Abstract: A data accessing and reproducing apparatus and method that permits a user to selected desired video clips and perform editing on the clips such that the time needed to display a thumbnail representation is minimized. In an edit mode, thumbnail pictures are arranged and displayed in the order of which edit results are reproduced. These thumbnails may be, for example, a lower resolution, proxy representation of the audio or video data. When data of thumbnail pictures are read from a disc, the data are read in the order of which they have been recorded. The order of which thumbnail pictures are displayed on the screen is different from the order of which they are arranged on the screen, and thus, the seek time for the disc becomes the shortest. Thus, the thumbnail pictures can be displayed at high speed.

Abstract: A video receiver system comprises a video elementary stream decoder that decodes an elementary stream and one or more trick mode processing modules that modify the elementary stream to enable a trick mode effect. The trick mode processing module(s) produce a trick mode elementary stream for input to the video elementary stream decoder module. For example, the one or more trick mode processing modules can replace plural non-key frames of the elementary stream with one or more P-type skipped frames for a fast forward effect, where the trick mode elementary stream comprises one or more entry point key frames and the one or more P-type skipped frames. The video receiver system can selectively route the elementary stream to either the video elementary stream decoder module or the one or more trick mode processing modules.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a digital video segment simulating motion at one speed, the frames in the segment spaced at a uniform time interval. The method further includes receiving a desired speed of motion, determining the appropriate uniform time interval corresponding to the desired speed, and generating a frame sequence simulating the motion at the desired speed, the frames in the generated sequence spaced at the determined appropriate uniform time interval. If the generated frame sequence includes a frame from the original segment, then only frames from the original segment are included in the generated frame sequence, and if the generated frame sequence includes an interpolated frame then only interpolated frames are included in the generated frame sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a personal video recorder (PVR) software buffer management to support the software passage are disclosed. A first plurality of receive buffer descriptors may be allocated for recording at least one received packet in at least a portion of a shared memory. The received packet may be recorded in the shared memory utilizing at least one of the allocated first plurality of receive buffer descriptors. A plurality of playback buffer descriptors may be allocated for playback of the recorded received packet from the shared memory. A first portion of the received packet may be simultaneously played back from the shared memory while recording a second portion of the received packet in the shared memory. If at least one of the recorded received packet is consumed, the playback buffer descriptors corresponding to a number of the consumed received packet may be de-allocated.

Abstract: An image supplying method includes the steps of: transmitting encoded video data including a key frame that is encoded by an inter-frame encoding process; receiving a seek operation and acquires a first play point in a desired seek position of the encoded video data; determining a search range including the acquired first play point; searching for key frames from the determined search range; determining a position of a key frame having a shortest distance from the first play point as a second play point in a case where the key frame is detected from the search range by the key frame searching unit; and transmitting the encoded video data from the key frame corresponding to the determined second play point.

Abstract: A method and a computer-readable medium containing computer program for encoding a frame of video data are presented. The frame of video data has a plurality of macro-blocks. Each of the macro-blocks includes a macro-block header having multiple elements and macro-block residue data. An element of the macro-block header is encoded based on the value of the same element of a previous macro-block header so as to reduce overall bits in the macro-block header. The element of the macro-block header is encoded by grouping the elements of the plurality of the macro-blocks.

Abstract: Trick modes are substantially prevented during DVR and NDVR content by obtaining an audiovisual asset that is digitally compressed in accordance with a compression technique employing at least a plurality of substantially complete frames and a plurality of substantially intermediate frames, substantially removing the plurality of substantially complete frames from a portion of the asset for which trick play is to be substantially prevented, and streaming the asset, with the plurality of substantially complete frames substantially removed from the portion thereof, to a user thereof.

Abstract: A playback apparatus which plays back video or music contents, includes: a playback unit playing back the video or music contents recorded on a recording medium; an output unit outputting the video or music contents played back in the playback unit; and a control unit controlling at least an operation of the playback unit, wherein in the video or music contents, a quick reference mark is set at multiple places, in response to user manipulation, the control unit finds a start of a sequence in accordance with the quick reference mark to control the operation of the playback unit to play back the video or music contents, in response to user manipulation for the quick reference, the control unit varies a priority that expresses a degree served for the quick reference, and for the mark having a low priority, the control unit accepts no user manipulation for quick reference.

Abstract: A BD-ROM on which a VC-1 video stream and an entry map (EP_map) are recorded. The VC-1 video stream includes: (a) picture data (I/P picture) whose first fields are the intra frame coding format and whose second fields are the inter frame predictive coding format; and (b) picture data (P/I picture) whose first fields are the inter frame predictive coding format and whose second fields are the intra frame coding format. The entry map indicates entry positions (SPN) of the I/P pictures, in correspondence with playback times (PTS), but does not indicate entry positions of the P/I pictures.

Abstract: A K rate fast-forwarding and backwarding mechanism for digital videos comprises a video including a plurality of Group of Pictures (GOP). Each GOP has an I frame and plural P frames. The video defines a plurality of rounds at the time that the video plays at a rate. Each round contains at least one GOP. The number of the GOP included in the round is decided in accordance with a group of classified rules composed of at least one classified rule. Thereby, a group of playing rules composed of at least one playing rule is adopted to play. Thus, a complete VCR function is achieved, which concurrently attains a smooth playing operation.

Abstract: A rewind or fast forward operation may be performed in which a series of reduced-in-size images frame previous frames in a video program may be presented to the viewer. In one implementation, a device may obtain sampled images corresponding to select frames of the video program and output a series of the sampled images in an order in which a sampling time corresponding to each of the sampled images in the video program monotonically increases or decreases in the output series. Differences in the sample times between successive images in the series of sampled images may not be uniform. The device may receive a selection of one of the images in the output series of sampled images and change a current output location of the video program to a location corresponding to the sampling time of the selected image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing titles are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes determining if at least one title satisfies a criterion, using an average length information of a plurality of titles recorded on a recording medium; and reproducing the at least one title if the determining step determines that the at least one title satisfies the criterion.

Abstract: An automatic overshoot control system and method can enable a user to more easily terminate a trick mode (e.g., fast forward or rewind) at an intended point in program material. For example, after a trick mode, a user can initiate display of audio or video at a particular intended point in the program material while minimizing a need to manually adjust. The system determines an offset and tracks a preview position within the program material displayed as a trick mode preview incorporating the offset. The system also tracks an actual position within the program material based on the preview position and offset. The actual position corresponds to a predicted location that the user desires upon terminating the preview trick mode. When the preview trick mode is terminated, normal playback of the program material is resumed at the actual location corresponding to the user's intended location in the program material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a technique for dynamically adjusting streaming media bit rates in response to user requests for accelerated playback. When user may selects to accelerate playback of streaming media content, a content player may begin decoding data from a content buffer at the accelerated rate. At the same time, the content player may estimate a bit rate that can be supported by both the accelerated playback rate and prevailing network bandwidth and latency. That is, a bit rate at which the accelerated playback may be continued without resulting in an eventual buffer under-run.

Abstract: Information that identifies key frames in video data within multimedia data is generated as reproduction controlling data and the reproduction controlling data is positioned at a predetermined position in the multimedia data. Upon special reproduction, the reproduction controlling data can be used to easily identify, read out, and reproduce key frames that should be used for random access and the like. By positioning the reproduction controlling data in an area within the multimedia data that is ignored by conventional apparatuses, file compatibility can be also maintained. This attains increased efficiency of special reproduction processing of multimedia that has ISO Base file format or a similar format.

Abstract: A method of presenting video frames of a video segment at a non-standard speed is provided. A frame count is set to an initial value. For each video frame that is to be presented, a time offset relative to a staring time within the video segment is generated. The time offset may be generated by multiplying the frame count by two values. The first value is a length of time for which each selected frame is to be presented to the user, and the second value is the presentation rate of the video segment relative to a normal presentation rate. A video frame within the video segment corresponding to the time offset within the video segment is selected and output for presentation. The frame count is then updated, and the process is repeated for the next frame to be presented.

Abstract: Trick mode playback is implemented by disengaging a frame synchronization signal, and then decoding “I” and “P” frames to two (or more) buffers. Specifically, each buffer has a pointer that is associated with a memory/origin address. The pointers are locked in place by disengaging the frame synchronization signal. Once the pointers are locked in place, the “I” frames and “P” frames are decoded to the two buffers in an alternating fashion based on a continuous swapping of the memory addresses associated with the two pointers. Because both “I” and “P” frames (as opposed to only “I” frames) are decoded and displayed, the trick mode playback appears smoother. In addition, because the frame synchronization signal was disengaged, the frames can be decoded at a rate faster than a single frame time. That is, one frame need not be completely decoded and read out before the next frame is decoded.

Abstract: In a cyclic video recording method for an optical storage medium, the optical storage medium is divided into a set of forward seeking sub-zones and a set of backward seeking sub-zones. Initial values of a current sub-zone and a flag are set. The flag indicates a direction to seek the sub-zones and the initial value of the flag is determined by the initial value of the current sub-zone. When the flag indicates a forward direction, it determines whether the current sub-zone is the last sub-zone. When the current sub-zone is not the last sub-zone, a next sub-zone in the forward direction is set to become the current sub-zone and the write operation is performed. When the current sub-zone is the last sub-zone, the flag is set to a backward direction, the last sub-zone is set to become the current sub-zone and the write operation is performed.

Abstract: A method is described for trick mode playback, the method including selecting a key-frame in a recording substantially in the vicinity of a trick mode playback starting position, preparing a decryption key associated with a key period including the selected key-frame, sending the prepared decryption key to a descrambler, thereby enabling decryption of video beginning at the selected key-frame, sending a first number P seconds of decrypted video frames, starting at the selected key-frame, at a predetermined speed for a predetermined number of seconds, to a video decoder, in parallel to the sending P seconds of video frames, choosing at least a second video section to stream to the video decoder, sending a decryption key associated with the chosen second video section to the descrambler, and repeating the steps of selecting, preparing, sending the prepared decryption key, and sending a first number P seconds of decrypted video frames. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including but not limited to, receiving a video data stream at a multimedia processor end user device; storing the video data stream at a digital video recorder; monitoring a playback of the stored video data stream at the multimedia processor end user device; detecting an advertising trigger in the playback of the video data stream at the multimedia processor end user device; logging a time for the trigger detected in the video data stream in a trigger log at the multimedia processor end user device; sending the trigger log including data to an advertising server so that the advertising verification system can correlate the time the trigger occurred with an advertising schedule; receiving a replacement advertising data stream from the advertising server based on the advertising trigger; and receiving a replacement advertising data stream during the playback of the video data.

Abstract: A method for reproducing video contents includes the steps of: selecting a reproduction shot from video contents, based on a current location information and a shot index information; determining a reproduction section from the selected reproduction shot; and reproducing the determined reproduction section. After the determined reproduction section is reproduced, the above processes are repeated to next reproduction shots. The repetitive processes are performed all over the video contents until the user requests a reproduction change.

Abstract: Exemplary trick play advertising systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system detecting a command to execute a trick play function on a media content program, accessing a splash screen advertisement in response to the detected command, and providing the splash screen advertisement for display during an execution of the trick play function. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a video signal playback apparatus comprising video signal chunking means for partitioning a video signal provided to the video signal playback apparatus into video chunks, each video chunk comprising a first temporal amount of video signals, and video chunk compressing means for temporarily compressing the first temporal amount of video signals comprised in each video chunk.

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: The invention provides a video recording and playback system comprising a video storing and retrieving device coupled to a video display device so as to provide the video display device with frames of video data for display. The video storing and retrieving device includes at least one memory capable of storing frames of video data, comprising packets according to a format. The format provides a trick mode indicator. A controller is coupled to the memory and controls operations of the memory. A user control device is operable with the controller to allow a user to communicate stop and pause commands to the controller. A processor cooperates with the controller so as to clear the trick mode indicator of at least one retrieved packet in response to the stop command. The processor cooperates with the controller to set the trick mode indicator of at least one retrieved packet in response to the pause command.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus and method includes a reproducing unit to reproduce mainstream data and sub audio data separately added in the mainstream data, wherein the reproducing unit comprises a counter used in reproducing the sub audio data. Accordingly, it is possible to more naturally reproduce still image data, such as a browsable slide show, to which sub audio data is additionally included, thus preventing an interruption in reproduction of the sub audio data even during a forward or reverse play.

Abstract: A reception unit receives data streams. A moving image data for normal reproduction selector acquires moving image data for use with normal reproduction and identification information. A position specifying unit specifies the position at which moving image data for use with special reproduction is present, and so forth. A reproduction unit reproduces moving image data for normal reproduction, at a standard frame rate. An instruction receiving unit receives instructions from a user to the effect that moving image data for special reproduction be reproduced in slow motion. A reproduction determining unit specifies moving image data for special reproduction which are necessary for a slow-motion reproduction. A data acquiring unit acquires, based on the specified position thereof, the moving image data for special reproduction based and reproduces the acquired moving image data in slow motion.

Abstract: A moving image playback apparatus capable of starting within a short time to play back reverse direction moving images is provided. The apparatus includes two decoders and one output buffer. In standby, using I-picture in a specified GOP as a reference, a controller causes a storage device to sequentially read first coded image data of the pictures in a first GOP preceding a specified GOP and the pictures up to I-picture in the specified GOP, and causes a first decoder to decode the first coded image data. Moreover, during the decoding of the first decoder, the controller causes the storage device to sequentially read second coded image data of the pictures in the specified GOP and the pictures up to I-picture in a second GOP following the specified GOP, and causes a second decoder to decode the second coded image data. Thereafter, the controller causes the outputs from the first and second decoders to be written to the output buffer.