Abstract: A system includes additional information together with a video stream, where the additional information is related to at least one of the frames. Preferably the additional information is related to an object within the frame. A receiver receives the video and additional information and decodes the video in the same manner independently of whether the additional information is provided. The additional information is selectively presented to a viewer at approximately the time of receiving the frames. The system may also present information to a viewer from a unitary file containing an image and additional information associated with the image. A selection mechanism permits the selection of objects in the image for which the additional information is related thereto. A presentation mechanism provides the additional information to a viewer in response to selecting the object.

Abstract: A remote support site having a detector internally collecting information on a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic of a media-playing set or television and a server enabling specification of a preferred setting for such characteristic from this information. A method including maintaining a remote site, therefrom internally collecting information from the set about a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic, and therefrom specifying a preferred setting for such characteristic. A similar method but information detected upon user request about user-adjustable component for selecting on-screen characteristic and final step is remotely adjusting component. A similar method but information is about broadcast characteristic potentially selectable initially by user instead remotely specified initially. A similar method but information is about plural broadcast characteristics and final step is remotely providing settings for each.

Abstract: A remote support site having a detector internally collecting information on a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic of a media-playing set or television and a server enabling specification of a preferred setting for such characteristic from this information. A method including maintaining a remote site, therefrom internally collecting information from the set about a user-selectable intrinsic broadcast characteristic, and therefrom specifying a preferred setting for such characteristic. A similar method but information detected upon user request about user-adjustable component for selecting on-screen characteristic and final step is remotely adjusting component. A similar method but information is about broadcast characteristic potentially selectable initially by user instead remotely specified initially. A similar method but information is about plural broadcast characteristics and final step is remotely providing settings for each.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: A system that provides Personal Video Recorder (PVR) capability determines whether a storage device coupled to the system can be configured for Live TV functionality based on, for example, whether the storage device has at least one of the latency, a data transfer rate and jitter that is acceptable for Live TV control. Additionally, the system determines whether the storage device has sufficient available space for Live TV control. The storage device is configured for Live TV control when the storage device can be configured for Live TV functionality and has sufficient available space for Live TV control. The system also detects when a new storage device is coupled to the system and determines whether the new storage device is capable of being configured for Live TV control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television having an improved file path identification and display system and method. The improved file path identification and method maintains two sets of data strings that refer to the same operation objects. One set of strings is for the user interface display. The other set of strings is for system manipulation. In another words, operation strings might have different associated display string values and each operation string might have its corresponding display string stored in the system. The method might further dynamically assemble display strings into abbreviated or short hand form. The method, therefore, can maximize the display data.

Abstract: A presence-based collaboration system includes a storage containing concurrent-content-consumption information for at least one user of a community of users, and a processor that generates filtered concurrent-content-consumption information for at least one user of the community of users that is based on the concurrent-content-consumption information contained in the storage and on user permission information for at least one user of the community of users. The permission information of each user of the system includes information relating to the concurrent-content-consumption information for the user that is presented to at least one other user of the community of users. In one exemplary embodiment, the presence-based collaboration system also includes a plurality of content terminals that communicate on a client/server basis with the presence-based collaboration system.

Abstract: The current invention describes novel remote control features operative with a television system, including hotkey buttons assignable to certain applications operating and/or displayed on the television system, one touch record and image capture to a removable storage medium, and notification alert buttons for browsing between certain notifications and alerts.

Abstract: A remote control that includes multiple fast forward modes and a skip mode.

Abstract: A user interface suitable for a personal video recorder.

Abstract: A picture search device of the present invention includes: a storage section; a display section; a position input section; and a control section for controlling the storage section, the display section and the position input section. The storage section contains a plurality of pictures respectively provided with labels which are assigned in accordance with a predetermined rule. The position input section detects input information from a user so as to provide a control signal to the control section in response to the input information.