Abstract: Described herein are techniques for managing files of a digital video recorder. Responsive to a request to record content, a DVR identifies and stores information identifying the originator of a recording request. The identifying information may then be presented to a user to identify the origin of a recording timer or a recorded file.

Abstract: An environment control device and a video/audio player are disclosed, wherein the environment control device is electrically connected to a video/audio player and controls at least one environment providing device. The environment control device has a processor, a connector, and a wireless communication module. The connector connects to video/audio player and electrically connects to the processor for receiving a situation signal transmitted from the video/audio player. The wireless communication module electrically connects to the processor for outputting an environment control signal to the at least one environment providing device, wherein the environment control signal is determined according to the situation signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of providing a web or social networking account within a chat server for a digital video recorder (DVR) of a security system, the DVR receiving a chat message from a person through the chat server and the DVR automatically executing a predetermined instruction corresponding to a content of the received chat message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for wireless control of home media sources that utilizes a home digital network to transport packetized IR transmitter data to a remote location. The system allows for flexible control of multiple devices that accept IR commands without requiring additional wiring, and is independent of any particular IR protocol.

Abstract: A DTV operating screen is displayed on the CRT display screen of a DTV which is the controlling apparatus of a network. In the event that the user selects the DVHS from the buttons displayed on the DTV operating screen, data corresponding to the DVHS operation screen is input to the DTV, and a DVHS operation screen is displayed on the CRT display screen 61. The user operation executed regarding the DVHS operation screen are notified from the DTV to the DVHS, so the DTV can execute control corresponding to the operations of the user, without transmitting commands for directly controlling the DVHS.

Abstract: A remote control device used by a viewer to control content being displayed on a separate display device outputs content in response to instructing the device providing content to the separate display device to begin fast forwarding. The viewer of the separate display device may then be exposed to the content being output by the remote control device while the content to the separate display device is fast forwarding. Thus, the viewer may better perceive the content being output by the remote control device than the content being fast forwarded on the separate display device. The outputting of content may be by the remote control device providing video, a static display, and/or audio. Upon the remote control device instructing the fast forwarding at the display device to stop and return to a play mode, the remote control device terminates the outputting of the content from the remote control device.

Abstract: A playback apparatus loaded with a data recording medium including image data includes a first determining unit configured to determine whether a user stopped playing back the image data, a storage control unit configured to control a storage process so that a first set of information indicating a position where the playback of the image data was stopped is stored when the first determining unit determines that the user stopped playback of the image data, and a display control unit configured to control a screen to display a list of thumbnail images with an icon superposed on a thumbnail image corresponding to the image data stopped on the basis of the first set of information when the first determining unit determines that the user stopped playback of the image data, the icon indicating that playback of the image data is resumed from the position where the playback of the image data was stopped.

Abstract: An object of a reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is to solve a problem in that, when video data and music data of BGM are played simultaneously as they are, one of them is finished while the other is still playing, and accordingly, this does not provide an effect of sufficiently satisfying the user even though the BGM is inserted. The reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a recording medium capable of storing one or a plurality of video data, a network communication section for receiving, from a music server via a network, music-reproduction data having a reproduction time of almost the same length as a reproduction time of the video data stored in the recording medium, and a reproduction control section for simultaneously reproducing the music-reproduction data received by the network communication section and the video data stored in the recording medium.

Abstract: A display apparatus configured to display three-dimensional video viewable by a viewer wearing stereoscopic-viewing glasses. The display apparatus includes: an input module; a display device; an image input module; a detection module; and a recording module. The input module receives video data. The display device displays the three-dimensional video based on the received video data. The image input module receives a captured image from an image-capturing device that captures an image of an area around the display apparatus and on a side facing the display device. The detection module detects an image of the stereoscopic-viewing glasses from the received captured image. The recording module records the received video data when the image of the stereoscopic-viewing glasses is not detected by the detection module.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for activities duplication via recorded video are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A playback is performed of a video with control and input data, which includes a recording of video data of a set of activities performed on a second computer, a recording of a set of control data corresponding to the set of activities, and a recording of a set of input data corresponding to the set of activities. Control data from the set of control data is applied to the computer. Applying the control data to the computer changes a state of a process in the computer. Input data from the set of input data is applied to the computer. Applying the input data provides an attribute of the input data to the process in the computer.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display unit; a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) through which an external device can be connected; a user input unit; a user interface (UI) generator; and a controller which outputs a command signal for generating a UI for external device through the HDMI if a control signal for generating the UI for external device is input to the user input unit, and controls the UI generator to display the UI for the external device on the display unit based on UI data input from the external device.

Abstract: Provided are a Blu-ray Disc (BD) playback system, a BD playback device, a display device, and a computer program which can report the status to the user during playback of BD content and can automatically provide an optimal user interface (UI). A BD playback device (110) is provided with an interactive content decision unit (113) for analyzing control data received from a disc reader (111) and determining whether a disc contains interactive content, and, if there is content, whether the interactive content should be played back. In addition, a display and operating device (120) is provided with an HMI control unit (123) for determining the status of the BD playback device (110) from the input from a communication unit (124) and displaying the appropriate HMI. The HMI control unit (123) controls the report to the user that interactive content exists when it has been determined that interactive content exists.

Abstract: Provided are an electronic apparatus based on touch control and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a touch sensing module for receiving touch input from a user and generating a touch signal; an indexer for storing an index list of time information and offset information of video frames of video data; and a controller for determining a video frame localization mode according to touch velocity, touch length and touch direction of the touch input, calculating time information of a video frame to be displayed and a frame rate, and outputting control signals of a pusher, a decoder and a frame buffer controller.

Abstract: A home multimedia net-work (10, 100) having display devices (121-12n) at multiple locations, can afford a user the ability to pause the play-back of previously recorded content at one location and later resume content playback at another location. To prevent the resumption of playback of content inappropriate for certain locations (e.g., a child's bedroom), the home multimedia network advantageously affords the user the ability to restrict selected locations from resuming playback by establishing a list of permissible locations able to receive paused previously recorded content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a picture-in-picture overlay video system for superimposing real time video onto a prerecorded video image onto a viewing screen. The present invention is used for exercise and sports instruction by enabling the user to view a real time video image superimposed on a viewing screen showing a prerecorded instructional video and allowing for comparison of the users form in comparison to that of the instructor on the prerecorded video. The merged images can also be saved for future evaluation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for controlling playback of a media player includes an image gathering unit, an image analyzing unit, and a communicating unit. The image gathering unit takes an image of the media player, including the current video frame and a background view around the media player. The image analyzing unit analyzes a color difference in the gathered image between the current video frame image and the back ground view image, and generates an image compensation signal based on the color difference. The communication unit transmits an image compensation signal to the media player to adjust the output of the video frames being displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control apparatus and a method, a recording medium and a program, which enable to control at least one first device more efficiently and quickly through the use of a second device. The control apparatus detects the at least one first device, requests at least one first operation panel information corresponding to the at least one first device from the second device; displays the at least one first operation panel; and controls the at least one first device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for altering a presentation of broadcast content. More specifically, embodiments provide an accurate and efficient mechanism for suppressing advertisements by using downloaded templates to identify advertisements before suppression for a duration indicated by information downloaded about the advertisement, where the suppression is effectuated by controlling a display or set-top box using remote-control functionality. In one embodiment, a digital signal comprising broadcast content is accessed. A plurality of templates are received and stored, wherein each template represents a known portion of the broadcast content. The digital signal is then compared against a portion of the plurality of stored templates. Upon a match, a control signal operable to alter a component of a presentation of the known portion of the broadcast content is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a processor and a device state management module. The device state management module may be operative on the processor to receive a trigger signal from a motion sensor in a remote control, to determine the device state of one or more controlled devices and send state management instructions to be transmitted to the one or more controlled devices. The state management instructions may control a set of initial default operations that comprises altering one or more device states in the one or more controlled devices. The apparatus may further include a memory that is arranged to store the determined device state of one or more controlled devices. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which has a media player, a local user interface, the local user interface being a primary presentation resource for the media player, a wireless communication interface, a media output port for connection to a remote media presentation device as a secondary presentation resource for the media player, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving a wireless signal via the wireless communication interface from a remote control device designed for controlling an external device other than the apparatus. The controller is also configured for processing the received wireless signal to determine an action of the media player, and causing the media player to perform the determined action and output a result of the action to the media output port for presentation on the remote media presentation device if connected.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing device in which energy saving characteristics and responsiveness are balanced. An image reproducing device according to this invention includes an operation-state-information acquisition unit for obtaining operation-state information of a display device for displaying the reproduced image signal, an operation input unit for inputting an operation command to operate the image reproducing device, and a mode setting unit for setting a mode for supplying electric power to the image reproducing device according to the operation-state information.

Abstract: A docking station is configured to receive media in the form of audio and/or video from a portable entertainment device. The docking station transmits the received media to a remote playing device via a wired, wireless, or powerline connection. The media may include a control signal associated with the audio and/or video to control the remote playing device. In certain embodiments, the remote playing device transmits control signals to the docking station to control the portable entertainment device. In certain embodiments, the docking station electrically charges the portable entertainment device.

Abstract: A method and a playback control device are provided. The method, performed by the playback control device, includes: receiving a first request to playback a first data of a first wireless multimedia data type having a first priority; and playing back the first data if no other data of a wireless multimedia data type having a priority higher than the first priority is received.

Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device capable of connecting to an external device and outputting image data recorded in an internal or external recording medium though an internal or external sending unit to the external device. The electronic device includes an operation unit operable to receive an operation made by a user, and a controller operable to control sending the image data. The controller has a first communication mode which controls the sending unit so as to send image data selected by the operation unit, and a second communication mode which controls the sending unit so as to send image data requested from the external device, and the controller prohibits switching from the second communication mode to the first communication mode even when an operation to switch from the second communication mode to the first communication mode is performed on the operation unit in the second communication mode.

Abstract: A medical communication system includes a plurality of end-user audio/video recording and playback devices (40) disposed with recipients of medical assistance, and a medical server (10) configured to receive audio/video messages (90?) generated by the end-user audio/video devices and to generate and transmit audio/video responses (94) to targeted end-user audio/video devices. The medical server includes an audio/video recording and playback device (12) configured to playback received audio/video messages and to record audio/video responses, and the end user audio/video recording and playback devices are configured to playback audio/video responses (94?) received from the server. In some embodiments, each end-user audio/video device includes: a video recording lens (62); a microphone (64); and an automatic lens cover (63) arranged to physically block the video recording lens except during recording of audio/video content.

Abstract: The possibility that one who is not accustomed with manipulation may cause inadvertent alteration or deletion by using an easy-remote control is reduced. A data processing apparatus includes a reception section for distinguishably receiving a first remote control signal sent from a first remote control and a second remote control signal sent from a second remote control; a processor for generating image data representing a list of contents by using, from a storage medium on which content-related information is recorded, information being read from the storage medium, such that image data representing a different list of contents is generated depending on whether the first remote control signal is received or the second remote control signal is received; and an output section for outputting the image data representing the list of contents.

Abstract: A settings controller for a multimedia content receiver is responsive to a control settings command. The settings controller saves a first set of control settings and loads a second set of control settings associated with the control settings command after saving the first set of control settings. It then reloads the first set of control settings when the control settings command is no longer valid. This allows for viewer settings to be automatically restored after an interruption.

Abstract: A remote control system of the present invention is provided with a TV apparatus and a remote controller, and performs two-way communication. The remote controller is provided with a microphone and a speaker, and generates and outputs sound source data. Furthermore, by the use of wireless communication modules, the sound source data produced by the remote controller is transmitted to the TV apparatus, and the sound source data is transmitted from the TV apparatus to the remote controller, that is, the sound source data is exchanged, with the result that the sound source data is outputted from the TV apparatus and the remote controller.

Abstract: A user-operable device and a display device are connected via a network. The user-operable device has a user interface that involves display of user interface images on the display device. A network control device connected to the network stores surrogate user interface image data. Before the user interface of the user-operable device becomes operational, the network control device displays a surrogate user interface on the display device and receives events generated by user operations from the display device. The network control device transfers the received events to the user-operable device after the user interface of the user-operable device becomes operational.

Abstract: A remote control for a digital video recorder includes an integrated display screen configured to display a recording list including programs scheduled to be recorded.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus which includes a storage part storing content data, an input part to which one user operation is input among a plurality of different modes of user operations, and a plurality of processing parts accessing the content data stored in the storage part through respective access paths different from one another to process the content data. One processing part corresponding to the one user operation input to the input part among the plurality of processing parts accesses and processes the content data.

Abstract: Metadata regarding program content is created by monitoring a manner in which a first rendering of the program content is affected by a user whereupon the metadata will include data which defines one or more segments within the program content. The data within the metadata is then usable during a second rendering of the program content to inhibit, e.g., advance over during playing or omit during copying, the rendering of the one or more segments within the program content defined by the data within the metadata.

Abstract: Control signal transmitting and receiving methods for video/audio processing integrate circuit (IC), the method applied to a video player, and an apparatus therefor are provided. The control signal transmitting method, in a video player having an integrated circuit (IC) for processing video/audio signals and a microprocessor generating control signals to control the IC, has the steps of mapping serial data corresponding to possible control states of the video/audio signal processing IC, and storing the mapped data in a lookup table, reading serial data corresponding to a control state of the video/audio signal processing IC requested by the microprocessor, from the lookup table; and transmitting the serial data to the video/audio signal processing IC, being synchronized to a clock signal.

Abstract: A display device switches a broadcast channel which is being received by a tuner unit based on a broadcast channel switching instruction input from a user operating unit and transmits broadcast channel switching information to a recording and reproduction device. The recording and reproduction device sets a channel of a tuner unit to the same channel as the display device based on the broadcast channel switching information. A content is recorded and reproduced by a recording and reproduction unit based on a time shift viewing/listening instruction, a switch unit of the display device is switched from the tuner unit to the recording and reproduction device, and the reproduction output from the recording and reproduction device is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment is operable to receive, from a remote control device associated with a video display device, biometric input of a user. Responsive to a match of the biometric input with stored biometric data of the user, the user is authenticated. The remote control device and/or the video display device are then configured based on user settings associated with the stored biometric data of the user. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A keyboard for recording a video and an audio is disclosed. The keyboard having a video and an audio recording function includes a universal serial bus hub coupling with a computer system, a keyboard controller, coupled with the universal serial bus hub, for controlling a keypad matrix, and a video and audio processing module coupling with the universal serial bus hub. The video and audio processing module comprises an analog to digital converter for receiving an analog video signal and an analog audio signal and converting the analog video signal and the analog audio signal to a digital video signal and a digital audio signal, and an encoding controller for encoding the digital video signal and the digital audio signal into a formatted file according to a recording signal from the computer system and transmitting the formatted file to the computer system via the universal serial bus hub.

Abstract: A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an information appliance from a remote location, the information appliance having access to a network and access to receive television programming. The method receives a request from a wireless portable device to access the information appliance, and the request identifies at least a user account. Verifying, based on the user account, whether to grant access to the information appliance from the wireless portable device and providing data to the wireless portable device. At least some of the data used to populate a user interface of the wireless device with information concerning the television programming and selectable options, and receiving selections from the user interface of the wireless portable device. The selections identifying an item of the television programming to record, and communicating instructions to the information appliance to record the item in digital storage buffers associated with the information appliance.

Abstract: A method of scanning content comprises receiving an input signal indicating that content being displayed is to be scanned, sensing a duration of the received input signal, and scanning the content at a rate based at least in part on the sensed duration of the received input.

Abstract: A portable information terminal apparatus generates a first signal, based on the user's operation, that causes a recording/reproducing apparatus to acquire program information. A second signal based on the user's operation, causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to display the acquired program information. A third signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to preset the program for unattended recording. A fourth signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to convert the recorded program to video data in a predetermined file format.

Abstract: In order to watch existing contents by using different information apparatus, the contents are converted into formats suitable for respective information apparatus to be implemented, but implementation of interaction for bidirectionality is not solved. In order to implement watching the contents in all information receiving apparatus, a playback/capture content processing device, a content conversion unit, a content analysis processing unit extracting an operation object of a remote controller from converted video information, a distribution processing unit, and an interaction analysis/control unit are provided. The interaction analysis/control unit acquires operation information of a remote controller device in an information receiving apparatus side, preserves matching information with the operation object extracted by the content analysis processing unit in real time on a database, and controls content information of the playback/capture content processing device in real time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproduction apparatus capable of automatically switching an input of a television to an output from a broadcast receiver such as an STB. A television, upon receiving a notification command notifying that output of video or audio is to start, switches its input to an output from an apparatus which has sent the notification command. An STB, upon receiving an instruction command instructing that output of video or audio should be started, sends the notification command to the television. A DVD recorder includes: a decoder that reproduces video or audio recorded in a DVD-RAM disc; a data output I/F that outputs the reproduced video or audio to the television; and a command sending and receiving I/F that sends the instruction command to the STB when the output of the reproduced video or audio ends.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a controllability indicator at a portable communication device, the controllability indicator received from a stationary communication device. The controllability indicator indicates whether a trickplay feature is available for controlling a presentation of multimedia content, and is determined from a characterization of the multimedia content. The method further includes presenting a trickplay indicator at the portable communication device according to the controllability indicator to indicate whether the trickplay feature is available. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control apparatus and a method, a recording medium and a program, which enable to control devices more efficiently and quickly. As information of the devices that can be controlled by a remote controller 1 by way of a personal computer 351, the address information of a television receiver 21 and a personal computer 31, which are connected via a wireless LAN to the personal computer 351, are provided from the personal computer 351 to the remote controller 1. Between the remote controller 1 and the television receiver 21, and between the remote controller 1 and the personal computer 31, a variety of information are sent/received by way of the personal computer 351, and these devices are controlled by the remote controller 1. The present invention is applicable to an information processing apparatus, which can control by wireless communication a variety of AV equipment, appliances, and the like.

Abstract: A video display function that addresses fast-forward overshoot. Holding down a play key during a fast forward function, for longer than a predetermined amount of time, causes a video presentation to be placed in reverse mode until the play key is released. This allows a user to manually, and easily, control how far to back up a given video presentation after a fast forward operation, without having to separately engage a rewind key.

Abstract: A method of scanning content comprises receiving an input signal indicating that content being displayed is to be scanned, sensing a duration of the received input signal, and scanning the content at a rate based at least in part on the sensed duration of the received input.

Abstract: A title record method to be used with a digital broadcast recorder including recording a received digital broadcast signal, and, substantially simultaneously, reading broadcast information contained in the digital broadcast signal, determining the presence or absence of a program title in the broadcast information, continuously reading the broadcast information of the next digital broadcast signal following the digital broadcast signal if no title is present in the broadcast information, and, substantially simultaneously, determining the presence or absence of the title in the next digital broadcast signal, and recording the title as a title of the recorded broadcast signal if the title is present in the broadcast information.

Abstract: Multiple video streams, or other image information, from a DVD or other single source are selectively directed among two or more display screens. The video streams can be directed automatically, manually or by a combination of automatic and manual techniques. This allows the streams to be viewed simultaneously on different display screens to, e.g., increase the viewing area, provide selectable enhancement and control of video viewing, or for other purposes.

Abstract: Capturing playback key events to override a default behavior of key strokes during playback, includes: receiving a user operation initiated by a user; receiving a notice that a non-default behavior of the key strokes is being masked; notifying the user that there are adverse consequences of overriding the default behavior of the key strokes; and overriding the default behavior of the key strokes. Keywords include User Operation Mask Table and Playback Key Events.