Abstract: A client media application sends a first request for a first chunk of a particular media stream. In response to the request, the client media application begins receiving data packets associated with the requested first chunk of the particular media stream. The data packets are received through a socket having a buffer. Rather than waiting until all of the data packets associated with the first chunk of the particular media stream have been read from the buffer by the client media application before sending a request for a second chunk of the particular media stream, the client media application monitors the amount of data that has been received compared to an expected amount of data, and sends the second request when it determines that the amount of data remaining to be received is less than the size of the buffer.

Abstract: Streaming media is received from a source system. A current overall resource usage of a resource of the device (such as a CPU or memory of the device) is obtained. A check is made as to whether the current overall resource usage exceeds a resource threshold value. If the current overall resource usage exceeds the resource threshold value, then an indication is provided to the source system to reduce a quality level of the streaming media. The streaming media is received from the source system at the reduced quality level until there is sufficient resource capacity at the device to increase the quality level.

Abstract: A device plays back programming content in a trick mode while an advertising segment record is monitored. When an advertising segment beginning identified by the advertising segment record is encountered, playback of the programming content temporarily ceases. One or more advertisements are played back during the advertising segment, and then playback of the programming content in the trick mode resumes after an ending of the advertising segment is encountered.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor presentation timestamps for content are described, which may be used to render content at a client. In an implementation, content is received having timestamps that define expected timing for output of the content at a client. The timestamps may then be monitored and compared to a client clock to determine if the content rendered matches the content expected to be rendered. When a discrepancy is detected, one or more corrective actions may be undertaken to restore output of the content to the timing defined by the timestamps.

Abstract: A client media application sends a first request for a first chunk of a particular media stream. In response to the request, the client media application begins receiving data packets associated with the requested first chunk of the particular media stream. The data packets are received through a socket having a buffer. Rather than waiting until all of the data packets associated with the first chunk of the particular media stream have been read from the buffer by the client media application before sending a request for a second chunk of the particular media stream, the client media application monitors the amount of data that has been received compared to an expected amount of data, and sends the second request when it determines that the amount of data remaining to be received is less than the size of the buffer.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor presentation timestamps for content are described, which may be used to render content at a client. In an implementation, content is received having timestamps that define expected timing for output of the content at a client. The timestamps may then be monitored and compared to a client clock to determine if the content rendered matches the content expected to be rendered. When a discrepancy is detected, one or more corrective actions may be undertaken to restore output of the content to the timing defined by the timestamps.

Abstract: Streaming media is received from a source system. A current overall resource usage of a resource of the device (such as a CPU or memory of the device) is obtained. A check is made as to whether the current overall resource usage exceeds a resource threshold value. If the current overall resource usage exceeds the resource threshold value, then an indication is provided to the source system to reduce a quality level of the streaming media. The streaming media is received from the source system at the reduced quality level until there is sufficient resource capacity at the device to increase the quality level.

Abstract: Programming content is played back in a trick mode. One or more portions of an advertisement to be played back are identified based at least in part on the trick mode. These one or more portions are less than the entire advertisement, and are played back during an advertising segment. Playback of the programming content in the trick mode resumes after the advertising segment ends. A table or other record associated with the advertisement can be stored to maintain identifications of the one or more portions for each of multiple trick modes.

Abstract: A device plays back programming content in a trick mode while an advertising segment record is monitored. When an advertising segment beginning identified by the advertising segment record is encountered, playback of the programming content temporarily ceases. One or more advertisements are played back during the advertising segment, and then playback of the programming content in the trick mode resumes after an ending of the advertising segment is encountered.

Abstract: Displaying a video stream when constrained by system memory and connection bandwidth. When the resources and/or memory of a client are insufficient to decode and process a video stream, the client only decodes and processes key frames of the video stream. The other frames are discarded by the client. By decoding and processing key frames, the memory and resource requirements of the video stream are reduced. The client is also able to negotiate with the video stream source such that only key frames are downloaded. Bandwidth limitations can thus be accommodated because downloading only key frames requires less bandwidth.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor presentation timestamps for content are described, which may be used to render content at a client. In an implementation, content is received having timestamps that define expected timing for output of the content at a client. The timestamps may then be monitored and compared to a client clock to determine if the content rendered matches the content expected to be rendered. When a discrepancy is detected, one or more corrective actions may be undertaken to restore output of the content to the timing defined by the timestamps.

Abstract: Various embodiments pertain to methods and systems for providing multi-source content in electronic program guides (EPGs). In at least some embodiments, various techniques can present the viewer with a user interface, such as a grid, that is efficiently and intelligently assembled and managed to foster a desirable user experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repositioning selectable content. Content that includes selectable items is displayed on a display device through a user interface. When an item is selected, the item is repositioned and sometimes resized so that the selected item is more easily viewed. If the item includes text, the text is more legible because it has been enlarged. Other items included in the content that are not currently selected are not enlarged or modified. When a new item is selected, the new item is repositioned or resized and the previously selected item returns to a previous state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for repositioning selectable content. Content that includes selectable items is displayed on a display device through a user interface. When an item is selected, the item is repositioned and sometimes resized so that the selected item is more easily viewed. If the item includes text, the text is more legible because it has been enlarged. Other items included in the content that are not currently selected are not enlarged or modified. When a new item is selected, the new item is repositioned or resized and the previously selected item returns to a previous state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enlarging selectable content. Content that includes selectable items is displayed on a display device through a user interface. When an item is selected, the item is enlarged such that the selected item is more easily viewed. If the item includes text, the text is more legible because it has been enlarged. Other items included in the content that are not currently selected are not enlarged or modified. When a new item is selected, the new item is enlarged and the previously selected item returns to an unselected size and is no longer enlarged.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enlarging selectable content. Content that includes selectable items is displayed on a display device through a user interface. When an item is selected, the item is enlarged such that the selected item is more easily viewed. If the item includes text, the text is more legible because it has been enlarged. Other items included in the content that are not currently selected are not enlarged or modified. When a new item is selected, the new item is enlarged and the previously selected item returns to an unselected size and is no longer enlarged.

Abstract: Displaying a video stream when constrained by system memory and connection bandwidth. When the resources and/or memory of a client are insufficient to decode and process a video stream, the client only decodes and processes key frames of the video stream. The other frames are discarded by the client. By decoding and processing key frames, the memory and resource requirements of the video stream are reduced. The client is also able to negotiate with the video stream source such that only key frames are downloaded. Bandwidth limitations can thus be accommodated because downloading only key frames requires less bandwidth.