Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing display settings on customer premises equipment (“CPE”), and, more particularly, for implementing, calibrating, and adjusting display settings on one or more display devices. In operation, a CPE might detect at least one of an amount of ambient light, a time of day, a time of year, a type of environment, or input from one or more sensors detecting the display screen of the display device or the amount of ambient light where the display screen operates. The CPE might adjust one or more display settings based at least in part on the at least one of the amount of ambient light, the time of day, the time of year, the type of environment, or the input from the one or more sensors detecting the display screen of the media display device or the amount of ambient light where the display screen operates.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, in particular, automatic audio optimization. In some embodiments, a computing system might receive user input indicating a request for presentation of media content, initiate database lookup in a database for audio parameter settings associated with the requested media content, and determine whether the database contains audio parameter settings specifically associated with the requested media content. If so, the computing system retrieves the audio parameter settings and automatically reconfigures an audio playback device(s) with the retrieved audio parameter settings. If not, the computing system determines whether the database contains audio parameter settings associated with a content category to which the requested media content belongs. If so, such audio parameter settings are retrieved and the audio playback device(s) are reconfigured with the audio parameter settings.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for video encoding and decoding, and, more particularly, for implementing detection and visual enhancement of video encoding artifacts. In various embodiments, an encoder might encode, using one or more encoding algorithms under test, an original video signal that is received from a video content source. The encoder might send an encoded video signal to a first decoder, which might decode the encoded video signal. A synchronization engine might receive the original video signal from the video content source, receive the decoded video signal from the first decoder, and implement frame synchronization of the received original video signal and the decoded video signal. A difference engine might generate a difference signal between the synchronized original video signal and the synchronized decoded video signal. A post processor might implement post processing of the generated difference signal, which may be displayed, to enhance video encoding artifacts.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing notifications on a display device, and more particularly, for implementing, interacting with, and displaying notifications associated with media content on a display device. In various embodiments, a media player might receive one or more notifications associated with media content. The media player might further receive user interaction with the one or more notifications. The user interaction might cause the media content to be displayed on a second display device, the media content to be displayed after a program being currently viewed by a user has ended, a preview of the media content to be displayed, a live stream of the media content to be displayed in the notification, the media content to be placed in a queue, the media content to be recorded, or a recording of the media content to be deleted.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing digital rights management (“DRM”)-agnostic entitlement gateway and verification system. In various embodiments, an entitlement gateway might receive a query from a client device, and might determine whether a user is authorized to access requested DRM-protected media content. If not, the entitlement gateway might send a deny signal to the client device that prevents the user from accessing the media content. If so, the entitlement gateway might identify, from among a plurality of DRM types, a DRM type that is used to protect the media content. The entitlement gateway might identify, from among a plurality of DRM servers each associated with a particular DRM type, a DRM server associated with the identified DRM type, and might send a request for a license for accessing the media content from the identified DRM server, the license enabling the user to access the media content.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing media stream synchronization. In some embodiments, a synchronization system might receive a first signal that is output from a first device, which receives an original video signal from a video source and outputs a first video signal. The synchronization system might analyze the first signal to determine a first frame buffer delay, generate a delay adjustment signal based on such determination, and send the delay adjustment signal to a frame buffer delay device. The frame buffer delay device and the first device might concurrently receive the original video signal from the video source. The first delay adjustment signal causes the frame buffer delay device to apply the first frame buffer delay to the original video signal to produce a second video signal that is synchronized with the first video signal.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing auto-switching and/or auto-playing video content. In various embodiments, a computing system might determine whether a display device that is communicatively coupled to the computing system is in an off-state, and might determine whether a first video content will begin its broadcast from a first content source within a predetermined period after initiating such determination. Based on a determination that the display device is in the off-state and based on a determination that the first video content will be broadcast within the predetermined period, the computing system might automatically switch the display device to an on-state, and might automatically set the display device to display the first video content being broadcast from the first content source.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing video tuning and wireless video communication. In various embodiments, a media player, which might include an integrated wireless video link system, might receive an encoded video signal from a media content source(s) (and/or a corresponding database(s). The media player might decode the received video signal, might establish a wireless communications link between the media player and one or more display devices via the integrated wireless video link system, and might send the decoded video signal to the one or more display devices (and/or one or more user devices) via the wireless communications link established by the integrated wireless video link system. In some cases, the media player might perform one or more of these processed in response to user input received via the user devices or via the media player's user interface(s).

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, in particular, automatic audio optimization. In some embodiments, a computing system might receive user input indicating a request for presentation of media content, initiate database lookup in a database for audio parameter settings associated with the requested media content, and determine whether the database contains audio parameter settings specifically associated with the requested media content. If so, the computing system retrieves the audio parameter settings and automatically reconfigures an audio playback device(s) with the retrieved audio parameter settings. If not, the computing system determines whether the database contains audio parameter settings associated with a content category to which the requested media content belongs. If so, such audio parameter settings are retrieved and the audio playback device(s) are reconfigured with the audio parameter settings.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing auto-switching and/or auto-playing video content. In various embodiments, a computing system might determine whether a display device that is communicatively coupled to the computing system is in an off-state, and might determine whether a first video content will begin its broadcast from a first content source within a predetermined period after initiating such determination. Based on a determination that the display device is in the off-state and based on a determination that the first video content will be broadcast within the predetermined period, the computing system might automatically switch the display device to an on-state, and might automatically set the display device to display the first video content being broadcast from the first content source.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing auto-switching and/or auto-playing video content. In various embodiments, based on a determination that the display device is in the on-state, a computing system might identify a first content source of a first video content that is displayed on a display screen of the display device. Based on a determination that a second video content will soon begin its broadcast from a second content source, based on a determination that the display device is in the on-state, and based on a determination that the second content source is different from the first content source, the computing system might automatically switch the display device from display of the first video content from the first content source to display of the second video content from the second content source, without user interaction from any user to initiate switching.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing notifications on a display device, and more particularly, for implementing, interacting with, and displaying notifications associated with media content on a display device. In various embodiments, a media player might receive one or more notifications associated with media content. The media player might further receive user interaction with the one or more notifications. The user interaction might cause the media content to be displayed on a second display device, the media content to be displayed after a program being currently viewed by a user has ended, a preview of the media content to be displayed, a live stream of the media content to be displayed in the notification, the media content to be placed in a queue, the media content to be recorded, or a recording of the media content to be deleted.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming/downloading and playback, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing video quality optimization based on display capabilities. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive user input from a user indicating a user request for media content. The computing system might autonomously determine characteristics or attributes of a playback device (i.e., a display device and/or audio playback device, etc.). The computing system might send, to a media content source over a network, a request for the media content, the request comprising information regarding presentation characteristics that are based at least in part on the determined characteristics of the playback device.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing media stream synchronization. In some embodiments, a synchronization system might receive a first signal that is output from a first device, which receives an original video signal from a video source and outputs a first video signal. The synchronization system might analyze the first signal to determine a first frame buffer delay, generate a delay adjustment signal based on such determination, and send the delay adjustment signal to a frame buffer delay device. The frame buffer delay device and the first device might concurrently receive the original video signal from the video source. The first delay adjustment signal causes the frame buffer delay device to apply the first frame buffer delay to the original video signal to produce a second video signal that is synchronized with the first video signal.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing content navigation or selection using touch-based input. In various embodiments, a computing system might display a first video content on a display screen of a main display device and on a touchscreen display of a user device, the first video content displayed on one mirroring that displayed on the other. In response to receiving user input via the touchscreen display, the computing system might shift display of the first video content along a first direction consistent with the user input while displaying and shifting display of a second video content along the first direction such that the two video content are adjacent to each other during shifting. The computing system might mirror the display and the shifting of the display of the first and the second video content on the display screen.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming/downloading and playback, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing video quality optimization based on display capabilities. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive user input from a user indicating a user request for media content. The computing system might autonomously determine characteristics or attributes of a playback device (i.e., a display device and/or audio playback device, etc.). The computing system might send, to a media content source over a network, a request for the media content, the request comprising information regarding presentation characteristics that are based at least in part on the determined characteristics of the playback device.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing configuration data and settings on customer premises equipment (“CPE”), and, more particularly, for implementing storage, retrieval, and transfer of configuration data and settings associated with a user and/or a customer premises on CPE. In operation, CPE might set and store one or more configuration settings associated with a user and/or a customer premises. Next, a first CPE might receive a request to set the one or more configuration settings associated with the user or the customer premises on the first CPE or on a second CPE. Based on the request received, the CPE might retrieve from storage and set the one or more configuration settings associated with the user or the customer premises on the first CPE or on the second CPE.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing media stream synchronization. In some embodiments, a synchronization system might receive a first signal that is output from a first device, which receives an original video signal from a video source and outputs a first video signal. The synchronization system might analyze the first signal to determine a first frame buffer delay, generate a delay adjustment signal based on such determination, and send the delay adjustment signal to a frame buffer delay device. The frame buffer delay device and the first device might concurrently receive the original video signal from the video source. The first delay adjustment signal causes the frame buffer delay device to apply the first frame buffer delay to the original video signal to produce a second video signal that is synchronized with the first video signal.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a unified multi-source video programming & navigation guide. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive first metadata, receive second metadata, and compile the first metadata and the second metadata. The first metadata might correspond to first video content available from a first video content source among a plurality of video content sources, while the second metadata might correspond to second video content available from a second video content source among the plurality of video content sources. The computing system might also generate a unified multi-source video programming and navigation guide (“UPG”) that lists in a blended fashion the first video content and the second video content, based at least in part on the first metadata and the second metadata. The computing system might display the UPG on a display screen of a display device.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing conflict resolution for electronic program guides. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive a plurality of metadata each from a metadata source among a plurality of metadata sources, each of the metadata corresponding to a video content, might compile the plurality of metadata, might determine whether at least one metadata of the plurality of metadata is inconsistent with other metadata of the plurality of metadata. Based on a determination that at least one metadata is inconsistent with other metadata, the computing system might analyze the plurality of metadata to determine which set of metadata more accurately corresponds to the video content, might modify one or more metadata based on such determination, might generate an EPG that presents the video content, using metadata consistent with the modified one or more metadata, and might display the EPG on a display device.