Abstract: According to one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for converting multi-media content to multiple deliverable formats using a conversion workflow. For example, a single source content file can be captured and a plurality of deliverable content files can be derived from the single source content file. Each of the plurality of deliverable content files can be in a format specific to a different distribution channel. That is, a single source media file can be used to automatically build one or more distribution files for a particular channel or channels. Furthermore, the distribution files can be built including logos, branding, open/close graphics, ratings, promo material, etc. The inclusion of these elements can be based on a common set of business rules defining, for example, what elements should be included in different types of distribution files.

Abstract: According to the invention, a program delivery system for playing a plurality of video vignettes, which correspond to a plurality of video programs is disclosed. The program delivery system includes a first store, a second store a command signal. In one example, a method for selecting the types and order of video vignettes to be played can be selected. The first store holds a number of programs, where the number of video programs includes a first and second video programs. The second store holds a number of video vignettes that correspond to the number of video programs. The number of video vignettes includes a first and second video vignettes. The first video vignette promotes at least the first video program, and the second video vignette promotes at least the second video program. The command signal causes playing the first video vignette, but switches to cause playing the second video vignette when either a manual command is detected from a user or a triggering event automatically occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for receiving a program by a user location that is sent from a content distributor is described. In one step, a first portion of the program is received and stored at the user location. A user request for the program is detected after storage of the first portion. A second portion of the program is received in response to the detecting the user request.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method is disclosed for playing a video program for a user that has an associated commercial that can be avoided to some extent if the user is authorized. In one step, the video program is received with the associated commercial and made available for display. An attempt by the user to avoid normal playback is detected. A playback point in the video program for the associated commercial is determined. The attempt is correlated to the playback point in the video program for the associated commercial. It is determined whether the user is authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial. If the user is not authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial, the attempt is thwarted.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for allowing selection of video programs from a program guide presented to a viewer is disclosed. The video programs are selected from a program guide presented to a viewer. Selection of video programs is allowed from a program guide presented to a viewer. A program is presented with characterizing identifiers. A selection of the program is received by a viewer. It is determined that a viewer is likely switching away from the program or has activated a thematic link. A plurality of programs is determined. A search of the plurality of programs for one or more programs that have similar characterizing identifiers. The one or more programs are presented in a menu that is presented for the viewer.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for formulating a program guide screen is disclosed. In various steps, program description information and promotional data is received. The promotional data comprises one or more of the following: a video clip, a video clip with audio accompaniment, an audio clip, an animation, an animation with audio accompaniment, a still image with audio accompaniment, a still image, a plurality of still images, and a plurality of still images with audio accompaniment. A predetermined program is associated with the promotional data and program description information. The guide screen is formulated with the promotional data and program description information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for converting multi-media content to multiple deliverable formats using a conversion workflow. For example, a single source content file can be captured and a plurality of deliverable content files can be derived from the single source content file. Each of the plurality of deliverable content files can be in a format specific to a different distribution channel. That is, a single source media file can be used to automatically build one or more distribution files for a particular channel or channels. Furthermore, the distribution files can be built including logos, branding, open/close graphics, ratings, promo material, etc. The inclusion of these elements can be based on a common set of business rules defining, for example, what elements should be included in different types of distribution files.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for converting multi-media content to multiple deliverable formats using a conversion workflow. For example, a single source content file can be captured and a plurality of deliverable content files can be derived from the single source content file. Each of the plurality of deliverable content files can be in a format specific to a different distribution channel. That is, a single source media file can be used to automatically build one or more distribution files for a particular channel or channels. Furthermore, the distribution files can be built including logos, branding, open/close graphics, ratings, promo material, etc. The inclusion of these elements can be based on a common set of business rules defining, for example, what elements should be included in different types of distribution files.

Abstract: A subscription system for providing content by subscription using an Internet connection is disclosed. The subscription system includes a content object store and an interface. The content object store stores a plurality of content objects. The interface is configured to receive a request to initiate a subscription with a first address for a particular account using the Internet. The subscription allows use of the plurality of content objects by the particular account without individually charging for the plurality of content objects. It is verified that a first connection speed is greater than a first threshold value before allowing the subscription, where the first connection speed is over the Internet with the first address. A request to access the subscription of the particular account is received from a second address with the Internet. It is verified that a second connection speed is greater than a second threshold value. The second connection speed is over the Internet with the second address.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable media are disclosed for managing bandwidth usage of a content provider. According to one embodiment, a system for managing bandwidth usage of a content provider can comprise a content provider system adapted to maintain and provide content and a first affiliate system comprising an affiliate network, an affiliate server communicatively coupled with the affiliate network, and a client. The client can be adapted to selectively request the content from either the content provider system or the affiliate server of the first affiliate system based on bandwidth costs for the content provider system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable media are disclosed for managing bandwidth utilization including off-peak, background delivery of content. According to one embodiment, a method of managing bandwidth used for delivering content to a plurality of users can comprise determining one or more destinations for the content and determining available bandwidth for delivering the content to the one or more destinations. A set of criteria can be applied to the content, the one or more destinations for the content, and the available bandwidth. A schedule for delivery of the content can be generated based on applying the set of criteria. The content can be delivered to the one or more destinations based on the schedule.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable media are disclosed for providing a user interface for a service distributing multimedia content. According to one embodiment, providing a user interface accessing a media service can comprise generating a representation of a stage for presenting graphical elements related to multimedia content provided by the media service and displaying a first view of the stage, wherein the first view of the stage includes a portion of the stage less than all of the stage. The first view of the stage can comprise at least a first pane and a second pane, the first pane and the second pane including different portions of the stage. The first pane can include a first plurality of graphical elements representing content items available through the media service.

Abstract: Methods for entertainment-programming distribution are provided. A set of entertainment programs is transmitted in real time over a public network for display on user computers in communication with the public network and identified as subscribers to the set of entertainment programs. A notification signal is transmitted with at least one of the entertainment programs to identify that entertainment program as available for download. A request is received from one of the user computers over the public network to download that entertainment program. It is verified that the user computer is authorized to receive downloaded entertainment programs in accordance with a subscriber agreement. The identified entertainment program is then downloaded to the user computer.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for generating a personalized menu promoting other video programs available from a video content delivery system is disclosed. The video content delivery system provides a plurality of channels of video content simultaneously. In one step, it is determined that a triggering event has occurred with a video content delivery conduit. First information about one or more users is gathered. The one or more users are associated with an account with the video content delivery system. Alternative video programs are determined and personalized for the one or more users based, at least in part, upon the first information. The context for the triggering event is analyzed to produce second information. A configuration of the personalized menu is determined based, at least in part, upon the second information. The personalized menu is formulated for presentment to the one or more users. The personalized menu comprises links to the alternative video programs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for distributing programming. A fixed linear programming schedule identifying an order of transmission for multiple programs is generated. The programs are transmitted in the order of transmission. An on-demand flag is embedded in at least one of the programs to identify it as available on an on-demand basis. An electronic program guide for the linear schedule displays the programs available on-demand with an on-demand identifier. The identified programs are then made available on an on-demand basis.

Abstract: A method is provided for distributing programming. A first set of programs is transmitted in real time according to a schedule of programming. A second set of programs is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of programs having a counterpart in the second set of programs. A request from a user for program control over one of the programs in the first set of programs is detected. A determination whether the requested program has a counterpart program stored on the server is made. If so, the counterpart program form the server is played under the control of the user.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for providing a stored program to a user for playback is disclosed. In one step, a program selection is received from the user. The stored program corresponding to the program selection is requested. The stored program is provided to the user whereby viewing may occur. It is determined if the user is authorized to view the stored program after the stored program is provided to the user whereby the user may view the stored program before authorization is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for distributing programming. A first set of programs is transmitted in real time according to a schedule of programming. A second set of programs is stored on a server, with at least one of the first set of programs having a counterpart in the second set of programs. A request from a user for program control over one of the programs in the first set of programs is detected. A determination whether the requested program has a counterpart program stored on the server is made. If so, the counterpart program form the server is played under the control of the user.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method is disclosed for playing a video program for a user that has an associated commercial that can be avoided to some extent if the user is authorized. In one step, the video program is received with the associated commercial and made available for display. An attempt by the user to avoid normal playback is detected. A playback point in the video program for the associated commercial is determined. The attempt is correlated to the playback point in the video program for the associated commercial. It is determined whether the user is authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial. If the user is not authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial, the attempt is thwarted.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method is disclosed for playing a video program for a user that has an associated commercial that can be avoided to some extent if the user is authorized. In one step, the video program is received with the associated commercial and made available for display. An attempt by the user to avoid normal playback is detected. A playback point in the video program for the associated commercial is determined. The attempt is correlated to the playback point in the video program for the associated commercial. It is determined whether the user is authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial. If the user is not authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial, the attempt is thwarted.