Abstract: Methods are described for displaying video including variable frame rates. A method for displaying images includes receiving digital video data including video image data in a display system capable of displaying images at multiple frame rates; storing the digital video data in at least one frame buffer coupled to the display system; receiving in the digital video data ancillary data comprising at least configuration parameters indicating a current frame rate and a future frame rate; storing the parameters representative of a current frame rate in a first timing control buffer coupled to the display system; storing the parameters representative of a future frame rate in a second timing control buffer; displaying images from data in the frame buffer at the current frame rate; and upon detection of a swap condition, instantly displaying images from data in the frame buffer at the future frame rate. Additional methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: Methods are described for displaying video including variable frame rates. A method for displaying images includes receiving digital video data including video image data in a display system capable of displaying images at multiple frame rates; storing the digital video data in at least one frame buffer coupled to the display system; receiving in the digital video data ancillary data comprising at least configuration parameters indicating a current frame rate and a future frame rate; storing the parameters representative of a current frame rate in a first timing control buffer coupled to the display system; storing the parameters representative of a future frame rate in a second timing control buffer; displaying images from data in the frame buffer at the current frame rate; and upon detection of a swap condition, instantly displaying images from data in the frame buffer at the future frame rate. Additional methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: An entertainment portal, which serves as a common user interface (UI) to access local and remote entertainment content, integrate and categorize it, then display it on a single HDTV. The interface aggregates content from many different delivery mechanisms and presents it in a single form. The portal, to be datacast by a local broadcaster, will integrate content creators, broadcasters, advertisers, manufactures, websites, and home consumers by channeling people and content through a uniform technology experience. The user interface, which is hosted remotely and cached locally, allows for continuous updating of the portal so that up-to-the-minute content is displayed on the screen, while ensuring that the portal is always available, even when the remote host is not. This allows the UI to grow, change, and update daily without affecting the display hardware.

Abstract: A software application, which presents aggregated content including broadcast, Internet, and local media on a single HDTV display screen. For the most part, this information is pulled from existing databases and supplied by means of an entertainment portal, and then synchronized, resized, and displayed on a single HDTV display screen. This allows mixed entertainment content from creators, broadcasters, advertisers, manufactures, websites, and home consumers to be viewed on a single HDTV display screen, thereby creating a single-screen home entertainment experience. In operation, the screen is divided into multiple areas 200, 202 where web content, which can be continuously updated, is displayed at the same time live video is being aired. This can include any and all types of content; such as news, stock quotes, weather forecast, sports scores, on-line shopping, on-line multi-player games, local community information, etc.

Abstract: An interactive television that combines the video/audio content, delivered by existing broadcast methods, with the interactive Internet capabilities, delivered by existing network methods. In this approach, mixed media, including fall frame-rate high definition video, audio, text, and graphics are delivered via mixed transmission mediums, both traditional broadcast and the Internet. This provides for personalized content, both video and Internet, and allows interactive content to be developed by third parties.