Abstract: A method of organizing episodic content includes identifying a list of items associated with episodic content and sorting the list of items based on at least episode order upon a prompt.

Abstract: A system integrates standards-defined multimedia storage system and an Internet browser. In one example, Universal Resource Locator (URL) information corresponding to web sites accessible by the browser is stored in fields within the DVD data. When a user actuates a DVD element that has a corresponding URL, the web browser displays information from that site. When the user actuates an HTML menu or other browser-implemented feature, the DVD system accesses a portion of the DVD data specified in the menu. This arrangement provides for two-way communication, i.e., HTML in the browser is able to control DVD content and vice-versa. Having WWW information embedded in the DVD brings a number of benefits, the foremost of which is the ability to write a “one size fits all” template web page that can interrogate the DVD for URL information and present WWW content corresponding to the URL synchronized with the DVD information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting media items in a display environment. A plurality of media items are selected. Instances of each of the selected media items are generated. The instances of the selected media items can be scaled and concurrently transitioned through a display environment along one or more paths.

Abstract: Media menu items are generated within a media interface environment. Media menu item abstractions are generated, one of the media menu item abstractions arranged in a foreground position, and one or more of the media menu item abstractions arranged in background positions in the media interface environment. Selection of a media menu items transitions to a corresponding content menu interface.

Abstract: Media menu items are generated within a media interface environment. Media menu item abstractions are generated, one of the media menu item abstractions arranged in a foreground position, and one or more of the media menu item abstractions arranged in background positions in the media interface environment. Selection of a media menu items transitions to a corresponding content menu interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced metadata to a user. Systems and methods can include extraction of data from metadata and searching for related metadata based upon the the extracted data.

Abstract: A menu having menu items is arranged in an interface environment. A first abstraction is arranged proximate to the menu, the first abstraction being based on a highlighted menu item. A second abstraction is transitioned into the interface environment upon the occurrence of an event, the second abstraction being proximate to the menu.

Abstract: Audio files and video files are selected for playback. One or more unassociated video items are selected for presentation during a playback of a selected audio file and presented during the playback of the selected audio file.

Abstract: The present system and method is particularly useful for remotely controlling a device having one or more menus via a remote touch interface having at least an unstructured primary input area. A user can provide inputs to a touch interface without needing to view the interface and yet still achieve the desired response from the remotely controlled device. The primary input area of the touch interface may or may not have a background display, such as on a touch screen, but the primary input area of the touch interface should be unstructured and should not have independently selectable items, buttons, icons or anything of the like. Since the touch interface is unstructured, the user does not have to identify any selectable buttons. Instead the user can input a gesture into the interface and watch the remotely controlled device respond. The system does not provide any other visual confirmation.

Abstract: Content abstractions are emerged in to an ingress terminus of a multidimensional path and depth transitioned through the multidimensional path to an egress terminus. The content abstractions are eliminated at the egress terminus.

Abstract: Playing a media file can include receiving input from a user identifying a playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the identified playback location from the media file; displaying a status bar to the user on a display device; and presenting a download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the identified playback location. Further, playing the media file can include receiving additional input from a user identifying a new playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the new playback location; and presenting a new download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the new playback location.

Abstract: System and method in tangible computer-readable media are disclosed for facilitating community interaction with a playlist. A host system communicates with a plurality of portable devices to transmit information about the items in the playlist. Users of the portable device queue additional selections or vote on media items in the playlist. Based on user voting the playlist is rearranged to accommodate the preferences of the community. Both registered and guest users participate in managing the playlist. Such a system and method can be particularly useful in a variety of social gathering situations.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network.

Abstract: Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path. Each icon corresponds to a content-specific menu item.

Abstract: Content abstractions are emerged in to an ingress terminus of a multidimensional path and depth transitioned through the multidimensional path to an egress terminus. The content abstractions are eliminated at the egress terminus.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network.

Abstract: Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for identifying protocols. In one aspect, a method includes comparing characteristics of a wireless signal received from a remote control to characteristics associated with a set of protocols. The method also includes assigning a score, based upon the comparison, to each protocol included in the plurality of protocols. The method also includes identifying a protocol from the set of protocols based upon the assigned scores. The identified protocol is substantially similar to a protocol associated with the wireless signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for learning remote control command signals by a media processing device. In one aspect, a method includes activating a learning mode of operation, presenting an instruction to actuate a control associated with a secondary remote control device, capturing a command signal transmitted by the secondary remote control device while the learning mode is active, generating a mapping that associates a representation of the captured command signal with a media processing device function, and storing the generated mapping in a profile corresponding to the secondary remote control device. Further, a control symbol identifying the control associated with the secondary remote control device can be displayed. Additionally, a progress bar can be displayed indicating a period for which the control is to be actuated.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable-media for presenting sub-videos in a media presentation are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a media bundle having a media presentation and a sub-video bundle to a playback device, the sub-video bundle comprising at least one of a video clip and a reference to a video clip, wherein the media presentation includes a plurality of locked segments, unlocking a segment of the media presentation for display to a user by playing a selected unlocking sub-video from the sub-video bundle such that the unlocked segment of the media presentation is playable, and receiving media impressions reported in the form of sub-video playback behavior of the playback device. In one aspect, a media bundle includes at least one of an episode file, a reference to an episode file, metadata, sub-video break locations, and sub-video unlocking information. The playback device can be an online playback device.