Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive, visual complement to one or more audio programs. In one aspect, the system comprises an audio subsystem for generating an audio signal corresponding to a sound recording. The system also comprises a video subsystem for generating a video image specification based, at least in part, on the sound recording. In one aspect, the audio signal and video image specification are transmitted to an audio/video signal transmission system. The transmission system receives the video image specification and generates a video signal that conforms to the video image specification. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to at least one consumer receiver. In this way, the system provides a visual complement to an audio program.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used for receiving a video request from a user equipment for video to be downloaded; determining a link bandwidth status associated with the user equipment; in response to the link bandwidth status associated with the user equipment, determining whether to implement one or more additional processing functions associated with the video delivery; during the video delivery, repeating the determining such that the one or more additional processing functions associated with the video delivery can be implemented or not implemented at different times during the video delivery. These processing functions can include transrating, HTTP optimization, TCP optimization, and video pacing.

Abstract: A video on demand (VoD) network architecture implements a gateway that provides both satellite-based communications and radio frequency-based communications. The gateway may receive a content request from a video client and determine whether the content request corresponds to a content delivery network (CDN). When the content request corresponds to the CDN, the gateway may install a VoD access point name (APN) route designated for VoD traffic between the video client and the CDN, and communicate the content request to the CDN via the VoD APN route. The VoD APN route may include a VoD APN of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) connected to the gateway via an air interface. When the content request does not correspond to the CDN, the gateway may communicate the content request via an Internet APN route.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive, visual complement to one or more audio programs. In one aspect, the system comprises an audio subsystem for generating an audio signal corresponding to a sound recording. The system also comprises a video subsystem for generating a video image specification based, at least in part, on the sound recording. In one aspect, the audio signal and video image specification are transmitted to an audio/video signal transmission system. The transmission system receives the video image specification and generates a video signal that conforms to the video image specification. The video signal and the audio signal are transmitted to at least one consumer receiver. In this way, the system provides a visual complement to an audio program.

Abstract: A media automation system can provide a common program to multiple different servers, for example a terrestrial broadcast radio server and a streaming radio server. Each of the different servers can receive different content blocks to be inserted during breaks in the common program. Media items from existing content blocks can be removed, and different items inserted. If a content block is under-filled, media items can be inserted without removing existing media items. When items are removed or added to a content block, the removal can be reported to a traffic and billing system for appropriate action. Content blocks can be customized by removing or inserting items based on information obtained from a cloud-based application, or some other source.

Abstract: A handheld device in an audio and video system including a system for receiving and processing video and/or audio signals, a system for displaying a virtual image to a user, and a system for producing sounds audible to a user. The handheld device also incorporates a shroud to block ambient light when the handheld unit is engaged with the user's face. As a result, the user may hear sounds produced from the received audio signals. Further the user may see the virtual images produced from the received video signals when the handheld device is engaged with the users face.

Abstract: A system for delivering a video signal associated with an access request, wherein the system includes: a trigger module configured to detect a trigger event associated with the access request; a video module configured to access a video signal related to the trigger event; and a control module configured to control the video module to access the video signal based on the trigger event and for outputting the accessed video signal. A corresponding method for delivering a video signal associated with an access request, wherein the method includes: detecting a trigger event associated with the access request at a video device; accessing a video signal related to the trigger event; and displaying the video signal via the video device.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide users with access to subscription-based programs on mobile devices. The programs include television programs associated with a television service package, on-demand programs, and at least one of television programs or on-demand programs recorded by users on digital video recording devices.

Abstract: A method for recording linear content and delivering it for time-shifted viewing is described. The linear content may be recorded live by the content delivery system in response to user requests. The content delivery system divides the recording into at least two portions, the first portion of sufficient duration to permit real time continuous playback of the recorded content on the customer premises equipment (CPE) if the first portion has previously been transmitted to the CPE and the second has not been transmitted. The content delivery system transmits the first portion to the CPE prior to playback, and the second portion is streamed to the CPE after playback has begun. The playback is under control of the CPE from local storage.

Abstract: A STB resource sharing (RS) group of a home network comprises a plurality of STBs. In the STB RS group, a STB communicates with one or more other STBs to mutually share available device resources comprising hardware and software resources, and/or capabilities. The STB functions as an elected master (EM) or a STB RS client in the STB RS group. As an EM, the STB receives advertisements from other STBs to determine available resources. The determined available resources are announced to other STBs in the STB RS group. The STB manages the use of the determined available resources according to resource sharing requests received from other STBs. As a STB RS client, the STB advertises inherent resources to an EM of the STB RS group. The STB receives announcements from the EM for available resources in the STB RS group. The STB shares its available resources, accordingly.

Abstract: Changes to spot blocks to be broadcast via terrestrial stations can cause paid spots to be removed from corresponding spot blocks on a streaming station. If the streaming station has other spot blocks that are under-filled, the bumped spots can be automatically placed in under-filled spot blocks, allowing the bumped to be placed in an under-filled spot block faster than if human intervention was required. A media traffic system can keep track of the bumped spots, and in response to a request by a media automation system, provide a list of potential spots available for inclusion in the under-filled spot blocks. The automation system selects desired spots for placement in under-filled spot blocks, and notifies the traffic system about which potential spots have been placed. The traffic system removes the spots from its list of available spots to prevent selected spots from being included in future responses.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network element can have a wireless transceiver, a wireline transceiver, and a controller. The controller can be adapted to process multimedia signals received from an upstream IPTV network element, transmit the processed multimedia signals to one or more downstream IPTV network elements, monitor communications on a wireline interface capable of accessing a fault management system (FMS), and cause the wireless access transceiver to wirelessly transmit to the FMS telemetry information collected responsive to detecting one or more faults in the wireline interface. The controller can also cause the wireline transceiver to transmit to the FMS over the wireline interface the telemetry information responsive to detecting no fault in the wireline interface that impedes communication with the FMS over the wireline interface. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a managing unit that manages a scale calculated based on descriptions of an operation performed on a predetermined item and a series to which the item belongs in association with each other, a first extracting unit that extracts items belonging to the same series as top N series, obtained by sorting the scales, from among a plurality of items, a taste managing unit that manages taste of a user, a second extracting unit that calculates the degree of similarity between the taste managed by the taste managing unit and each item to extract items with higher degrees of similarity, and a recommending unit that recommends a predetermined number of items among the items extracted by the first extracting unit and the items extracted by the second extracting unit to the user.

Abstract: An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.

Abstract: Preferred systems and methods provide a personal channel for broadcasting personal content to televisions over a network, such as a fiber optic access network. A service provider assigns a personal channel identifier to a broadcaster. This identifier allows viewers to tune to the personal channel. The broadcaster sends personal content to the service provider together with a list of authorized viewers for that personal content. The service provider stores the personal content and makes it available as specified by the subscriber for viewing. When requested, the service provider sends the personal content to the specified set top boxes on the assigned personal channel identifier. By tuning the set top box to the broadcaster's channel, viewers may view the personal content on television as though it were broadcast from any network television station.

Abstract: A method in a server for providing various Internet Protocol television signal qualities involves an IPTV signal having a first signal quality that is transmitted over a first network connection to a first device. A request to receive the IPTV signal over a second network connection at a second device with the IPTV signal having a second signal quality is received. A determination is made that the second network connection has sufficient bandwidth to transmit the IPTV signal at the second signal quality, and that the second device is capable of receiving IPTV signal. The transmission of the IPTV signal over the first network connection to the first device is ended. An endpoint for the transmission of the IPTV signal to the first device is determined. The IPTV signal is transmitted over the second network connection to the second device at the second signal quality beginning at the determined endpoint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a method for reducing power consumption in MoCA devices that are connected via a coax network are provided. One method according to the invention includes, in a home network having a plurality of network modules, one of said plurality of network modules being a network controller, each of said plurality of network modules being connected to a coax backbone, communicating over the coax backbone between the plurality of network modules. The method further includes using the master module to receive requests sent over the coax backbone from the plurality of network modules for bandwidth to transmit bursts. The master module may establish an order of transmission opportunities for the plurality of network modules to follow when transmitting bursts directly to other network modules via the coax backbone. The method may also include using the master module to toggle each of the networked modules between a running power state and a standby power state.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.