Abstract: A system and method for receiving user authentication information from a secondary device and sending a list of IPTV devices associated with the user authentication information to the secondary device. IPTV device selection is received from the secondary device and device identification information corresponding to a selected IPTV device is sent to the secondary device. A content selection from an asset list is received at a server and post execution instructions for the selected IPTV device are generated. Next asset information is sent to the selected IPTV device. The asset information includes content associated with the content selection and the post execution instructions. The post execution instructions determine further IPTV device functionality.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a first level distribution node of a plurality of first level distribution nodes of a hierarchical media distribution system (HMDS), a request for a content item (associated with segments corresponding to a time order) from a first endpoint device. The method includes, in response to receiving the request, sending, from the first level distribution node, a first data stream corresponding to a first segment of the content item to the first endpoint device and sending first information (indicating the request and a first end time of the first data stream) to a second level distribution node of a plurality of second level distribution nodes of the HMDS. The method includes receiving, from the second level distribution node, a second data stream corresponding to a second segment before the first end time has been reached and sending the second data stream to the first endpoint device.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming a Video on Demand (VOD) asset includes receiving, at a host, a VOD asset request from a client over an internal network, and sending the VOD asset request from the host over an external network using a client/host address that includes a host address and a client address. The VOD asset targeted for the client including the client/host address is received at the host over the external network, and the VOD asset is streamed from the host to the client over the internal network.

Abstract: A method of operating a communications system storing assets for later transmission, is disclosed. The assets have respective expiration dates beyond which a right to transmit expires. The method comprises checking an expiration date of an asset and deleting the asset from storage based, at least in part, on the expiration date, a predetermined period of time added to or subtracted from the expiration date and/or whether the asset has been selected for later viewing. The predetermined period of time may provide a grace period for completing viewing of a selected asset by a user, either after or before the expiration date, depending on the rights to the asset granted by the source of the asset. The period of time may depend on a playtime of the asset and may be added to the expiration date only if the asset has been selected for viewing. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, capturing from a plurality of media sources information describing a plurality of media content offered at the plurality of media sources, generating a plurality of exemplars of the plurality of media content offered at the plurality of media sources based on the information captured from the plurality of media sources, presenting the plurality of exemplars at a display, receiving a selection of a first exemplar of the plurality of exemplars, and presenting a portion of first media content associated with a first media source of the plurality of media sources associated with the first exemplar based on the information captured from the plurality of media sources responsive to the selection of the first exemplar. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system in which augmentation content can be provided to a client device. A receiver is provided in a server for receiving a live television signal. A matching engine can then identify a segment of television, based on fingerprinting techniques and can determine a time delay between the start time of the segment of television and its identification. A content retrieval unit can then select augmentation content based on the identified segment of television and the time delay, and this can be output to a client device. In this way the augmentation content can be selected so that it maintains synchronization with live television.

Abstract: A controller is disclosed that controls an entertainment system which includes a video display unit that is separate from the controller. The controller includes a network interface, a display device, and a processing device. The network interface communicates with the video display unit via at least one data network. The processing device communicates a first command over the at least one data network to control a display of first content on the video display unit, and controls a display of second content on the display device of the controller. The second content is displayed concurrently with the first content. Related entertainment systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for forming highlight content, the apparatus including a receiving unit receiving a highlight content formation command which requests formation of the highlight content; an event detection unit detecting an event generation point-in-time for each event of a program from which the highlight content is to be formed, wherein the event generation point-in-time is a point of time at which an event occurs; and a highlight content generation unit forming highlight content for each event from content corresponding to a predetermined period of time ranging before and after the event generation point-in-time.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes an adaptive media content presentation system detecting an interaction of a user with a media content program, generating a playing pattern associated with the media content program based on the detected interaction of the user with the media content program, and applying the playing pattern to at least one of a presentation of the media content program and a presentation of an additional media content program. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic program guides in which program listings may be graphically presented and in which sponsors and celebrities of those programs may be identified are provided. The electronic programs guides may be passive television program guides, interactive television program guides, and/or on-line television program guides. Television show text information, logos and/or trademarks, celebrity images, affiliation indicators, and advertisements may be present in the program listings to enhance the electronic program guides.

Abstract: Systems and methods to present video content are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method of processing video data is disclosed. The method includes receiving timing information associated with the video data. The received timing information is indicative of a start time to start presentation of video content corresponding to the video data. The method includes starting presentation of the video content at a time prior to the start time. The method also includes increasing a presentation rate of the video content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uploading data is provided herein. During operation vehicles in the field will upload their digital multimedia evidence (DME) to a mobile/intermediary upload point(s). These mobile/intermediary upload points preferably comprise computers existing in other vehicles that are not currently connected to a central repository. A mobile recorder (mDVR) will choose a particular mobile/intermediary upload point(s) based on a probability that the mobile upload point(s) will return to a connected upload point to upload the transferred DME.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for reproducing at least one piece of content received via at least one interface. The method includes classifying the at least one piece of content respectively received via the at least one interface according to a reference attribute, allocating the classified at least one piece of content to a virtual channel, and selecting a channel from among set channels that include the virtual channel and an occupied basic channel.

Abstract: Methods and system for identifying multimedia content streaming through a television includes retrieving an audio signal from a multimedia content selected for rendering at the television. The retrieved audio signal is partitioned into a plurality of segments of small intervals. A particular segment is analyzed to identify acoustic modulation and to generate a distinct vector for the particular segment based on the acoustic modulation, wherein the vector defines a unique fingerprint of the particular segment of the audio signal. A content database on a server is queried using the vector of the particular segment to obtain content information for multimedia content that matches the fingerprint of the particular segment. The content information is used to identify the multimedia content and the source of the multimedia content that matches the audio signal received for rendering.

Abstract: Electronic program guides in which program listings may be graphically presented and in which sponsors and celebrities of those programs may be identified are provided. The electronic programs guides may be passive television program guides, interactive television program guides, and/or on-line television program guides. Television show text information, logos and/or trademarks, celebrity images, affiliation indicators, and advertisements may be present in the program listings to enhance the electronic program guides.

Abstract: A network receiver includes a first variable resistor, a second variable resistor, a first processing unit, a second processing unit and an adjusting circuit. The first variable resistor is coupled to a first transmission line via a first terminal for transmitting a first signal. The second variable resistor is coupled to a second transmission line via a second terminal for transmitting a second signal. The first processing unit is utilized for obtaining a difference according to the first signal and the second signal, and processing the difference to generate first data. The second processing unit is utilized for obtaining a summation according to the first signal and the second signal, and processing the summation to generate second data. The adjusting circuit is utilized for adjusting resistance(s) of at least one of the first variable resistor and the second variable resistor according to the first data and the second data.

Abstract: There is provided a device control apparatus including a transmission signal input/output unit for receiving a signal including a control signal for controlling an internal state from another device or outputting the signal to the other device, an application acquisition unit for properly accessing an application server over a network and properly acquiring the application, a display control unit for controlling a display based on the application acquired by the application acquisition unit, and an operation control unit for executing the application acquired by the application acquisition unit and controlling an operation of the other device connected to the transmission signal input/output unit. The operation control unit permits the other device to transmit its status upon initiation of the execution of the application acquired by the application acquisition unit, and prohibits the other device from transmitting the status upon termination of the application execution.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering targeted advertising data over an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network including but not limited to displaying in a picture in picture queue display, a set of follow-on advertisements comprising less than all of the plurality of follow-on advertisements; rotating one of the set of follow-on advertisements off of the on-screen picture in picture queue display to an off-screen storage; and rotating another one of the follow-on advertisements from the off-screen storage to the on screen picture in picture queue display. A system and computer program are disclosed for practicing the method.

Abstract: A video services control system comprises a set top box coupled to a television and a video services network configured to provide video services to the television via the set top box. The video services network includes an application program operable to develop and implement individualized usage restriction profiles for users of the set top box to control video services viewing. The application program is configured to provide a designated administrator with authority to dictate the usage restriction profile for non-designated users. The individualized usage restriction profiles include restrictions on the content of video services shown on the television for viewing by the users. The application program is configured to receive information input by the designated administrator, develop each usage restriction profile based on the input information unique to each user, and implement each usage restriction profile to control video services viewing by the users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a supervisor such as a parent or guardian with a way to monitor and control the delivery of content, e.g., video and audio programs, to users of devices within a home. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for operating a home network monitoring device located in a home including detecting delivery of content to one or more users in the home, storing, in the home, portions of content delivered to a first user, presenting some of the stored portions of content to a person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user, and subjecting further content delivery to the first user via the home network to restrictions established by the person responsible for setting content restrictions applicable to the first user. Some embodiments also detect and report potential attacks, e.g., cyber attacks, on the home network.