Abstract: A view restriction method surely blocks a program voluntarily designated by a viewer from view. When a restricted program is designated by the viewer (step S1), receiver identification information for identifying a receiver of a viewer is associated with the restricted program (step S2). View restriction information is broadcasted together with the restricted program in a broadcasting time range of the restricted program (step S3). At the receiver, the view restriction information is captured (step S4). At the receiver, display of the restricted program is restricted if the receiver identification information included in the view restriction information matches that set at the receiver (step S5).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating local video distribution. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include linking a plurality of users with associated carrier frequencies. The associated frequencies may be given approximately six MHz slices of the radio frequency spectrum that correspond to portions of the very high frequency (VHF) ranges assigned to television channels. A user may input a command identifying a desired video stream, which may be encoded in an MPEG format. In response to the command, the desired video stream may be decoded and modulated on the carrier frequency associated with the user. The modulated signal may be output to a premise network such that the user can access the modulated stream by tuning a premise network connected television to the appropriate carrier frequency.

Abstract: A television display device for use with a television display for displaying television services, an input for providing at least one command to the television display device and a broadcast stream containing a stream of key files including data representing respective key images, the television display device including a memory for storing a plurality of control images and for maintaining continuously in memory at least one of said key files, an event selector for selecting an event and associating the event with a selected one of the plurality of control images, an action selector for selecting an action and associating the action with the selected control image, a display section for detecting the event and, in response, producing display information for displaying for a predetermined period the selected control image on a portion of the television display superposed on the television service being viewed and a command section for initiating the action conditional on whether or not a control command is pro

Abstract: The present invention comprises customizable, multimedia messaging over a subscriber television system, such as a cable or satellite system, utilizing a service independent framework. The present invention comprises a multimedia messaging (MMM) server generally located at a headend of a cable or satellite system, and an MMM client at a communications terminal located remotely with respect to the MMM server. A service provider or operator defines a message configuration that is utilized to present the message content to one or more subscribers. The message configuration includes parameters that control the presentation of the message content. The MMM server receives an MMM request from a service application, and in response thereto, generates an MMM request which is sent to the communications terminal, and more particularly, to the MMM client. The MMM client processes the MMM request, including the retrieval of any message content or the message configuration.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, database structures, and reports for informing consumers of changes in times and channels at which episodes of a television (TV) series are aired on television each week. Based on prior TV listings, an expected time-channel (i.e., day-of-week, time, and channel) for airing a TV series is derived. Actual time-channels for a given week are compared with the expected time-channels to determine whether a deviation from the expected time-channel has occurred. If the deviation has occurred, then the deviation is classified, stored in a database, and transferred to a report that shows a list of such deviations for various TV series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.

Abstract: A method broadcasts data. The method includes sending to a receiver scheduling information that includes a scheduled time and broadcasting data at the scheduled time. The scheduling information identifies an encoding format and one or more viewer applications capable of processing the data broadcast.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which a tuning event is detected. Relative statistics are maintained on one or more items related to the tuning event. A list of favorites is created automatically based on the maintained relative statistics. By using relative statistics, ranking of favorites can be maintained efficiently within limited system resources. Furthermore, a viewer can be presented with a selection of favorites based on a number of items without having to program manually the list of favorites.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely programming a set top box and for remotely scheduling an event on a set top box. A set top box includes a server that allows an access device to access the set top box over an always on connection between the set top box and a network such as the Internet. The access device retrieves program guide data that is locally stored on the set top box and, using the program guide data, selects and schedules events. The events are sent back to the set top box over the connection where they are implemented by the set top box.

Abstract: A process of propagates viewing assets on a system of video storages. The process includes copying a missing portion of a replica of a selected viewing asset onto a target video server. The act of copying is responsive to determining that a priority to propagate the selected asset to the target server is higher than a retention value of a replica of one or more viewing assets stored on the target server.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost. Output bandwidth of broadcast equipment may also be optimized.

Abstract: A system and method for multiplexing and remultiplexing whereby multiplexed programs from an input stream are only demultiplexed if they are to be copied or modified locally. Any multiplexed programs which are part of an input stream and which are intended to be part of the output stream are not demultiplexed but are simply passed along to be added to the transport stream with other multiplexed programs. A further inventive aspect comprises a multiplexer apparatus and process whereby dynamic bit rate adjustment is applied to eliminate the need to recalculate timebase information for altered streams.

Abstract: An aggregator is provided in connection with advertisement swapping. The aggregator can be implemented in an interactive television system so as to perform real-time aggregation of trigger information for advertisement swapping through cooperation with content providers or third-party entities. The aggregated information can then be made available to set top boxes and/or ancillary devices of subscribers. Advertisement swapping may be performed via use of the trigger information to perform channel switching to a channel that broadcasts substitute advertisements or via use of the trigger information to retrieve substitute advertisements from a storage unit. The advertisement swapping may be performed by devices of opted-in subscribers, or by devices at a broadcast center.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: To facilitate programming a TV channel list, only digital channels are presented on an edit list so that the user need not parse through analog channels but only the digital channels to edit the channels (e.g., by putting the channels on a favorite list, or a skip list, or by labelling the channels, etc.).

Abstract: A system for monitoring reverse paths of a bi-directional cable communication network such as a CATV network, to detect and analyze ingress signals entering a reverse path and ending at a network sub-headend or headend through a corresponding one of communication lines, comprises a plurality of radio frequency signal detectors connected thereto. The radio frequency signal detectors are provided with bandpass filter for receiving a radio frequency signal within the frequency band used, to generate corresponding output signals indicative of the strength of the received radio frequency signal. The output signal generated by the frequency signal detector which is coupled to the communication line corresponding to the ingress signal carrying path is indicative of the strength of the received ingress signal with received reverse signals.

Abstract: A segment announcing system is disclosed that contains one or more segment announcement receivers that receive one or more announcements over a network connection and/or other communication connection. The announcements contain content information about the content of broadcast information being broadcast, e.g., to a television. The segment announcement receivers have one or more control outputs to perform a function, typically to control the segment announcement receivers during processing of information called a content stream.

Abstract: A method for identifying extender text tables of an electronic program guide in a DTV is disclosed. In the present invention, the extender text tables are identified by processing an ETT section in the same manner as other tables using a value capable of identifying the extender text table sections. Particularly, an event_id is input in a table_id_extension within ETT sections, so that the ETT sections can be identified at a receiving or a transmitting party without parsing the ETT sections.

Abstract: A subscriber characterization system with filters in which the subscriber's selections are monitored, including monitoring of the time duration programming is watched, the volume at which the programming is listened to, and any available information regarding the type of programming, including category and sub-category of the programming. The raw subscriber selection data is then processed to eliminate data associated with irrelevant activities such as channel surfing, channel jumping, or extended periods of inactivity. The actual subscriber selection data is used to form program characteristics vectors. The programming characteristics vectors can be used in combination with the actual subscriber selection data to form a subscriber profile. Heuristic rules indicating the relationships between programming choices and demographics can be applied to generate additional probabilistic subscriber profiles regarding demographics and programming and product interests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for information labeling and control includes central station equipment which combines a program signal with content labels which separately and continuously identify the audio, video, and data content of the program signal, and user station equipment which generates a local content label identifying program material which is acceptable to the user. By comparing the two labels the user station equipment can block or substitute alternative audio, video, or data for offensive portions of a program signal received through a transmission or stored for playback on various media such as video tapes, audio tapes, CDs, computer disks, optical storage media, and video game cartridges. Exemplary embodiments of the invention also relate to a method and apparatus for creating the local content label.