Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing users with a real time or near-real time indications of media channels or programs that are currently receiving the most usage or consumption within a defined population of users are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method receives media usage data for currently airing media while the media is being aired and creates an ordered list of media channels or programs for presentation, based at least in part on the media usage data. The method then presents the ordered list of media channels or programs while the media is being aired. In an embodiment, a system further provides the ability to easily select and tune one of the indicated channels or programs in an interactive interface. In an embodiment, the selected media channels or programs are sold on demand or as part of a service upgrade if they are not included in a user's current subscription.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for the display of a multi-screen virtual billboard. The virtual billboard utilizes individual mobile devices as portions of a display screen (e.g., as individual pixels or groups of pixels). Each mobile device is configured to display a portion of the virtual billboard corresponding to a location of the mobile device. The mobile devices forming the virtual billboard are triggered in order to display a graphic or other visual information in synchronization with the other mobile devices.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for the display of a multi-screen virtual billboard. The virtual billboard utilizes individual mobile devices as portions of a display screen (e.g., as individual pixels or groups of pixels). Each mobile device is configured to display a portion of the virtual billboard corresponding to a location of the mobile device. The mobile devices forming the virtual billboard are triggered in order to display a graphic or other visual information in synchronization with the other mobile devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing users with a real time or near-real time indications of media channels or programs that are currently receiving the most usage or consumption within a defined population of users are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method receives media usage data for currently airing media while the media is being aired and creates an ordered list of media channels or programs for presentation, based at least in part on the media usage data. The method then presents the ordered list of media channels or programs while the media is being aired. In an embodiment, a system further provides the ability to easily select and tune one of the indicated channels or programs in an interactive interface. In an embodiment, the selected media channels or programs are sold on demand or as part of a service upgrade if they are not included in a user's current subscription.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing users with a real time or near-real time indications of media channels or programs that are currently receiving the most usage or consumption within a defined population of users are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method receives media usage data for currently airing media while the media is being aired and creates an ordered list of media channels or programs for presentation, based at least in part on the media usage data. The method then presents the ordered list of media channels or programs while the media is being aired. In an embodiment, a system further provides the ability to easily select and tune one of the indicated channels or programs in an interactive interface. In an embodiment, the selected media channels or programs are sold on demand or as part of a service upgrade if they are not included in a user's current subscription.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for commanding a controlled device. An intelligent navigation server detects a transition from a current state of a remote control device. A context for transition is also determined. The current state, the new current state and the context are evaluated to select a set of commands appropriate to the context and the new current state. The selected commands determine behavior options for the controlled device. The set of selected commands are sent to the remote control device. Text and/or graphical data appropriate to the new current state may also be sent to the remote control device. The remote control device may generate display data based on the selected commands to provide one or more soft buttons linked to one or more of the selected commands. The remote control device may also display the text and/or graphical data.

Abstract: A system and method for commanding a controlled device. An intelligent navigation server detects a transition from a current state of a remote control device. A context for transition is also determined. The current state, the new current state and the context are evaluated to select a set of commands appropriate to the context and the new current state. The selected commands determine behavior options for the controlled device. The set of selected commands are sent to the remote control device. Text and/or graphical data appropriate to the new current state may also be sent to the remote control device. The remote control device may generate display data based on the selected commands to provide one or more soft buttons linked to one or more of the selected commands. The remote control device may also display the text and/or graphical data.

Abstract: A system and method for commanding a controlled device. An intelligent navigation server detects a transition from a current state of a remote control device. A context for transition is also determined. The current state, the new current state and the context are evaluated to select a set of commands appropriate to the context and the new current state. The selected commands determine behavior options for the controlled device. The set of selected commands are sent to the remote control device. Text and/or graphical data appropriate to the new current state may also be sent to the remote control device. The remote control device may generate display data based on the selected commands to provide one or more soft buttons linked to one or more of the selected commands. The remote control device may also display the text and/or graphical data.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a sequence of automatic previews of items in a list of content assets. In an embodiment, a system provides a user with the ability to select actions on the asset associated with a preview being currently presented without interrupting playback of the current preview or sequence. Actions include, but are not limited to, retrieving further information on an associated asset, adding the asset to a set for later viewing or purchase, scheduling the asset for future recording, and retrieving a set of related assets. In embodiments, the system can retrieve and display asset information such as genre, ratings, reviews, synopses, and contributors such as cast members, cinematographers, writers, directors, and producers. Related assets can be determined based on retrieved asset information. In embodiments, the content assets include, but are not limited to, motion pictures, pay per view content, television programs, media preview/viewing content, and DVDs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing users with a real time or near-real time indications of media channels or programs that are currently receiving the most usage or consumption within a defined population of users are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method receives media usage data for currently airing media while the media is being aired and creates an ordered list of media channels or programs for presentation, based at least in part on the media usage data. The method then presents the ordered list of media channels or programs while the media is being aired. In an embodiment, a system further provides the ability to easily select and tune one of the indicated channels or programs in an interactive interface. In an embodiment, the selected media channels or programs are sold on demand or as part of a service upgrade if they are not included in a user's current subscription.

Abstract: Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area.