Abstract: A device receives an identification of a series to schedule automatic recording of episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, receives an instruction to automatically retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series based on the scheduling of the automatic recording of the episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future. The device searches content, based on receipt of the instruction, to retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series. The device records at least one episode of the scheduled series, and presents the recorded at least one episode of the scheduled series and the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series such that a user may select and play the at least one episode of the scheduled series or the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series.

Abstract: An approach is provided for utilizing dynamic bandwidth allocation for recording content. A recording manager generates a request for bandwidth for a future recording of a programming content to be delivered to a set-top box. The recording manager then receives a response indicating a dynamic bandwidth allocation for the future recording and schedules the future recording of the programming content based on the dynamic bandwidth allocation.

Abstract: A system may include a digital video recorder. The digital video recorder may provide a list of recorded television programs, receive selection of a television program in the list of television programs, and receive information identifying a segment to be filtered from the selected television program. The digital video recorder may further create a filtered television program by marking the segment as hidden or deleting the segment, where the segment is not visible when the filtered television program is played, and store the filtered television program.

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 one embodiment, a video reproducing apparatus includes a video data generating device generating reproduction control video data for displaying a reproduction control image of video contents in a constant cycle on an occasion of reproducing the video contents; and an update cycle adjusting device making an update cycle in which the reproduction control video data is updated longer than the constant cycle, within a range in which all the reproduction control images which should be displayed by the reproduction control video data are displayed.

Abstract: A first video-recording reservation management apparatus which communicates with a second apparatus and can receive the same channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording media content are provided. A method of recording media content may include receiving a request to schedule recording of media content at a first digital video recording (DVR) device at a customer premises. The method may also include determining availability of the first DVR device to record the media content. The method may further include sending a recording request to a second DVR device at the customer premises to schedule recording of the media content based on the determined availability.

Abstract: A method of displaying a timeline of recorded video comprising the steps of dividing the recorded video into timespans, providing a thumbnail and a timestamp for each timespan that has recorded video, providing a gap and a timestamp between thumbnails for each timespan in which there is no recorded video, displaying a first timeline containing the provided thumbnails and timestamps and the provided gaps and timestamps having an uncompressed format, receiving user input requesting that the first timeline be compressed, removing the gaps and their respective timestamps from the first timeline and moving the thumbnails and their timestamps located on either side of the gaps so that the thumbnails on either side of the gaps are adjacent to provide a compressed timeline, and displaying the compressed timeline.

Abstract: A first media service is acquired in response to a scheduled acquisition command, where the acquiring operation is performed by a user receiver. The time the acquiring operation takes place depends on information in the command, which indicates when the acquiring operation is supposed to take place and when operation terminates. The receipt of a non-scheduled command by the user receiver causes the acquisition of a second media service, where upon the expiration of the non-scheduled command, the first media service is re-acquired. Upon the expiration of the scheduled command, a third media service is automatically acquired, where the third media service was previously selected by a user.

Abstract: An information storage medium includes application information for performing reproduction with reference to metadata stored in a reproduction apparatus; and additional information for providing the metadata as a user interface provided by a content producer.

Abstract: A content can be recorded for certain in a video recording system including a video recording apparatus and a video recording and transmitting apparatus. The video recording apparatus includes: a recording control unit that starts recording the content when a period of time indicated by scheduled recording information starts; and a message transmitting unit that transmits recording-state information to the video recording and transmitting apparatus at regular intervals. The video recording and transmitting apparatus includes: a recording-state monitoring unit that determines whether or not the continued reception of a signal has been suspended during the period of time; and a recording control unit that starts recording the content when the recording-state monitoring unit determines that the continued reception of the signal has been suspended.

Abstract: A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described.

Abstract: A multimedia visual progress indication system that provides a cache bar that is overlaid onto the program material or displayed on a dedicated display. A cache bar indicates the length of a recording session or the length of stored program material and expands to the right when material is being recorded. Index and/or bookmark indicators are displayed next to the cache bar. A position indicator moves within the cache bar and tells the user visually where his current position is within the program material. Numeric time or counter mark of the current position is displayed in the vicinity of the cache bar. The trick play bar and its associated components are displayed for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A web server presents a web page to a user. The web page dynamically presents information corresponding to a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with the user. The web server accepts input information to control the DVR. A delayed-job server accepts input from the web server and stores a job entry corresponding to the input in a message queue. The delayed-job server processes the job entry from the message queue and creates a function request representative of the web server input. An access server accepts the function request from the delayed-job server and bi-directionally communicates messages with the DVR. The access server communicates a response to the function request back to the delayed-job server. The delayed-job server communicates data from the response to the web server, wherein the web server is not blocked while waiting for the response from the delayed-job server.

Abstract: A method, program product and system are provided for optimizing power requirements of a video recorder system in recording user-selected video programs. When it is determined that recording a selected video program at a time subsequent to a user designated time would result in a cost savings, an acceptable recording delay period is determined and if the subsequent recording time is within the acceptable recording delay period, the user-selected video program is recorded at the subsequent recording time rather than being recorded at the user designated time. The acceptable recording delay period is determined by accessing stored user data which are indicative of a future time when the user will be available to view a recording of the selected video program.

Abstract: Program recording systems and methods are operable to adjust recording times of a program of interest in response to an occurrence of an interrupting program that alters the scheduled recording times of the program of interest. An exemplary embodiment receives an unscheduled program flag (UPF) corresponding to an occurrence of an unscheduled program; adjusts at least one of a scheduled recording start time associated with the program of interest to an updated record start time and a scheduled recording end time associated with the program of interest to an updated record end time in response to receiving the UPF; and records the program of interest based upon at least one of the updated record start time and the updated record end time.

Abstract: A television PC 40 detects an advertisement of a program scheduled to be broadcasted from within pictures based on TV signals transmitted by any one of TV broadcasting stations, then acquires program information for specifying this program (S101-S107), and registers reservation information based on the program information according to an instruction given from a viewer of the pictures in a reservation information management table 43d, thereby reserving the recording of the program (S108, S109).

Abstract: A scene scheduling system, a scene scheduling method, and a recording medium thereof are provided. This system includes a medium providing module, an input module, a time scheduling unit and a medium capture module. The medium providing module is used for providing medium data and ad medium data corresponding thereto. The input module is used for inputting a channel setting signal. The time scheduling unit provides a piece of preset time scheduling data, and adjusts the preset time scheduling data according to the channel setting signal, so as to form a piece of personalization time scheduling data. The medium capture module captures the medium data and the a piece of ad medium data corresponding to the channel setting signal and the personalization time scheduling data from the medium providing module according to the personalization time scheduling data.

Abstract: A playing method is executed in an electronic device. The electronic device plays information from a storage unit. The electronic device includes a non-volatile memory. The playing method includes steps of: receiving a first playing commands; obtaining information from the storage unit in response to the first playing commands; playing the obtained information; obtaining a playing position at a predetermined time interval; and storing the playing position into the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An operating method of a broadcasting receiver storing a broadcasting program and providing thumbnail images of a channel-switched broadcasting program during storing the broadcasting program and a broadcasting receiver enabling of the method, thus providing a representative thumbnail image of a channel-switched broadcasting program during storing of the broadcasting program, making it possible to improve a user's convenience by providing information on what the channel-switched broadcasting program is as well as by extracting and outputting thumbnail images from the broadcasting program.

Abstract: Provided is a technology for recording the information of contents recorded in a recording medium, when the reproduction of the contents is instructed by a user, thereby to extract a favorite program of the user on the basis of that information. For the technology, the contents stored in the recording medium in accordance with the operation of the user are reproduced. In case the contents are reproduced, the information indicating the reproduced contents is read out and recorded as reproduction history information. A list of programs to be broadcast is received, and the program according to the reproduction history information is extracted as the favorite program of the user from that list.

Abstract: A predictive personal video recorder (PVR) can include a tuner, a buffer, a predictive tuner, and a predictive buffer. The tuner can be configured to allow viewing of a currently-selected digital video channel chosen from a plurality of digital video channels received by a predictive PVR. The buffer can be configured to store video data of the currently-selected digital video channel, allowing time-shifted viewing of the currently-selected digital video channel. The predictive tuner can be configured to capture video data for a predicted digital video channel. The predicted digital video channel can be selected based upon a predictive factor. The predictive buffer can be configured to store the captured video data for the predicted digital video channel received by the predictive tuner to allow time-shifted viewing of said predicted digital video channel.

Abstract: A closed caption tagging system provides a mechanism for inserting tags into an audio or video television broadcast stream prior to or at the time of transmission. The tags contain command and control information that the receiver translates and acts upon. The receiver receives the broadcast stream and detects and processes the tags within the broadcast stream which is stored on a storage device that resides on the receiver. Program material from the broadcast stream is played back to the viewer from the storage device. Tags indicate the start and end points of a program segment. Program segments such as commercials are automatically replaced by the receiver with new program segments that are selected based on various criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device that makes recording and scheduling programs chosen by a user simpler than was conventionally possible. While viewing a broadcast program of any channel on the display device, a user gives an instruction for different-channel program guide display (S1). The display device displays different-channel programs broadcasted at the time as a list (S2). In that state, the user presses down the cursor button of a remote controller (S3), the position of the cursor is changed (S4), and the user press down a record button (45) (S5) to start recording the program at the cursor position (S6).

Abstract: A system, method, and service of managing data comprises establishing a computerized user profile guideline corresponding to selected television programming interests of a user; instructing a processor to manage data based on the computerized user profile guideline, wherein the data is received from a television programming broadcaster; and managing access to specified television programming when the computerized user profile guideline corresponding to the selected television programming interests of the user is satisfied. The process of managing access may comprise alerting the user with information pertaining to the specified television programming.

Abstract: A television signal recording apparatus comprises a recording unit that makes recordings of television signals and stores metadata representing information in respect of the recordings including the channel and the recording time. A graphical display of made recordings and scheduled recordings is produced in which graphical objects representing respective recordings are arranged in two dimensions, ordered in a first dimension on the basis of the channels and ordered in a second dimension on the basis of the recording times. In the second dimension, the graphical objects are arranged along a time axis which includes discontinuities at times when no recording is present, the discontinuities being graphically represented by graphical symbols that are different according to the period of the discontinuity. An electronic program guide is produced with a similar format, the programs being filtered to select programs and discontinuities being present at times where there is no selected program.

Abstract: A method for displaying a record in an initial driving state of a record displaying apparatus is disclosed. The method includes searching execution/non-execution file descriptors of recorded multimedia files, and extracting record files not played back, and outputting a record file alarming message when a record file not played back is extracted. The record displaying apparatus is also disclosed. Execution/non-execution file descriptors of record files are searched upon system initialization of a broadcast receiver. When there is a new record or a record not played back, a record file alarming message is output in a state of being overlaid on a broadcast signal received. Accordingly, the user can access the record file list simultaneously with viewing a broadcast, without using any additional means.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus (camcorders, optical disc recorders, etc.), the operator presses down priority designating buttons for designating priorities when recording input image data. An additional information generating section records and holds, in a storage section, additional information indicating priorities of data to be recorded (e.g., “low”, “intermediate”, “high”, or “highest”) which are set, depending on what priority designating button has been pressed down. If recordable remaining space in the storage section detected by the remaining amount detecting section falls below a predetermined value before the start of or during recording of data, a control section overwrites regions in order of priority of data which is stored therein, the lowest first, with data which is about to be recorded or is being recorded, based on the additional information generated by the additional information generating section.

Abstract: An image recording method for a time shift function and an image recording apparatus thereof are provided. The image recording method includes, if a channel is changed, tuning one of first and second tuners to the change channel, based on time information of each channel received through the first and second tuners, and controlling a record progress state of each channel image received through the first and second tuners based on the time information.

Abstract: A video recording and playback apparatus includes: an operation information acquisition device for acquiring operation information and user identification information; a user identification device for identifying a user; a preference information generation device for generating preference information about a preference of a user; a operation result information acquisition device for acquiring operation result information obtained as a result of recording scheduling and playback operations etc.; a user point calculation device for calculating a user point; and a preference information priority assignment device for determining a priority of preference information.

Abstract: A system and method of managing a digital video recorder using a user customizable television broadcast list which includes a list of a plurality of user selected television programs being displayed on a website. The television programs on the list are identified based on date and time broadcast information which are retrieved from a storage medium. The list includes television programs only to be broadcast on a particular user selected date. At least one of the user selected television programs from the list is exported to a digital video recorder (DVR) upon the user selecting the at least one user selected television program from the list. The DVR is instructed to automatically record the television programs at a predetermined date and time based on the date and time broadcast information.

Abstract: A time shift reproduction time controlling method and an information reproduction apparatus are disclosed wherein reproduction of data at time which is beyond time shift reproduction possible time is prevented with certainty. An input PCR extraction section extracts a PCR from a reception transport stream and outputs the extracted PCR to a subtractor. An output PCR extraction section extracts a PCR from a transport stream read out from a recording medium and outputs the extracted PCR to the subtractor. The subtractor subtracts time information from the output PCR extraction section from time information from the input PCR extraction section and outputs a result of the subtraction to a comparator. The comparator compares the output of the subtractor and output of a reproduction time control register in which a value indicating a time limit to time shift reproduction is stored with each other and outputs a result of the comparison to a reproduction stopping control section.

Abstract: A viewer of an episode of a series such as a television series may wish to access episodes of the series that the viewer missed when they were originally broadcast. Interactive applications may receive the viewer's indication of interest to record missed episodes of the incomplete series, which may include instructions regarding recording options for including the missed episodes in a series aggregation. Interactive applications may identify the episodes to be included in the series aggregation, and record the missed episodes, which may then be stored and organized to create a series aggregation, in the order that they were first broadcast with episodes that the viewer may already have available. Interactive applications may present the episodes of the series aggregation in the order that they were originally broadcast, by providing the viewer with options on how to access the episodes.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus and method including a video data acquiring section, a program and program management information; a video reproduction section; and a program executing section. According to the result of program execution, first reproduction control information is transmitted to the video reproduction section. Also, an overall control section generates, based on reproduction control manipulation information received via an input section, second reproduction control information for controlling reproduction of the video data, and transmits the same to the video reproducing section. The program management information includes a flag indicating whether or not to transmit the second reproduction control information, and the overall controlling section determines, in accordance with the flag, whether to transmit the second reproduction control information. A non-transitory content recording medium for causing a computer to function as the apparatus implementing the method also is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program.

Abstract: A system and method is set forth for displaying schedule recording events on a second screen device that includes a controller and a display. The controller includes a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) engine and a calendar display module. The HTTP engine receives scheduled recording data from a first receiving device. The scheduled recording data comprising a plurality of scheduled recording events. The HTTP engine receives conflict data corresponding to a conflict between at least two scheduled recording events based on the scheduled recording data. The calendar display module displays the scheduled recording events on a calendar screen display and displays a screen indicator at the second screen device indicative of a conflict.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to read media content from an optical storage medium inserted into an optical drive of the communication device, obtain one or more preferences of a set top box for presentation of the media content, adjust the media content from a current format into a target format based at least in part on the one or more preferences, and transmit the media content in the target format to the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a CD/DVD recorder with a gradual recording guidance function. The recorder includes at least one video/audio signal sources input end for receiving external video/audio signal sources, a memory for storing a gradual recording guidance program, and a processor for connection to the memory and execution of the program. Execution of the program by the processor includes at least the steps of: displaying on a monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting recording video/audio sources, and then displaying on the same screen the positions at which the video/audio signal sources input ends are installed in the recorder; and displaying on the monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting a recording video/audio quality option, and then displaying on the same screen the recording time left with regard to a rewritable/recordable CD/DVD immediately after the recording video/audio quality option is selected.

Abstract: A method includes sending a unicast transmission including at least a portion of media content to a media device in response to determining, at a media distribution computing device, that a request for a media stream to be provided to the media device does not indicate a scheduled recording of the media content associated with the media stream and joining the media device to a multicast group associated with the media stream without sending the unicast transmission to the media device in response to determining, at the media distribution computing device, that the request indicates the scheduled recording of the media content.

Abstract: Using a remote control, a viewer specifies the channel and the date and time of a program that he/she wants to watch. A reception method selection unit determines, based on the date and time, whether the program is currently being broadcast or was broadcast in the past, and then selects a reception method. An SI information storage unit stores URL information of program distribution servers having past programs. The URL information is contained in the SDT in SI information transmitted together with a program. When the viewer chooses a past program, an IP data reception unit connects to the corresponding program distribution server based on its URL so as to transmit the date and time thereto, and receives the past program that the viewer wants to watch via IP network.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for the identification of locations in a presentation stream based on metadata associated with the presentation stream. Locations within a presentation stream are identified using signature data associated with the presentation stream. The identified locations within a presentation stream may be utilized to identify boundaries of segments within the presentation stream, such as segments of a show and interstitials (e.g., commercials) of the show. The identified portions of a presentation stream may then be utilized for filtering segments of content during presentation. Additionally, supplemental content is identified and inserted into the presentation stream during presentation.

Abstract: A media player may include a media reader to read media content from a recording medium inserted into the media reader. The media player may also include a media analysis component to identify one or more valid portions of the recording medium containing media content and one or more invalid portions of the recording medium without media content. In one embodiment, the media player includes an archival component to store the media content from the one or more valid portions in a storage medium and a playback component to play back the one or more valid portions of the media content from the storage medium concurrently with the identification of the one or more valid portions by the media analysis component and the storage of the media content by the archival component.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the display of television recording information to. More particularly, television recording information is presented visually to a user in a recording information menu. The visual recording information menu includes a time axis, and recording timers associated with particular television programs are presented as visual representations along the time axis. In the case that multiple television receiving resources are available, a resource axis may separately present recording timers associated with each of the disparate television receiving resources.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product for using speech/voice recognition technology to update digital video recorder (DVR) program recording patterns, based on program viewer/listener feedback. A speech controlled patient modification (SCPM) utility, utilizes a DVR recording sub-system integrated with speech processing functionality to compare control phrases with phrases uttered by a viewer. If a control phrase matches a phrase uttered by the viewer, the SCPM utility modifies the DVR recording patterns, according to a set of pre-programmed governing rules. For example, the SCPM utility may avoid, modifying the recording patterns for programs within a list of “favorite” programs but may modify the recording patterns for programs excluded from the list. The SCPM utility determines priority of the uttered phrases by identifying users and retrieving a preset priority level of the identified users. The priority level is then used to control changes to the recording patterns.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A digital video recorder (DVR) system with an integrated DVD recording device accepts TV input streams in a multitude of forms. Analog TV streams are converted to an MPEG formatted stream for internal transfer and manipulation, while pre-formatted MPEG streams are extracted from the digital TV signal and presented in a similar format. Indexes within the MPEG stream are determined and saved at predefined intervals and are stored on a hard disk along with the MPEG program material and used to create navigation packets when writing to a DVD inserted in an integrated DVD player/recorder. When a program is requested for display from the hard disk or the integrated DVD player/recorder, the program material are extracted from the appropriate source and reassembled into an MPEG stream which is sent to a decoder. The decoder converts the MPEG stream into TV output signals and delivers the TV output signals to a TV monitor.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: In case that a plurality of video reproduction devices obtains video data from one same camera, a distribution rate thereof may be decreased to be lower than that expected by a user. There is provided a video reproduction device or system capable of obtaining a video from a camera at a distribution rate that is expected by the user. In case that a video reproduction device newly requests the camera to distribute a video thereto, if the camera has been distributing the video to a different video reproduction device and a video distribution capacity of the camera is less than a sum of a distribution rate of the different video reproduction device and a distribution rate requested by the video reproduction device, the video reproduction device requests the different video reproduction device to distribute the video thereto and receives it from the different video reproduction device.

Abstract: A device receives, from one of a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR) or a user device, a request to allocate an amount of storage, and allocates the amount of storage based on the allocation request, logically extending the user's available storage. The device also receives, from the one of a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR) or a user device, a request to record content, and records the content to one or more portions of the allocated storage based on the record request.