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.

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 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 media content streaming or playback, and, more particularly, for implementing advanced audio shifting. In various embodiments, a computing system might present a first audio content to a user using at least one audio playback device. The computing system might receive user input from the user, the user input being indicative of a desire by the user to switch from presentation of the first audio content to presentation of a second audio content. In response to receiving the user input, the computing system might automatically shift from presentation of the first audio content to presentation of the second audio content using an audio shift using the at least one audio playback device, the audio shift comprising a gradual decrease in volume of the first audio content to mute followed by a gradual increase in volume of the second audio content from mute.

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, 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 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 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 that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

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 that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing controlled access to network characteristic data stored at a subscriber premises. In one embodiment, Internet services are provided to a subscriber through a subscriber's modem, connected to the Internet through an access network, and to a number of data terminals on a local network. The modem is adapted to receive and/or generate data from the connected networks and devices for use in generating network characteristic data. This data is stored in an access-controlled data storage module. Content providers may then login to the modem and query network characteristic data. The modem is configured to authenticate the content provider, and, if authorized and available, return the queried data to the content provider. The content provider may then communicate information to the subscriber's data terminal through the modem, according to the network characteristic data returned by the query.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.

Abstract: A method of playing a rich content stream that includes a media stream and a descriptive stream. The method may include the steps of receiving the rich content stream at a media player, where the descriptive stream is generated from a rich content file executed separately from a source for the media stream, and where the media stream and the descriptive stream are received as separate streams at the media player. The method may also include synchronizing the media stream and the descriptive stream at the media player so that information in the descriptive stream is temporally synchronized with media content playing from the media stream. In addition the method may include activating the playing of the descriptive stream while the media stream is playing on the media player, where descriptive content from the descriptive stream is not played on the media player until being activated by a user.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that can be used to detect network impairment, including but not limited to impairment of optical fiber networks. In an aspect, such tools and techniques can be deployed at relatively low cost, allowing pervasive deployment throughout a network. In another aspect, such tools and techniques can take advantage of a “dying gasp,” in which a network element detects a sudden drop in received optical (or electrical) power, resolution, etc. at short time scales and sends a notification across the network before the connection is completely compromised. In yet another aspect, some tools can include a supervisory function to analyze aspects of the dying gasp with the goal to determine network segments associated with an impairment and an estimate of the location of an impairment within the network.