Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an identifier in a piece of media content that can be used to reference ratings information from another location, such as from a ratings repository. When the media content is accessed by a viewing client, the identifier can be retrieved from the piece of media content and used to retrieve a rating from a ratings repository. A rating may also be included in the media content itself to ensure that at least one rating is available even if accessing a rating from the remote repository is not possible, for example, due to lack of network connectivity. The viewing client can use a rating to control use of the media content. One embodiment allows a user on a client device such as a computer or television consumption device to set rating controls that restrict the media content that can be played at the device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods and systems that link a video recording device and a processing device to enhance video media content development workflow and enable a variety of features. For example, a video camera may send all or a portion of a recorded video to a separate computer that can determine information to be associated with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer extracts information from the recorded video to be embedded or otherwise associated with the recorded video as metadata. In some cases, the computer retrieves information from other sources such as Internet websites for association with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer sends the information back to the camera where it is associated with the recorded video stored at the camera. In some embodiments, the computer provides the recorded video and information to other locations and parties, for example, to a director remotely overseeing filming.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods and systems that link a video recording device and a processing device to enhance video media content development workflow and enable a variety of features. For example, a video camera may send all or a portion of a recorded video to a separate computer that can determine information to be associated with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer extracts information from the recorded video to be embedded or otherwise associated with the recorded video as metadata. In some cases, the computer retrieves information from other sources such as Internet websites for association with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer sends the information back to the camera where it is associated with the recorded video stored at the camera. In some embodiments, the computer provides the recorded video and information to other locations and parties, for example, to a director remotely overseeing filming.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for media recognition. One exemplary embodiment involves recognizing a piece of media in two steps. First, a watermark may be recognized that identifies that the media has a media identifying fingerprint. Second, that fingerprint is retrieved and used to recognize the media content. Using a combination of watermarking and fingerprinting techniques provides various advantages, for example, it may address traditional inaccuracies involved with watermarking while reducing the computational power and bandwidth required to analyze every piece of media for a fingerprint.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a user notification such as a cue in a media content player. The notification or cue indicates that there is additional content available for a piece of media being played or about to be played. The notification or cue may be superimposed on content or provided separate from the media content being provided. In certain embodiments, the notification may provide a link for accessing the additional content the notification identifies. For example, the user may click on a notification to link to a dynamically-generated webpage comprising information retrieved about the media content being presented.

Abstract: An investment value of a media file is automatically determined by recording an interaction with the media file. Further, a uniqueness value of the media file is automatically determined by determining a probability that the media file is irreplaceable. In addition, an archival prioritization of the media file is performed in comparison with an additional media file. An archival storage device stores the media file if the archival storage device has space to accommodate the media file and the media file has a higher archival prioritization than the additional media file.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an identifier in a piece of media content that can be used to reference ratings information from another location, such as from a ratings repository. When the media content is accessed by a viewing client, the identifier can be retrieved from the piece of media content and used to retrieve a rating from a ratings repository. A rating may also be included in the media content itself to ensure that at least one rating is available even if accessing a rating from the remote repository is not possible, for example, due to lack of network connectivity. The viewing client can use a rating to control use of the media content. One embodiment allows a user on a client device such as a computer or television consumption device to set rating controls that restrict the media content that can be played at the device.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for monitoring consumption of pieces of content. One exemplary embodiment is a method that comprises providing an identification of a piece of content for incorporation into the piece of content. When the piece of content is consumed at a consumption environment (e.g., on a particular instance of a video content player), the identification of the piece of content is extracted and sent to a consumption monitor along with an identification of the consumption environment. This information is used to monitor consumption of the piece of content at the consumption monitor. For example, monitoring consumption may involve counting the number of unique consumption environments in which the piece of content was or is being consumed.

Abstract: An investment value of a media file is automatically determined by recording an interaction with the media file. Further, a uniqueness value of the media file is automatically determined by determining a probability that the media file is irreplaceable. In addition, an archival prioritization of the media file is performed in comparison with an additional media file. An archival storage device stores the media file if the archival storage device has space to accommodate the media file and the media file has a higher archival prioritization than the additional media file.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for reporting and measuring consumption of media content are described. Embodiments may include computing a set of registration hash values for an encrypted content file representing each of one or more content items. To distribute a content item to a consumer, an encrypted content file representing the content item is delivered to a content viewer system. At the content viewer system, a set of playback sums is computed that corresponds to segments of the content item actually played on the content viewer system. The playback hash values can be matched with registration hash values to establish that one or more segments of a content item associated with the matched hash values have been played.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that facilitate client-side encoding of content. Certain embodiments involve sending a user's client device items for encoding content that will be uploaded to an upload recipient. In some cases, a client-device may receive an encoding application or application component for performing the encoding. In some cases, a client device may receive upload parameter information for the upload. The embedded content may include an identifier that allows confirmation that it was encoded according to the parameters. Embodiments provide various mechanisms for an upload recipient to guarantee or otherwise trust that uploaded content has been appropriately encoded and/or encrypted by a user. Items and instructions for uploading can be provided from the upload recipient or from a provider who is trusted by the client and the recipient with respect to encoding the content.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for associating metadata with media. Such methods may involve associating a media identifier with a media, storing, in an index of media identifiers, one or more entries each comprising the media identifier and metadata associated with the media, and incorporating or preserving a reference to the media identifier in the media. Certain embodiments involve creating metadata during development of the media using, for example, an electronic media processing tool. Certain embodiments involve using a media identifier in media to retrieve or otherwise use metadata associated with the media, including metadata that is stored at another location such as in one or more entries of an index of media identifiers.