactive media on digital devices, such as mobile devices, PCs, TVs, ebook readers, electronic tablets, etc. and receiving user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using keys (such as softkeys) on the digital device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the digital device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the digital device to the user. Further the user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their digital device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing devices and content in a network environment. In one implementation, a network media environment includes: a first hub network including a first server and a first client, and said first server is connected to said first client; a second hub network including a second server and said first client, and said second server is connected to said first client, such that said first hub network and said second hub network overlap; wherein said first client stores first content bound to said first hub network and stores second content bound to said second hub network.

Abstract: A mobile video system includes a first video source, a second video source, a first video monitor, a second video monitor, an audio signal receiver, and a wireless transmitter. One of the first video source and the second video source generates a first audiovisual signal. One of the first video monitor and the second video monitor receives a video portion of at least one of the first audiovisual signal and the second audiovisual signal. The wireless transmitter transmits an audio portion of one of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal to the audio signal receiver. A video portion of the first audiovisual signal or the second audiovisual signal is displayed on the first video monitor, on the second video monitor, or on both the first video monitor and the second video monitor.

Abstract: A Fiber Channel or other high speed data transmission channel is provided to transfer movie files and other content between shared storage and screen servers to enhance content availability in a digital cinema system. In one embodiment a digital cinema system is provided that includes a first screen server coupled to a first digital projector. Additionally, the digital cinema system includes a memory for storing a digital movie, and a Fiber Channel communication link coupled between the first screen server and the memory. The Fiber Channel communication link is configured to transmit a copy of the digital movie from the memory to the first server for storage therein.

Abstract: Methods of providing a media file include receiving the media file and an identification of a destination set-top box for the media file at a server device. The received media file is transmitted from the server device to the identified set-top box in an Internet protocol television (IPTV) multimedia format.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for associating remote controls and televisions. More specifically, the present invention permits delivery of television programming to multiple televisions from a television converter device. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

Abstract: A network addressable appliance with digital multimedia recording capabilities has limited access including playback of stored multimedia content upon faulty connection with a service provider network. Upon a connectivity event, the network addressable appliance compares a retrieved hardware address for a connected residential gateway to a stored hardware address for an assigned residential gateway. If the two hardware addresses correspond, the network addressable appliance provides playback to stored multimedia content. The system helps prevent violations of digital rights management rules by restricting access to stored multimedia content while the network addressable appliance is connected to an unauthorized residential gateway. The system provides a user with limited access (i.e. playback) to multimedia content during service provider network outages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimedia and multichannel information system for an interactive distribution of at least one real-time video input of a live event taking place in an auditorium. The system comprises a central unit and a plurality of remote units located in the auditorium. At least one of the plurality of remote units is connected to the central unit by means of a bi-directional transmission network for interactive communications between the remote units and the central unit, the at least one remote unit is provided with at least an interface and with audio/video, data and graphic accelerators disposed on a multimedia microprocessor housed in the remote units. The at least one remote unit is equipped with a touch screen display and is configured to display the at least one real-time video input of the live event taking place in the auditorium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for linking MMT media and DASH media. A method for linking MMT media and DASH media comprises the steps of: generating MPD information by extracting an MPD linking information from a home media server, the MPD linking information, which has been transmitted from an MMT transmission server to an MMT, being information comparable to an MPD of DASH for interconnecting DASH and MMT; and transmitting the MPD information to a mobile terminal so that the mobile terminal can replay as DASH media by means of the MPD information.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio-visual (AV) system that includes: (a) one or more AV devices (such as a TV) operable to provide audio and/or visual information; (b) a set-top box (STB) associated with each AV device; (c) a router; (d) an Ethernet connection between each STB and the router; and (e) a control server which operates to receive and record data from the router, the data including data indicative of the operating status (e.g., on or off) of the or each AV device, the operating configuration (e.g., TV channel) and the time of each change of status and/or configuration of the or each AV. The system comprises at least two remote AV control devices (Human Interface Devices, “HIDs”) for each AV device. The HIDs associated with each AV device operate to be automatically synchronized to the same status and configuration. The system may include a web server and a content server.

Abstract: Provided are an electronic device and an operating method thereof. When a predetermined event occurs while contents are being output, a video and a sound of the contents are controlled to be respectively output through different electronic devices, thus improving a content provision environment for a user.

Abstract: In a method for recording and playing multimedia audiovisual programs using a first television, the first television being is connected to a second television. The first television records a current multimedia audiovisual program being played on the first television in response to a recording command generated according to a user's operation, and sends the recorded multimedia audiovisual program to the second television according to an invoking command received from the second television.