Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for updating a user profile in a recommendation system for a given user based on auditory or gestural feedback information provided by the user. The auditory or gestural feedback is detected using audio or video processing techniques, or both, and includes, for example, auditory or gestural commands or facial expressions indicating the strength of the user's preferences. The auditory or gestural feedback can be explicit or implicit. Once predefined behavioral feedback is identified, the present invention updates the corresponding user profile, in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: A method for generating a recommendation is provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving at least one of a negative and positive example from one or more other users; and determining a recommendation for a user based on at least one of the negative and positive examples. The method can further include the step of generating a user profile for the user based on previous behavior of the user, in which case the determining step can include determining the recommendation based on the negative example and the user profile. The determining step can also include the step of determining the recommendation based on both of the negative and positive examples.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for selecting at least one program item to be stored on the basis of user preferences. The apparatus comprises a receiver (110) for obtaining program schedule data related to at least one program item, and a timer (150) arranged to ascertain a period of time in which at least one program item is to be stored, a user preference module (130) arranged to obtain user preferences for at least one program item to be stored in the ascertained period of time, and a selection unit (140) arranged to select, using the program schedule data and the user preferences, at least one program item to be stored over a long period of time which is substantially longer than regular periods of nonusage of the apparatus. The invention takes into consideration that the user preferences for storing the program items may depend on the period of time in which the program items are to be selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver comprising electronic program guide means for browsing through an electronic program guide containing information on a plurality of program channels. The electronic program guide means comprise a server module and a number of client modules assigned to a number of remote devices, in order that upon request of any of the remote devices, the server module manages the navigation of the assigned client module within the electronic program guide information.

Abstract: A media system interface (200) includes a display (210) that provides a play list (300, 400) of media items to be played, such as songs or broadcast television or radio programs. A user input device (220) such as buttons on the interface allows the user to highlight a selected media item (T4) which is not desired, and to request that the media item be replaced by an alternative media item (T4-A1). The user may further indicate if the undesired item should be replaced by a similar or dissimilar item. The alternative media item is automatically selected, such as based on user preference data (145), and the list is displayed in an updated form (500, 600) with the alternative media item. A layout of the play list is adjusted to accommodate the alternative media item. The display may be provided, e.g., on a portable media player or a remote control to a home media system.

Abstract: A portable tester includes a housing sized to be handheld and adapted to enclose a processor and a non-volatile memory, a communication port adapted to couple a link with a set-top box and a communications port adapted to couple a link with an external computer, and an input/output (I/O) device, non-volatile memory comprising a test initiation application that sends test initiation commands through the communication port over the link to a testing application residing in the multimedia device, non-volatile memory receiving data generated by execution of the testing application and storing the data in non-volatile memory, non-volatile memory further comprising a data download application that sends the stored data through the communication port over the link to the external computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission system (10) comprising a transmitter (12) and a receiver (14). The transmitter (12) is arranged for transmitting a plurality of signals (13), e.g. radio and/or television signals. The plurality of signals (13) comprise mutually corresponding signals, e.g. analog and digital signals of the same channel or program. Alternatively, the mutually corresponding signals may comprise standard definition and high definition signals of the same channel or program. The receiver (14) is arranged for receiving at least part of said plurality of signals (13). The transmitter (12) is arranged for transmitting information (15) identifying said mutually corresponding signals and the receiver (14) is arranged for receiving said information (15). The receiver (14) comprises a selector (16) for selecting on basis of said information (15) at least one (17) of the mutually corresponding signals. In the way, the receiver (14) can automatically select the most appropriate signal (17), e.g.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus for processing received digital data into audio and/or video formats for listening via speakers and/or viewing via a display screen connected to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a memory means in which said received data can be stored for subsequent selective access by the user of the apparatus. The apparatus is provided with a display panel (2) and the panel and/or the display screen includes a plurality of light sources (6) and the illumination or non-illumination of the light source is controlled to indicate the selected mode of operation of the memory so as to provide a visual indication of the same to the user, and, if active, the illumination or non illumination of the light sources (6) is determined by the particular active mode of the memory.

Abstract: An association engine for organizing content items in a logical database is provided. First description data including dimension data for a first identified content item in the database is extracted (S1). This process may be repeated for additional available identified content items (S3). Candidate description data is extracted (S5). Then, a set of vector values for each candidate content item may be generated (S11), each vector value representing a degree of similarity between the dimension data for a dimension, for example, metadata, usage history, genre, content type, of the first description data and the corresponding dimension data of the candidate description data. A similar candidate content item from the candidate content items may be selected (S15) based on the degrees of similarity represented by the generated set of vector values, and grouped (S16) with the first content item in the organization of the logical database.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus in the form of a broadcast data receiver or set top box is provided including a housing for the location of one or more electrical components therein. The electrical components include a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD is separated from one or more further electrical components by partition means provided in the housing.

Abstract: Broadcast data receiver apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a broadcast data receiver (BDR) connected to at least one LNB. The BDR provides a power supply to allow operation of the LNB. At least two analogue to digital converter sampling points are provided to allow the input and output voltages to be measured at the LNB, thereby allowing the voltage drop across a linear regulator (8) of the LNB to be assessed. Control means are provided to control the power supply from the BDR to the LNB in response to the voltage measurements obtained.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver (BDR) is provided with a web browser system. A service provided by the web browser system si selectable by a user of the BDR and, when selected, is controllable by the user via a remote control handset, thereby allowing an Internet web site page for display on a display screen connected to or forming part of the BDR to be determined and one or more user options can be selected if required. One or more icons are generated on at least a portion of the display screen and each of the icons represents a button on the remote control handset. Each icon is mapped to a specific control function or option of the web browser, thereby allowing user selection of a web browser control function or option by selection of the appropriate button on the remote control handset.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of data to a viewer of a television system. In particular the information is provided in a visual and/or audible indication to the viewer of a selected program as to when the next program in that program series is scheduled to be shown. The identity and schedule data is retrieved from data received relating to the generation of an EPG or alternatively from the data broadcast along with the selected program being viewed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television or electronic program guide (EPG) of the type which is displayed on the screen of a television set to indicate channels, and programs, which are available for viewing over a time period indicated by a time bar (4). In accordance with the invention the length of the program is indicated by a cell in a displayed grid (2) and, if the program has started or will finish prior to or after the time period displayed, a display is generated which indicates to the viewer the time which has lapsed since the program started or the time remaining of the program.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling computers associated with a communications network to remotely locate each other and establish a master-slave relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to the operation of a broadcast data receiver (BDR) and, in particular, to the provision of a video data amplifier and driver circuit for the processing of a received video data signal. The circuit includes a means for generating at least one compensatory value and preferably a multiplication factor. The compensatory value is added to the received video data signal as it passes through the circuit to form a combined signal. The combined signal can also be multiplied. The level of the compensatory value can alter with reference to changes in the environment of the operation of the circuit so as to take into account and minimise changes affecting the operation of the circuit and on the video signal.

Abstract: A television system is provided which includes a display screen connected to or integrally formed with a broadcast data receiver (BDR). The BDR receives data from a broadcaster at a remote location and decodes the data to form video, audio and/or auxiliary data. At least part of the decoded data is used to generate first and second windows (4, 6, 8, 20, 22) on the display screen and one or more of the windows contain user selectable options. Upon user selection of a particular option (24) from the first window, at least a part of the first or second windows (4, 6, 8, 20, 22) are reconfigured, such that the at least part of the first window covers or disables a remaining part of the first window and/or a part or whole of the at least second window.

Abstract: While programming or editing an entry in an electronic program guide (EPG), the invention expands the dimensions of an EPG display field within the entry, enlarges the font size of the text in the display field, and displays more complete information than that displayed in a normal EPG display mode. EPG entries may include VCR timers, reminders, time blocks, channel preferences, viewing restrictions, and set-top box settings. Display fields may include channels, dates, and start and stop times.

Abstract: The invention which is the subject of this application relates to the ability to utilize a receiver and processing means for received data in the reception of multiple transport streams of data. Processing components which are included in receiver apparatus are provided with the ability to only receive one transport stream of data at any one time. In the current invention, in order to present to the processing components in the receiver, one single transport stream, but still allow the receiver apparatus to receive multiple transport streams of data, there is provided a means of initially processing the received multiple streams of data which involves the steps of demultiplexing the data from the multiple transport streams, re-mapping the data, selecting packets of data in accordance with user and receiver selection criteria and then multiplexing the said selected packets of data into a single stream of data which can then be presented to the processing components.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of an on-screen display and a control system for the same which allows the known problems in display which can occur to be avoided. Upon change of at least part of an OSD, the system continues until a request to redraw the display is received. At this stage, if the Vsync signal of the display screen has occurred since the change the redraw occurs immediately, thereby avoiding unnecessary delay.