Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods enabling the send or “push” side of a cable transmission to dynamically obtain additional and/or temporary capacity. Bits and/or bandwidth of transmitted content is restricted by the service provider allowing gaps in the capacity to be filled with value-added content such as advertising, additional supplemental data feeds, or other media content.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director etc. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.

Abstract: Methods and products to deliver at least a portion of an advertisement to a viewer at normal playback speeds after receiving a command from the viewer to fast-forward through an advertisement faster than normal playback speeds is described. In certain embodiments, the invention delivers a portion of the advertisement to be played at normal playback speeds to the viewer: and delivers the remaining portion of the advertisement to be played at a playback speed that is faster than the specified playback speed so that the combination of the portions delivered at normal and faster playback speeds is delivered to the user at the specified playback speed. In some other embodiments, the invention delivers at least a portion of the first advertisement to the viewer at normal playback speeds; and delivers one or more other advertisements to the viewer simultaneously with the first advertisement with the audio information muted based on the specified playback speed.

Abstract: Systems which allow for the insertion of targeted advertisements or other messages into programming content, e.g., using Digital Video Recording (DVR) technology are disclosed. Systems use storage to pre-load advertisements, record content with commercials breaks, and merge the advertisements into the recorded content in the background, so that they are available when the content is viewed in time-shifted mode.

Abstract: A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.

Abstract: A system and method for stitching separately encoded MPEG video fragments, each representing a different rectangular area of the screen together into one single full-screen MPEG encoded video fragment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for push-based dynamic bandwidth allocation deliver addressable, advertising content in a digital network. Bandwidth is allocated on a push basis in response to receiving a trigger from a content distribution stream. The trigger contains data indicating an addressable break. A portion of bandwidth is then allocated to an addressable content stream based on the data of the trigger. The addressable content stream is then streamed to a receiver during the addressable break and the receiver is tuned from the broadcast stream to the addressable content stream for the duration of the addressable break. The additional bandwidth is de-allocated at the end of the addressable break.

Abstract: A media content management application that allows a user to create and customize a version of media content based on semantic criteria is provided. Based on semantic criteria, the media content management application may use editing/assembly software packages to construct a version of the media content for an intended audience. In addition, the media content management application uses semantic criteria to provide the user with options for optimizing the cost of the version of media content, options for delivering the version of media content, and/or options for delivery mediums to transmit the version of media content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the optimized allocation of content within a universe of inventory are described. For example, a method may include receiving content comprising at least one characteristic and at least one goal. A universe of inventory may be accessed that comprises a plurality of targets which may be assigned into a plurality of segments based on at least one demographic vector. An allocation optimization model may be generated based on the at least one content characteristic, the at least one goal and the plurality of segments. The content may be presented to the targets based on the allocation optimization model. Viewing data may be received that comprises data associated with target consumption of the content and the allocation optimization module may be re-optimized based on the viewing data. Additional factors, such as resource constraints and/or filtering rules, may be used when re-optimizing the allocation optimization module.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media generation application that allows a user to create and customize a commercial based on microtrend information and/or feedback information is provided.