Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided to assist users to locate content of interest based on viewer ratings. First information enabling unique identification of a first user may be processed. Indications of ratings of television programming may be processed, the indications being received from a first media device associated with the first user. Ratings information associated with the first user may be retained in repositories, the ratings information being based on the indications. The first user may be matched to a category that represents a classification of a set of viewers and/or of a set of content based on a set of attributes. Descriptive content indicative of the first user and/or content rated by the first user may be selected and may be transmitted via the network to a second media device associated with a second user.

Abstract: Video recognition processing regarding a video signal input from an outside is performed. Hence, video reception device configured to transmit/receive data through communication network includes video recognition unit. The video recognition unit is configured to perform at least one of: online matching processing for generating second content recognition information from a partial video extracted by video extraction unit, transmitting the second content recognition information to video recognition device so as to request video recognition device to perform video recognition processing; and local matching processing for collating the second content recognition information with first content recognition information included in a local database stored in storage unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising receiving a first unit of video data on a first input/output (I/O) channel, of a plurality of I/O channels of a digital video recorder, computing a first value by applying an error-detecting function to the first unit of video data, attempting to write the first unit of video data to a storage location of a storage device communicably coupled to the digital video recorder, computing, after attempting to write the first unit of video data, a second value by applying the error-detecting function to a data stored at the storage location of the storage device, and upon determining that the first and second values are not equal, storing an indication that the first unit of video data was not successfully written to the storage location of the storage device.

Abstract: A method for accessing TV programs and applications on a smart TV may include receiving a channel selection command from a user, and determining an index number corresponding to the channel selected by the user according to the command. The method may also include searching for a program resource or an application corresponding to the determined index number through a preset index table, and starting and displaying the identified program resource or application. A system for accessing TV programs and applications on a smart TV may change a channel management mode of conventional systems of smart TVs and set-top boxes, such that information of TV programs and applications can be displayed together and called conveniently. A user can conveniently and rapidly switch between programs and applications without the need to switch between TV channel and application interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques are described that allow DVR users to create program shortcuts to different types of media content from content providers. A program shortcut comprises a reference to another media content. A user may generate a shortcut so that the user may easily find and return to media content without performing a new search. In addition, techniques may be used to automatically generate program shortcuts for a user based at least in part to user-indicated preferences or actions. Shortcuts may be generated to media content that is related to a preferred genre or media type specified by a user. Shortcuts may also be generated to content that is determined to be similar to content that is often viewed or recorded by the user.

Abstract: A method of controlling ability of a client device to access media content available from a server device on a network is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving with the server device a request from the client device via the network for media content and determining with the server device a type of the client device and a type of the media content. Thereafter, a step of applying a policy stored in software form in the server device for determining actions allowable for the client device with respect to the media content is performed. After the applying step, access of the media content is provided to the client device only to an extent defined and permitted by the policy. A server device for functioning as a Digital Media Server (DMS) on a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) network is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for determining aspects of a user interface, and determining therefrom a service or device that corresponds to the user interface. In doing so, a user's activity can be profiled, and aggregate usage data over a population of particular devices and OTT applications can be tracked. Moreover, losses and gains of popularity of services or devices may be monitored.

Abstract: A novel live on demand origin architecture in one embodiment can enable the provision, operation and management of massively scalable, highly efficient, high availability content access services that offer random access to linear feeds without playback restrictions, supporting live, near-live, catch-up, start-over and VOD access modes regardless of Origin, Network and Player limitations.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to a user device includes a head end that communicates a plurality of upcoming content metadata that includes a content title to the user device. The user device displays the upcoming content metadata and selects at least one upcoming content metadata from the plurality of upcoming content metadata to form selected data. The user device communicates the selected data to the head end. The head end adjusts head end communication parameters for the content associated with the selected data based on the selected data and communicates the content to a user device based on the head end communication parameters.

Abstract: This invention describes a cloud-based architecture that orchestrates the detection and dissemination of highly-dynamic, real-time, and fine-grained TV white space information to improve spectrum information used for White Space Devices (WSDs). Wasted spectrum opportunities were first identified, both temporal and spatial, due to the current approach of white spaces detection. This invention introduces a next generation of geo-location databases capable of tracking the state of the relatively static TV transmitters and the highly dynamic TV receivers. A quantitative evaluation of the potential gain in white space availability for large scale deployments of this novel architecture demonstrated significant improvement in the availability of white spaces.

Abstract: Software receives a communication from a smart-television device. The communication includes a device identifier for the smart-television device and a geo-location for the smart-television device. The geo-location results from collaborative location detection that uses stored geo-positions previously received from one or more mobile devices positioned proximate to the smart-television device. The software causes the smart-television device to display a first view that includes a visual icon and a message identifying a connected-television service. The software receives a geo-position for a mobile device. Upon determining that the geo-location of the smart-television device is proximate to the geo-position of the mobile device, the software causes the mobile device to display a second view that includes the visual icon. The software receives a communication from the mobile device that indicates a match between the visual icon in the first view and the visual icon in the second view and connects the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus, e.g. a wireless media access point, includes a transceiver, a non-transitory storage medium, and a processor operably coupled to the transceiver and the storage medium. The processor is configured by instructions stored on the storage medium to transmit a first multicast channel associated with a first group temporal key (GTK), and to simultaneously transmit a second multicast channel associated with a second GTK.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced tuner efficiency, wherein tuner resources function to permit multiple content streams to be demultiplexed and thus made available for subsequent display. In one embodiment, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprises a resource manager on which a guide application is run to control the tuning of an available tuner resource. This approach obviate reliance on OCAP or other proprietary vendor architecture applications. In another variant, the CPE is adapted to receive RF source data from a wideband tuner, or multiple tuners. The CPE may also be utilized in conjunction with other system configurations designed to enforce a security or other policies within a premises network. The CPE may also employ ‘look ahead’ capabilities to anticipate a QAM stream content before it is received.

Abstract: A device obtains an on-demand catalog associated with an on-demand media service, a broadcast schedule associated with a broadcast media service, and a status associated with a media client. Based on information contained in the status and information contained in the broadcast schedule, the device identifies a media content being played by the media client using the broadcast media service. Based information contained in the on-demand catalog, the device further identifies an on-demand option for playing the media content using the on-demand media service. The device provides, to the media client, a suggestion, identifying the on-demand option, which permits a user, of the media client, to play the media content using the on-demand media service.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media device. The media device comprises an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user. In addition, the media device comprises a pairing communication link for exchanging information about the experience with a paired user device, and a detection component configured to directly detect an indication received from the user device. The indication is received over an air interface other than the communication link. Further, the media device comprises a processing component for decoding the indication. It is configured to exchange information via the pairing communication link with the paired user device in response to decoding the indication, the information including information about an option. The processing component is further configured to detect selection of the option and modify operation of the media device to implement the selected option.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.

Abstract: A data analyzer engine can be configured to receive feedback indicating different Content currently consumed by subscribers in a cable network environment. The data analyzer engine analyzes the feedback to identify most popular consumed content amongst the different content and produces a content guide to include multiple selectable channels from which content is available for retrieval over a shared communication link in the cable network environment. The content guide can include one or more selectable viewing options to view a rendition of content being identified as more or most popular. Each of one or more playback devices or other suitable resources retrieves and initiates Display of the content guide on a display screen. Accordingly, a subscriber can view Different available content options as well as an identification of content that is currently the most popular consumed content amongst viewers.

Abstract: A video call center process and system can create video programs for television transmission from a multiplicity of simultaneous video callers with much less supporting staff.

Abstract: A method is implementable in a source device that is operable to provide, via a wireless channel, a video stream to a sink device for display by the sink device. The method includes receiving compressed video data corresponding to one or more video frames of the video stream, and generating a current packet of a plurality of packets. The plurality of packets collectively includes the compressed video data. The current packet includes a current portion of the compressed video data and recovery information indicative of at least one of (i) an arrangement of an earlier portion of the compressed video data, or (ii) content of the earlier portion of the compressed video data, wherein the earlier portion of the compressed video data is data included in an earlier packet of the plurality of packets. The method also includes causing the current packet to be transmitted to the sink device.

Abstract: A method for execution by a customer premises receiver, comprising: receiving a signal that carries an original media stream; determining a location of the receiver; obtaining an identifier of an authorized region for the receiver; determining whether said location is contained within said authorized region; if said location is determined to be contained within said authorized region, outputting the original media stream for conveyance to a user; if said location is determined to not be contained within said authorized region, outputting a second media stream that is sufficiently corrupted relative to the original media stream as to degrade the user's viewing experience while being demonstrative of non-malfunctioning of the receiver.