Abstract: A “music video parser” automatically detects and segments music videos in a combined audio-video media stream. Automatic detection and segmentation is achieved by integrating shot boundary detection, video text detection and audio analysis to automatically detect temporal boundaries of each music video in the media stream. In one embodiment, song identification information, such as, for example, a song name, artist name, album name, etc., is automatically extracted from the media stream using video optical character recognition (OCR). This information is then used in alternate embodiments for cataloging, indexing and selecting particular music videos, and in maintaining statistics such as the times particular music videos were played, and the number of times each music video was played.

Abstract: An optical recording medium playing apparatus and method thereof to play an optical disc includes a signal processor to process signals read from the optical disc as a reproduced signal. A timer counts a preset time from when the <play> key is entered a first time and transmitting a signal indicative of whether the <play> key is entered a second time within the preset time. A controller executes a backward search of a desired scene when the <play> key is entered the first time, ends the backward search when the <play> key is re-entered or in response to the signal from the timer, and outputs a signal to command normal playing at a point in time when the backward search has ended. A displayer displays the signals read from the optical disc.

Abstract: A first information recorder comprises a limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit for setting information on the limited number-of-times of copying electronic data, a first limited number-of-times of copying information updating unit for reading out the electronic data from a first information recording medium containing electronic data set with limited number of times of copying information by the limited number-of-times of copying information setting unit and updating the limited number-of-times of copying information set with respect to the electronic data, and a first transmitter for transmitting electronic data whose limited number-of-times of copying information is updated by the first limited number of times of copying information updating unit.

Abstract: A VCR and optical disk composite medium reproducing apparatus include a key input unit for outputting a command signal upon receiving a user's selection command on an operation mode, and a controller that preferably directly selects a reproducing operation according to a new medium insertion and can output a control signal if the new reproducing medium is inserted while one medium is being reproduced in a DVD unit or in a VCR unit corresponding to the command signal of the key input unit. In such a composite medium recording apparatus and method for using same, the medium can be reproduced effectively and conveniently.

Abstract: There are different types of DVD systems, e.g. the replay-only DVD-Video system and the re-recordable DVD-VR system. A DVD-VR type disc containing a DVD-VR type bitstream is to be replayed on a DVD-VR type recorder or player. However, it is also possible to record a DVD-Video type bitstream on a DVD-VR type disc in a DVD-VR type recorder, for replay of that disc in a DVD-Video type player. Because the DVD-VR and DVD-Video formats are different and contain different content they are not compatible with each other and a disc containing a bitstream of the one type can not be replayed on a player of the other type, a user must make a choice of which type of bitstream recording on a disc. One solution to this problem would be to record a separate disc for each type of bitstream. According to the invention a special type of bitstream is assembled and recorded on a disc that can be replayed on both types of players. This special type of bitstream is compatible with the DVD-Video system as well as the DVD-VR system.

Abstract: Even when both a digital audio signal and an analog audio signal are inputted, a type of inputted digital audio signal is identified, and an internal signal path is automatically switched based on the result of the identification operation and previously set content. A main storage of a host microcomputer 12 stores signal path information indicating a signal path to be selected for each type of digital audio signal inputted from each external AV apparatus. A DIR 3 identifies the type of digital audio signal inputted from a digital input terminal 1. The host microcomputer 12 switches an A/D switching selector 4 and an analog direct/DSP process switching selector 7 respectively so that a signal path corresponding to the type of signal shown in the result of an identification operation of the DIR 3 is selected, based on the signal path information.

Abstract: An impairment signal is introduced into an original visual signal, either electronically or optically, that is not noticeable in a display of the original visual signal but is noticeable in a copy made of the display by a camcorder or other camera, thereby discouraging the unauthorized recording of such displays. One application is to protect commercial movies against being copied in a theatre by a camcorder and distributed. In one form, the added impairment signal includes alternate transparent and dark regions moving across the screen or other display device. The degree of opacity of the dark regions and their speed of movement across the display are selected to make them unnoticeable in the theatre but highly noticeable in a camcorder copy of the movie that is made at a lower frame rate than that at which the movie is displayed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the provision of a moving image data playback method, and more particularly, an MPEG data playback method that can randomly access MPEG data stored at a VBR.

Abstract: A method and a device of digital video capture for capturing recorded video data into a computer system. In one embodiment, the device may include a reading unit to read frames of video data, a detection unit to estimate scene changes, a determining unit to determine a file size for being split so that an identical scene will not be split into two different files, and a splitting unit to split video data, and then to store the split video data into several video files separately. The invention can split video data into several whole video files, and store frames of the same scene into the same video file. It effectively improves the quality and effect of video editing.

Abstract: Systems and methods that manipulate a system time clock in an audio decoding system and/or a video decoding system are disclosed. In one example, the method may include the steps of selecting a trick mode rate and adjusting system time clock update rate as a function of the selected trick mode rate.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a first producing unit which produces moving image data; a second producing unit which produces still picture data from the moving image data; and a recording unit which records a moving image file including the moving image data and first information on a recording medium, and which records a still picture file including the still picture data and second information on the recording medium. The first information indicates the still picture file and the second information indicates the moving image file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced navigation of stored digital video content based upon an event index. Includes generation and storage of an event index, as well as navigation based on events in the event index. An example system is embodied in a digital video recorder that detects and stores black field and silent frame events for use in locating commercial groups. The commercial groups may be skipped or otherwise navigated based upon data pointers linking the stored events to corresponding locations in the video data file. Generation of the event index may involve comparing a luminance value for each frame to a luminance threshold value for a video presentation. The luminance threshold value may be based upon a transition point between a first group of luminance values corresponding to video content and a second group of luminance values corresponding to transition events, such as black fields.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus using a hard disk drive (HDD), a connection confirmation/processing program (program for confirming connection with an external equipment and conducting processing required for that connection) which can be executed during starting time of the HDD is stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) of a microcomputer, and a recording/reproduction control program which cannot be executed until the HDD becomes accessible and is greatly affected by extension of the functions and modification of the specification is stored in the HDD.

Abstract: A cartridge for a magnetic recording tape has a first pair of reels rotatably mounted therein which carry a first wide magnetic recording tape, and a second pair of reels disposed therein which carry a second wide magnetic recording tape. The reels are disposed in the cartridge so that each of the first and second wide magnetic recording tapes spans a central space, which is adapted to receive a magnetic recording head of a tape drive, when the cartridge is inserted in the tape drive. A corresponding tape has four drive motors with respective drive shafts, that respectively engage the four reels of the cartridge for transporting the first and second recording magnetic recording tapes across the central opening. The drive has a recording head and a recording head positioning assembly for selectively positioning the recording head at any location along the width of the first and second wide magnetic recording tapes.