Abstract: A system may receive a video asset from a content provider. The system may process the video asset to allow a video provisioning system to distribute the video asset to a set top box and another device that is a different type of device than the set top box. Processing the video asset may include verifying that the video asset conforms to one or more predetermined formats, decrypting the video asset, verifying that the video asset complies with a particular standard of quality, or transcoding the video asset in a manner that is supported by the set top box and the other device. The system may store the transcoded video asset.

Abstract: Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described for a media playing tool with a multiple media playing model. In some embodiments, the multiple media playing model may decoding a first media stream into a plurality of first frames and decode a second media stream into a plurality of second frames. Further, the multiple media playing model may adjust a first frame of the plurality of first frames and a second frame of the plurality of second frames into a third frame with a predetermined layout.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method distributes files for assets to a plurality of content delivery networks (CDNs). The method determines a set of asset characteristics related to an asset of video content and analyzes the set of asset characteristics to determine a delivery classification for the asset. Different asset characteristics result in different delivery classifications. The method then automatically determines a set of content delivery networks to distribute files for the asset based on the delivery classification where assets with different delivery classifications have files delivered differently to sets of content delivery networks.

Abstract: A system including one or more stream sources and a stream controller. The one or more stream sources may be configured to generate a plurality of input streams containing a given content at a plurality of bitrates, a plurality of resolutions, or a plurality of bitrates and resolutions. The stream controller may be configured to generate a plurality of output streams in response to the plurality of input streams. The stream controller may be further configured to (i) determine when one of the plurality of input streams becomes invalid, (ii) switch generation of an output stream associated with the invalid input stream from the invalid input stream to a valid one of the plurality of input streams, and (iii) when the invalid input stream becomes valid again, switch the generation of the output stream back to the now valid input stream.

Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise generating and receiving a request for a unit of video information. A video transmission system may, for example, receive the request for the unit of video information and communicate the unit of video information to a video receiver. For example, the video transmission system may transmit a first portion of the unit of video information at a rate that is faster than a typical steady-state transmission rate for the unit of video information, and the video transmission system may transmit a second portion of the unit of video information at the typical steady-state transmission rate for the unit of video information. A video receiver may then receive the first and second portions of the unit of video information at respective reception rates.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and software are provided for using an optically-readable code such as a quick-response (QR) code. The optically-readable code may represent a uniform resource identifier (URI) including parameters that represent a query, such as a query for content and/or other data. The query results may be used to command a content consumption device to record or otherwise obtain an item of content. The optically-readable code may additionally or alternatively be determined based upon a status of the device, such as what content, or portion thereof, is currently being displayed, and/or what error condition is being experienced.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a first client and a messaging fabric of a conductor element associated with a video system; receiving a request to perform a companion service with a second client; authenticating the first client via a client directory based on an identifier associated with the first client; receiving a pair message from the first client for the second client; and verifying whether the two clients can be paired in order to perform the companion service. Companion service commands can be authorized/policy checked and resulting commands on the second client may appear as-if they had been triggered locally.

Abstract: A system for managing resource-usage conflict among a plurality of viewers associated with a plurality of TVs, including a plurality of resources for shared usage among the viewers, the resources including at least one input device adapted to receive a program broadcast and to transmit the program broadcast onward for display, a resolution arrangement operationally connected to the at least one input device, the resolution arrangement being adapted to identify a usage conflict of at least one of the resources, and send an on-screen display having a resource usage action-choice to at least two of the TVs. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Set-Top Box, a home gateway, and a method and a system for implementing interaction between the Set-Top Box and the home gateway, and the method comprises: the Set-Top Box transmitting a subscription message to the home gateway by means of a UPnP protocol message; the home gateway receiving and parsing the subscription message, combining a subscription response event according to the parsed subscription information, and then transmitting the subscription response event to the Set-Top Box by means of a UPnP protocol message; and the Set-Top Box triggering a corresponding operation according to a subscription response event message, after receiving the subscription response event message. The flexible coordination between the home gateway and the Set-Top Box can be implemented in accordance with the present invention, which can achieve the purposes of automatic diagnosis and automatic adjustment of services, and improve the user experience effectively.

Abstract: A content rental system includes one data store for storing rental content. The content rental system also includes a content server for transferring content to one viewing device based upon a received request. The content server is further configured to authorize the transfer of the content from the viewing device to another viewing device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to allocate between a video and audio quality in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) presentation and to utilize a resultant bandwidth as a result of allocation to enhance an audio or video quality in the IPTV presentation in response to a user selection among levels of video quality and audio quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Method, device, and storage medium to provide programs, recorded and stored in relation to a digital video recorder (DVR) service, to a mobile device. A mobile device includes a mobile DVR application that provides for the automatic downloading or streaming of the programs. A network device provides transcoding of the programs to a format compatible with the mobile device. The mobile DVR application allows the user to set preferences pertaining to the invocation and delivery of the programs.

Abstract: An apparatus of processing digital service signals includes a PDI module configured to receive a PDI table, wherein the PDI table includes at least one question element having an id field identifying a PDI question and extract the PDI question from the PDI table, a PDI storing module configured to receive a PDI answer according to the extracted PDI question, a filtering module configured to receive a filtering criteria information associated with downloadable contents including criterion id and criterion value, wherein the criterion id identifies each criterion matching the id field of each of the PDI question and the criterion value indicates a value of the criterion being a possible answer to the PDI question and filter contents of the digital service signal using the filtering criteria information to determine the contents to download.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: A system and process is provided in which original video or dialog content is securely received from the content owner. Subtitle language data is derived, translated, stored and served on a separate database for synchronous playback with the content in video streaming, downloading or online TV following the activation of an option by the end user through a media player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for dynamic content play list creation are described. A fastplay application provides for dynamic play list generation, using feature categorization and local storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's preference(s). The settings may be stored locally on the media player storage device such that the preference(s) can be utilized across titles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing latency caused by information server processing of subscriber request wherein a plurality of content streams defined by a playlist are sequentially provided to a subscriber in a substantially seamless manner and wherein the playlist is updated and otherwise maintained in response to subscriber commands and requests.

Abstract: Methods of operating a network server device are provided. The methods may include establishing a session with a client device. The methods may also include transmitting a first base segment providing first base content for a first time segment to the client device. The methods may additionally include transmitting a second base segment providing second base content for a second time segment to the client device. The methods may further include transmitting an additive segment including additive content for the second time segment to the client device. Also, the additive content may be synchronized with the second base content. Related methods of operating client devices are also described, as are related network server devices and related client devices.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, generating metadata files for delimiting a beginning and an end of summary segments and program segments, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing broadcast programs for future transmission to subscribers comprising means for receiving a broadcast channel data stream which comprises a plurality of sequential programs and, a data storage means, wherein, video and audio data relating to each program are extracted from a received broadcast channel data stream and stored on the data storage means at a known position, service information relating to each program is extracted from the data stream and stored at a known position on the data storage means with data identifying the position on the storage means at which the corresponding video and audio data for the program are stored.

Abstract: A queue management module receives a message to queue location information for multimedia content. The queue management module stores the location information in a queue corresponding to a subscriber. The queue management module receives a message for location information from a video distribution module. The queue management module transmits a message for retrieval of multimedia content to the video distribution module. In other examples, a queue agent module transmits a message for location information for multimedia content to a queue management module. The queue agent module receives a message for retrieval of content from the queue management module. The queue agent module retrieves the multimedia content from the remote content server using the location information received in the message for retrieval of content. A data storage module identifies available storage in limited storage provided for the subscriber and stores the retrieved multimedia content in the limited storage for the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling network bandwidth that uses a timer to monitor the length of time that a set top box is set to a channel and, in response to the timer reaching a time limit, requesting a response from a user to verify that the channel is still being watched. If a response is not received with a specified time duration, the signal for the IPTV channel may be disconnected. The system may be configured to include “thin client” middleware on a network server or “thick client” middleware on a set top box, for example, to operate in conjunction with a network server.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that aid users, especially users temporarily staying in locations remote from home, in finding and accessing media content. A program listing tailored for the user's current location, and showing only services actually available at that location, is created and presented to the user. In some embodiments, the user interacts with the listing to access available media content items. If the user has expressed specific location-based preferences, then those preferences can be taken into account when creating the listing. If a service subscribed to by the user is not available at this remote location, then an alternate provider will be searched for, and, if found, the user's favorite shows can be added to the created program listing.

Abstract: An accumulation display device can interlock a display content according to specification of each of the mobile data terminals. An interlocked display system includes an accumulation display device having a metadata interpretation unit that analyzes metadata transmitted by a broadcast wave or a communication network and an accumulated image processing unit that performs accumulation processing of a program content or transmission processing of a restructured program content and managing each mobile data terminal, and the mobile data terminal. Highlights or replays of various scenes of a program currently viewed on the accumulation display device can be viewed on another device. Information on the currently viewed program and a related program as well as a previous scene can be viewed on the mobile data terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for bypassing an emergency alert break-in for a recorded event. For example, in one embodiment, a set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a communication interface for receiving media content data from a cable service provider; a decoder module for decoding the received media content data; an emergency alert break-in monitoring module for identifying an emergency alert break-in from the received data; a digital video recorder controller module for determining whether the identified emergency alert break-in affects a recording of a program on a recorded channel; and an emergency alert break-in bypass module for bypassing the identified emergency alert break-in for enabling the digital video recorder controller module to record the program without the identified emergency alert break-in.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for input queued content switching using a playlist. A retrieval sequence is generated using a plurality of content requests based on content location information. A first portion of content is requested to be queued at a first content source, and a second portion of content is requested to be queued at a second content source. A content stream of the first portion and the second portion of content is generated using the retrieval sequence. The generating includes selecting the first portion of content from a queue associated with the first content source and transferring the first portion of content to an output buffer, then terminating transfer of the first portion of content and initiating transfer of the second portion of content from a queue associated with the second content source. The portion of content in the output buffer is transmitted to a client device.

Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) asset management system (100). Content is moved within the VOD system in accordance with predetermined variables such that certain content, such as that which is in high demand, is located on a server (120, 125) which is nearer to a subscriber (130), and content which is in lesser demand is located on a server (110, 115) which is more remote from the subscriber. Content may also be duplicated or moved within the system based upon other variables such as demographics of the subscriber, whether there is an advertising campaign for the content, and the age of the content.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying instances of media programming available within a media distribution system. An exemplary method involves searching a listing of media programming available from a first content source using search criteria indicative of a desired media program to identify an instance of the desired media program available from the first content source, obtaining a target program identifier associated with the desired media program from that instance, identifying another instance of the desired media program in a second listing of media programming available from another content source using the target program identifier, and providing a combined search result that indicates availability of the desired media program from the content sources.

Abstract: In the method of the invention, requests received by a request distributor are distributed to server computers. The request distributor uses distribution information for selecting, as a destination for the requests, a server computer. A first request relating to a delivery of a service is received by the request distributor and sent to one server computer. The server computer then receives the first request. Finally, it is determined whether a further request relating to the delivery of the service is expected to be received by the request distributor, and, if so, distribution information is made available to the request distributor.

Abstract: A job processing system has first to third servers. The first server has a job generation program for generating jobs as requested. The second server has a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for use in processing each job generated by the first server, a management table for managing job management information on each job by assigning a unique ID to each job, and a queue control program for registering job management information in the management table, referring to the management table, and registering the file for and attribute information on each job in the storage device. The third server has one or more job processing programs for processing jobs acquired from the second server, batch control program for acquiring jobs from the second server and issuing responses concerning the processed jobs, and a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for each job acquired.

Abstract: A method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for delivering content are provided. A request for desired content may be received by a content management server from a customer device associated with a customer. The content management server may include one or more computers. Additionally, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is in communication with one or more additional devices associated with the customer. Based at least in part upon the communication determination, the content management server may determine whether the customer device is located within a subscription area for the customer. Based at least in part upon the determination of whether the customer device is located within the subscription area, the content management server may determine access rights to the desired content.

Abstract: A real-time video transmission system includes a wireless video input device, a wireless data transmission interface and a computer. The computer includes a virtual camera module, a data management module and an application module. The data management module repeatedly accesses a register. The virtual camera module writes a received real-time video request into the register. When the data management module obtains the real-time video request from the register during accessing of the same, the wireless video input device is driven to film and send back a real-time video stream. The data management module writes the received real-time video stream into the register. When the received real-time video stream is obtained from the register during accessing of the same, the virtual camera module transmits the real-time video stream to the application program module.

Abstract: Techniques are afforded for providing syndication feed content on a television STB with limited decoder capability. A request is initiated for syndication feed content from a networked content source through the STB. The syndication feed content is obtained through a proxy device in communication with the networked content source. When the syndication feed content is in a first format usable by the STB, the proxy device passes the syndication feed content in the first format to the STB. When the syndication feed content is in a second format unusable by the STB, the syndication feed content is first converted from the second format to the first format usable by the STB and then the syndication feed content is passed, in the first format, to the STB.

Abstract: A scheme for providing programs to multiple end user devices. Two types of media streams that convey a first group of programs are provided to multiple end user devices via an edge device. The two types of programs include a unicast media stream and a multicast media stream. When a request from a first end user device to view a first program that belongs to the first group of programs is received, a type of a media stream that conveys the first program to a second end user device is selectively switched, in response to bandwidth constraints imposed on a communication path coupled to the edge device.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a client device, determining a maximum number of channels based on the client device and selecting different targeted channels from a set of available channels. At least one of the different targeted channels is selected to form a preloaded channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a white space identifier are provided. According to one embodiment, the active channel information of a cable TV can be obtained through receiving and decoding a channel changing operation command from a remote control. The active channel information can then be transmitted to white space devices located within an interference range using a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter can be set to utilize a narrow fixed bandwidth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Logical content is defined by start/end times into a VoD media offering. The calculation of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times is distributed among the STBs to first request the particular logical content. Upon receiving an initial request for a logical content offering, an IPTV AS returns a VoD media file URL, start/end times, and null values of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times. In response to the null values, the initially-requesting STB downloads the entire VoD media file from a Download Media Server, and calculates the byte-range markers by comparing the start/end times to timestamps in non-encrypted headers in the VoD media file. The non-null byte-range markers are transmitted back to the IPTV AS, which provides them to STBs subsequently requesting the same logical content. The subsequently-requesting STBs may download only the logical content by providing the non-null byte-range markers to the Download Media Server.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow playback of a media stream received via a network. The media stream is received and stored in a buffer prior to playback. Responsive to receiving the user command to change the content of the media stream, the buffer is flushed prior to receiving the changed content in the media stream.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and device for admission control and pertains to the communications field. The method includes: admitting a subscriber for watching a multicast video only if each multicast bandwidth management device has sufficient remaining bandwidth after receiving a multicast video request from the subscriber; refusing the subscriber for watching the multicast video if any multicast bandwidth management device has insufficient bandwidth and fails to borrow bandwidth from a unicast bandwidth management device; and after receiving a unicast video request from the subscriber, admitting the subscriber for watching a unicast video only if remaining unicast bandwidth corresponding to a multicast bandwidth management device in each level is sufficient, or else, refusing the subscriber for watching the unicast video. Through bandwidth negotiation between the unicast bandwidth management device and each multicast bandwidth management device, admission control is implemented.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.

Abstract: Video-coded information is transmitted over a network at a priority level that is determined based on feedback from the network. In an embodiment, the feedback comprises a response to a request for information on whether the network currently has the available capacity to transmit additional high priority traffic. In an embodiment, a candidate base layer frame is transmitted over a network as a base layer frame if permission to send high priority data was granted and is transmitted over the network as an enhancement layer frame if permission to send high priority data was denied. In a further embodiment, the candidate base layer frame is deleted if permission to send high priority data was denied.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents.

Abstract: A Dynamic Video Source Selection (DVSS) component that can be implemented in a physical or virtual STB that is capable of presenting a high quality service and consistent navigational paradigm to the viewer, while detecting, selecting, and presenting the best quality programming possible based upon the current position of the viewer's device within the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an adaptive broadcast signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes linking an IP network, sending supported codec information for a receiver to a service provider via the linked IP network, receiving an available service information list provided by the service provider based on the supported codec information for the receiver, and if at least one service is selected from the received available service information list by a user, providing the selected service to the receiver.