Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are described for providing user access to content via customized options for a plurality of regions, a customized option being provided to a user based on a region associated with the user. An upload of content for distribution and metadata describing the content are received. A first option definition is received that defines first criteria for accessing the content in a first region. A second option definition defining second criteria for accessing the content in a second region is received. One or more options for the content are provided to the user based on the region associated with the user. An identification of an option is received from the user, and access to the content is provided according to the criteria of the option that the user has identified.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for providing content-related information of a multimedia service. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting a signaling message comprising schedule information and delivery type information of a media content to be serviced; receiving, from at least one terminal, at least one report message comprising identification information and transfer type information of the media content; and transmitting an updated signaling message on the basis of the at least one report message received from the at least one terminal receiving the media content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining whether content rendered on a display is actually visible to a user. In one aspect, a method includes generating and transmitting content presentation data that causes a user device to present, at a display and over a first time period, a content item that includes one or more content portions that are each designated for presentation in a respective first color. For a second time period, the respective first color of a particular content portion is changed to a second color. Visual representation data that includes a visual representation of the display during the second time period is generated and provided. Using the visual representation, an amount of the content item that was visible at the display is determined based on an amount of the particular content portion presented in the second color.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for deferring license retrieval when streaming digital media content. The perceived delay between the time a user selects the protected digital media content to when playback of the protected digital media content begins is reduced because retrieval and playback of an unprotected version of a portion of the digital media content starts before the license and protected version of the digital media content is received. The unprotected version includes fast start streams of audio and video data that may encoded at a lower bit rate than the protected version in order to quickly transfer the fast start streams from the content server to the playback device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to perform a channel change via an alternate multimedia content delivery system. A particular method includes detecting a request to perform a channel change at a customer premise equipment (CPE) device. The method also includes sending the request to a server of a primary multimedia content delivery system that supports delivery of content to the CPE device. The method further includes receiving a bandwidth limitation message from the server. The method includes generating a notification for display at a display device coupled to the CPE device. The notification prompts a user with respect to delivery of content over one or more alternate multimedia content delivery systems in response to the requested channel change.

Abstract: A media services device including a display device configured to present user-selectable options corresponding to video-on-demand services, and a video-on-demand application server component configured to provide the video-on-demand services responsive to user selection of the options.

Abstract: A technology platform for the delivery of dynamic, interactive audio advertisements played in response to a consumer initiated request for information via a telephone. The platform provides advertising supported information services that are related to past responses made to a specific consumer who initiated the request. In one specific embodiment, a consumer uses a telephone is connected to a call processing system. The call processing system receives a request for information from the consumer. In determining a response, the consumer's request is examined to identify the customer that originated the request. This in turn identifies a profile file associated with the consumer, which then permits the system to determine one or more advertisement selection parameters. The customer profile may comprise one or more records of past requests from the identified customer station.

Abstract: A device includes a communication interface and one or more processors. The communication interface may receive a playlist that lists segments of a content stream in an order the segments are to be recombined, receive advertisement information that describes an advertisement, receive a breakpoint, and send a revised playlist to a remote server. The one or more processors may generate the revised playlist based on the playlist, the advertisement information, and the breakpoint. The revised playlist may include references to the segments and the advertisements.

Abstract: A system for interactive online instruction includes an instructional subscription website and video management system configured to process video recordings. The video recordings may include (i) student videos uploaded by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos. A method of interactive online instruction is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing prerecorded course materials on an instructional subscription website including video lessons accessible by subscribing students, and providing a video management system configured to process video recordings including (i) student videos submitted by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating sharing of customer information known to a video service provider which services a customer's home, with a hotel chain at which the customer is staying as a guest, are described. Disclosure of information about the customer's home service may, and in some embodiments is, limited to information directly related to providing the customer personalized video service. Information known about a guest by the guest's home video service provider is extended to the hotel by allowing that guest's home channel-watching preferences to be retrieved and stored within the hotel system. Based on the information retrieved from the cable operator or other service provider, when a guest is checked into a room, the STB (or other video-delivery/rendering device) used at the hotel is customized so that, channels are made available on the TV for channel surfing in the manner normally seen at the guest's home.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc. The operation of applications such as web browser applications, home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Abstract: A subscriber to a video service generally has available to them an on-screen program guide. The program guide lists programming (e.g., TV shows) that are available to the subscriber for a certain upcoming time period. The programming guide may sort the listings by channel and time, areas of interest, age appropriateness and/or MPAA or TV rating, free or additional cost, etc. In an embodiment, the programming guide includes an ability to make a selection to see which TV shows are recommended by reviewers. Such reviewers may be individuals or panels or institutions to which some credibility may be attached—a trusted source. After selecting a reviewer, the subscriber is made aware of the programs recommended by the selected reviewer.

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: Digital multimedia is broadcast by a wireless provider by first decoding incoming multimedia streams and then encoding each stream using one of at least two encoding parameter sets as appropriate for the particular user or groups of users to receive the stream.

Abstract: A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

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: A content item may be identified at a first electronic device with selection for the content item to be “opened” at a second electronic device. The first electronic device may instruct that the content item be displayed or otherwise made available for further interaction at the second electronic device. A web protocol session may be established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device to allow for an instruction message from the first electronic device to the second electronic device. Upon receiving a user interface command at the first electronic device, the user interface command indicating that the content item should be displayed at the second electronic device, the instruction message is sent to the second electronic device, via the web protocol session. As a result, the content item is caused to be displayed at the second electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing subscription-on-demand (SOD) services for a interactive information distribution system, where a consumer may subscribe to packages of on-demand programs for a single price and view the programs in the subscribed package at any time for no additional cost. The apparatus and method are embodied in a combination of software, which provides a so called navigator, and hardware, including a subscriber terminal that provides certain functionality for the navigator and service provider equipment that supports the functionality of the terminal. As such, graphical user interface functionality is distributed between the service provider equipment and subscriber equipment (subscriber terminal). Such distribution provides an enjoyable, real time interactive process for accessing SOD services that allows the subscriber to rapidly identify and access a subscription service.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include at least one of systems, software, and methods to perform one or more tasks such as quoting wireless service plans, receiving wireless service orders, generating wireless service contracts, and effectuating these contracts in a wireless service network. In particular, such embodiments provide mechanisms through which a primary subscriber is allowed to choose wireless services for a primary subscriber and one or more secondary subscribers with differing and customizable service levels while having a single rate-plan, which may be pre-paid, post-paid, or a combination thereof. These embodiments are facilitated by an application that allows for defining and capturing of one rate plan that covers wireless services for a plurality of subscribers each having different pre-paid or post-paid accounts with an ability for each subscriber to have differing services and service levels.

Abstract: A system and method for soliciting a selection of video content from a user after presenting the user with an interface showing the user the video content currently available for viewing. The system provides the user an option of both viewing the content in its entirety and partially viewing the content. With the partial viewing options the user may select and view a scene or scenes, or may navigate through the content to find the portion or “snippet” of the content they wish to view. The system tracks the length of viewing and the client is charged in accordance with the amount of content viewed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method in which, when a customer to view pay-per-view broadcasting contents over an Internet protocol television (IPTV) or a personal computer (PC) consents to advertisement reception, a broadcasting service provider receives money from an advertiser that has previously agreed to pay advertising costs without receiving a subscription fee from the customer, transmits the pay-per-view contents to the customer, and applies screen-splitting technology at certain intervals to generate a split screen irrespective of main broadcasting contents.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method that includes displaying a plurality of menu items (each associated with one of a plurality of media content items) in a graphical user interface. The method also includes, when a particular promotion associated with a particular media content item is to be displayed, displaying the particular promotion proximate to a particular menu item of the plurality of menu items and enabling a direction command. Selection of the direction command causes a cursor position to jump directly to the particular menu item from a different menu item of the plurality of menu items.

Abstract: An information apparatus connectable with plural external apparatuses including an audio visual data outputting portion, a command input portion which inputs a command from an external apparatus for requesting audio visual data, an information managing portion which manages a number of external apparatuses to audio visual data can be distributed to be simultaneously viewed or recorded and a controller portion which controls distribution of the data to the external apparatus which sent the command depending upon a distributing condition. The controller portion makes a decision on whether the number of external apparatuses to which data can be distributed is equal to or smaller than a limited number, and controls the distribution of data to the external apparatus based on a result of the decision.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering and distributing multimedia content including a receiver to receive data for ordering multimedia content, a decoder to decode the data in the event the data is encoded, and distributing the multimedia content based on the data to one or more output devices at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modifying operation of a media terminal device using characteristics of audio, wherein the characteristics may include ancillary code embedded in audio and/or audio signatures. When audio codes are read and/or signatures are extracted, they are processed to determine if they correspond to a predetermined characteristic that has a linked command. If correspondence is found, the command is executed to affect one or more operational layers of the media terminal device to modify at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing sneak peeks of upcoming viewing content is presented. The system and method provides that the sneak peek clips may be recorded and stored onto a subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) in response to a determination of the viewing preferences of the subscriber. The sneak peek clips may also be recorded and stored onto the subscriber's DVR in response to a user selection of content. The user may select content by browsing through a graphical user interface and indicating selections. The user may also select content when viewing a program by selecting an advertisement for an upcoming movie or series that the subscriber may be interested in viewing. The clips may be recorded and stored on the subscriber's DVR, and then later retrieved and viewed by using an interface to navigate and select the stored sneak peek clips. After viewing the sneak peek clips, the user may be provided with the option of viewing the content in full.

Abstract: An approach is provided to facilitate network connectivity and consumption of broadband services. A data network connection is established by a set-top box. Sharing of the data network connection by a plurality of user devices is permitted by the set-top box. A credit count is maintained based on the sharing of the data network connection by the plurality of user devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for providing periodic fee limited access to videos via Internet Protocol Television. Exemplary embodiments include a method for providing video, the method including receiving a request to download a video to a communications device via an Internet-Protocol-enabled connection, determining whether the download is permitted based on a periodic fee arrangement for providing the video to the communications device and providing the video to the communications device in response to a determination that the download is permitted.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to customization of content acquisition in a content marketplace. Such customization can provide access that is user-specific. In one aspect, the content marketplace can permit a consumer to inspect (e.g., browse or search) and acquire content offerings by customizing the user's access package using one or more user devices and according to various price propositions.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: A method for targeted advertisement includes storing a profile tag associated with each user in a device maintained by that user. Each profile tag includes the demographic information of its associated user. A multitude of target tags are also transmitted to the users. Each target tag is associated with an advertiser and includes the demographic information of the users. The advertisements and their corresponding target tags are transmitted and cached in the devices maintained by the users. The number of matches between the target tags and the user profiles are supplied to their respective advertisers. The advertisers use the matching number to modify the prices they are willing to offer for the commercial break. The target tags include information that is used to select one of the cached advertisement for playing during the commercial break.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: An alternative system and method for charging to provide audio visual services typically made available by providers, namely DVR services, rDVR services, on-demand services, broadcast and switch video television services, and pay-per-view services, for example. A customer/user may be enabled to access certain services from a provider in exchange for viewing one or more commercials, advertisements, overlays, watermarks, logos, or the like, preferably in real time, before, during, or following viewing an audio visual work provided in accordance with the services.

Abstract: A video processing system located at a remote location such as a TV broadcasting station or an Internet media server stores a plurality of video elements at that are delivered to a viewing system located at a viewer's premises. The video processing system is capable of receiving a selection request comprising two or more video elements or subsets thereof, wherein the subsets are regions of interest or portions of the corresponding video elements. The video processing system constructs a custom video by combining them based on the viewer' selection and using the region of interest that are provided, and forwards the custom video to the viewing system. Billing based on record of usage is also supported for the custom video.

Abstract: A system and technique for simultaneously presenting multiple, content object data streams on a user interface in a manner which encourages multidimensional browsing using directional navigation commands from a traditional remote control allows a viewer to select from live broadcast content, previously recorded content, and content which has yet to be recorded. According to another aspect of the disclosure, a viewer may view in a time shifted manner, not only previously recorded content, but any advertisements or commercials contained in, including possibly skipping an advertisement, if the profile associated with the viewer has earned enough viewing credit to perform such activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus with improved operatability. With the information processing apparatus in which the user is capable of watching a television program and connecting to the Internet, the index panel 1 shows channel buttons 2 to be operated to select a desired program, a site button 71 to be operated to make an access to site A available on the Internet and a site button 72 to be operated to make an access to site B on the Internet. The present invention allows the user to watch a television program and can be applied to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, which can be connected to the Internet.

Abstract: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: The signaling interface between a wireless network message center and a prepaid control platform is enhanced by addition of one or more parameters useful in supporting special accounting treatments for user message communications through a wireless network, for example, a ConnectedAddressList, an ExceptionIndicator and/or a PolicyOverrideIndicator. The ConnectedAddressList and PolicyOverrideIndicator can be used to allow a prepaid wireless service provider to offer a wide variety of free or specially priced messaging buckets to its subscribers (or to a select group of its subscribers). User messages may be delivered for free, for example, if they are going to or coming from other customers of the service provider. The ExceptionIndicator can be used to block application of such buckets, e.g. to enable premium pricing, for international delivery or the like.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention allows the media content providers to count the number of people watching the media content being streamed and apply the viewer headcount pricing model like how it is done in the movie theaters to capture revenues lost at the movie theaters from streaming video content directly to the home. The central component of the viewer headcount pricing model is the utilization of the facial recognition range camera and/or motion sensor to determine the number of viewers and charge the customers by the headcount.

Abstract: A system for controlling use of broadcast content is described. In accordance with a particular implementation, the system includes a receiver in communication with a source of broadcast content. The receiver also includes, or is coupled to, a playback device. The receiver is configured to control the use of received broadcast content through the playback device in accordance with control information embedded in the broadcast content.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for purchasing media features for programming transmissions. A selection is sent to a server system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The server system automatically coordinates purchasing the media feature from a programming transmission source and providing the media feature from the programming transmission source. In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a user interface from which a viewer selects an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission, wherein the programming transmission with the upgraded media feature is provided to the entertainment system.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention allows the media content providers to count the number of people watching the media content being streamed and apply the viewer headcount pricing model like how it is done in the movie theaters to capture revenues lost at the movie theaters from streaming video content directly to the home. The central component of the viewer headcount pricing model is the utilization of the facial recognition range camera and/or motion sensor to determine the number of viewers and charge the customers by the headcount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: A system and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest set top box associated with a closest television. The closest set top box does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any set top box that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever.

Abstract: A method of sharing media content is disclosed. A request is received at a network-connected media recorder to send a recording including media content to one or more users. At least one subscriber in the one or more users is identified, where the at least one subscriber is authorized to display the media content. At least one media device associated with the at least one subscriber is determined. The recording is sent to the at least one media device associated with the authorized subscriber.

Abstract: A hospitality establishment includes guest rooms having media devices installed therein. Each guest room has one or more in-room media devices for providing a pay-per-use media function. A media system controller dynamically associates a credit corresponding to a monetary value with a particular guest room in response to an occurrence of a first event, configures an in-room media device of the particular guest room to indicate the credit associated with the particular guest room and allow a guest of the particular guest room to utilize at least an amount of the credit toward an order of the pay-per-use media function, activates the pay-per-use media function on at least one of the in-room media devices of the particular guest room in response to a received order, and decreases the credit associated with the particular guest room according to the amount of the credit utilized toward the received order.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a system for a zapping advertisement service, and more particularly, a method and a system for providing various kinds of advertisement services targeted to a content recipient to an advertiser wanting a zapping advertisement and effectively exposing the zapping advertisement to the content recipient. Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides additional information corresponding to the zapping advertisement according to a user request when the zapping advertisement is provided for zapping time generated at the time of switching a channel and maximizing an advertisement effect for the zapping time by repeatedly providing corresponding zapping advertisements, or continuously providing the zapping advertisement associated therewith at the time of switching the screen.

Abstract: A method according to the present disclosure comprises displaying a program in a first format on a first television channel to a user and automatically displaying a message to the user indicating that the program is available in a second format on a second television channel. The message may be displayed on the first television channel while the program in the first format is being displayed. Additionally, the automatic displaying of the message may be unprompted by the user. In certain embodiments, the user may be provided the option to purchase the program in the second format if the second format is not within the user's subscription.