Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rendering a frame or image of a selected video program. The method begins by receiving a single user command specifying an operational mode of a video rendering device that displays and pauses a first frame or image of the program. A control signal is generated in response to the received user command. The first frame or image of the program is displayed and paused in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.

Abstract: A system for processing video information, the system including a memory configured to store video information, a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to receive memory requests for the video information, a first video signal processing client coupled to the memory controller. The first video signal processing client including a video signal processor, a buffer coupled to the video signal processor, and a memory request module coupled to the memory controller and to the buffer, the memory request module being configured to submit amortized memory requests to the memory controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rearranging valid data within a block of data for transmission along a data path are described herein. By utilizing previously unused bits in data words, the valid data can be transmitted in fewer clock cycles, thereby increasing the availability of the data bus to other masters. An exemplary embodiment of a system for transmitting data along a data bus includes one or more masters, one or more slaves, and a data bus interconnecting the masters and slaves. One of the slaves is a memory controller configured to access data from an external memory device. The memory controller may be further configured to pack video data for transmission along the data bus. One of the masters is a video display controller configured to feed video data to an external video display. The video display controller may be further configured to receive the packed video data and unpack the packed video data for transmission to the video display.

Abstract: A streaming content management apparatus and method for recording and replaying video and audio data using a real time video indexing function are provided. A streaming content management apparatus of a multimedia broadcast receiver includes a recording unit for recording an incoming content stream in units of segment together with indexes and a player for replaying the content stream recorded by the recording unit in response to an index that is input to request playback from a segment corresponding to the input index. The streaming content management apparatus divides the streaming content incoming through a broadcast channel in units of segment and stores segments of the streaming content with storage index and chapter information such that it is possible to quickly retrieve a playback position using the storage index or chapter information.

Abstract: Synchronizing signals in a communication system may include determining the amount of data stored in a buffer, comparing the amount of data to a plurality of threshold levels and adjusting a speed of a clock used for decoding the data based on the comparing. The signals to be synchronized may correspond to a decoder clock in a set top box and to an encoder clock in a head end. The data in the buffer may correspond to packets of data corresponding to compressed audio and video information. The process may also include decoding information based on the clock and slew limited limiting the clock may. The process may further include setting at least one threshold to a calibration threshold during a calibration mode and a post-calibration threshold during a post-calibration.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which one DVR device is able to coordinate scheduling of selected TV shows with other DVRs in an interconnected or network environment which includes additional remote recording resources. If one DVR is unable to perform the recording of a selected TV show, other interconnected DVR devices are accessed to record one or more portions of the selected TV program. When a user desires a playback of the recording, the recorded program is played-back from the various networked multiple storage resources, each of which may contain one or more portions of the recorded program.

Abstract: In a method for playing content on a multi-channel media device, the device receives content, which comprises one of cached and streamed content, and plays the content on a first channel of the multi-channel media device. The multi-channel media device detects a first user-interaction and plays content on a second channel in response to the detected first user-interaction, while simultaneously playing the content on the first channel.

Abstract: Multi-DVR content management is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. A recording node of the multi-DVR system records media content with a recording media when initiated by a television-based client device at a node of the multi-DVR system. A media content reference is mapped in a content map to the recording media to associate the recorded media content with the television-based client device. The recorded media content can then be rendered from the recording media at a different television-based client device at a node of the multi-DVR system.

Abstract: Multi-DVR node communication is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. A node status can be communicated from a node of the multi-DVR system to the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system. A node status can include a media content identifier of media content being rendered at the node of the multi-DVR system. Additionally, node status updates can be received from each of the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system such that one or more of the television-based client devices can request to playback the media content identified in a node status update.

Abstract: Multi-DVR media stream transition is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. Media content can be recorded from a content stream in a pause buffer at a recording node of the multi-DVR system. A television-based client device at a node of the multi-DVR system can then be transitioned from receiving the media content via the content stream to receiving the recorded media content from the pause buffer without discontinuity when rendering the media content.

Abstract: A TV-on-demand method comprising recording the broadcasted data stream in consecutive segments of information and using the recorded segments in TV-on-demand applications.

Abstract: A display system for automatically pausing/resuming a function and a control method thereof are provided, wherein the display system includes a photography module, a display module and a control module. The photography module is used to retrieve at least one characteristic of the user. The display module is used to display a video. The control module electrically connected to the display module and the photography module includes a characteristic identification unit and a control unit. The characteristic identification unit is used to identify the characteristics of the user. According to the result of identification, the control unit is used to control the display system to pause/resume a function.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a computer and a TV is disclosed. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a TV coding unit for encoding various control signals such as a TV signal, etc.

Abstract: A program distribution system includes a plurality of set-top boxes that receive broadcast programming and segmentation data from content and information providers. The segmentation information indicates portions of programs that are to be included in skimmed or condensed versions of the received programming, and is produced using manual or automated methods. Automated methods include the use of ancillary production data to detect the most important parts of a program. A user interface allows a user to control time scale modification and skimming during playback, and also allows the user to easily browse to different points within the current program.

Abstract: A method for conferencing may include monitoring a status of participants in a conference and recording the conference in response to at least one participant being disconnected or exiting the conference. Another embodiment of the present invention may also include transmitting a re-invite signal to any participant that is disconnected or exits the conference in response to the participant being reconnectable or transmitting a request to rejoin the conference. A further embodiment of the present invention may include replaying a recording of the conference from a disconnect or exit time to a present time for each participant, that is involuntarily disconnected or exits the conference and communicates an indication of an intent to return, in response to a rejoining participant rejoining the conference.

Abstract: A system for providing video upon request may transmit encrypted video information to one or more recipients for viewing at a later time. The recipient may make a request to view one of the received video files. This request may be provided to a video transmitter which may provide, in return, video decryption information to allow immediate viewing of the previously received video transmission.

Abstract: Provided are a reproduction control device and method for an image display apparatus having a recording function. Even when a channel change command is input from a user during a time shift function being performed for a predetermined channel, the time shift function can be continuously performed for the predetermined channel while a program on a channel corresponding to the channel change command is being displayed. That is, while a time shift function continues for a current channel, a program on another channel can be displayed. Therefore, received broadcast signals can watched and stored in various manners, thereby satisfying user's demands and increasing convenience.

Abstract: Intra-frame prediction coding data of a channel that the viewer is not viewing is stored. When the viewer has switched channels to be viewed, the stored intra-frame prediction coding data is output during a period before intra-frame prediction coding data of the newly selected channel is received.

Abstract: An information acquiring unit acquires information relating to image contents possessed by a plurality of communication devices connected to a network, via a communication unit. A display management unit displays a calendar screen including a plurality of display areas configured in days onto a display unit, and displays information about each image content acquired by the information acquiring unit onto the calendar screen on the basis of recording dates and times of the image contents.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for delivering one or more television programs for viewing during a specified viewing interval. The methods include receiving a viewer's selection of a broadcast channel from an electronic program guide, presenting the viewer with a list or menu of two or more programs on the viewer selected broadcast channel that are available for viewing during a specified viewing interval, and receiving a viewer's selection of a program from the list or menu. If the specified viewing interval has commenced and has not yet expired, the viewer selected program is delivered for viewing.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a display unit which displays a list of information on a first program content stored in a storage unit and information on a second program content to be broadcast. In a case in which the first and second program contents are program contents of the same title broadcast in series and the second program content is broadcast after the first program content, when the necessary playback time of at least part of the first program content that has not been played back is longer than the time interval between the current time point and the broadcast start time point of the second program content, the information on the first program content is excluded from the list display.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a playback apparatus includes a buffer to draw an object including operation guidance to be superposed on a main image, a graphics driver which controls allocation of an area in the buffer to a host program requesting drawing of the object, and a buffer managing unit configured to receive allocation of the area in the buffer from the graphics driver, and to allocate the allocated area to the host program, the buffer managing unit being interposed between the host program and the graphics driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods that manipulate a system time clock in an audio decoding system and/or a video decoding system are disclosed. In one example, the method may include the steps of selecting a trick mode rate and adjusting system time clock update rate as a function of the selected trick mode rate.

Abstract: A control method of a broadcasting signal receiver including a data storing unit and a pre-programming information storing unit in which pre-programming information on a pre-programmed broadcasting program is stored includes receiving an instruction to record a pre-programmed broadcasting program, assigning a storage space for recording the pre-programmed broadcasting program in the data storing unit based on the pre-programming information stored in the pre-programming information storing unit; and calculating residual capacity of the data storing unit after the assignment and displaying information on the residual capacity of the data storing unit.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: A method of displaying a user interface for a time shift function and a personal video recorder (PVR) using the same are provided. The method includes: displaying a user interface on a screen; displaying, on the user interface, a broadcasting time of a currently playing program; and displaying a status of broadcast recording on the user interface. The user interface is in the form of an analog watch.

Abstract: A method of displaying a progress bar and to a television receiver using the same, enables a plurality of stored broadcast programs to be identified according to broadcast channel or broadcast program. The method includes steps of pre-storing, in a memory of the television receiver, a plurality of display characterization indicators, the pre-stored indicators being arranged in a table of the memory to correspond to a plurality of broadcast program characteristics of at least one broadcast signal; storing, in a personal video recorder of the television receiver, a broadcast signal received by the television receiver in real time; periodically extracting broadcast program markers from the received broadcast signal, each marker being indicative of at least one of the plurality of broadcast program characteristics; and displaying the progress bar according to the extracted broadcast program markers, the displayed progress bar being superposed on a display of the broadcast signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and method by which a network can be used efficiently and playback and so forth with a favorable responsibility can be achieved. If a user operates an operation panel to input an instruction for normal playback, then a control circuit of a digital television monitor determines a frame to be played back at present as a noticed frame and requests the hard disk recorder for image data of successive 15 frames forwardly and backwardly adjacent the noticed frame and image data at positions of time intervals of 0.5 seconds within a range of 2 minutes forwardly and backwardly of the noticed frame through an IEEE 1394 cable. Then, when image data of the object of the request are received from the hard disk recorder, the control circuit stores the image data into a buffer which can store image data for several hours. The image data stored in the buffer are read out when necessary and displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a receiver unit in a digital broadcast system for receiving a broadcast signal comprising content segments and control data, and generating an output signal using the content segments and previously stored content segments. The previously stored content segments are retrieved from a local memory device using the control data and inserted among the received content segments.

Abstract: A method of protecting media files includes dividing a media file into segments. Each segment is encrypted multiple times with a different encryption key each time. Downloads of the segments are controlled such that different combinations of segments and keys are downloaded. Key bundles are provided to user devices, with each key bundle is a combination of keys only for that user device combination of segments and keys.

Abstract: The program-for-cache determining unit 107 counts the number of contents (a corresponding contents number) that are to use reproduction programs, for each reproduction program transmitted over each channel during the current service period and onward up to the last service period shown in the broadcast information, and determines a reproduction program that has the highest corresponding contents number, as the one to be cached. The program-for-cache determining unit 107 also determines the service period and channel during and over which the determined reproduction program is to be cached. The cache unit 108 instructs the demultiplexing/decoding unit 104 to demultiplex and decode the reproduction program corresponding to the determined channel and store it in the reproduction program storage unit 109.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling streaming information encoded with a data structure having a data block format. The data block format includes a data block having a header portion and an end portion. The header portion includes a prefix field having a pointer to a succeeding data block and the end portion includes a suffix field having a pointer to a preceding data block. A first data block size field is included in the header portion and indicates the size of the data block and a second data block size field is included in the end portion and indicates the size of the data block. A payload field is bounded by the first data block size field and a second data block size field. The payload field includes streaming information to be rendered.

Abstract: An information appliance receives streaming information and includes a buffer, a writer module, a reader module and a synchronizer. The buffer has a plurality of storage locations, a logical head, a logical tail and a valid data area between the logical head and the logical tail. The logical head and the logical tail move sequentially through the plurality of storage locations in a first logical direction. The writer module has a write position at the logical head of the buffer. The writer module receives the streaming information and writes the streaming information to the buffer at the write position. The reader module is coupled to the buffer and has a first read position which is temporally movable with respect to the write position. The synchronizer is coupled to the writer module and the reader module and maintains the first read position within the valid data area.

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

Abstract: A wireless AV station is furnished with an Internet browsing function, a TV viewing function, a TV recording and playback function and a message board function, and these multiple functions are activated by a command from a plurality of personal computers each operating as remote controllers, and/or a dedicated remote controller. A control portion executes exclusive control among multiple functions based on exclusive control data, so that concurrently available functions may be used independently by a plurality of remote controllers.

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

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

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

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, a broadcast program stream is transmitted to broadcast programming content, and the broadcast program stream is recorded in a headend of the system to enable a user to perform network private video recorder (NPVR) functions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding) on the programming content in the recorded program stream. In accordance with the invention, a delay is introduced into the transmission of the broadcast program stream to reduce the unsynchronization between its transmission and that of the recorded program stream. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of the delay is a function of the time required for recording the broadcast program stream and processing a user request for a recorded program stream. In another embodiment, the amount of the delay is predetermined.

Abstract: A method for processing a data stream including receiving a transport stream (TS), storing at least a portion of the TS, the at least a portion of the TS having a beginning and including a plurality of TS packets, determining, from among the plurality of TS packets, at least one TS packet including a candidate access point, storing in an index store a byte offset of the candidate access point; and storing in the index store a plurality of indications of byte offset, each byte offset being associated with an arrival time of a received TS packet.

Abstract: Method and system for audio synthesis of a digital data file representing an assembly of information-bearing sounds in digital form. One or more spaced apart data segments are designated as key blocks and are removed from the original data file. The remainder of the data file is encrypted or otherwise encoded and communicated to a selected recipient on a first channel. Locations, sizes and separation distances of key blocks from each other within the original data file and a selected portion of the encoding or encryption key are placed in a data supplement. The removed segments and data supplement (optional) are communicated to the selected recipient on a second channel and/or at another time. The original data file is recovered by using the data supplement information, or using already available information, decoding or decrypting the encoded or encrypted data file and replacing the removed segments within the data file remainder.

Abstract: A method for efficiently transmitting several multimedia streams to one or more multimedia receivers is disclosed comprising: defining a minimum acceptable time for rendering a multimedia stream to a user when the user selects a particular stream; defining a packet size for packets containing data for each multimedia stream, the packet size defined based on one or more performance characteristics of mass storage devices on the one or more multimedia receivers; concurrently transmitting the packets for each multimedia stream to the one or more multimedia receivers; continually storing the multimedia streams on the mass storage devices; and playing back the multimedia content from the mass storage devices responsive to a user tuning to a particular multimedia stream when a delay greater than the minimum acceptable time would otherwise result waiting for a next packet containing data for the particular multimedia stream to arrive.

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for pre-storing a portion of a program distributed on a plurality of distribution conduits and in a linear schedule with staggered start times is described. A first start time of the program is determined for a first distribution conduit, and a second start time of the program is determined for a second distribution conduit. A stagger time between the first start time and the second start time is also determined. A segment of the program equal in length to the stagger time is stored.

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

Abstract: A reception apparatus records a content distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a hard disk. Following an instruction from a viewer, the reception apparatus reproduces the content. The reception apparatus transmits management information including identification information about the content recorded on the hard disk to a management apparatus. The management apparatus stores the information in a management information storage. When the hard disk of the reception apparatus fails, a replacement hard disk is attached to the management apparatus. The management apparatus retrieves, based on the stored management information, the same content as the content recorded on the hard disk of the reception apparatus from a content distribution apparatus, etc., and records the retrieved content on the replacement hard disk. The hard disk of the reception apparatus is then replaced with the replacement hard disk with the content recorded thereon.

Abstract: Through the association of an IP address with each data stream, a single system may be used by a network card or a tuner to select multicast IP data. Each data stream is identified by a unique IP address. More particularly, a locator adapted for identifying a data stream is associated with one of a plurality of data streams. The locator is then mapped to an IP address. When it is determined that the IP address corresponds to a data stream locator associated with a data stream, a tuner is instructed to read the data stream associated with the data stream locator. However, when it is determined that the IP address does not correspond to a data stream locator, a network card identified by the IP address is instructed to read data from the associated network. Since each data stream may be associated with a plurality of multicast IP addresses, a multicast group address is specified to identify the appropriate multicast IP data transmitted in the data stream.

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

Abstract: An information communication terminal apparatus which is capable of performing search processing or preset processing for received services within a short period of time. There is provided an identifier which specifies an attribute of a service to be included for the search processing or the preset processing. A table in which the attributes of the received services are registered is searched through based on the identifier. The search processing or the preset processing is performed only for those services that match with the identifier.

Abstract: Command data may be embedded in the data transmitted over an interconnect between video devices to specify memory addresses in a destination device. Using an embedded address allows address-dependent data to be transmitted over the interconnect without losing these attributes. For example, compressed video may be transferred from a disk controller to a memory device using this interconnection protocol without losing address attributes of the bus architecture. The address information may be used either to read data from or to write data to a device over the interconnect into randomly-accessible memory locations.