Abstract: Techniques for displaying an intended video image are described herein. One exemplary method ascertains whether an image generated from a video signal is to be cropped. Based upon whether the image is to be cropped, the method selectively takes an action to enhance a user experience relating to the image.

Abstract: A method and system for keeping endpoints such as speakers and displays synchronized via feedback based on the actual output of the endpoints. A source of audiovisual content transmits corresponding digital data to one or more endpoints, such as over a home network, where it may be buffered and/or decoded for playback. Microphones or the like sense actual (post-buffering/decoding) output from one or more endpoints and feed it back to a synchronization mechanism. The synchronization mechanism employs pattern matching or similar techniques to determine whether and how to adjust the timing of endpoints to synchronize their actual outputs. Synchronization may be accomplished by controllably delaying transmission and/or other processing, by controllably changing the rate of advancing in a buffer, and/or by jumping ahead in a buffer. The synchronization mechanism may adjust multiple endpoints, e.g., when limited buffer size limits the amount of adjustment a single device can provide.

Abstract: An advertisement data store maintains advertisements that have been displayed for viewing and/or information corresponding to the displayed advertisements. The advertisement data store provides advertisers with an advertising model to selectively reach potential customers and clients, and provides viewers with additional information about a particular product and/or service after having viewed an advertisement of interest. A viewer can reference the information maintained in the advertisement data store without interrupting a current television program and without missing other advertisements that may be of interest to the viewer.

Abstract: A method for providing enhanced programming to an entertainment module where the display of the enhanced programming is prepared remotely from the entertainment module. The method includes a step for analyzing a programming transmission stream deliverable to an entertainment module, remotely from the entertainment module, to identify whether the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal. In the event that the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal, a step for preparing, remotely from the entertainment module, a visual representation of the enhanced programming based upon the at least one enhanced programming control signal. Following preparing the enhanced programming by the preparing step, a step for delivering the visual representation of the enhanced programming to the entertainment module.

Abstract: A method for delivering enhanced programming content to a receiver module that displays the enhanced programming content. The method includes accessing a schema document that defines instructions and control parameters that identify one or more of: (i) the availability of enhanced programming or enhanced programming content; (ii) where the enhanced programming or programming content is stored; (iii) when the enhanced programming or programming content is to be delivered to a receiver module; and (iv) what enhanced programming or programming content is to be delivered to a receiver module. The method further includes analyzing the schema to retrieve the control parameters from the schema document. In response to analyzing the schema document, the enhanced programming or programming content is delivered to a receiver module for presentation to the viewer.

Abstract: A broadcast transmission system transmits data packets from a server to a client over a unidirectional broadcast network. The system transmits both full-length data packets, which have uncompressed headers, and reduced-length data packets, which have compressed headers derived from associated uncompressed headers. The server compresses the data packets by compressing the packet header. Compressed packet headers contain fewer header fields than their associated uncompressed headers. The server transmits a series of intermixed full-length and reduced-length packets to the client. As the packets are received, the client determines whether the packets are full-length or reduced-length. If the packet is full-length, the client stores the uncompressed header in a header table. If the packet is reduced-length, the client rebuilds the compressed header from its corresponding uncompressed headers in the header table.