Abstract: A computer implemented method for video broadcasting includes receiving, via a graphical user interface (GUI), first information relating to a first shot including one or more first digital media resources and second information relating to a second shot including one or more second digital media resources. A first video feed in accordance with the first information is played on a digital canvas. A second video feed in accordance with the second information is loaded on the digital canvas, such that the second video feed is hidden by the first video feed. A broadcast is generated by capturing a series of video frames of the digital canvas, and the broadcast is transmitted to one or more first remote devices.

Abstract: A method is shown. The method includes maintaining a plurality of player profiles corresponding to players consuming a service of the one or more processors, each of the plurality of player profiles associated with a respective one of the plurality of broadcast receiver devices. The method includes maintaining a plurality of live events to monitor. The method includes identifying a subset having one or more attributes that satisfy a content selection policy relating to a live event. The method includes determining from data identifying the live event accessed via a data feed, that the live event has started. The method includes transmitting instructions to the broadcast provider system that cause the broadcast provider system to communicate with each broadcast receiver device and cause the broadcast receiver device to i) display a notification indicating that the live event has started or ii) initiate recording of the live event.

Abstract: A facility for transferring configuration information to a target media device is described. The facility receives in the target media device a copy of media device settings stored in a source media device distinct from the target media device in a first form in which they are used in the source media device. This copy of media device settings is received by the target media device via a route other than its visual user interface. The facility causes the received copy of media device settings to be transformed into a second form in which they can be used in the target media device. The facility then stores the media receiver settings in the second form in the target media device for use by the target media device.

Abstract: The disclosure herein pertains to a content creation service utilizing micro-services. The content creation service divides up the tasks for content creation including extracting a start portion, a stop portion, and merging the stop portion, start portion, and segments between the start portion and the stop portion. The content creation service utilizes micro-services in order to perform the tasks. Advantageously, use of micro-services allow for improved scalability and faster processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein disclosed for displaying a smart preview of video content. A first claimed embodiment includes receiving video content. A system can then detect an event taking place during the video content having an event time. The system can then receive a request to display a preview of the video content. The system can then display the preview of the video content beginning at the event time.

Abstract: Playback of content is modified by the application of an operation that is determined in response to a received control signal. The operation performed for the content is determined by the time position in the playback of the content where the presence of the time position in different time segments of the content will have different corresponding operations performed.

Abstract: A device implementing a system for providing location based search results includes at least one processor configured to detect that a location of a device is within a location of a store or within a threshold distance of the location, and establish a connection with a wireless network of the store. The at least one processor is configured to access an intranet associated with the store, the intranet being accessed via a network identifier previously stored on the device in association with the store, and receive user input for a search. The at least one processor is configured to obtain, via the intranet, at least one of a query completion suggestion or search result having been targeted to the location of the store or the threshold distance of the location, and display the at least one of the query completion suggestion or the search result in association with the search.

Abstract: An immersive head-mounted display (IHMD) system includes an IHMD that is communicatively coupled to a control device. The IHMD includes a hardware data receiving component operable to receive data indicative of data generated by the one or more electronic appliances from the control device. The IHMD includes a processing unit further operative to: modify, based on selection of one or more electronic appliances, the graphical user interface to display modifiable settings of the selected one or more electronic appliances; update the modified graphical user interface based on requested changes to the modifiable settings; and transmit, via a hardware transmitting component to the control device, setting data to the selected electronic appliance, wherein the setting data is data obtained from the modified settings.

Abstract: An administrator controls viewer access to restricted multimedia programs using electronic permission slips. In response to a viewer's request to view a restricted multimedia program, the viewer may initiate the generation of an electronic permission slip that is sent to an electronic device associated with the administrator. The electronic permission slip may include text-based information, graphical information, audio information, and the like. The electronic permission slip may enable input of permission data regarding whether the viewer is allowed to receive the blocked program. In response to the administrator granting permission, a service provider network allows the viewer to access the restricted multimedia program.

Abstract: An exemplary data router may receive from a client device a request to access a multicast packet stream corresponding to a media content channel. The data router may access the multicast packet stream, which may include a plurality of bit rate profiles each including a plurality of data packets representing a component of the media content channel transferred at a particular bit rate. The data router may filter out data packets included within bit rate profiles that have data transferred at a bit rate that is not a preferred or requested bit rate by the client device. The data router may also replace a multicast destination address with a device destination address in the data packets that are not filtered out. The data router may then route the modified multicast packet stream to the client device at the device destination address. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present system receives streaming raw data and inserts context into the raw data. The context raw data may be partitioned into sub-batches and transmitted to a data receiver and persister. The raw data may include context information as well as child-parent information to assist with persisting data. The context may be used to place the data in buckets without analysis of the data, thereby saving time and resources while storing the data batches.

Abstract: A photo album device comprising two hingeably coupled touchscreens. The photo album device comprises a memory storage device configured to store a collection of digital images and other files. The photo album device is configured to display albums of images and other files, and allow a user to edit the albums. The digital files can be backed up to an external device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus acquires pieces of file information for specifying each of a plurality of files as candidates for which predetermined processing is executed. The apparatus generates a file list for specifying one or more first files as some of the plurality of files, on a memory, based on the pieces of acquired file information. The apparatus newly generates, in a case where the predetermined processing is executed for one or more second files of the plurality of files, a file list corresponding to the one or more second files on an area of the memory in which the file list corresponding to the one or more first files is stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation.

Abstract: Mechanisms for recommending content items based on topics are provided. In some implementations, a method for recommending content items is provided that includes: determining a plurality of accessed content items associated with a user, wherein each of the plurality of content items is associated with a plurality of topics; determining the plurality of topics associated with each of the plurality of accessed content items; generating a model of user interests based on the plurality of topics, wherein the model implements a machine learning technique to determine a plurality of weights for assigning to each of the plurality of topics; applying the model to determine, for a plurality of content items, a probability that the user would watch a content item of the plurality of content items; ranking the plurality of content items based on the determined probabilities; and selecting a subset of the plurality of content items to recommend to the user based on the ranked content items.

Abstract: A method includes performing, at a media recorder device, a comparison of a user defined criterion to information descriptive of content items associated with a set of series subscriptions. The content items and the set of series subscriptions are stored at the media recorder device. The user defined criterion indicates that reruns of episodes associated with a particular series subscription of the set of series subscriptions have not been recorded within a time period. The method includes identifying, at the media recorder device, multiple series subscriptions of the set of series subscriptions based on the comparison. The method includes deleting the multiple series subscriptions from the media recorder device. The method further includes sending, from the media recorder device, a notification to a display device, the notification indicating that a cleanup operation has been performed on the set of series subscription stored at the media recorder device.

Abstract: Playback of multimedia data associated with a recorded conference session is simplified, particularly for a person who participated in the conference session from a mobile device. At a recording server that is in communication with a plurality of endpoints in a conference session, multimedia received from the plurality of endpoints participating in the conference session is recorded. The recording server obtains geographical location information for at least one mobile endpoint participating in the conference session as the at least one mobile endpoint moves. The recording server temporally correlates the geographical location information for the at least one endpoint with recorded multimedia data for the conference session. The recording server stores data tags for the geographical location information for the at least one mobile endpoint in association with the recorded multimedia data for subsequent use in indexing to map data to retrieve a portion of the recorded multimedia data for playback.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include receiving an instruction to compare at least one criterion to content items associated with multiple series subscriptions. A method includes issuing an instruction to selectively perform an action upon those content items that match the at least one criterion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing video include providing a portion of video to an electronic display and identifying a character or personality in the portion of video. A request to perform an action regarding the portion of video may be detected and the action may be associated with the identified character or personality. The action may be performed on a second portion of video in response to the character or personality being identified in the second portion of video.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to video segment identification and organization based on dynamic characterizations. A characteristics component analyzes a video, and determines a set of video characteristics based at least in part on the analysis. The video characteristics include but are not limited to a category, a type, an identity of a person, and/or an identity of an object. A segmenting component segments the video based in part on the set of video characteristics, and an indicator component associates indicators corresponding to respective video characteristics with the corresponding video segments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing online advertising is provided. The method includes providing, by a video delivery module, online video content to a user and maintaining, by a tracking module, a content consumption counter tracking an amount of time the user has watched the video content. The method also includes preventing, by a blocking module, the user from controlling playback of the video content if the content consumption counter satisfies a time characteristic. The method further includes providing, by an advertisement delivery module, a portion of an advertisement section to the user during the preventing. The duration of the portion of the advertisement section is dependent on the time characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a video playback control system for a vehicle. The method can include receiving a source of video data and accessing a data store for a run script associated with the playback of the video data. The method can also include if no run script exists in the data store, generating a log of user input received for the playback of the video data. The method can include storing the log in the data store as a run script associated with the playback of the video data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a playback apparatus includes a setting module, a detector, and a playback controller. The setting module is configured to set first limitation information configured to limit viewing of a person having an age lower than a first age. The detector is configured to detect second limitation information from a content including a plurality of programs, the second limitation information being configured to limit viewing of a person having an age lower than a second age set with respect to a first program included in the plurality of programs. The playback controller is configured to control playback of the content based on the first and second control information.

Abstract: A video playback system and method based on highlight information are disclosed. The video playback system includes a user interface, an extracting unit, a determining unit, an adjusting unit and a playback unit. The user interface is configured to receive a control command, including a highlight mode command. The extracting unit is configured to extract highlight information from an input video, according to the highlight mode command. The determining unit is configured to determine at least one highlight video clip. The adjusting unit is configured to provide an adjusting playback velocity. The playback unit is configured to play the input video at the adjusting playback velocity according to the highlight mode command.

Abstract: A method includes automatically recording a plurality of programs associated with a favorite channel including creating a recording entry for at least one program of the plurality of programs. The recording entry includes information indicating a starting position of a recording of the at least one program and a storage location corresponding to the recording. The method includes, in response to receiving a request to display a particular program, sending a recording of the particular program to a device for presentation. The particular program is automatically presented at the starting position indicated by a particular recording entry that corresponds to the particular program.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which presents a viewing schedule of a video content to a user is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first acquiring means for acquiring a broadcast schedule of a broadcast content to be broadcast; a second acquiring means for acquiring information about a recorded content that has been recorded and an on-demand content that has been downloaded; a generating means for arranging the broadcast content, the recorded content, and the on-demand content on a same time axis as these contents are mixed, and generating the viewing schedule; and a display control means for displaying the generated viewing schedule.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: Real-time access by a public authority emergency responder to surveillance video of a privately-controlled source is conditionally pre-authorized dependent on the existence of at least one pre-specified emergency condition, and recorded in a data processing system. A public authority emergency responder subsequently requests real-time access to the surveillance video (e.g., during an emergency), and if the pre-specified emergency condition is met, access is automatically granted, i.e., without the need for manual intervention. A pre-specified emergency condition could, e.g., be an alarm condition detected by a sensor at the site of the video surveillance, or a declared state of emergency, properly declared by an appropriate public official.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for processing viewer profiles and program metadata from a number of sources to provide viewing suggestions and recommendations to one or more viewers.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method is disclosed for playing a video program for a user that has an associated commercial that can be avoided to some extent if the user is authorized. In one step, the video program is received with the associated commercial and made available for display. An attempt by the user to avoid normal playback is detected. A playback point in the video program for the associated commercial is determined. The attempt is correlated to the playback point in the video program for the associated commercial. It is determined whether the user is authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial. If the user is not authorized to avoid normal playback of the associated commercial, the attempt is thwarted.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including an account registration unit that registers account information of a user and account information of a group that includes a plurality of users, a metadata retaining unit that retains information of a terminal that the user or the group uses and reproduction stop position information of content in association with the account information of the user or the group, and a metadata providing unit that provides the terminal that the user or the group uses with the reproduction stop position information associated with the account information of the user or the group.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein for managing the transfer of digital media that is recorded on a source device (e.g., personal video recorder) to a target device (e.g., portable media player). In one aspect, a user interface is provided for scheduling recording of digital media content on a source device and for inputting user preferences for transferring digital media content to be recorded on the source device to a target device. A user request is received in the user interface to schedule recording of digital media on the source device. User preferences for transferring digital media from the source device to the target device are also received in the user interface. The digital media is recorded on the source device per the user's request. Synchronization of the recorded digital media from the source device to the target device is managed based on the user preferences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. The time slot may be extended before the show, after the show, or both.

Abstract: A transmitting device, a receiving device and a transmitting and receiving device includes multiple devices connected. When these devices have duplicate functions for processing video signals or audio signals, these signals are processed using optimal circuits by comparing functions for processing video signals or audio signals in the devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for performing actions with media information using a digital video recorder is provided. In one embodiment, a user may mark a media segment in media using a digital video recorder. Characteristics for the media segment are then determined. A second media segment in second media may then be determined. For example, the second media segment may have similar characteristics to the first media segment. In one example, an advertisement that is similar to the advertisement marked as the first media segment may be determined. An action may then be performed with the second media segment. For example, the second media segment may be removed from the second media.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information-processing apparatus including an event-log acquisition section acquiring an event log provided by a content reproduction apparatus capable of reproducing a content as an event log including at least information identifying the content and information indicating a reproduction start date/time and reproduction end date/time of the content, an event-log analysis section deriving a reproduction start date/time and reproduction end date/time of a content reproduced by the content reproduction apparatus from the event log, a playlist generation section generating a playlist, which is to serve as a set of pieces of information each used for identifying a content reproduced during a specific period of time, on the basis of the reproduction start date/time and reproduction end date/time of the content, and a playlist transfer section transmitting the playlist to the content reproduction apparatus.

Abstract: A recording and playback apparatus capable of recording and playing back a content downloaded from a server, includes a recording unit configured to download the content with a playback time limit, stored in a server and record the content to a recording medium, an instruction receiver configured to receive an instruction for starting playback of the content, a playback unit configured to play back the content recorded in the recording medium in accordance with the instruction received by the instruction receiver, and a warning output unit configured to output warning information related to the playback time limit of the content before the playback unit stars playback of the content, when the instruction receiver receives the instruction for starting playback of the content during download of the content.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a recording section configured to record a personal content created by an individual on a predetermined recording medium, a meta data generating section configured to generate meta data for the personal content by analyzing details of the personal content, an advertisement content obtaining section configured to obtain an advertisement content corresponding to the meta data from a predetermined advertisement content providing server, and a controller configured to control the personal content and the advertisement content to be recorded on the recording medium via the recording section.

Abstract: A recording and playback apparatus capable of recording and playing back a content downloaded from a server, includes a recording unit configured to download the content with a playback time limit, stored in a server and record the content to a recording medium, an instruction receiver configured to receive an instruction for starting playback of the content, a playback unit configured to play back the content recorded in the recording medium in accordance with the instruction received by the instruction receiver, and a warning output unit configured to output warning information related to the playback time limit of the content before the playback unit stars playback of the content, when the instruction receiver receives the instruction for starting playback of the content during download of the content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products that filter available content, produce a set of clean, discrete clips, and mix the clips to produce a package of content that matches a user's substantive preferences and conforms to a length and format specified by the user. Clips that do not match the user's preferences may be eliminated from use, as may be clips that have been viewed by the user previously. Moreover, the user can react to the received clips and judge them as to desirability and relevance to his or her preferences. These reactions may then become part of a user's set of preferences for generation of subsequent mixes.

Abstract: A method for managing playback of special feature content on an optical disc, comprising the steps of (A) storing a first disc specific information set for a particular disc in the memory of an optical disc player and (B) prior to playback of a main feature content, comparing a previously stored second disc specific information to the first disc specific information of a current disc and (C) if a match occurs between the first disc specific information and the second disc specific information, skipping the loading or playback of the special feature content on the optical disc and playing said main feature content.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to creating and providing an interactive video program. One disclosed embodiment includes combining a first interactive video segment of a first type and a second interactive video segment of a second, different type than the first segment. The first interactive video segment includes a first video component, a second video component related to the first component, and metadata including information related to a possible user input that triggers the second component. The interactive video program includes an active viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments, and includes playback of the second component. The active viewing route is triggered by receipt of an actual user input that corresponds to the possible user input. The interactive video program also includes a passive viewing route that proceeds through the first and second interactive video segments without playback of the second component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR. An embodiment allows multimedia device users to select programs to record or download movie or music over a network, such as the Internet, from a content provider. The system automatically downloads and stores ancillary program data that is directly related to, and associated with, a program that has been selected for recording or content requested for download. When a user selects a program to view the user is offered the opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view an ancillary program data. The service can charge the content provider or an advertiser for each time their ancillary program data is viewed by a user. The ancillary programming is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing online advertising is provided. The method includes providing, by a video delivery module, online video content to a user and maintaining, by a tracking module, a content consumption counter tracking an amount of time the user has watched the video content. The method also includes preventing, by a blocking module, the user from controlling playback of the video content if the content consumption counter satisfies a time characteristic. The method further includes providing, by an advertisement delivery module, a portion of an advertisement section to the user during the preventing. The duration of the portion of the advertisement section is dependent on the time characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is a BD-ROM having AVClips and PlayList information pieces, which are playback paths for the AVClips, recorded thereon. In addition, the BD-ROM also has multiple playback paths and dynamic scenarios recorded thereon. The dynamic scenarios instruct a playback device to play a digital stream using the playback paths. The dynamic scenarios include selection procedures (IF-statement blocks) which cause the playback device to compare a constant and a register-stored value indicating a user's age set on the playback device, (PSR(13)), and to select a playback path from among the multiple playback paths according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

Abstract: A process for programming actions of resources in a network of domestic devices to enable a user to program an action to be performed by one of the devices from another device. The process includes sending a request for programming an action, the request including a set of parameters defining the action, a time indication, and a list of resources involved in the action. An actions manager verifies the availability of the resources at the time the action is to be carried out, and a message of acceptance or refusal of the programming action is sent out in response to the verification.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus comprises a reproduction unit configured to reproduce image data from a recording medium; a detection unit configured to detect users; and a generation unit configured to generate, for each of a plurality of users, management information for distinguishing a portion that has been reproduced and a portion that has not been reproduced in the image data recorded in the recording medium.