Abstract: An apparatus for performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: a substitute content engine configured to detect a break in a broadcast content and to show substitute content in response to the break in a broadcast content; and a processor configured to execute the substitute content engine. An apparatus for substituting broadcast content displayed on a screen, including: a customer premise equipment capable to receive broadcast content; the customer premise equipment including a viewing engine capable to permit the display of substitute content in response to a break in the broadcast content.

Abstract: A method of substituting content during a program break, includes: detecting a break in a broadcast program, and in response to the break, showing substitute content. A method of substituting broadcast content displayed on a screen, includes: determining an occurrence of a break in a broadcast content; and in response to the occurrence of the break, displaying substitute content on the screen. The method may further include: displaying the broadcast content when the break terminates.

Abstract: A method collecting content and performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: aggregating substitute content based upon a user preference; delivering the aggregated substitute content; and displaying the aggregated substitute content in response to a break in a broadcast content. A system for collecting content and performing a substitution for a broadcast content, includes: an aggregator configured to aggregate substitute content based upon a user preference; a transmission path communicatively coupled to the aggregator and configured to deliver the aggregated substitute content; and a display stage communicatively coupled to the transmission path and configured to display the aggregated substitute content in response to a break in a broadcast content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering interactive content to viewers via the utilization of synthetic channels mimicking traditional television “broadcast” cable channels. Interactive television viewers may access and interact with the variety of interactive content provided by selecting a synthetic channel that displays, on the screen of the viewer's television set or other display device, the start or home page of a particular application, Internet site, or other content page with which the user may interact. The synthetic channels may be administered by a cable provider, and communicated to the viewer via an electronic programming guide, which may also contain a traditional cable “channel lineup.” The synthetic channels may be selected from the electronic programming guide in the same manner as if the viewer was selecting a broadcast cable channel.

Abstract: A hybrid communicator/remote control includes an integrated display screen configured to display a contact list. Each contact in the contact list includes an address, such as a network address, for establishing two-way communication with the contact. Moreover, each contact in the contact list includes a visual identifier, such as a name, picture, or the like, that identifies the contact. A user may select a contact from the contact list, after which a communication channel is established between the hybrid communicator/remote control and a device used by the selected contact, such as a telephone, Internet-accessible telephone, or another hybrid communicator/remote control.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the capture of an image of an object, includes: a lens capable to capture a scene within a wide field of vision of the lens; an image collection array communicatively coupled to the lens and capable to store data of the scene within the wide field of vision; a memory communicatively coupled to the image collection array and capable to store digitized data of the scene within the wide field of vision; and a processing stage communicatively coupled to the memory and capable to select a plurality of subsets of the digitized data of the scene in order to generate an image of the captured scene.

Abstract: Digital media streams are received by a cable set top box (STB) from multiple sources, such as cable television and IP (Internet Protocol) sources. The STB includes a standard video tuner and a demodulator/demultiplexer for receiving an encoded media stream from a cable television source. In addition, the STB includes a modem device and CPU for receiving an encoded media stream from an IP source. The STB further includes a stream selector, which selectively receives an encoded media stream from either (1) the video tuner and demodulator/demultiplexer or (2) the modem device and CPU, for transmission to a hardware-based decoder.