Abstract: A media playback device capable of displaying multiple streams simultaneously and with expanded picture-in-picture capabilities is provided. The placement, size, aspect ratio, cropping, scale, transparency, tint, contrast, and cropping of the media can be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Furthermore, the audio may be mixed between separate tracks accompanying the video streams and may also be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Each variable can be dynamically changed during playback through either automated or user-initiated means. A system and method are provided for simultaneously displaying a first video stream and at least a second video stream on a display comprising the steps of feeding the video streams into a video player; providing control of the display of the video streams; displaying a first video stream substantially across the display; and displaying the other video streams in a secondary display.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the ability to purchase products featured in a video through use of an consumer video playback device, such as a DVD or High-Definition video player. A video disc in accordance with the present invention includes a video that is specially encoded with commands or triggers that correspond with the display of a product for advertisement or sale. The video disc may for example be a DVD, and the video may be a movie. The playback device is configured to recognize these triggers and indicate to the user that a product may be available for purchase. When a product is displayed in the video, an indicator appears on the screen which indicates to the user that this product is available for purchase.

Abstract: A method of providing an interactive game through playback of video, the method comprising the steps of providing a video player with a processor, the processor capable of accepting user input, drawing graphics or text on top of video playback, and controlling playback of sounds; providing media with a primary video stream for standard playback, and game instructions working in cooperation with the video stream, and an edit decision list; reading the edit decision list into the CPU and playing the portions of the video stream as instructed by the edit decision list; and superimposing other graphics onto the video to create an interactive game experience.

Abstract: An animated image is dynamically generated for insertion into a video stream within a media playback device. The media playback device receives an animated image and executable. The media playback device receives meta-data associated with an animated image. The executable is executed in essentially real-time. The animated image is generated. In one instance, the animated image is a sprite. In another instance, a composite seamless integrated image of the animated image and the video stream is created. The meta-data and the executable persistently used will be stored in a memory device for future use. In another aspect, meta-data and executable associated with the video stream are streamed into the media playback device.

Abstract: A system and method of simulating interaction with television broadcasts using a mobile phone is disclosed. Messages are received by a mobile phone having software configured to interpret the messages and display the information contained in the message appropriately on the mobile phone display. By utilizing the mobile phone keypad, a user can respond to questions, or other information received by the phone relating to the broadcast. The messages are received in synchronization with a television broadcast such that the user can “interact” with the television broadcast.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.