Abstract: A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for displaying a thumbnail preview of video content. In an aspect, one or more mosaic images made up of thumbnails corresponding to frames of the video content at multiple time points can be loaded into the system or created by the methods described. In an aspect, the selected thumbnail, as well as any other thumbnails, can be selected in response to receiving a command (e.g., trick play request) from the viewer. The command can dictate the direction from the selected thumbnail that the next thumbnails will be selected. The command can also dictate the frequency with which thumbnails will be selected from the mosaic image. In an aspect, frames comprised of thumbnails can be encoded to create the video content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

Abstract: A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

Abstract: Methods and systems for status determination are disclosed. A computing device may determine a status of the computing device or another computing device. The status may be based on operational data. One or more actions may be taken based on the status of the computing device or the another computing device. For example, at least one computing task may be performed based on the status.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing service compatibility are described. A request for content can be received from a client (e.g., user device). A first resource locator for at least a portion of the content can be encoded with service information. A second resource locator indicating a redirect device can comprise the encoded first resource locator and the service information. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a redirect device using the second resource locator. The redirect device can process the request by decoding the first resource locator and service information and sending the service information to a service. The redirect device can send the first resource locator to the client. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a content device using the first resource locator.

Abstract: A contextual navigational control for digital television is described. An apparatus, comprises a contextual navigation control interface (CNCI). The CNCI includes a first area that represents a plurality of cable television programs having a first level of relevance. A second area represents a first group of the plurality of programs having a second level of relevance. A third area represents a first subgroup of the first group having a third level of relevance. A fourth area represents a second subgroup of the first group having a fourth level of relevance. There may be additional areas representing additional sub-groups of relevance to the current viewing context.

Abstract: A collection of well-formed, but possibly semantically invalid, binary encoded multimedia data components or packages as well as the binary encoded announcement, signaling, and interchange protocols used in their transmission are converted into one or more well-formed extensible markup language (XML) files. Such XML files may then be validated according to one or more pre-defined XML schemas, or similar schema languages, in order to verify that the data and protocol structures and substructures adhere to prior defined semantic constraints.

Abstract: Methods and systems for communication management are disclosed. A computing device may receive a computing request. The computing device may determine a timeout parameter associated with the computing request. A notification may be sent if the timeout parameter is predicted to be exceeded or if the timeout parameter is exceeded.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

Abstract: A system and method for managing bandwidth of an upstream communications channel in a communications system.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods, comprising receiving user information and a user agnostic identifier, providing an access element configured to provide access to content from a content provider based on the user information and the user agnostic identifier, receiving, from the content provider, a notification indicative of a user interaction with the content based on a user accessing the content, and tracking user behavior based on at least one of the user information, the user agnostic identifier, the access element, and the notification.

Abstract: A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

Abstract: iTV content is created and deployed using a server component adapted to allow content developers to create applications according to an authoring specification that describes a framework for same; a transport component configured to optimize and deliver the applications to one or more clients; and a client component adapted to render the applications through a television so as to permit user interaction therewith. The authoring specification provides for the presentation of content through one or more templates defined therein, allowing application definition and behavior to remain common across multiple client device types, middleware platforms, and/or iTV operating environments.

Abstract: A database is packed up for broadcast over an iTV system by packaging, compressing, and streaming the database via one or more carousels. The packing up process creates one or more data modules, each including record sets, and one or more modules containing computer-readable instructions for resolving queries using the record sets. These modules, along with a table of contents module that includes descriptions of how the data modules are composed and interfaces to the modules containing the computer-readable instructions, are downloaded at a set top box in order to resolve queries from television users and/or other applications. Thereafter, the computer-readable instructions are executed to resolve the queries. When available, the results produced by executing the query may be displayed on a television. Information regarding the queries may be used to modify the packing up and/or broadcast processes.

Abstract: A user interface allows for blending of television program choices from which a viewer may select, the blending representing options for linear and non-linear programming presented together within a single hierarchy of a designated category. The blending may further include managed content relevant to the designated category, where desired. Such designated categories may include television programming categories and/or content categories. The options for linear and non-linear programming may be presented together within a single screen of the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for managing bandwidth of an upstream communications channel in a communications system.