Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.

Abstract: A system for managing subscriber access to content. The system may include a number of access points through which the subscribers access the content, a digital rights feature located remotely from the access points for storing digital rights of the subscribers to the content. Optionally, the digital rights feature is configured to control access to the content by the access points as function of digital rights individually associated with the subscribers.

Abstract: A method and system of advertising that facilitates an automated advertisement process where a user, at any point during playback, simply makes a request to view an advertisement and an advertisement related to the current point of playback is automatically provided. The advertisement can be related to a scene showing proximate in time to the request so that the user can specify what type of advertisement is provided and when it is provided.

Abstract: Method and system of managing transactions. The transactions may be executed over different networks, such as but not limited to networks associated with different cable television service providers. The transactions may be monitored so that product purchases may be facilitated without requiring product vendors to support electronic communications with each of the networks. The transactions may also be monitored to tabulate metrics and other measurables reported from the different networks in such a manner that the vendors can receive a report without having to understand the reporting and tabulating means used by the different networks to measure the same metrics.

Abstract: Method for automatically switching television channels or other content sources. The method may be used with any electronic media to facilitate switching between channels or other content sources based on events or other occurrences in non-viewed channels, such as but not limited to switching channels based on sporting event occurrences (goals, ending of game, etc.), news event occurrence (breaking news, health tips, etc.), and other any number of other identifiable events.

Abstract: A media content sharing concept wherein users are able to share highlights or other portions of content with friends. The concept may be used in any number of environments where electronic media, such as but not limited to audio, video, and multi-media, is transferable between a number of users. Bookmarks or other features may be used to facilitate accessing the video clips for subsequent viewing.

Abstract: Method and system of transferring scrambled content from location to another. The method and system may include transferring the scrambled content without requiring the descrambling thereof. The method and system may be used to transfer live content, stored content, and the like. The content may relate to television programming and signaling, data, still images, audio, and the like.

Abstract: A system for managing subscriber access to content. The system may include a number of access points through which the subscribers access the content, a digital rights feature located remotely from the access points for storing digital rights of the subscribers to the content. Optionally, the digital rights feature is configured to control access to the content by the access points as function of digital rights individually associated with the subscribers.

Abstract: Method and system for managing incoming telephone calls in which each incoming call is associated with a telephone number. A time constraint, a telephone use status, and a treatment option to associate with a priority code of a selected telephone number are selected. The priority code is assigned to each selected number based on the selected time constraint, telephone use status, and treatment option. If a number associated with an incoming call is a selected number, the priority code assigned to the selected number associated with the incoming call is determined based on the period of time at which the telephone receives the incoming call and based on the telephone use status during the time at which the telephone receives the incoming call. The incoming call is then managed according to the treatment option associated with the priority code assigned to the number associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.

Abstract: A method of providing a shared community experience in an electronic system. The method may include transporting signals associated with common content to a group of subscribers such that each member of the group receives the same content and establishing the shared community experience between members of the group by providing communications between on or more members of the group during playback of the content.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating a broadcast signal utilizes a sliding-window time range multicast or a buffered storage queue at the headend. Multiple streams are available to the end user, which each stream originating from a corresponding different playback point in the sliding-window time range or headend buffered storage queue.

Abstract: A system and method is discloses for remotely displaying and creating handwritten information in real time. A first writing/display surface is used in conjunction with a stylus to scribe graphical images as well as text onto the surface for sharing the scribed information with other users. Once the handwritten information is created by touching the stylus to the first writing/display surface it is immediately sent to a remote second writing/display surface. A user of the second writing/display surface receives and views the transmitted handwritten information and then can transmit information by touching the stylus to the writing/display surface. The present invention, allows users to view the same workspace and make modifications to the displayed texts and graphics in real time.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing Internet addresses corresponding to an electronic signal, such as a video or audio program, to a user. The system includes a receiver for receiving at least one electronic signal, where the electronic signal includes one or more Internet addresses embedded therein. A decoder in communication with the receiver is operable to extract the one or more Internet addresses from the electronic signal. The system further includes a processor in communication with the decoder. The processor compiles a historical list of the one or more Internet addresses extracted from the electronic signal, and includes memory for storing the historical list. A web browser connected to the processor is operable to present the historical list of Internet addresses to the user.

Abstract: Method and system for managing incoming telephone calls in which each incoming call is associated with a telephone number. A time constraint, a telephone use status, and a treatment option to associate with a priority code of a selected telephone number are selected. The priority code is assigned to each selected number based on the selected time constraint, telephone use status, and treatment option. If a number associated with an incoming call is a selected number, the priority code assigned to the selected number associated with the incoming call is determined based on the period of time at which the telephone receives the incoming call and based on the telephone use status during the time at which the telephone receives the incoming call. The incoming call is then managed according to the treatment option associated with the priority code assigned to the number associated with the incoming call.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling the operation of a electronic appliance has a function or appearance which is changed by adding auxiliary modules to a base unit, allowing a user to adapt the remote controller to his specific needs. Once the module is coupled to the base unit an additional electronic appliance may be controlled. The auxiliary modules may be functional, including interface circuitry and adding more capability to the remote controller or non-functional, having no electrical circuitry. The functional modules may include but are not limited to display screens, speakers, keyboards, etc. The non-functional modules are added for the purpose of changing the appearance of the remote and/or for ease of handling or for attaching other accessories.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes a remote control unit and a set top box. The remote control unit includes an input device and control logic. The control logic processes input signals to transmit television control signals to control television programming. Further, the control logic is configured to execute game software instructions stored on a local medium, and process input signals to play the game. In some embodiments, the set top box interacts with the remote control unit during gaming.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes a remote control unit and a set top box. The remote control unit includes an input device and control logic. The control logic processes input signals to transmit television control signals to control television programming. Further, the control logic is configured to execute game software instructions stored on a local medium, and process input signals to play the game. In some embodiments, the set top box interacts with the remote control unit during gaming.