Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.

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: A method performed by one or more devices within a subscription television network includes receiving a customer profile for a viewer, the customer profile being based on historical data of the viewer provided over the television network. The method also includes applying, based on the customer profile, a price utility function for each on-demand program of a group of programs, the price utility function identifying dynamic pricing for each on-demand program; and offering, to the viewer over the television network, each of the programs of the group of programs at a price based on the price utility function.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a selected video segment to customer premises equipment. A request is received from the customer premises equipment for transmission of the selected video segment. A copy of the selected video segment is transferred to one of a plurality of buffers. One of the plurality of buffers is mapped through a routing network to a port interfaced with the customer premises equipment. The selected video segment is transmitted from the one of the plurality of buffers through the routing network and port to the customer premises equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to remove the dependence on the IP layer (OSI layer three) in Video-on-Demand (VoD) transport networks. The present invention replaces the IP layer with Ethernet layer two addressing and even layer one, allowing connectivity in access/aggregation networks without IP layer three capabilities. The present invention enables STBs to communicate with VoD controllers, servers, and the like at layer two and/or layer one, eliminating the need for layer three routing capabilities in access/aggregation networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a multi-perspective video display are presented. In one example, a program of visual content that includes a plurality of visual perspectives is received. A first one of the plurality of visual perspectives is displayed on a display device, and a second one of the plurality of visual perspectives is displayed on the display device during the displaying of the first one of the plurality of visual perspectives.

Abstract: A set top box client in an enhanced television system stores a table associating time references with events. The table is accessed to synchronize the delivery of events to an enhanced television application that is associated with an underlying video program. The enhanced television system delivers broadcast video, video-on-demand and video from a storage component such as a personal video recorder or a digital video disk player. The enhanced television system further provides an application that provides enhancements to an associated video program by overlaying a user interface, by providing overlaid graphical and/or text information or by providing additional audio information.

Abstract: A resource scheduling apparatus, a resource scheduling method, a program requesting method, a program requesting system, and a Set Top Box (STB) are provided. The resource scheduling method includes: distributing bandwidth greater than an inherent code rate of a program respectively requested by a user to a Video On Demand (VOD) program of the user within available bandwidth of a frequency point according to a received VOD user request; and reducing the bandwidth distributed to at least one VOD program to which bandwidth has been distributed according to the received VOD user request for currently requesting the program when the available bandwidth of the frequency point is smaller than an inherent code rate of a currently requested program, so that the available bandwidth of the frequency point is greater than or equal to the inherent code rate of the currently requested program. Thus, a transmission speed of the program and a utilization ratio of the bandwidth are increased.

Abstract: A stream (1) of media frames (12-16, 22-26, 32-36) is generated by providing multiple media frames (22-26) having respective assigned default timestamps (40) defining rendering times of the media data of the media frames (22-26) according to a default rendering time schedule. Respective alternative timestamps (50) are assigned to at least a portion of the media frames (22-26). These alternative timestamps (50) define alternative rendering times of the media data of the media frames (22-26) according to an alternative rendering time schedule. The alternative timestamps (50) can be used for providing an efficient media rendering when tuning in to the stream (1) at an intermediate position of a frame grouping (20) of the media frames (22-26) thereby missing some of the media frames (22, 24) of the frame grouping (20).

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

Abstract: A user selects a content item that he wishes to send. He then performs a gesture to specify a direction toward which the content item is to be sent. For example, he pretends to “throw” his portable communications device toward the West. To receive the content item, potential recipients also make gestures that specify receiving directions. For example, a recipient pretends to “catch” a ball thrown from the East. If the sending and receiving directions are compatible, then the content item is sent from the sender's device to the recipient's device. Enhancements to the basic scheme described above can be made to, for example, specify a dispersion angle for the sending or receiving directions or to include other restrictions so that, for example, only intended recipients can receive the content even if other potential recipients are in the specified sending direction and make appropriate receiving gestures.

Abstract: A distributed stream processing system including a plurality of storage devices, at least one of which is configured to process at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and provide output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and a server configured to accept the output of the storage devices and combine the output into a transport stream. A method for combining a plurality of data streams including using one or more storage devices for processing at least one segment of a data stream, thereby producing a changed segment of the data stream, and providing output of at least the changed segment of the data stream, and combining the output of the storage devices into a combined data stream. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving power saving for a portable device in a wireless network for transmitting audio/video (A/V) data is disclosed. An optimal transmit power level is selected by transmitting multiple probe messages by a portable device at increasing transmit power levels until a response to one of the probe messages is received within a preset allowed response time. A relay node is selected by a portable device for receiving compressed A/V data, uncompressing the compressed A/V data, and transmitting the uncompressed A/V data to an intended receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods to schedule recording of media content are provided. A particular method includes accessing at least one recording rule that specifies a first condition. The at least one recording rule indicates that a program of media content is to be scheduled for recording when the program satisfies the first condition. The method also includes accessing at least one recording exception that specifies a second condition. The at least one recording exception prohibits recording media content that satisfies the second condition. The method further includes determining a recording schedule by analyzing information regarding a plurality of programs of media content with respect to the at least one recording rule and the at least one recording exception.

Abstract: Multicast adaptive stream switching for delivery of video content over an IP-based packet network is provided. A network device obtains multiple synchronized multicast streams of the same video content, where each of the multiple synchronized multicast streams includes a different bit-rate encoding. The network device receives, from a user device, a request to join a multicast group for one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested multicast group. The user device detects a congestion level associated with the current multicast stream. The network device receives, from the user device, a request to join a different multicast group for a different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested different multicast group.

Abstract: A method of operating an IP client device for presentation of video content to a viewer includes the step of transmitting a trickplay request to a server. The client device receives from the server a manifest that references at least first and second consecutive video content fragments. The first fragment contains a sequence of N1 frames and the second fragment contains a sequence of N2 frames, and defines a set of M1 frames of the first fragment, where M1 is less than N1, and a set of M2 frames of the second fragment, where M2 is less than N2. The client device transmits a request for the M1 frames and the M2 frames and receives the M1 frames and the M2 frames. The client device presents the M1 frames and the M2 frames consecutively at the uniform, predetermined frame rate. The sequence of the M1 frames and the M2 frames has a presentation duration of (M1+M2)/F.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for data streaming, as well as a combination, of an apparatus for data streaming and a plurality of user devices, are presented. The apparatus is adapted to receive a plurality of streaming requests, including mode requests, from a plurality of user devices, the apparatus comprising a memory unit adapted to store media data in the form of a plurality of payload data sets, a state device adapted to set a mode in accordance with each one of the mode requests, and a streaming unit adapted to stream the payload data sets in accordance with the set modes. The streaming unit is adapted to receive from the memory unit a plurality of control data sub-sets, each comprising at least two edit portions, each comprising data corresponding to an address in the memory unit.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and tools are presented that allow the summarization of text, audio, and audiovisual presentations, such as movies, into less lengthy forms. High-content media files are shortened in a manner that preserves important details, by splitting the files into segments, rating the segments, and reassembling preferred segments into a final abridged piece. Summarization of media can be customized by user selection of criteria, and opens new possibilities for delivering entertainment, news, and information in the form of dense, information-rich content that can be viewed by means of broadcast or cable distribution, “on-demand” distribution, internet and cell phone digital video streaming, or can be downloaded onto an iPod™ and other portable video playback devices.

Abstract: A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.

Abstract: A video transrater, and a transrater system and method. The transrater, system and method may select an optimal bit rate from among a plurality of available bit rates in order to obtain a particular video quality and/or format.

Abstract: A system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor can have a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system according to one or more graphical user interface (GUI) templates that define a plurality of segments of a presentation area of the personal TV channel and one or more modules that arrange media content of the subscriber in the plurality of segments of a select one of the plurality of GUI templates. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.

Abstract: An access server generates a handshake with storage servers resulting in more rapid access to the stored data, for example, video data, by a user. The handshake also results in load balancing effects.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and tools are presented that allow the summarization of text, audio, and audiovisual presentations, such as movies, into less lengthy forms. High-content media files are shortened in a manner that preserves important details, by splitting the files into segments, rating the segments, and reassembling preferred segments into a final abridged piece. Summarization of media can be customized by user selection of criteria, and opens new possibilities for delivering entertainment, news, and information in the form of dense, information-rich content that can be viewed by means of broadcast or cable distribution, “on-demand” distribution, internet and cell phone digital video streaming, or can be downloaded onto an iPod™ and other portable video playback devices.

Abstract: A streaming video server generates a virtual file system that includes virtual addresses of a plurality of encrypted segments of a plurality of video programs at each of a plurality of bitrates, without storing the plurality of encrypted segments in persistent storage. A request is received from a client device to access a selected one of the plurality of video programs via a request to access the virtual file system. The plurality of encrypted segments of the selected one of the plurality of video programs are generated at a selected bitrate, in response to the request.

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

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A decentralized approach to delivering a media file to a requesting subscriber in a network of subscribers comprises the steps of segmenting the media file into a plurality of segments and distributing the segments of the media file among the network of subscribers, and responding to a request from the requesting subscriber by directing to that requesting subscriber al of the plurality of segments of the media file. All of the segments are assembled into the media file and displayed or stored by the requesting subscriber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating distribution of content are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method of facilitating demand-driven population and management of online content within a video-on-demand (VOD) service includes receiving trend information and a link reference at one or more input ports, the reference being at least indirectly indicative of a location at which the content is available, and obtaining and normalizing, by way of one or more processing devices, metadata pertaining to the content. The method further includes determining business rule information pertaining to the content based at least indirectly upon the trend information, content provider policy information, and the normalized metadata, via the processing device(s), and outputting via one or more output ports the business rule information for receipt by the VOD service, whereby availability and prioritization of the content at the VOD service is based at least in part upon the output business rule information.

Abstract: An IP client device that is connected to a display device for presentation of AV content pulls AV content for a user-selected service from a server and presents the AV content to the user. Concurrently, the IP client device pulls a selected version of AV content for an additional service from a server that hosts multiple versions of the AV content for the additional service, the multiple versions providing the AV content for the additional service at different bit rates, and temporarily storing the selected version of the AV content for the additional service in a memory. In response to a request from the user for presentation of the AV content for the additional service, the IP client device reads the selected version of the AV content for the additional service from the memory and presents the AV content for the additional service to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media stream playing method and a set-top box. In the present invention, in a process that a guidance unit of a set-top box initializes a platform system, the guidance unit obtains a channel identifier of a channel to be played and obtains, by using the channel identifier, a media stream that corresponds to the channel identifier, so that the guidance unit can send the media stream to a playing unit of the set-top box for playing. Because the technical solution is independent of the platform system of the set-top box, a problem in the prior art that, the set-top box cannot perform a television play service in an initialization process of the set-top box and the set-top box can perform the television play service by using the platform system only after the initialization of the set-top box is completed, can be avoided.

Abstract: A media device allows users to watch and capture portions from a media stream. Users may then share the captured media content with other users. In one embodiment, the media device receives a media stream, plays the media stream, and caches a portion of the media stream as it is being played. A user can define a media clip by selecting its boundaries in the cached portion of the media stream. The media device creates the media clip based on the user's input and enables the user to transmit the media clip to another system, such as a community website for sharing it with other users.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced catalog data capacity and functionality within a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an architecture configured to utilize an upstream out-of-band (OOB) channel for upstream catalog data request carriage, while a downstream in-band (IB) QAM is used for carriage of the catalog data issued by the network in response to the request. In another embodiment, the extant catalog structure is largely retained, yet modified so as to (i) eliminate redundancy within “barker” channel audio/video data delivery, and (ii) reduce the encoding resolution of the barker audio and/or video so as to utilize less bandwidth, thereby allowing enhanced capacity for catalog title expansion (and/or reduced latency in responding to catalog requests).

Abstract: A method for tagging subcontent includes creating a first begin tag for a program to be delivered over a network, wherein the first begin tag defines a beginning of a first video segment of the program. A first video frame is identified for the first video segment, the first video frame representing content of the first video segment. A second begin tag is created for the program, the second begin tag defines a beginning of a second video segment of the program. A second video frame is identified for the second video segment, the second video frame representing content of the second video segment. The first begin tag is distinct from the second begin tag, the first video frame is distinct from the second video frame, and the first video segment is distinct from the second video segment.

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: A digital electronic device supports program transmission to a recipient device via the Internet. A frame adapter decodes incoming IP program packets and re-encodes resulting program signals adaptively to optimally suit the recipient device based upon configuration data of the recipient device. The frame adapter receives feedback from the recipient device, which may include a characterization of a communication path between the digital electronic device and the recipient device. The frame adapter utilizes the configuration information to generate the optimal video frame stream that is transmitted to the recipient device. The compression itself involves producing optimal number of base and predicted video frames.

Abstract: A method includes receiving closed captioning data at a computing device. The closed captioning data is associated with a video on demand asset and is represented in a first format. The method also includes, during a single video on demand streaming session, converting the closed captioning data from the first format to a platform-independent format and converting the closed captioning data from the platform-independent format to a second format. The method further includes transmitting, during the single video on demand streaming session, the closed captioning data in the second format to a destination device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving power in a receiver includes a power savings mode selector for enabling a user input power savings mode or an automatic power savings mode based on detected battery life. When in power savings mode, a lower resolution time-advanced stream is selected and processed. The normal stream (generally at a higher resolution) is not decoded thereby requiring less power at the receiver decoder.

Abstract: A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application. A display associated with execution of the application on the host device may include a video portion and one or more non-video portions. Information may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. Such information may include display information for the video portion as described by raster data and information for the non-video portions as described by vector data. Such information may be used by the client device to generate a display corresponding to the host display. The video portion of the client display may be based on the raster data, and the non-video portions of the client display may be based on the vector data.

Abstract: A “pause live television” service is implemented, where in one embodiment, a continuously streaming video from a broadcast programming source is copied into a circular buffer. A set top box (“STB”) requests a trick function, such as “pause,” by sending a message to the system, which in this case suspends the present broadcast video in the STB. The system determines an offset and when the user requests resumption of the broadcast video (e.g., “play”), the system uses the offset for that particular STB to determine the appropriate resumption point in the particular buffer to resume streaming of the video for that STB. In various embodiments, the network may begin streaming of the video at the resumption point on another channel and direct the STB to then tune to that channel. Thus, the program appears to have been seamless suspended and resumed using a network based capability.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

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

Abstract: Techniques for delivering video-on-demand content via peer-to-peer connections are provided. A video-on-demand distribution service maintains associations of viewer devices that have specific video-on-demand content. As new viewer devices, which lack the specific video-on-demand content, make requests for the specific video-on-demand content from the video-on-demand distribution system, the video-on-demand distribution system identifies a peer-to-peer viewer device from which the specific video-on-demand content may be acquired via a peer-to-peer transaction. Video-on-demand content sources are identified by comparing distances between the geographical location of the requestor device and geographical locations of devices of the plurality of viewer devices to a distance threshold. A first portion of a first item of video on demand content is obtained from source viewer device and a second portion of the first item of video on demand content is obtained from the video distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unified management method system for channel service as well as service on demand of stream media, which belong to the management technology of stream media service. The method comprises: receiving, by a service processing unit, an instruction of creating a channel, obtaining channel resource required by a channel service from a stream media service unit according to the instruction of creating a channel, and performing control interaction on the stream media service unit where the channel resource is located; receiving, by a service processing unit, an RTSP request, obtaining resource on demand required by a service on demand according to the RTSP request, and performing control interaction on a stream media service unit where the resource on demand is located, thereby realizing unified resource management of channel service and service on demand.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffering server transfers a dynamic burst transfer of data encoded using an inter-coded compression technique. The dynamic burst transfer is timed so that an initial transfer rate is reduced to a remaining transfer rate at the same time or before a decoding endpoint joins a corresponding data stream. The decoding endpoint merges the video stream and the dynamic burst transfer to decode and quickly reconstruct a displayable video frame.

Abstract: An approach for enabling third party video content to be assigned a higher priority for delivery over a service provider network is described. A content delivery platform determines whether a third party content provider or video content to be delivered fulfill one or more criteria for permitting the content delivery system direct access to a video on demand network of a network provider. The content delivery platform then assigns a higher delivery priority to the video content based on the direct access of the video on demand network by the content delivery system.

Abstract: A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application. A display associated with execution of the application on the host device may include a video portion and one or more non-video portions. Information may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. Such information may include display information for the video portion as described by raster data and information for the non-video portions as described by vector data. Such information may be used by the client device to generate a display corresponding to the host display. The video portion of the client display may be based on the raster data, and the non-video portions of the client display may be based on the vector data.

Abstract: A broadcast system and method for allocating its resources includes a broadcast operation channel management system forming a database having broadcast system data from a bit rate allocation for a transponder of a satellite and a guide channel definition. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a user interface that displays a least a portion of the broadcast system data on a display. The broadcast system data is modified through the user interface.