Abstract: Apparatus comprising an encoder configured to encode a video signal captured from a camera, and a low-light enhancement module configured to apply a low-light enhancement to the video signal. The low-light enhancement is performed in a color space comprising two color channels representing color, and an achromatic channel representing light level. The enhancement comprises: detecting at least a first classification indicative of disturbance in the video signal due to capture in low light; and in response to detecting this classification, applying a low-light processing operation to at least one of the color channels to reduce a number of bits incurred by color in the encoding, such that an increased number of bits is spent on the achromatic channel when encoded by the encoder.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to code video information includes a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. The memory unit is configured to store video information associated with an enhancement layer having a first block and a base layer having a second block, the second block in the base layer corresponding to the first block in the enhancement layer. The processor is configured to predict, by inter layer prediction, the first block in the enhancement layer based on information derived from the second block in the base layer. At least a portion of the second block is located outside of a reference region of the base layer, the reference region being available for use for the inter layer prediction of the first block. The processor may encode or decode the video information.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for transmitting a television program signal. A portion of a local frequency spectrum may be determined to be free, or relatively unused. A user selection of a television program or broadcast programming channel may be received from a program lineup in an electronic programming guide. The selected program may be selected from a gateway, translated, and transmitted over the portion of the frequency spectrum determined to be free. The translation may include converting a signal from the gateway into a National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) signal or a mobile TV signal.

Abstract: An SDN controller to provision network resources at a data plane to keep progressive downloads of multimedia files proportional to encoding rates is disclosed. Packets from a new or unknown flow being downloaded at a default rate are forwarded from an access point, or other device, to an SDN controller for analysis. If a progressive download of a multimedia file (e.g., a video file) in progress is detected, an encoding rate of frames for the multimedia file is determined. A target download rate for the multimedia file at the access point is determined based on the encoding rate, in an embodiment. Other optional factors also take into account network-wide data plane information gathered by the SDN controller from various points on the network. Additionally, a playback history for a particular multimedia file can affect the target download rate, based on whether, for example, a file is likely to be quickly halted.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for delivering CATV content over a fiber optic network to a receiver.

Abstract: A dongle is configured to connect to a set top box. The dongle includes a memory for storing data, such as callback data files, and a wireless communication module for forwarding the stored data to an access point, for delivery to a television service provider head end. The dongle can also receive information to be provided to the set top box. Authentication and authorization of the dongle ensure only authenticated and authorized devices can access the system. A communication technology is used that allows for a large coverage area and simultaneous communication with many set top boxes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing media options over a network. In one embodiment, the media options are presented in conjunction with a promotion or advertisement for particular content. The precise ones of a plurality of disclosed options that will be presented may be determined based at least in part on a campaign established by a content management entity and a current availability of the content. For example, certain media options may only be made available for content that is currently available, while other options may be only available for content available at a future date/time, or during a particular time window. Rules for determining which options are to be provided in conjunction with which content and/or advertisements are established and by a content management entity, such as an entity of a multiple systems operator (MSO).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for playing online video and a video playing server thereof. This method includes: splitting a video play file into multiple sequentially connected video segments; receiving a video downloading request from a user, obtaining a video segment corresponding to positioning information carried in the video downloading request, and returning content of the video segment corresponding to the positioning information to a client; and confirming that returning content of the current video segment is finished, and releasing bandwidth resources occupied by the user. By applying the present invention, the bandwidth utilization rate can be improved and the bandwidth resource pressure of the video playing server can be decreased.

Abstract: An SDN controller to provision network resources at a data plane to keep progressive downloads of multimedia files proportional to encoding rates is disclosed. Packets from a new or unknown flow being downloaded at a default rate are forwarded from an access point, or other device, to an SDN controller for analysis. If a progressive download of a multimedia file (e.g., a video file) in progress is detected, an encoding rate of frames for the multimedia file is determined. A target download rate for the multimedia file at the access point is determined based on the encoding rate, in an embodiment. Other optional factors also take into account network-wide data plane information gathered by the SDN controller from various points on the network. Additionally, a playback history for a particular multimedia file can affect the target download rate, based on whether, for example, a file is likely to be quickly halted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system may include a communications processor and a transmitter device that combine at least one of a local-area network interface, a wide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfaces for effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. A transmitted stream from the wireless television system may be received via wireless network processing for viewing local-area network data, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television data by flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepad personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TV remote control device.

Abstract: A method for notifying a viewer of content relevant to the viewer's interests is provided. A computer identifies an identity of a viewer of a display device, wherein the display device is displaying a first video feed. A computer retrieves a profile of the viewer, wherein the profile includes a plurality of preferences of the viewer. A computer, in response to a determination that a content of a second video feed that is available for viewing on the display device matches at least one of the plurality of preferences of the viewer, generates a notification of the second video feed. A computer, in response to receiving an acceptance of the notification, sends a command to the display device to display the second video feed.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and arrangements for accomplishing trick modes. This is achieved by assigning samples within a track to sample groups, wherein all samples within a sample group belong to one temporal level and by allowing the client to access one temporal level independently of lower temporal levels. In this way, the flexibility for the client regarding play out of different frame rates is increased which can result in a lower bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.

Abstract: A media system and a method of providing recommended search term corresponding to an image are disclosed. Herein, a display device may be configured to display a still image of the content and a search window on a display screen. And, an electronic device may be configured to verify whether or not an image or a portion of the image has been dragged to the displayed search window, wherein the image may be included in the still image, and, when the image or the portion of the image has been dragged to the search window, the electronic device may be configured to send directions to the display device, so that the display device can display multiple search terms related to the image or the portion of the image as recommended search term on the search window.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An image encoding system is disclosed. The image encoding system comprises a wavelet transform unit and a processing circuit. The wavelet transform unit performs a multiple-line-based wavelet transform on plural consecutive component lines to generate a wavelet transformed image comprising wavelet coefficients of plural sub-bands. The processing circuit coupled to the wavelet transform unit for quantizing, scanning and encoding the wavelet coefficients to generate a compressed image. Here, a number of the plural consecutive component lines is a multiple of 2 and less than 5. Since the wavelet transform unit performs the multiple-line-based wavelet transform to reduce the storage amount and maintain a good compression quality, an image encoding system of the invention can use SRAM buffers instead of a DRAM buffer.

Abstract: A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) or the like.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to collect audience measurement data are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes collecting first media data. Audience identification data is collected with a people meter. Audience member behavior is developed data based on the first media data and the audience identification data. Second media data is collected after the people meter has been removed, the removal of the people meter occurring after the audience member behavior data has been developed. Audience members associated with the second media data are identified based on the audience member behavior data.

Abstract: Multi-link transportation of media, video and other data of the type having multiple layers, streams and/or encodings is contemplated. The multi-link transportation may be facilitated with a scheduler configured to schedule the various layers, streams, encodings, etc. for transportation over selectable communication links, such as based on reliability, capacity and/or other operating characteristics.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for decompressing video data, storing the compressed video data in such a way that random access is possible and the data can be mapped efficiently into existing memory systems and interface protocols. The compression is accomplished via lossless compression using an algorithm optimized for video data. Due to the compressed format, data transmission consumes less bandwidth than using uncompressed data and prevents degradation in the decoded video.