Abstract: Side loading of content elements is provided. A selection of a content element from a terminal device may be received and a content format associated with the terminal device may be identified. If the content element is not available in the identified content format, the content element may be transcoded from a current content format to the identified content format and the content element may be transferred to the terminal device in the identified content format.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for sharing threaded conversations on mobile communications devices. In one embodiment, a method may include: receiving, at a service provider system, a message containing a thread file associated with a forwarded message thread from a forwarding party mobile communications device, wherein the thread file comprises message text and sender information obtained from each of multiple text messages in the forwarded message thread, and wherein the message identifies at least one new recipient; identifying the message as containing a thread file; generating and associating a unique thread identifier with the thread file; and transmitting the thread file with the unique thread identifier over a wireless network for delivery to the at least one new recipient for display of the forwarded message thread.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating emergency callbacks are provided. A request to permit the connection of a telephone call originated by a user device may be received by a call processing system. The call processing system may include any number of computers or computing devices. The telephone call may be identified by the call processing system as an emergency call. Based upon the identification, the call processing system may override one or more incoming call parameters to permit connection of a return call to the user device.

Abstract: A smart audio guide system for use in conjunction with an interactive content distribution system is disclosed. The smart audio guide system includes a recommendation engine for providing a customized viewing-recommendations list for a viewer subsystem based upon the programming available from an interactive content distribution system and a customized viewing profile developed for the viewer subsystem. In response to one or more predetermined conditions, a smart guide actuator activates a processing unit, which is used to implement the smart audio guide system functions, which include causing a plurality of smart audio guide audio clips corresponding to the customized viewing-recommendations list to be uttered in a predetermined mode at the viewer subsystem.

Abstract: Management of and utilization of information related to recorded video content are provided. For any given piece of recorded content, identification information for any of a number of interested persons may be associated with the recorded content. After each interested person associated with a given piece of recorded content views or watches the content or decides he or she is not interested in the recorded content, the recorded content may be deleted. A graphical user interface may be provided for showing the viewing status of persons associated with a given piece of recorded content and for allowing each person associated with the recorded content to manage their individual viewing status. Information about content viewed by identified persons may be used to direct advertising or suggested content to one or more identified persons.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing switched broadband. The disclosed systems and methods may include creating a traffic signature corresponding to a network element connected to a network, the network element having a network element ID and being addressable on the network by the network element ID. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include optimizing a quality of service for the network element based on the created traffic signature.

Abstract: Automatically created and dynamically updated lists of a user's frequently called contacts and favorite calling numbers may be provided via a frequently called contacts and favorite calling numbers application. If a call usage count associated with a particular phone number meets a prescribed threshold, the phone number may be added to a frequently called contacts list. Given a user's call frequency and type, the frequently called contacts list may be updated dynamically. A favorite calling numbers list may be generated manually or automatically based on various criteria for adding contact numbers to the list. Both the frequently called contacts list and the favorite calling numbers list may be tied in with a service provider's billing system, wherein special rates or discounts may be applied to calls made to or received from phone numbers in the frequently called contacts list or favorite calling numbers list.

Abstract: A call handling system receives an incoming call from a caller. In response to receiving the incoming call, the call handling system determines a call count for the caller. The call count for the caller is based on a number of calls in a sequence of calls received by the call handling system from the caller, including the incoming call. A maximum amount of time between any of the calls in the sequence of calls does not exceed an expiration period. Based on the call count for the caller, the call handling system identifies and performs an action to take with regard to the incoming call.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for facilitating IT assessments. According to one embodiment, a method for representing information technology impact on an enterprise is provided. The method may include characterizing each of multiple IT applications according to multiple factors; and generating an operational impact index value for each of the IT applications based at least in part on the characterization of the respective IT application. Each operational impact index value may relate to an impact index scale representing a relative impact of the respective IT application on an enterprise.

Abstract: Methods and computer-readable media are provided for presenting program guide information using a mosaic of video sources broadcast in a television services system. An application program executed on a television services set-top box generates a matrix of still images representing multiple video sources presently being broadcast in the television services system. The matrix of still images is presented as a video mosaic representing current program guide information in the television services system.

Abstract: A content library may be provided. First, a video on demand content program may be received. Then, video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be added to a video on demand information list. The video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be maintained in the video on demand information list after a rental window for the video on demand content program is over.

Abstract: Playlist bookmarking may be provided. First, a content program from a playlist may be displayed on a first user device. The content program may then be paused and a time stamp may be placed in the playlist at a point where the content program was paused. Next, the time stamped playlist may be transmitted to a server. At a second user device, the time stamped playlist may be received from the server and the content program may be displayed from the playlist from the point in the content program corresponding to the time stamp.

Abstract: An indication of an activated call forwarding feature is provided for a mobile telephone/computing device. When a call forwarding feature is activated, an indication may be presented on the device to indicate the call forwarding feature is currently active. The indication may be visual, audible or tactile. The indication serves as a reminder to the user of the device that the call forwarding feature is active. The indication may be presented on the device continuously until the user deactivates the feature, or the indication may be presented only when incoming calls are actually forwarded. Selectable functions may be enabled on the device for changing the call forwarding activation state and for overriding call forwarding for an in-progress forwarding call.

Abstract: Content bookmarking may be provided. First, a content program may be displayed and a user initiated input may be received. Next, in response to the user initiated input, a currently displayed point in the content program may be jumped from to a time stamped point in the content program. The content program may then be displayed from the time stamped point.

Abstract: Routing of short message service (SMS) communications from a networked communication device to a networked cable television (CATV) services system device (e.g., set-top box STB) is provided. SMS messages may be sent to a user's wireline phone, mobile phone, or other communication device as identified by a unique identification number (UIN). Upon identifying if the intended destination device is operative to receive SMS messages or if a provision has been made to route an incoming SMS message, the SMS message may be routed to a networked cable services system device (e.g., a set-top box or CATV-enabled telephone) associated with an account of the intended destination device. The cable services system device may receive an SMS message and may be operative to render the message on a display. In addition, the device may also be operative to send SMS messages.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include split keyboard and handles adaptable for use with mobile devices. According to one embodiment, a mobile device is provided that includes a body, which houses a display, and a split keyboard configured as a first keypad half and a second keypad half. The first keypad half and the second keypad half are configured to separately extend and retract from the body. In addition, each keypad half may include a retractable handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating purchases of broadband content and services are provided. A request to purchase broadband content or a broadband service may be received by a server from a customer device. A transaction associated with the received purchase request may be completed in real-time. Based upon the completion of the transaction, one of (i) access rights associated with the broadband content or (ii) a feature set associated with the broadband service may be altered. The requested broadband content or broadband service is then made available to the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing rights to broadband content are provided. A request for broadband content may be received by a server. The received request may include a client identifier associated with a customer device from which the request is received and a content identifier associated with the requested broadband content. Based at least in part upon the client identifier, a billing account associated with the customer device may be identified, and one or more users associated with the billing account may be identified. A set of access rights for the one or more users may be determined and, based upon an analysis of the set of access rights, a determination may be made as to whether access to the broadband content is authorized.

Abstract: Providing bandwidth expansion in existing HFC infrastructures. A break in a fiber ring is established. A temperature hardened demultiplexer is coupled at the break to an input side of the fiber ring. A temperature hardened multiplexer is coupled at the break to an output side of the fiber ring. The temperature hardened demultiplexer is configured to pass-through a first predetermined wavelength to the temperature hardened multiplexer and to drop out a second predetermined wavelength. The second predetermined wavelength is extended from the demultiplexer for providing a first predetermined wavelength to an expansion node. The temperature hardened multiplexer is configured to receive the first predetermined wavelength from the temperature hardened demultiplexer and to receive the second predetermined wavelength from the expansion node.