Abstract: A device for enabling content selection is configured to display one or more sub-categories of content included within a category of content. The one or more sub-categories of content may be displayed using stack structures. The stack structures may include a plurality of icons representing available content. The stack structures may enable thumbnail browsing of content available from a plurality of diverse sources. The device may enable a user to cycle through sub-category types.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method, apparatus and computer program product are provided. The method includes facilitating receipt of a first media content comprising a first audio track and a first video track, and a second media content comprising a second audio track. Section mapping between a first and a second plurality of audio sections associated with the first and second audio tracks, respectively is performed to determine a plurality of mapping audio sections. Relative position of at least one video transition with respect to the audio section is determined. A corresponding at least one video transition associated with at least one video transition is created in a mapping audio section, based on the relative position of the at least one video transition in the audio section. The first video track is modified based on the relative position of the corresponding at least one video transition in mapping audio section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digital television processes and systems. In one embodiment, a method for control of a digital television includes detecting a first command for presentation of a control interface for the digital television, and presenting the control interface, wherein the control interface is presented to include an expanded tab element configured to provide a plurality of selectable elements associated with a category of the expanded tab element, and a plurality of tab elements configured in a horizontal bar configuration on a display of the digital television, the expanded tab element presented within the horizontal bar. The method also includes detecting a command for the control interface to select one of the plurality of tab elements, and updating presentation of the control interface in response to the second command, wherein the digital television presents a selected tab element with expanded configuration and provides a plurality of graphical elements.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for applying media effects to a video stream. For example, media effects may be applied and/or altered based on input from viewers or participants in the video stream. Changes to the media effects may accumulate based on the inputs. In another example, viewership numbers or engagement with a user applying a media effect may alter the media effect. In a broadcast context, actions of the broadcast audience (e.g., as measured by polling) may affect the broadcast and hence the broadcaster. Object recognition and/or people recognition may be applied to cumulatively alter the media effects in an augmented reality context.

Abstract: A display device can include a tuner to receive a broadcast signal; a network interface to receive an application; an external device interface; a display module to display a broadcast program, the received application or video data received from the external device interface; and a controller to display the received broadcast program in a first area, receive a request for displaying a list from a remote controller, and display the list in a second area within the first area, the list includes a first item including information identifying a recently accessed application, a second item including information identifying a recently accessed broadcast program, or a third item including information identifying an external device recently connected to the display device or an access path of the external device, and a specific information item including a main screen of a last accessed webpage is included in the list.

Abstract: A device for enabling content selection is configured to display one or more sub-categories of content included within a category of content. The one or more sub-categories of content may be displayed using stack structures. The stack structures may include a plurality of icons representing available content. The stack structures may enable thumbnail browsing of content available from a plurality of diverse sources. The device may enable a user to cycle through sub-category types.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may embedding a watermark in media content for presentation at a rendering device using an editor to associate the watermark with one or more metadata pointers that point to additional media content according to an embedded link of the watermark to generate a group of one or more metadata pointers where the watermark includes an embedded link to additional media content used to modify the media content based on a content exchange between the rendering device and a computer. The method may further include storing the group of one or more metadata pointers, where a selection of the watermark invokes access to the altered media content containing the additional media content associated with the watermark, thereby producing the altered media content at the one or more user devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for generating and providing micro-previews of edited content (e.g., a movie trailer) associated with media content (e.g., a motion picture). In accordance with at least one embodiment, a movie trailer may be obtained. A micro-preview may be played from the movie trailer by modifying the start time and playback duration of the movie trailer. In some embodiments, the start time and duration may be customized based on information associated with the user. While viewing the micro-preview, the user can be provided options to select an attribute associated with the movie trailer (e.g., director, actor, etc.) and selection options may be provided corresponding to motion pictures that share the attribute. A new movie may be selected from the selection options and a new micro-preview may begin to play based on customizing a corresponding movie trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for preventing a viewer from switching from a channel when an advertisement is being displayed on the channel. The apparatus and method comprises an advertisement controller in a video playback device that (1) prevents a viewer of a direct (non-recorded) broadcast from switching channels when an advertisement is displayed, and (2) prevents a viewer of a recorded program from fast forwarding the recorded program in order to skip past advertisements that were recorded with the program. A viewer may either watch the advertisements or pay a fee in order to be able to change channels or fast forward when the advertisements are being displayed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for shifting an active information element among information elements disposed on an array thereof, a group of arrays thereof and a plurality of arrays thereof. A system and an interface configured to carry out the method is hereby provided.

Abstract: The application discusses a computer implemented method and apparatus for performing audio equalisation in an audio receiver device, such as an integrated receiver/decoder or set top box, or integrated TV, connected to one or more audio playback devices, such as a television unit, computer screen and speakers, amplifier or home theatre equipment. The method and apparatus use an equalisation process which compares audio signals received in different audio formats (e.g. MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 2.0, AC-3 5.1 and HE-AAC) with one another, allowing a correction gain factor to be determined for equalising the perceived loudness of the signals when played-back at a connected playback device. The correction gain factor is then applied in the audio receiver device before output.

Abstract: A terminal device includes a reception unit that receives from a video distribution device, a video gallery display Screen in which display images of Video data items transmitted from transmission Source devices are arranged by group, a display unit that has a display region to display a part of the video gallery display Screen; and a control unit that controls the display of the display unit wherein according to an instruction to designate a display target region in the Video gallery display Screen, the control unit changes the number of the display images of the video data items displayed in the display range in the video gallery display Screen, and according to the number of the display images displayed in the display range, the control unit changes difference among groups in a degree of identification display which is determined for each group so as to identify the group.

Abstract: Browsing and displaying content over multiple devices, including: displaying a graphical user interface program on a second device; associating the second device with a main device; receiving transactions performed by a user on the second device with the graphical user interface; sending at least one command to the main device after the transactions performed by the user on the second device with the graphical user interface are received by the second device; and executing the at least one command on the main device. Keywords include visual BIVL interface and IPTV client without GUI.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that facilitates presenting, to a user, media assets that match a search expression by generating for display media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that are scheduled for transmission to a plurality of users during a specific time interval. The media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from media asset identifiers that correspond to media assets that do not match the search expression. Furthermore, media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from each other based on an attribute of each media asset that matches the search expression.

Abstract: A transmitting terminal can transmit a content held by itself to a specific receiving terminal having no email software as if using a mailer. The transmitting terminal (10) and the receiving terminal (20) are connected to a delivery server (30) via a network (4). The delivery server (30) comprises: a database (36) for registering the device ID that specifies the receiving terminal (20); a content storage (39) for temporarily storing a content transmitted from the transmitting terminal (10); and table (33, 37) for managing contents separately on a per device ID basis of the receiving terminal. The delivery server (30), when receiving a request from the receiving terminal (20), refers to the tables (33, 27) and transmits to the receiving terminal (20) a content, the transmission destination of which corresponds to the device ID of the receiving terminal (20).

Abstract: A system and method for operating a user device includes a receiver that receives a first data object and a second data object. A first memory stores the first data object and a second memory stores the second data object. The second memory is separate from the first memory. A user interface module generates a user input command. An application interface selects a memory location from the first memory or the second memory and obtaining stored data from the first memory or the second memory based on the user input commands. A display displays the stored data.

Abstract: A wireless apparatus is described for receiving and playing stored continuous play content having a temporal flow. At least one segment of the continuous play content is associated with a link to promotional and/or other expansion content. The player is capable of playing at least one segment with temporal flow, determining whether a content expansion is desired, linking to and playing the expansion, if desired, or linking to and playing a continuing segment if the expansion is not desired. An additional link from the expansion to the continuing segment of the first segment is included such that the continuing segment is played after the expansion has been played.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to interact with a social networking structure for an internet website on a video device connected to a network enabled host device is provided. The present disclosure provides for accessing an internet site in response to a user input, the user input initiated while outputting a program to a display, retrieving content from the internet site based on at least one characteristic associated with the program, and outputting the retrieved content in an overlay or user interface on the display simultaneous with the program. The user interface provides the ability to access multiple profiles for determining whose content or message to display, and also includes a rotating carousel message display system, with a current message surrounded above and below by a previous message and a next message in the display queue in a different size or font.

Abstract: Digital content, such as video, audio, multimedia, and similar files may be segmented at a determined frame resolution rate and analyzed to determine a fingerprint for each content segment. An identifier that uniquely identifies each content segment may be determined based on the fingerprint of the respective content segment. The identifier may be associated with data relating to the content segment and with one or more identifiers that uniquely identify other content segments of the content. The content segment identifiers may be used to construct a content segment sequencing representation that represents the playback of the content segments in playback order.

Abstract: Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.

Abstract: Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that receive encrypted media files from a remote device during pre-caching. The encrypted media files may be transferred from the remote devices prior to a user issuing a request to share the particular media file. The remote device may maintain cryptographic keys associated with the sent encrypted media files and only share a cryptographic key associated with a media file the user wishes to share. Without the cryptographic keys, the local device cannot access the contents of the pre-shared encrypted media files in a cache. Upon the user sharing the media file and the local device receiving the cryptographic key, the local device may use the cryptographic key to decrypt the encrypted media file and display the media file at a significantly reduced latency than if the media file were sent only upon the sharing request.

Abstract: A universal environment extender is disclosed. The universal environment extender comprises a smart device; and a main control utility running on the smart device. Then the main control utility allows the extender as a receiver to operate in a mode that allows the extender to explore and reverse-explore the source content/applications and to extend the display environment from another smart device as a transmitter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a method and a device for adjusting television notification display durations and a television, the method includes: receiving notification information sent by a server, and determining a first display duration according to a notification type of the notification information; receiving an operation instruction sent by a user regarding the notification information; adjusting the first display duration to a second display duration according to a type of the operation instruction. The method and device for adjusting television notification display durations, and the television provided by the embodiments of the present application can adjust the display durations of notifications according to level of user interest towards the certain type of notifications, thus improving user experience.

Abstract: A content manager initiates play back of corresponding content on a display screen. The corresponding content is received on a primary broadcast channel selected amongst multiple available channels. During play back of the corresponding content, the content manager receives selection of over-the-top content available over a secondary channel with respect to the primary broadcast channel. The over-the-top content includes supplemental content associated with the corresponding content. In response to receiving the selection of over-the-top content, the content manager: i) retrieves the over-the-top content, and ii) initiates play back of the over-the-top content on the display screen. Accordingly, the user can selectively retrieve and play back supplemental content associated with a primary broadcast channel.

Abstract: A system and method related thereto that includes a processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to provide media content for selection, provide a license for selection, wherein the license is associated with the media content, receive a selection of the media content or the license, use a sensor to determine a number of persons that are capable of perceiving the media content, and control the media content based on the number of persons that is determined to be capable of perceiving the media content, wherein controlling the media content includes any or all of the following: ceasing to play the media content, pausing the media content, playing the media content, or continuing to play the media content.

Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. Non-program-guide applications may be launched by the program guide application. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. The program guide application may run in the background while a non-program-guide application operates. The applications may be located at a remote location such as on a server at a cable system headend or on a server on the Internet. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions. Reminders may be set for the content of non-program-guide applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for tracking, in at least one computing device, a presentation of a plurality of items for a user, each item being associated with at least one respective category of a plurality of categories, and determining a user histogram that is customized for a user. A visual symbol may be generated based at least upon the user histogram for each category, each visual symbol comprising a visual characteristic for associating the visual symbol to the category and a graphical dimension of the visual symbol, wherein the graphical dimension correlates with the respective degree of interest associated with the category. Each visual symbol may be appended to one another to form a graphic identifier and a user interface encoded for rendering, where the user interface comprises the graphic identifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards having a user interface that displays a number of cards or windows. A user can implement a command where the user interface will automatically change the position of the displayed cards to show regions of interest which are the parts of the cards that a user may have interested in. The user interest can be determined in accordance with user preference information. Optionally, cards which do not have regions of interest are removed from a display area and such cards are replaced with new cards that do have regions of interest.

Abstract: Generating and dynamically updating a personalized programming guide is provided. Personalized information associated with a user's viewing activity and interaction with a programming guide may be collected and communicated with a server. The server may share the personalized information with a database, which may process the information to identify one or more most watched channels and to determine recommendations for the user. Additional personalized settings may be collected, processed, and utilized to filter recommendations and relevant content. Recommendations and content tied to the user's favorite channels, most watched channels, and user-specified or automatically recognized genres and themes may be provided to the user via a client device or application. The user may access the personalized programming guide via a variety of client devices via various communication mechanisms.

Abstract: A list of video-on-demand (VOD) programs based on viewer selections is provided. VOD programs may be marked with a mark indicating the level of viewer interest. In one embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed that includes or excludes programs having a particular mark, or sorts programs based on the marks. In another embodiment, a list of VOD programs may be displayed based on availability times. In yet another embodiment, after a viewer has played back a VOD program, a list of related VOD programs may be automatically displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating a playlist of series assets and systems and methods for grouping assets of a playlist in clusters are provided. In one embodiment, series assets may automatically be included into a playlist for that series. In another embodiment, an interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters based on one or more user selected parameters or may group assets in cluster based on automatically determined parameters. In yet another embodiment, the interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters and display at least one identifier in connection with each cluster to indicate a basis for forming the cluster. The identifier may be a key word or catch phrase that succinctly identifies a trait or characteristic of assets in a particular cluster associated with the identifier.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time DVR programming employ secure instant message protocol in a DVR environment. An embodiment sends an instant message to the DVR which causes the DVR to open a new secure connection with the service provider for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider. Another embodiment uses an already established connection with an instant message server for synchronizing data on the DVR with updated programming data from the service provider.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, jukebox systems that have associated video servers for displaying video content on one or more displays or groups of displays external to the jukebox and/or directly on the jukebox are provided. Such video servers may effectively off-load at least some of the video processing load from the jukebox device. Accordingly, video content may be provided to complement and/or further enhance the interactive experience that jukeboxes currently provide, while also enabling patrons not directly in front of the jukebox to participate in the interactive process. Content may be distributed to the jukeboxes and/or video servers via a network. In addition to creating a compelling entertainment experience for patrons, it also is possible to create new revenue opportunities for customers. For example, operators and national account customers and advertising partners may provide additional value to venues through the innovative use of managed video content.

Abstract: Particular embodiments generate a database table that keeps track of authorization package combinations for videos being offered by a video delivery service. The table may allow the video delivery service to keep track of how much content is available for a specific authorization package combination that a user might have access to In one embodiment, the video delivery service does not pre-generate every single possible authorization package combination on a per-show basis. Rather, only a subset of the authorization package combinations is generated for each show. Then, the video delivery service uses a query to the database table that can calculate which content a user is authorized to access from the subset of authorization package combinations that were generated.

Abstract: Methods and system for providing interactive media for broadcast content includes receiving navigation input to a first channel that presents content of the television broadcast. Identity of the content is determined by generating an audio fingerprint using an audio signal of the content. Types of interactive media available during the presentation of the content from the first channel and a predetermined input for accessing the graphical notification are identified and used to generate a graphical notification. Access to interactive media presented within the graphical notification is enabled during rendering of the graphical notification and at any time during rendering of the content from the first channel, upon providing the predefined input. When the predefined input is detected, the types of interactive media available for the content are rendered, and content for the select one of the interactive media is presented, during presentation of the content from the first channel.

Abstract: A computerized method of presenting information from a variety of sources on a display device. Specifically the present invention describes a graphical user interface for organizing the simultaneous display of information from a multitude of information sources. In particular, the present invention comprises a graphical user interface which organizes content from a variety of information sources into a grid of tiles, each of which can refresh its content independently of the others. The grid functionality manages the refresh rates of the multiple information sources. The present invention is intended to operate in a platform independent manner.

Abstract: A hybrid, expandable electronic programming guide that may allow broadcast programming customers to view both broadcast programming options and over-the-top service options in a single electronic programming guide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiver including: a reception section adapted to receive AV, namely audio and visual content; a registration section adapted to register related content relating to the AV content based on control information included in an application program executed in response to the AV content; and a presentation control unit adapted to exercise control in such a manner that if the registered related content is selected, the selected related content is presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for associating and synchronizing extrinsic data with video content at particular points of time in the video content. In one embodiment, a user interface is rendered that facilitates an entry of a corresponding score for at least one of a plurality of extrinsic data items that are associated with a video content feature that is currently being presented to a first user. The corresponding score of a particular extrinsic data item of the plurality of extrinsic data items is received through the user interface. A time in the video content feature that is currently being presented to the first user is determined. The particular extrinsic data item is rendered on an electronic display at the time during another presentation of the video content feature to a second user based at least in part on the corresponding score.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having as accelerometer.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device is disclosed. The broadcast receiving device includes: a data storage unit; a communication unit configured to receive a first electronic program guide (EPG) through a broadcast network and to receive a second EPG through the Internet; and a controller. The controller may be configured to: process the first EPG to generate first broadcast-related information, process the second EPG to generate second broadcast-related information, make the first broadcast-related information and the second broadcast-related information into databases having different data structures and store the databases in the data storage unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include techniques for dynamically generating a results list based on real-time data gathered from a television receiver, user interaction, and other resources. The systems and methods may include receiving, via the one or more tuners, from the television service provider distribution network, a set of television data, wherein the television data is associated with programming of multiple television channels, receiving a set of user data, wherein the user data includes data associated with a user of the television receiver, receiving an input from the user, wherein the input indicates a preference for a search, determining a list of input results based on the set of television data, the set of user data, and the input, and transmitting the list of television input results, wherein when the list of television input results is received, the list of television input results is displayable on the display device.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system for evaluating published content is provided. The system includes at least one processor and a plurality of components including instructions executable by the at least one processor. The components include a reporting component and an evaluation component. The reporting component is to receive a communication from one of a plurality of users of a network-based system, the communication identifying content accessible via the network-based system as objectionable. An evaluation component is to evaluate the identified content based on a reputation value of the one of the plurality of users to determine an action to take with respect to the identified content. The reputation value is based at least in part on a history of objectionable content reporting by the one of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A voice recognition apparatus and a method for providing response information are provided. The voice recognition apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an extractor configured to extract a first utterance element representing a user action and a second utterance element representing an object from a user's utterance voice signal; a domain determiner configured to detect an expansion domain related to the extracted first and second utterance elements based on a hierarchical domain model, and determine at least one candidate domain related to the detected expansion domain as a final domain; a communicator which performs communication with an external apparatus; and a controller configured to control the communicator to transmit information regarding the first and second utterance elements and information regarding the determined final domain.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method may include executing playback of a video. The method may also include receiving user input to rewind at least one portion of the video. Further, the method may include restarting playback of the video at a previous position before the at least one portion of the video. The method may also include activating subtitles associated with the video during playback of the video from the previous position, wherein the subtitles are displayed during playback of the at least one portion of the video. Additionally, the method may include deactivating subtitles during playback of the video after a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A method for generating a cyclic video sequence (SC), implemented by a data-processor (11). The method includes receiving a video sequence (S); determining a first singular point (P1) of the video sequence (S) in a first interval (11) of the sequence (S) and a second singular point (P2) of the video sequence (S) in a second interval (12) of the sequence (S). The first and second singular points (P1, P2) have a maximum similarity according to a given similarity criterion; then generating a connecting sequence (SR) between the image of the video sequence (S) corresponding to the second singular point (P2) and the image of the video sequence (S) corresponding to the first singular point (P1) by morphing then constructing the cyclic video sequence (SC) by concatenation of a fragment (S?) of the video sequence (S) extending from the first singular point (P1) to the second singular point (P2), and of the connecting sequence (SR).

Abstract: A platform allows viewing and sorting digital media from multiple content sources across multiple devices by title, category, series, or other sorting desired. Available content from providers may be co-mixed to display as if from a single provider. Listings may be restricted to specific providers or sets of providers, such as removing providers with paid content which the user will not access. Alternatively, listings may be prioritized based on business rules programmed into the system. Listings may be limited to those available on the current device, on another set of devices, or on all devices. Control of access to content, including playback and queuing, may be done through the interface regardless of the consumption device. This allows access to all content across all devices in a fashion desirable to the user, merging providers and devices into a seamless interface tailored for the user instead of the content or device manufacturer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for over the top (OTT) media measurement are disclosed herein. Example methods include comparing, with an on-site meter in communication with an OTT service provider server, household data maintained by the OTT service provider server with anonymized panelist data provided by an audience measurement entity to identify a first person predicted to be included in a first household according to the anonymized panelist data but not included in the first household according to the household data, accessing media impressions collected by the OTT service provider server and corresponding to media accessed with a first OTT device associated with the first household, and crediting, with the on-site meter, usage of the first OTT device associated with access of the media to the first person based on the media impressions and demographic data obtained from the anonymized panelist data and attributed to the first person.

Abstract: Functional applications (e.g., widgets) in the form of an icon are implemented to be merged or demerged, and a method for displaying, operating, and managing the widgets in a mobile terminal is provided. The concept of UI-wise merging and demerging is applied to simple widget functions to update the widget functions. Also, widgets can be effectively managed through various widget operations. The mobile terminal includes an input unit configured to detect a received input, a display unit configured to display a plurality of widgets and a controller configured to merge a plurality of widgets into an integrated widget based on the received input and to execute an integrated function related to a selected widget of the plurality of widgets merged into the integrated widget.