Abstract: A system for analyzing a moving pictures expert group (MPEG)-formatted file comprises a format analysis application and a processing element operable to execute the application. The application is adapted to read a rule having at least one logical instruction defining a format requirement and compare a portion of the file with the rule. A determination of validity of the file is made by the application dependent upon a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An information recording medium capable of converting a stream including seamless connection, which is recorded in a constrained format allowing format conversion from a first format (MPEG-TS) to a second format (MPEG-PS), into a second stream, and an apparatus and method for recording information in the information recording medium. When a system stream recorded in a constrained format enabling conversion from a first format (for example, MPEG transport stream) to a second format (for example, MPEG program stream) is converted to a second format, overlap of two system streams for audio information at a seamless point is eliminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for personal video recorders (PVRs) and other devices configured for recording and playing back media content from a data storage unit, preferably a random access unit such as a hard drive. A system is described having network connectivity, such as a power-line communications, with other PVRs or similar units, wherein media content can be automatically shifted from one unit to another over the network, such as in response to changes in available storage space. Content transfers and deletions within the system being intelligently performed based on content status, user preference settings, and user preference information such as received from a preference engine, toward optimizing the value to the user of the content which is retained network wide. An additional aspect provides content restoration after mistaken deletion by the user or automated deletion functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced navigation of stored digital video content based upon an event index. Includes generation and storage of an event index, as well as navigation based on events in the event index. An example system is embodied in a digital video recorder that detects and stores black field and silent frame events for use in locating commercial groups. The commercial groups may be skipped or otherwise navigated based upon data pointers linking the stored events to corresponding locations in the video data file.

Abstract: A wearable video recording system with time-bracketed authentication is provided and includes a article, including a spine, wearable by a user, a recording device, supported on the spine, to generate a recording of a scene, an affecter subsystem, supported on the spine, to influence the scene being recorded with unpredictable data and an untrusted controller coupled to the recording device and the affecter subsystem, the untrusted controller being receptive of the unpredictable data, which the untrusted controller communicates to the affecter subsystem, and being configured to transmit at least hashed digests of the recording to one or more repositories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital video recorder system and a method for operating the same that classifies sounds sensed by a microphone for each type and stores videos in a range where sounds are generated to search the videos for each sound type, thereby making it possible to more rapidly search the videos.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus and method for producing a browsable slide show and a data storage medium therefor. The decoding apparatus having a mainstream decoder, which decodes mainstream packet data including image data to be reproduced in a browsable slide show; a sub-audio decoder, which decodes sub-audio packet data including audio data attached to the image data; a mainstream system time clock (STC) counter, which provides an STC sequence for controlling the decoding time of the mainstream packet data to the mainstream decoder; and a sub-audio STC counter, which provides an STC sequence for controlling the decoding time of the sub-audio packet data to the sub-audio decoder. Accordingly, it is possible to seamlessly reproduce sub-audio data even when a user selects a forward or reverse play in the middle of reproducing still image data with the sub-audio data attached thereto in a browsable slide show.

Abstract: On a BD-ROM, PlayList information is recorded. The PlayList information includes MainPath information and SubPath information. The MainPath information specifies one of a plurality of AVClips as a MainClip, and defines a primary playback section (PlayItem) on the MainClip. The SubPath information specifies, among the rest of the AVClips, one AVClip as a SubClip, and defines, on the SubClip, a secondary playback section (SubPlayItem) to be synchronized with the primary playback section. The SubPath information includes In_Time information and Out_Time information which indicate In_Time and Out_Time, respectively, of the SubPlayItem. In_Time and Out_Time of the SubPlayItem match In_Time and Out_Time of the PlayItem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing metadata for sensory effect, a computer-readable recording medium on which metadata for a sensory effect is recorded, and a method and apparatus for sensory reproduction. According to this technique, disclosed is a method for providing the metadata for a sensory effect which comprises the steps of: generating SEM (Sensory Effect Metadata) which includes sensory effect information on contents; and transmitting the SEM to a sensory reproduction apparatus engine unit which analyzes the SEM and generates control information on a sensory reproduction apparatus, wherein the sensory effect information includes color calibration effect information on the contents.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of reducing video delay in a program stream comprises: setting an audio reference clock to an initial value based on a presentation timestamp for a frame that is the first decodable frame in the audio stream; setting a video reference clock to an initial value based on a presentation timestamp for a frame that is the first decodable frame in the video stream; starting audio and video reference clocks responsive to the later of a minimum buffer fill delay and receipt of a frame that is the first entire decodable frame in the video stream; decoding the audio stream in accordance with the audio reference clock; and decoding the video stream in accordance with the video reference clock.

Abstract: An album creating apparatus is provided to insert a title appropriate for the timing at which the image stored in the album is captured.

Abstract: An information management apparatus presents an unexpected event to all users. This apparatus displays time ranges of scheduled events from the start time to the end time along a time axis based on an operation performed to schedule the start time and end time of the events. Further, this apparatus displays a time range of an unexpected event along the same time axis on the same screen based on an operation corresponding to a start of the unexpected event such that the time of the operation is set as a starting point and the time range of the unexpected event is extended as time elapses until an operation corresponding to an end of that unexpected event is performed.

Abstract: In an optical disk reproducing apparatus, when an extension of a still image file whose reproduction is instructed is JPG, the optical disk reproducing apparatus analyzes a header and determines whether or not the still image file is a still image file of a format capable of reproduction. In the case of determining that the still image file is a still image file of a format incapable of reproduction herein, a video signal indicating its fact is outputted. As a result of this, a user can speedily be notified that the still image file whose reproduction is instructed is a file incapable of reproduction, and operability of the user can be improved.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus and method for producing a browsable slide show and a data storage medium therefor. The decoding apparatus having a mainstream decoder, which decodes mainstream packet data including image data to be reproduced in a browsable slide show; a sub-audio decoder, which decodes sub-audio packet data including audio data attached to the image data; a mainstream system time clock (STC) counter, which provides an STC sequence for controlling the decoding time of the mainstream packet data to the mainstream decoder; and a sub-audio STC counter, which provides an STC sequence for controlling the decoding time of the sub-audio packet data to the sub-audio decoder. Accordingly, it is possible to seamlessly reproduce sub-audio data even when a user selects a forward or reverse play in the middle of reproducing still image data with the sub-audio data attached thereto in a browsable slide show.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for generating an external input table in a device reproducing an AV signal. The method of generating an external input table includes receiving a reproduction request for reproducing an AV signal from another device and determining whether an external input is assigned to the another device by referring to the external input table, and selectively assigning one of external inputs of the device reproducing the AV signal to the another device according to the determination result. Accordingly, since an external input of an AV device can be dynamically set from an external device while minimizing a user's manipulation, user convenience in terms of setting the external input can be improved.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a timing specifying unit that allows a user to specify a timing to execute video printing of a video file at least including first image data based on which a video frame is generated and second image data based on which a video frame is generated by additionally referring to image data of another video frame; a reference frame selecting unit that selects, on the basis of the timing specified by the timing specifying unit, the video frame generated from the first image data as a reference frame; an additional frame selecting unit that selects, on the basis of the reference frame selected by the reference frame selecting unit, one or a plurality of video frames generated from the first image data as additional frames; and an extracted image displaying unit that generates a plurality of extracted images on the basis of the first image data of the reference frame and the first image data of the additional frames and displays a group of the generated extracted images o

Abstract: A method of playing back a television program on a playback device connected to a local area network while simultaneously storing a television program on a storage device connected to the network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a television broadcast that includes at least one program at a first settop box. A first program is stored on a permanent storage device of a network storage server connected through a network to the first settop box. While receiving the television broadcast and while storing the first program, a program is rendered on a digital media rendering device connected through the network to the first settop box.

Abstract: Speed of commercial playing is detected and used for determining whether program information can be played.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an apparatus and a method for realizing the presentation of a content list and the reproduction of content in accordance with proper user preference on the basis of date and time at which content is viewed. Content preference values that change with time are computed. On the basis of the computed content preference values, a content list is generated for presentation to the user. For example, preference values are computed on the basis of daily time zone, holiday, weekday, and day-of-the-week and a content list in accordance with the computed preference values is generated for presentation to the user. The novel configuration allows the presentation of an optimum content list on the basis of date and time at which content is viewed, thereby realizing the selection and viewing of content that properly reflects user preference.

Abstract: When a recording device is connected to a power source and a main power is supplied, position information of the recording device is obtained by using GPS satellites. A region where the recording device is installed is decided based on the obtained position information. Channel information appropriate for the decided region is read out from a storage medium such as a memory, and a tuner of the recording device is set automatically using the read channel information thus read. Additionally, when the position information is obtained, it is decided whether or not the position where the recording device is installed is within a predetermined distance from a boundary between regions. If it is adjacent to other region, a plurality of region codes are read out, and a request for selecting one to perform the channel setting is displayed using a display panel or an OSD function so that the selection can be received.

Abstract: An approach to recording of television programming for later viewing makes use of a small and relatively inexpensive handheld portable viewer. One or more television programs are loaded into the viewer from a receiver, such as a cable television set-top box.

Abstract: A moving image reproducing apparatus that can produce appropriate information concerning the occurrence of a communication error in the DDC includes an error detecting unit that detects a communication error in a display data channel (DDC); an error information generating unit that generates error information if a communication error in the DDC is detected by the error detecting unit; and an error information output unit that delivers the error information to the display device via a transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) channel.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording audio-visual (A/V) contents directly from an A/V input source to a portable media player (PMP) is disclosed. The recorded A/V contents can be played back by the portable media player immediately upon stopping the recording. The recording apparatus does not involve the use of any intermediate computing or storage device other than the portable media player and the recording apparatus itself. The A/V contents for recording may come in the form of analog/digital signals or as digital data in compressed or uncompressed form from transmission and/or storage devices. Depending upon the nature of the input, the recording apparatus digitizes, encodes and/or transcodes the A/V contents and stores the processed A/V contents directly into the portable media player in playback ready format. The recording apparatus includes a one-button control interface for starting and stopping the recording of A/V contents to the portable media player.

Abstract: The present invention allows a reproducing device that can be used in various device environmental conditions to execute adequate output operation according to a device environmental condition. When reproducing a content signal of audio and video, a reproducing device determines a device environmental condition as the coupling state of the reproducing device and surroundings of the reproducing device. Subsequently, the reproducing device implements control according to output part information and control information that are set with being associated with the device environmental condition. Based on the output part information, either or both of a main-body output unit and an external output unit are controlled as a part for outputting audio or video. In addition, control corresponding to the registered control information is executed inside the device, or details of the control are indicated to a coupled external device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless car digital AV system to be applied in a car, and the wireless car digital AV system comprises an AV Host and at least one or multiple display devices. The AV Host includes a storage device and a wireless network interface, and the storage has at least one digital AV file. The display device includes a wireless network interface and a display panel. The display device is connected to the AV Host by the wireless network interface, such that the display device can receive and play the digital AV file transmitted from the AV Host through the wireless network interface. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a method for an automobile AV Host to wirelessly transmit a video file to a display device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of retrieving video frames over a network for subsequent display. A user interaction (303) with a timeline (202) represented by a client (103) coupled to the network (105) is detected. From the detected interaction, a request (304) for video to be retrieved from a server (101) across the network is formed. A series of non-contiguous (scattered) sample frames (FIGS. 13-16) received in response to the request are then cached (104) for subsequent display. This method permits efficient handling of video scrubbing requests for streamlining video as only selected ones of the cached sample frames close to a GUI play head position (203) need be reproduced. Since the frames are non-contiguous, the scope of the source video is quickly sampled permitting improved user response and, where desired, adjustment of the play head position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for recording and playing back an online conference. One such method comprises: a conferencing system establishing an audio conference between a plurality of participants accessing the conferencing system via a communication network; the conferencing system presenting the audio conference and a conference interface displaying a participant object identifying each of the participants in the audio conference; synchronously recording the audio conference with content presented in the conference interface; storing the synchronized audio conference and content; and playing back the synchronized audio conference and content.

Abstract: In the method of reproducing still picture data and audio data from a recording medium, the still picture data and the audio data reproduced from the recording medium are decoded based on respective, independent system times (STCs).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule and/or listing information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule and/or listing information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/or listing information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus is connected to a display device via a video data transmitting unit and a file data transmitting unit and is driven by a battery. The image reproducing apparatus calculates a first electric power required to transmit video data to the display device and a second electric power required to transmit file data to the display device, and acquires a remaining amount of electric power in the battery. Then, the image reproducing apparatus judges whether the acquired remaining amount of electric power in the battery is equal to or larger than the first electric power, is equal to or larger than the second electric power but smaller than the first electric power, or is smaller than the second electric power, and determines whether the image data is to be transmitted as the video data or the file data.

Abstract: A system, business methodology and apparatus for facilitating controlled dissemination of digital works is disclosed. An audio and video organizer, entertainment, and communication unit that plays back audio and video media content received from a central storage server. The unit relies on a smartcard, which has a personalized key that unlocks encrypted content. Using the unit, a user can purchase music or other types of media using a appropriate ordering method. The central storage server then transmits a double-encrypted, compressed audio file to the unit, where it is decrypted based on the smartcard key, and available for listening.

Abstract: A system and method employing an array of economical disk drives, each containing identical copies of the same multimedia content, for on-demand delivery to newsroom clients assigned to groups over respective communication channels. A Greeter Process parcels the multimedia content into data blocks having a size that is equal to the data field size of the drive's sectors. The Greeter Process then writes the parceled data block at least contemporaneously if not simultaneously to each of the disk drives, thereby optimizing the writing of the parceled content into the sectors of the disk drive and the subsequent reading of the parceled content from its sectors. Alternatively, the Greeter Process may parcel the multimedia content based upon inherent natural breaks such as anticipated periods of intensive computation. Upon demand, each newsroom client may read the desired multimedia content from its respective disk drive over its respective communication channel.

Abstract: The present invention describes a decentralized symmetric configuration of digital video recorders (DVCRs) for monitoring, controlling, analyzing, recording, playback and streaming of audio/visual (A/V) media over a network. Each DVCR is an autonomous device able to operate in its local environment as well as access and operate another DVCR available on the network to facilitate the overall working of the disclosed system. Each DVCR also exhibits storage fail-safe feature whereby it recovers data automatically if storage media gets corrupted such as due to sudden power failure. A DVCR can be configured to scan the network for other DVCR units. A list of discovered DVCRs is displayed. Each DVCR can access, after authentication, any of the listed DVCR for configuration, monitoring, controlling, recording, playback and other available functionality over the network.

Abstract: An image processing method includes sensing a sound or a frame, in an interested information sensing step, which constitutes a moving image. The sound or frame includes a feature quantity matched with an interested feature quantity. The interested feature quantity is extracted from interested information indicating an item in which a user is interested. The method includes specifying a slot, in an interested scene specifying step, including a reference time point as the interested scene on a reproducing time axis of the moving image. The reference time point is a time of the sound or frame. The sound or frame is sensed in the interested information sensing step. The method includes degrading image quality of a slot, in a low-image quality moving image producing step, except the interested scene specified in the interested scene specifying step in the moving image and producing a low-image-quality moving image of the moving image.

Abstract: A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) or the like.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes recording means for recording a file and filesystem information on a recording medium; filesystem-information generating means for generating the filesystem information for every application software program using the file; and operation control means for controlling the operation of the recording means so as to allocate the filesystem information, generated for every application software program using the file by the filesystem-information generating means, to virtual addresses as one file. When the file is to be recorded by the recording means, the operation control means controls the recording means so as to update the filesystem information corresponding to the application software program using the file to be recorded and to record the updated filesystem information on the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for recording transmitted data items, and particularly television and radio programmes. The data items are received at one or more inputs along with ID data identifying the transmitted data items and the programme series to which the data item belongs. An input interface receives input indicating whether one or more received transmitted data items have been viewed or recorded by a user and a processor generates values for ranking the series to which each of the received data items belong based upon the received input. Subsequently received transmitted data items are stored in a storage device based on the generated values, the stored data items belonging to a series for which a value has been generated.

Abstract: A moving image reproducing apparatus includes a moving image obtaining part which obtains first moving image data having, luminance data representing luminance of an image, and color data representing color of the image, a color data reduction part which generates second moving image data having the same luminance data as the luminance data of the first moving image data and color data whose data volume is reduced, by reducing a data volume of the color data of the first moving image data, a moving image generation part which generates third moving image data for moving image display, on the basis of the second moving image data, and a moving image output part which outputs the third moving image data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a video player, comprising a decoding and control unit for outputting decoded video and audio signals; a storing unit for storing an application software capable of working without starting a computer operation system; a video processing unit for processing decoded video signals outputted by the decoding and control unit; an audio processing unit for processing decoded audio signals outputted by the decoding and control unit; an Optical disc driver's multi-use control circuit for multi-use controlling a DVD Optical disc driver of the computer; and a switch unit for switching the video processing unit and the audio processing unit to be coupled to the display and the sound box after monitoring a shut-off signal of the computer, and in the meantime switching two outputs of DC power to the video player.

Abstract: Resources may be managed in a topology for audio/video streaming. The topology includes audio/video sources and sinks and intervening branch devices. Messages between these sources, sinks, and branch devices may be used for resource management.

Abstract: With a digital camera 100, a photographed image 31 is displayed on a liquid crystal display and the user selects a desired image and specifies print specifications of the number of print sheets, a print paper size, a print color mode, etc., then print image data is prepared. The prepared print image data is transmitted from the digital camera 100 to a color printer of an output unit. An image is printed at the color printer in accordance with the print image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for media content transfer are described. One exemplary embodiment of a method for transferring content from a first digital video recorder (DVR) set-top to a second DVR set-top includes recording instances of media content to a first storage medium located internal to a housing of the first DVR set-top and receiving an indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top. One exemplary method further includes, in response to receiving the indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top, providing the instances of media content to the second DVR set-top over a communication interface of the second DVR set-top, the communication interface accessible from an external port of the second DVR set-top.

Abstract: There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.

Abstract: A program reservation/playback judgment system for making an automatic judgment of reservation or playback of a program based on the program information in texts written in a natural language. A natural language program information processing section analyzes texts read-out thereby for extracting the program information in the texts. The extracted program information is displayed as a program information screen for confirming the program information. Upon user's operation of a reservation/playback button, the program of the program information is confirmed. Based on a comparison result of the current date and time with the date and start time of the program information by a current date/time acquisition section, a date/time judgment section makes a judgment whether the program of the program information is reserved for recording or played back, thereby instructing a program monitoring device to reserve or playback.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for reproducing a data structure for managing reproduction of still images recorded on a recording medium. In the recording medium, a data area stores at least first and second still images and a playlist area stores at least one playlist. The playlist includes mark information, and the mark information provides presentation information on the first and second images to allow for at least skipping from reproducing the first image to reproducing the second image.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image recording apparatus which automatically records location information that the user can easily understand in an image recording apparatus which records a sensed image and location information associated with the image sensing location of that image in association with each other. An image recording apparatus of this invention includes an area information reception unit for acquiring area information broadcasted by an external apparatus such as a wireless base station or the like, and automatically acquires information associated with an area where the image recording apparatus is located. The apparatus records a sensed image signal and area information in association with each other.

Abstract: There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.

Abstract: There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.

Abstract: According to the invention, a video reproducing apparatus includes: a reading module configured to read out video information and caption information, the video information including control information; a video processing module configured to generate a display image to be displayed on a screen, the display image having an image corresponding to the control information; a caption processing module configured to generate a subpicture based on the caption information, the subpicture including a caption image for a caption and a mask image for masking the image corresponding to the control information when the subpicture is superimposed on the display image; a video synthesizing module configured to generate an overlapped display image by superimposing the subpicture; and a video signal outputting module configured to output the overlapped display image to a control signal extracting apparatus that extracts a control signal from the masked image corresponding to the control information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.