Abstract: Streaming media is provided over a network using a non-streaming-specific transfer protocol, in which a media stream is stored on a server as multiple individual media files, and a playlist is provided indicating which media files are required for output of a specific part of the media stream; wherein multiple different playlists are provided to respective different media streaming clients, in response to requests relating to corresponding different parts of the media stream. A user interface is provided on the client device, in which an interactive media event is displayed including streaming media, and secondary media content.

Abstract: A media recording device automatically records selected broadcast programs according to categories specified by the user, without requiring the user to specify in advance which programs are to be recorded. The recorded programs are then presented to the user for selection, and the selected programs may be played back immediately or saved for later playback. Each broadcast program may be allocated a priority, and the device may decide which programs to record or delete according to their relative priority. For each broadcast program, a corresponding visibility period may be specified, during which the program can be selected for playback and is not deleted. There may be a delay between the broadcast of the program and the beginning of its visibility period. An expiry time may be specified for each program, after which the program is deleted. There may be a delay between the end of the visibility period and the expiry time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining search intent, comprises: receiving a search query; searching content across a plurality of content classes using the search query, so as to obtain a plurality of search results; deriving summary data from the search results; applying the summary data to a trained machine learning model; and determining from the machine learning model a selected one of the content classes corresponding to the search intent of the search query.

Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device. The receiver includes a processor for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the interactive image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the interactive image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels.

Abstract: A receiver is configured to receive television signals in a plurality of channels, a channel set identity, and a channel subset identity. Each channel defines a television program and/or other services provided by a broadcaster for the channel. The receiver is configured to store a reference channel set identity and one or more reference channel subset identities, compare the channel identity and channel subset identity for a channel in a received signal with the reference channel and channel subset identities, and output the received television signal for display of the program or other services defined thereby depending on the comparison.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving television signals is arranged to receive signals in a plurality of channels. Each signal defines a television program and at least a signal in one of the channels comprises compressed data defining broadcast events in the channels from time to time. The receiver is arranged to produce output signals defining an image of events in the program schedule for displaying on a television screen. The receiver comprises means for receiving data defining a dictionary representing text portions, means for decoding the program scheduling data to identify text portions in the dictionary, and means for constructing the image of events from the identified text portions. A signal in each channel comprises a bouquet identity and a sub-bouquet identity for the channel.

Abstract: An improved media system is provided for sharing, accessing and managing stored media content between a plurality of networked Set-Top Boxes (STB). Aspects include displaying a global STB planner listing media content stored on all remote STBs, switching between remote STB planners and filtering remote listings of media content.

Abstract: There is provided a television receiver which comprises a browser for accessing a web site via the internet. The television receiver is arranged to download data represented by the Wireless Markup Language (WML). The television receiver processes the data to output a signal representative of an interactive television image allowing user interaction with the web site via a remote control. The television receiver supports an extended WML Document Type Definition (DTD) which provides for the representation of additional layout and functional attributes pertaining to the interactive image. The layout of the interactive images determined by metalevel information contained in broadcast television signals.

Abstract: A media device is provided for receiving a listing of media content items from a server, at least one of the media content items being a group entity which is representative of a collection of individual media content items. Each of the media content items is then presented to the user for selection. A user may select one of the group entities and the associated individual media content items will then be presented to the user for further selection. An individual media content item may be selected and the selected media content may be transmitted from the server to the media receiver for immediate play back or saved for later playback.

Abstract: A media system stores a plurality of media content items for transmission to a media receiver in response to requests for the items. The media system receives a request for a particular item and generates a playlist including the requested item. The media system adds at least one further media content item to the playlist and transmits the items to the media receiver for playback. A media receiver is also provided for playing back received items. The media receiver receives a playlist including the requested item and at least one preview secondary media content item provided at a playback position in the playlist before the requested item. The media receiver plays back the received items but user selection of a playback start position is disabled until the preview secondary media content item has been viewed in its entirety.

Abstract: A Hard Disk Recorder (HDR) (3) is arranged to receive signals signals defining television programmes and television programme schedule data. The HDR receives updated programme schedule data substantially constantly in a dedicated programme schedule data channel. The HDR is arranged to output the programme schedule data for display on a television screen (2). The HDR comprises a hard disk (16) for recording received television programmes. A remote control (28) is provided to select television programmes to be recorded from the displayed programme schedule. Furthermore, the HDR is arranged to receive additional programme schedule information included in each of the received television channels which information is used to control the hard disk to record pre-programmed television programmes according to schedule. The hard disk is operable to record simultaneously two different television programmes received in different channels. Also, the HDR is operable to replay a currently broadcast programme offset in time.

Abstract: In a remote booking system allowing a user to select programmes to be recorded on a personal video recorder (PVR) (1) by sending messages from a mobile device (3), the system receives a “natural language” message identifying a programme by information generally available to the user, and attempts to match the received message to programmes in a programme schedule. If there is only one matching programme, the system instructs the user's PVR (1) to record that programme, and may optionally send a message to the mobile device (3) confirming the programme to be recorded. If there are a plurality of matching programmes, the system may send a message to the mobile device (3) listing the matching programmes. The user replies to the message by identifying one of the matching programmes, and the system then instructs the user's PVR (1) to record that programme.