Abstract: Systems and processes associated with an augmented film crew.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting audio-video content into audio-only content. Audio-video content is readily accessible, but for various reasons users often cannot consume content visually. In those circumstances, for example, when a user is interrupted during a movie to drive to pick up a spouse or child, the user may not want to forego consuming the audio-video content. The audio-video content can be converted into audio only content for the user to aurally consume, allowing the user to consume the content despite interruptions or other reasons for which the audio-video content cannot be consumed visually.

Abstract: System and methods for providing access to particular media content. First media content may be output for presentation by a display device. Second media content other than the first media content may be monitored. A determination may be made as to whether the second media content has a priority greater than the first media content. Access to the second media content for presentation by the display device may be provided.

Abstract: System and methods for providing access to particular media content. First media content may be output for presentation by a display device. Second media content other than the first media content may be monitored. A determination may be made as to whether the second media content has a priority greater than the first media content. Access to the second media content for presentation by the display device may be provided.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: A set-top box provides for touch free operation of home entertainment system. The set-top box detects the mobile phone of a of a user and initiates a configuration of the home entertainment system according to the preferences of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting audio-video content into audio-only content. Audio-video content is readily accessible, but for various reasons users often cannot consume content visually. In those circumstances, for example, when a user is interrupted during a movie to drive to pick up a spouse or child, the user may not want to forego consuming the audio-video content. The audio-video content can be converted into audio only content for the user to aurally consume, allowing the user to consume the content despite interruptions or other reasons for which the audio-video content cannot be consumed visually.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate the creation and presentation of a virtual entertainment world. In one embodiment, the virtual entertainment world is created to help a user find and watch content. The virtual entertainment world includes various environments, including a virtual program guide, a virtual viewing environment, and a concession environment. The virtual program guide provides a starting point for users to easily and efficiently find content. The virtual viewing environment provides an immersive environment for users to watch content. The concession environment provides a convenient location where users may make purchases.

Abstract: A content selection menu is generated and provided to a user. The content selection menu includes a plurality of audiovisual (AV) programs that are provided for user selection. The AV programs may be positioned in the content selection menu in accordance with their associated score for content attributes. Upon providing the content selection to a user, the user may select a program for viewing or the user may indicate interest in a program. If the user indicates interest in a program a second content selection menu is generated based at least in part on the attributes of the program of interest.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: A content selection menu is generated and provided to a user. The content selection menu includes a plurality of audiovisual (AV) programs that are provided for user selection. The AV programs may be positioned in the content selection menu in accordance with their associated score for content attributes. Upon providing the content selection to a user, the user may select a program for viewing or the user may indicate interest in a program. If the user indicates interest in a program a second content selection menu is generated based at least in part on the attributes of the program of interest.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: A segment is defined in an item of media content. A first file is received that includes content to be added to the segment. A second file is received that includes depth information related to the first file. The depth information is used to extract, from the first file, the content to be added to the segment. The extracted content is added to the media segment.

Abstract: A content selection menu is generated and provided to a user. The content selection menu includes a plurality of audiovisual (AV) programs that are provided for user selection. The AV programs may be positioned in the content selection menu in accordance with their associated score for content attributes. Upon providing the content selection to a user, the user may select a program for viewing or the user may indicate interest in a program. If the user indicates interest in a program a second content selection menu is generated based at least in part on the attributes of the program of interest.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate the creation and presentation of a virtual entertainment world. In one embodiment, the virtual entertainment world is created to help a user find and watch content. The virtual entertainment world includes various environments, including a virtual program guide, a virtual viewing environment, and a concession environment. The virtual program guide provides a starting point for users to easily and efficiently find content. The virtual viewing environment provides an immersive environment for users to watch content. The concession environment provides a convenient location where users may make purchases.

Abstract: System and methods for providing access to particular media content. First media content may be output for presentation by a display device. Second media content other than the first media content may be monitored. A determination may be made as to whether the second media content has a priority greater than the first media content. Access to the second media content for presentation by the display device may be provided.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event.