Abstract: Systems and methods for hybrid actuator system control are disclosed herein. The system can include a simulation vehicle. The simulation vehicle can transit at least one passenger through a ride experience, can include a plurality of controls, and can be mounted on an actuator system controllable to move the simulation vehicle in connection with at least one ride event. The system can include a processor. The processor can: provide content to the at least one passenger; receive user inputs via the plurality of controls of the simulation vehicle; identify authored control data; generate algorithmic control data; generate a hybrid control signal according to a combination of the authored control data and the algorithmic control data; and control movement of the simulation vehicle according to the hybrid control signal.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for incentivizing content engagement are described. Embodiments provide a recommended feature application to offer premier/recommended content. This can take place at a variety of times, for example during the primary content selection interface display, as well as offering said content interactively as an overlay during the conclusion of a piece of content. Embodiments employ a weighted process for selecting a recommended feature based on one or more stored preference files. The recommended feature application can be utilized across titles.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for managing application settings across titles are described. A settings management application allows for setting, saving and accessing preferences for one or more applications. Users can manage their application settings as desired and once saved, these application settings can be accessed repeatedly, even upon loading of a new title/disc into the media player.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for extending media device functions using a peripheral control interface. There is provided a media device for controlling a peripheral device where the media device provides a plurality of native functions. The media device comprises a network interface and a processor configured to establish a connection with a network using the network interface, execute a media application to discover a route to a server through the connection, obtain via the route a peripheral control interface for providing a mediation service associated with the peripheral device, and send a command to the server using the route for controlling the peripheral device using the peripheral control interface, which causes the peripheral device to execute a function outside of the plurality of native functions provided by the media device.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for dynamic content play list creation are described. A fastplay application provides for dynamic play list generation, using feature categorization and local storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's preference(s). The settings may be stored locally on the media player storage device such that the preference(s) can be utilized across titles.

Abstract: A content item having sequential portions, such as episodes, is played back on a packaged media player in a manner that facilitates viewing the sequential portions in sequence. The point at which the user terminated a playback session is marked by storing an indication in memory, so that the user need not remember at what episode or other content portion the user left off. Upon beginning a new playback session, the media player retrieves the marker and navigates to the next content portion in the sequence.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for managing application settings across titles are described. A settings management application allows for setting, saving and accessing preferences for one or more applications. Users can manage their application settings as desired and once saved, these application settings can be accessed repeatedly, even upon loading of a new title/disc into the media player.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for incentivizing content engagement are described. Embodiments provide a recommended feature application to offer premier/recommended content. This can take place at a variety of times, for example during the primary content selection interface display, as well as offering said content interactively as an overlay during the conclusion of a piece of content. Embodiments employ a weighted process for selecting a recommended feature based on one or more stored preference files. The recommended feature application can be utilized across titles.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for dynamic content play list creation are described. A fastplay application provides for dynamic play list generation, using feature categorization and local storage to present a set of custom play list(s) that are tailored to a user's preference(s). The settings may be stored locally on the media player storage device such that the preference(s) can be utilized across titles.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for extending media device functions using a peripheral control interface. There is provided a media device for controlling a peripheral device where the media device provides a plurality of native functions. The media device comprises a network interface and a processor configured to establish a connection with a network using the network interface, execute a media application to discover a route to a server through the connection, obtain via the route a peripheral control interface for providing a mediation service associated with the peripheral device, and send a command to the server using the route for controlling the peripheral device using the peripheral control interface, which causes the peripheral device to execute a function outside of the plurality of native functions provided by the media device.

Abstract: A content item having sequential portions, such as episodes, is played back on a packaged media player in a manner that facilitates viewing the sequential portions in sequence. The point at which the user terminated a playback session is marked by storing an indication in memory, so that the user need not remember at what episode or other content portion the user left off. Upon beginning a new playback session, the media player retrieves the marker and navigates to the next content portion in the sequence.