Abstract: A system is provided that determines a media item for an insertion in a first media feed of a first channel based on a pre-encoded media content, metadata related to the pre-encoded media content, and audience-based parameters. The audience-based parameters comprise demographics data, targeted audience data, device type data, and trending information that includes media items based on current trend in a social network platform. Each media segment of the pre-encoded media content corresponds to a different quality level and content encryption mode. A second channel is generated from the first channel based on the audience-based parameters, the media item inserted in the first media feed, and a second programming schedule. The second programming schedule corresponds to a modified first programming schedule based on the audience-based parameters. Based on at least the media item, the second media feed of the second channel is generated for distribution to a consumer device.

Abstract: A cable television apparatus is applied to an input coaxial cable and an output coaxial cable to transmit a cable television signal. The cable television apparatus includes an improved choke, an input side, an output side, an input capacitor and an output capacitor. The improved choke is electrically connected to the input coaxial cable, the output coaxial cable, the input side, the output side, the input capacitor and the output capacitor. The improved choke includes a conductive wire and a ferrite core. One side of the conductive wire is electrically connected to the input side and one side of the input capacitor. The other side of the conductive wire is electrically connected to the output side and one side of the output capacitor. The ferrite core covers one part of the conductive wire. Moreover, the ferrite core is a high saturation current ferrite core.

Abstract: A system is provided that determines a media item for an insertion in a first media feed of a first channel based on at least a pre-encoded media content, metadata related to the pre-encoded media content, and audience-based parameters. The audience-based parameters include content recognition-based information that corresponds to a live feed of one of a plurality of channels. Each of a plurality of media segments of the pre-encoded media content corresponds to a different quality level and content encryption mode. Based on the audience-based parameters, the media item inserted in the first media feed, and a second programming schedule, a second channel is generated from the first channel. The second programming schedule corresponds to a modified first programming schedule based on the content recognition-based information. Based on at least the media item, a second media feed of the second channel is generated for distribution to a consumer device.

Abstract: A system is provided for dynamic scheduling and channel creation based on external data. A media item to be inserted in a first media feed of a first channel is determined based on a plurality of pre-encoded media content, metadata, audience-based parameters received from external data source and defined parameters. The plurality of pre-encoded media content comprises live feed and is segmented into a plurality of media segments, each corresponding to different quality level and content encryption mode. A second channel is generated from first channel based on audience-based parameters, insertion of media item, and a second programming schedule. The second programming schedule is generated from modification of first programming schedule based on content recognition-based information that corresponds to the live feed of one of a plurality of channels. The media item is delivered, in viewable format, in second media feed of second channel to a consumer device.

Abstract: A system for collecting data from different sources is described. In one example embodiment, the system obtains content-related data from a plurality of source computer systems, automatically identifies, based on the content-related data, content items having respective popularity values greater than a predetermined threshold value as popular content items, and automatically generates a list of popular content items based on the popular content items.

Abstract: A system is provided for dynamic scheduling and channel creation based on external data. Audience-based parameters comprising demographics data, targeted audience data, device type data, and trending information that includes media items based on current trend in social network platform are received from external data source. A media item to be inserted in first media feed of first channel is determined based on a plurality of pre-encoded media content, metadata, audience-based parameters and defined parameters. The plurality of pre-encoded media content is segmented into a plurality of media segments, each corresponding to different quality level and content encryption mode. A second channel is generated from first channel based on audience-based parameters, insertion of media item, and second programming schedule. The second programming schedule is generated from modification of first programming schedule based on audience-based parameters.

Abstract: A system is provided for dynamic scheduling and channel creation based on external data. A media item to be inserted in a first media feed of a first channel is determined based on a plurality of pre-encoded media content, metadata, audience-based parameters received from external data source and defined parameters. The plurality of pre-encoded media content comprises live feed and is segmented into a plurality of media segments, each corresponding to different quality level and content encryption mode. A second channel is generated from first channel based on audience-based parameters, insertion of media item, and a second programming schedule. The second programming schedule is generated from modification of first programming schedule based on content recognition-based information that corresponds to the live feed of one of a plurality of channels. The media item is delivered, in viewable format, in second media feed of second channel to a consumer device.

Abstract: A secondary content such as an advertisement may be inserted based on users' interests in 360 degree video streaming. Users may have different interests and may watch different areas within a 360 degree video. The information about area(s) of 360 degree scenes that users watch the most may be used to select an ad(s) relevant to their interests. One or more secondary content viewports may be defined within a 360 degree video frame. Secondary content viewport parameter(s) may be tracked. For example, statistics of the user's head orientation for some time leading to tile presentation of the ad(s) may be collected. Secondary content may be determined based on the tracked secondary content viewport parameters).

Abstract: A hosting server streams a media item to a participant device, and receives from the participant device time-stamp information indicating an interaction time associated with a participant interaction with the media item. In response to receiving the time-stamp information, the hosting server determines, from the time-stamp information, a consumed portion of the media item. The consumed portion of the media item corresponds to a portion of the media item streamed to the participant device prior to the interaction time. A determination is made, based on the consumed portion of the media item, whether to transmit survey content to the participant device. In response to determining that survey content is to be presented, the survey content is transmitted to the participant device.

Abstract: A moderator client device may add program information for multi-media content using interactive elements. The moderator client device may associate an interactive component with the multi-media content using the interactive elements on a moderator interface. An interactive program may be generated from the multi-media content, tags and time-codes, and the interactive component. A response to the interactive program may be received from a viewer client device based on an interaction of the user of the viewer client device with the interactive component. The response received from the viewer client device may be displayed simultaneously with the updated interactive program on the display of each of a plurality of viewer client devices.

Abstract: There is provided a method for an out of home advertising campaign, the method comprising: supplying creative for the campaign; determining criteria for the campaign, the criteria comprising targeting a demographic; selecting one or more boards for display of the creative, the selecting based on static data, projected data, and optionally real-time data; and displaying the creative on the one or more boards. There is also provided an out of home digital ad server comprising: at least one digital board; a digital feed provider to provide each board with creative to be displayed; a computer processor for analysing data to optimize board selection based on a demographic; and a communication network to direct creative from the ad serving processor to the at least one digital board based on the selection of creative by the computer processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertisement detection system based on fingerprints, and provides an advertisement detection systems based on fingerprints, including a content stream storage unit for storing broadcast content in real time, a section selection unit for selecting a reference section and a test section from broadcast content stored by the content stream storage unit, a fingerprint extraction unit for extracting fingerprints from the reference section and the test section selected by the section selection unit using one or more methods, a fingerprint matching unit for comparing the fingerprints from the test section and the reference section, extracted by the fingerprint extraction unit, with each other and then performing matching between the fingerprints, an advertisement section determination unit for determining advertisement segments from the test section based on results of the matching performed by the fingerprint matching.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is at least a method and apparatus to perform identifying, by a network node of a communication network, information from at least one network device of the communication network, wherein the information comprises a number of service requests for data communication by the at least one network device and an indication of an identifier identifying a purpose for each data communication mapped to each of the number of service requests; and based on the identifying, granting at least one service request of the number of service requests for the communicating.

Abstract: A server for providing selected content to networked display devices is presented. The server includes a memory configured to store instructions. At least one processor is configured to execute the instructions to: receive television programming data and automatic content recognition data from a networked display device, and selectively link the networked display device to a viewing group based on the television programming data and automatic content recognition data. An advertisement engine is configured to provide an advertisement to the networked display device. The advertisement is selected based on the viewing group linked to the networked display device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectable data transmissions. A user profile may be maintained, with the user profile including a list of authorized remote mobile computing devices and respective connection information for video communication, with the plurality of authorized remote mobile computing devices being authorized for video communication, and other remote mobile computing devices not being authorized for video communication. When a request to initiate video communication with a particular remote mobile computing device is received, a determination may be made, based on the user profile, that the particular remote mobile computing device is authorized.

Abstract: A content service provider can transmit a plurality of content streams each including audio, video, or audio-video content to a plurality of premises. In addition, the content service provider can transmit one or more command streams, along with the plurality of content streams over a common content distribution network. The one or more command streams may each include a repeating set of premises automation commands. The premises automation commands may be sent to one or more appropriate systems if a user selects a channel associated with the corresponding command stream. Each set of premises automation commands may be configured to instruct a system at a premises to perform a function. The commands may, for example, instruct a lighting system to turn on/off lights, a security system to enter an arm or disarm operational state, a thermostat to adjust its temperature, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting redundancy and outage resolution in coaxial networks with ideal taps.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing media content tracking functionality, and, in particular embodiments, implementing temporal markers for tracking at least partial playback of media content. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive a request for media content from a user over a network, and might retrieve the media content from a database. A transcoder might insert temporal markers in a transport stream of the media content, which is sent to the user device. The user device might decode the transport stream, might track each temporal marker as the media content is presented to the user, might generate a message by compiling a list of the accessed temporal markers, and might send the message to the computing system. The computing system might receive the message comprising the list of temporal markers, which are indicative of portions of the media content that were actually presented to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modeling the consistency of audiences viewing groups of media assets. For example, a media guidance application (e.g., executed on a server) may identify a first subset of user equipment that generated for display a first media asset (e.g., an episode of a series). The media guidance application may then identify a second subset of the first subset where the user equipment generated for display another media asset that is part of a group of media assets (e.g., another episode of the same series). Based on the number of user equipment in the second subset, the media guidance application may calculate a score for audience consistency for the group of media assets (e.g., the series) which can be used to rank the group of media assets among other groups of media assets.

Abstract: Techniques including controlling coupling and uncoupling of RF ports included in an RF switch matrix including first-side RF ports and second-side RF ports, where each of the first-side RF ports is configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of two or more of the second-side RF ports, identifying one or more of the second-side RF ports as active ports including an active port, causing the RF switch matrix to couple the active port to a signal port included in the first-side RF ports, obtaining at least one of a bit error rate and a signal to noise ratio for a demodulation of an RF stream received via the active port, and causing, in response to at least one of the bit error rate or the signal to noise ratio, the RF switch matrix to couple the signal port to a spare port included in the second-side RF ports.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating location-aware group recommendations are discussed. For example, a method can include operations for receiving a group recommendation request, accessing user profile data associated with members of the group, and generating a group recommendation. The group recommendation request can be received at a network-based system and include identification of a first and second user as well as information identifying a current location associated with the first and second users. Accessing the user profile information can include accessing user profile information for both the first and second users. The group recommendation can be generated based on the current location data and a combination of at least a portion of the user profile data from the first and second users.

Abstract: A process-based, automated phone fraud management system that operates over a communication network to protect a user from attempted fraud by a fraud agent is disclosed. Local application software interacts with server software to provide alerts for a protected user based on phone numbers known to be, assumed to be, or found to be associated with fraud agents. The server keeps lists of phone numbers, and searches those lists to classify phone numbers. Phone calls to or from numbers associated with a fraud agent are interrupted. Questionable calls are converted to text and the text is then searched to identify words and phrases commonly associated with phone fraud.

Abstract: The operation of testing device for troubleshooting failures in a MoCA LAN system is disclosed that discovers devices on a MoCA LAN. These automatically discovered devices are then sent a large number of data packets that elicit a response from the recipient. The packets transmitted for which no corresponding response is received are counted as lost packets, and the packet loss results for each tested device enables identifying the source of a failure in the network.

Abstract: A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.

Abstract: An automatic RF combiner receives signals from an over-the-air antenna, a cable television signal source and at least two satellite antennae, and combines the signals for output to one or more television receivers. The combiner includes a first signal combiner connected to the input for the over-the-air antenna and the cable television signal source and providing an output signal. The output from the first signal combiner is supplied to a second signal combiner together with signal at the input for the at least two satellite antenna. A conflict module prevents conflicts from more than one antenna being connected at an input.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to enable users to perform transactions such as purchasing items or receiving information regarding items depicted within a content stream, where the content stream may be received from a content provider and provided to an output device. Transactions may be performed by a user that may or may not be associated with a content provider or associated with an item offering service. In one example, a content stream may be analyzed to detect a depiction of an item, and a user may operate a user interface overlaid onto the displayed content stream to perform transactions such as initiating a purchase or requesting more information on the detected items.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for displaying scenes included in media assets. The technique includes selecting a first scene included in a first video asset based on one or more preferences and metadata associated with multiple scenes. The first video asset is one of multiple video assets, and each scene included in the multiple scenes is included in one of the video assets included in the multiple video assets. The technique further includes displaying the first scene within a first portion of a display area.

Abstract: A media player is provided. The media player comprises a communications interface, a memory store containing a plurality of personalized advertisements, and a media playback component. The targeted advertisements are refreshed by receiving updates from the communications interface during some of the intervals when the media player is connected to a network. The targeted advertisements are indexed by a plurality of characteristics, the first characteristic being a creation date of the targeted advertisements. The media playback component is configured to play a media content, wherein the media content is stored separately from the targeted advertisements, and to play one of the targeted advertisements in the memory store selected based on the characteristics of the one of the targeted advertisements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modeling the consistency of audiences viewing groups of media assets. For example, a media guidance application (e.g., executed on a server) may identify a first subset of user equipment that generated for display a first media asset (e.g., an episode of a series). The media guidance application may then identify a second subset of the first subset where the user equipment generated for display another media asset that is part of a group of media assets (e.g., another episode of the same series). Based on the number of user equipment in the second subset, the media guidance application may calculate a score for audience consistency for the group of media assets (e.g., the series) which can be used to rank the group of media assets among other groups of media assets.

Abstract: An automatic RF combiner receives signals from an over-the-air antenna, a cable television signal source and at least one satellite antenna, and combines the signals for output to one or more television receivers. The combiner includes a first signal combiner connected to the input for the over-the-air antenna and the cable television signal source and providing an output signal. The output from the first signal combiner is supplied to a second signal combiner together with signal at the input for the at least one satellite antenna.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are discussed that enable robust, high-speed communication of sensor data. One example system includes a sensor bus, an electronic control unit (ECU), and one or more sensors. The ECU is coupleable to the sensor bus and configured to generate a synchronization signal, and is configured to output the synchronization signal to the sensor bus. The one or more sensors are also coupleable to the sensor bus, and at least one sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to sample sensor data in response to the synchronization signal and to output the sampled sensor data to the sensor bus.

Abstract: A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder, the metadata identifying a specified frame of the transport signal stream corresponding to a point in time of the advertisement. The server instructs an encoder, by a server, to insert a marker into the specified frame of the transport signal stream, the marker identifying the point in time of the advertisement. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects the marker in the data. The server identifies the marker as the specified frame of the transport signal stream played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to the identified point in time of the advertisement.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, providing multiple video content streams to a display for presentation. The display comprises a primary screen region that presents a first video content stream of the multiple video content streams and multiple auxiliary screen regions that present a subset of the multiple video content streams. Further aspects may include providing a message to the display responsive to receiving a first user-generated input instructing the display to present a second video content stream on the primary screen region. Additional aspects may include recording the first video content stream from a point of departure of the first video content stream. Also, aspects may include providing the recorded first video content stream to the display responsive to obtaining a second user-generated input. The recorded first video content stream is presented on the primary screen region from the point of departure. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A subscriber network architecture includes a packet processing node that communicates with a network backbone and with a plurality of access nodes. The access nodes communicate with a plurality of user devices. The packet processing node controls Quality of Service (QoS) levels for the subscriber devices, routes user data to devices via the access nodes and receives data from devices via the access nodes for forwarding across the network backbone.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a lighting system which can be controlled from a wireless device in dependence on complying with an access rule that the wireless device is determined to be within in a spatial region associated with the lighting system. The disclosure provides apparatus for securing against the lighting system being controlled from a device located outside the relevant region via a rogue relay device located in that region. The apparatus comprises a user location module configured to determine user location information indicative of whether a user is accompanying the wireless device in the region associated with the lighting system, and an access module which is configured with a further access rule: that it does not allow the control of the lighting system by the wireless device if the user location information is indicative of the wireless device being unaccompanied by a user.

Abstract: The present invention features a non-peripherals-based processing control unit having an encasement module that is very small and durable compared to conventional computer encasement structures. The process control unit is capable of being incorporated into various devices and/or environments, of accepting applied and impact loads, of functioning as a load bearing structure, as well as being able to be processed coupled together with one or more processing control units to provide scaled processing power. The processing control unit of the present invention further features a unique method of cooling using natural convection, as well as utilizing known cooling means, such as liquid or thermoelectric cooling.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for providing viewing notifications for a set-top box that includes the steps of: storing usage information associated with a media content received by the set-top box, the usage information containing a length of time that the media content was displayed; determining, using a processor, whether a viewing notification is to be sent to a particular user based on user preferences and the usage information; responsive to a determination that the viewing notification is to be sent to the particular user, retrieving a notification identifier associated with the particular user and sending the viewing notification regarding the usage information; receiving a response to the viewing notification from the particular user, wherein the response includes a partial command that is interpreted based on the viewing notification as a requested command to be performed by the set-top box; and performing, using the processor, the requested command.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for determining a future portion of a currently presented media program. The techniques and apparatuses can receive current media reactions of one or many people to a currently presented media program and determine later portions to present in the media program based on the media reactions. In some embodiments, for example, a program can be presented live, reactions can be received during the live presentation, and the program altered on-the-fly and in real time based on those reactions. Further, the alterations can be general or tailored to a group or a particular person.

Abstract: There is provided a media content server for inserting a location-based advertisement into an online media content. The media content server comprises a memory including an online media content for online access; a processor configured to receive a request from a client for the online media content; determine an IP address of the client based on the request; map the IP address to a local advertisement server serving an area corresponding to the IP address; request a local advertisement from the local advertisement server; provide the local advertisement to the client; and provide the online media content from the memory to the client. The online media content has a first and second sequential segments, and the local advertisement may be provided to the client after the first segment is provided and before the second segment is provided.

Abstract: Techniques for rules-based content management are provided. Video on demand content is collected from a variety of sources. Business rules embedded within metadata can be retrieved where the business rules control processing and delivery of the video on demand content. The video on demand content may be selectively packaged in response to the business rules and the metadata to generate packaged video on demand content. A server can distribute the packaged video on demand content to devices. A priority for processing the packaged video on demand content can be based on a quality of service parameter and based on the metadata, the business rules, and a license embedded within the metadata where the license describes the priority. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for dynamically generated client side streaming playlists. There is provided a method comprising receiving a request to stream a video asset for playback, retrieving, from a network, a video asset playlist corresponding to the video asset and an ad campaign playlist, generating a consolidated video playlist including the video asset playlist and the ad campaign playlist, and processing the consolidated video playlist using a media playback framework to stream a plurality of video files from the network for decoding and output to a display. Discontinuity tags within the video asset playlist may be utilized as insertion points for portions of the ad campaign playlist. The consolidated video playlist may be accessed through a local HTTP web server, advantageously allowing the use of commonly installed media playback framework models such as QuickTime X to trigger adaptive bitrate support through HTTP Live Streaming.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for capturing audio and delivering the audio in digital streaming media formats are disclosed. Several aspects of the systems and techniques operate in a cloud computing environment where computational power is allocated, utilized, and paid for entirely on demand. The systems and techniques enable a call to be made directly from a virtual machine out to a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) via a common Session Interface Protocol (SIP) to PSTN Breakout service, and the audio to be delivered onward to one or more Content Delivery Network (CDN). An audio call capture interface is also provided to initiate and manage the digital streaming media formats.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving audio data encoding an utterance and environmental data, obtaining a transcription of the utterance, identifying an entity using the environmental data, submitting a query to a natural language query processing engine, wherein the query includes at least a portion of the transcription and data that identifies the entity, and obtaining one or more results of the query.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating location-aware group recommendations are discussed. For example, a method can include operations for receiving a group recommendation request, accessing user profile data associated with members of the group, and generating a group recommendation. The group recommendation request can be received at a network-based system and include identification of a first and second user as well as information identifying a current location associated with the first and second users. Accessing the user profile information can include accessing user profile information for both the first and second users. The group recommendation can be generated based on the current location data and a combination of at least a portion of the user profile data from the first and second users.

Abstract: A method for providing configurable access to media in a media-on-demand system also can include delivering the media to a first client device in a format compatible with the first client device; interrupting the delivery of the media; recording a bookmark specifying a position in the media where the interruption occurred; and resuming delivery of the media to a second client device, the resumed delivery beginning at a position in the media specified by the recorded bookmark. The method further can include identifying device properties for each of the first and second client devices; delivering the media to the first client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the first client device; and, delivering the media to the second client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the second client device.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting and ordering groups of titles to present as recommendations. In one embodiment, for example, a method performed by one or more computing devices of an online services comprises selecting, for each of a plurality of row positions, a group of titles to fill the row position based at least in part on a relevance score computed for the group of titles. The relevance score is based at least in part on a personalized ranking for a particular user of titles in the groups in titles selected to fill the row positions. The groups of titles selected to fill to the row positions are presented as recommendations to the particular user as a sequence of rows in which each row in the sequence corresponds to one of the selected groups of titles.

Abstract: An embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, comprises an e-mail method including creating an e-mail having discretionary functionality and sending the e-mail. Another embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, comprises an e-mail server including a computer configured to create an e-mail having discretionary functionality and to send the e-mail.

Abstract: The present invention is a game playing method and apparatus for automating games such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat and pai gow, wherein players may play continuously and asynchronously, and information related to advertised items can be exchanged between players and advertisers. In one embodiment, each instance of a game is likely unique from all other current game instances. The games do not require a manual dealer and in one embodiment, played in a gaming establishment using low cost gaming stations. The present invention may also be used to play such games on the Internet or an interactive cable television network wherein a game controller communicates with players at network nodes in their homes and at their leisure since there is no game tempo requirement. During a game, advertising is selectively provided by comparing player personal information with a desired demographic profile. Player responses to advertising are used for evaluating advertising effectiveness.