Abstract: Described are a variety of techniques for viewing multimedia-based information in accordance with user controls for the speed and direction of the multimedia presentation. Different techniques for presenting multimedia data items are disclosed. User controls providing control for speed and direction in accordance with a user selection device being in a particular location. When a user device is within the defined area, the speed and direction control are on. When the user selection device leaves the defined area, the speed and direction are off. Also described is a system using a browser tool for displaying multimedia data in accordance with these viewing techniques. Multimedia data items displayed with the viewing techniques are indices into multimedia presentations. A user selection is made by viewing the multimedia data items and control is transferred accordingly to an appropriate application to present a multimedia presentation corresponding to a selected multimedia data item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhanced television services such as an interactive audio programming guide for a television. Users may use an input device, such as a remote control, to select display objects displayed on an output device, such as a television, as part of an interactive programming guide. An IPG module on a network terminal, such as a set top box, may determine whether the display object requires an audio representation. If an audio representation is required, the set top box may transmit an audio representation of the display object to the television to be played for the user.

Abstract: A media journaling method and apparatus provides an ability for capturing an event, such as a seminar style presentation with visual aids, in real-time and coordinating other related events as they occur, and then processing the combination to create a synchronized multimedia record of events. The presentation is captured in real-time, and the audio/video converted to digital format, and using post-processing techniques, within a very short period thereafter, the related presentation material such as slides and user notes are combined and synchronized therewith. The new presentation is then made available on a network such as the Internet through a media journal player. The player is, for example, web browser based and allows the user to view the whole presentation, or allows for seeking to different places in the presentation while maintaining the synchronization.