Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a timed event to a user viewing recorded media content at a defined time interval. The recorded media content may be any media viewed on a time-shifted basis. For example, the recorded media may be television content recorded by a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), media content recorded on a Digital Video Disc (DVD), streaming media content providing by a network such as the Internet, or the like. In general, the timed event may be, for example, presenting audio, visual, or audio-visual content and is configured to occur periodically at a time interval such as, but not limited to, every half-hour, every hour, or once a day. Once the timed event is configured, the timed event is periodically effected at the time interval to provide an indication of time while the user is viewing recorded media content.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a digital medium, such as a Digital Video Disc (DVD), enabling playback of different versions of a media presentation depending on the locality of the viewer, where each version includes embedded advertisements for a corresponding locality. In one embodiment, a DVD stores a media presentation such as, for example, a movie, an episode of a television program, or the like. Depending on the location of the viewer, the DVD provides a version of the media presentation having embedded advertisements relevant to the locality of the viewer.

Abstract: Profiling data for a consumer can be generated from one or more of the consumer's own financial records. The profiling data can be provided by the consumer him or herself through use of one or more computing devices subject to terms, conditions, rules, and/or other parameters set by the consumer. The profiling data may be provided to one or more interested parties in exchange for value, with the exchange negotiated by one or more software agents acting on behalf of the consumer. The profiling data may be provided in a manner such that it is accessible only in a manner specified by the consumer. For instance, profiling data may be subject to digital rights management or other restrictions such that the receiving party or parties may only access the data for a limited time.

Abstract: A system and method for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) media content streaming are provided. In one embodiment, prior to streaming desired original media content, a playback agent of a first peer playback device downloads illustration media content, which is a derivate light-weight version of the original media content. The playback agent then initiates streaming of the original media content from one or more other peer playback devices hosting the original media content or a segment thereof. The playback agent monitors a quality of the network connection to the other peer playback devices streaming the original media content to the playback agent. If the quality of the network connection falls below a defined threshold, the playback agent switches playback to the illustration media content. Once the quality of the network connection improves or a new connection is established, the playback agent switches playback back to the streaming original media content.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a digital medium, such as a Digital Video Disc (DVD), enabling playback of different versions of a media presentation depending on the locality of the viewer, where each version includes embedded advertisements for a corresponding locality. In one embodiment, a DVD stores a media presentation such as, for example, a movie, an episode of a television program, or the like. Depending on the location of the viewer, the DVD provides a version of the media presentation having embedded advertisements relevant to the locality of the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) media content streaming are provided. In one embodiment, prior to streaming desired original media content, a playback agent of a first peer playback device downloads illustration media content, which is a derivate light-weight version of the original media content. The playback agent then initiates streaming of the original media content from one or more other peer playback devices hosting the original media content or a segment thereof. The playback agent monitors a quality of the network connection to the other peer playback devices streaming the original media content to the playback agent. If the quality of the network connection falls below a defined threshold, the playback agent switches playback to the illustration media content. Once the quality of the network connection improves or a new connection is established, the playback agent switches playback back to the streaming original media content.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a timed event to a user viewing recorded media content at a defined time interval. The recorded media content may be any media viewed on a time-shifted basis. For example, the recorded media may be television content recorded by a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), media content recorded on a Digital Video Disc (DVD), streaming media content providing by a network such as the Internet, or the like. In general, the timed event may be, for example, presenting audio, visual, or audio-visual content and is configured to occur periodically at a time interval such as, but not limited to, every half-hour, every hour, or once a day. Once the timed event is configured, the timed event is periodically effected at the time interval to provide an indication of time while the user is viewing recorded media content.