Abstract: A method includes determining a first streamer from a plurality of streamers that are streaming a first video stream, receiving the first video stream from the determined first streamer, timestamping the first video stream, transmitting the timestamped first video stream to a plurality of devices, transmitting a timestamped second video stream generated at a host device to the plurality of devices, and causing, at each of the plurality of devices, synchronized display of the first and the second video streams based on the time stamps.

Abstract: Technologies for presenting an advertisement on a media consumption device includes receiving a request to seek past a commercial included in media content played on the media consumption device, determining an advertisement based on the commercial, and presenting the advertisement to a user of the media consumption device during performance of the requested seek function. The advertisement may be, for example, an extracted frame or image of the commercial and may include a logo or phrase associated with a product or service advertised in the commercial. Similar technologies related to a media content distribution system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A personalized news service provides personalized news programs for its users by generating personalized combinations of audible versions of news stories derived from text-based versions of the news stories. The audible versions may be generated from the text-based version by a text-to-speech system, or may by recording a person reading aloud the text-based version. To acquire recordings, the personalized news service can make a determination that a particular news story has a threshold extent of popularity. The news service can then transmit a request to a remote recording station for a recording of a verbal reading of the particular news story. The news service can then receive the requested recording from the remote recording station.

Abstract: One variation of a method for serving interactive content to a user includes, at a visual element inserted into a document accessed by a computing device: loading a first frame from a digital video; in response to a scroll-down event that moves the visual element upward from a bottom of a window rendered on the computing device toward a top of the window, seeking from the first frame through a subset of frames in the digital video in a first direction at a rate corresponding to a scroll rate of the scroll-down event, the subset of frames spanning a duration of the digital video corresponding to a length of the scroll-down event; and, in response to termination of the scroll-down event with the visual element remaining in view within the window, playing the digital video forward from a last frame in the subset of frames in the digital video.

Abstract: In implementations of the subject matter described herein, there are provided a method and apparatus for real time screen sharing. During the screen sharing of two devices, if a certain condition is satisfied for an image encoded by a first device and an image decoded by a second device, the first device pauses image processing images. If the pause time of pausing satisfies a certain length, a parameter associated with an image compression ratio is adjusted. After the first device resumes image processing, the adjusted parameter is used to encode a new image captured on the first device. According to implementations of the subject matter described herein, a transmission code rate during the screen sharing can be controlled according to the pause time of pausing image processing. The implementations of the subject matter described herein can reduce transmission latency of screen sharing, thereby effectively ensuring the user experience.

Abstract: A processing apparatus (10) includes a dividing means (110). The dividing means (110) divides data into a plurality of pieces of partial data by degree of importance, based on a content of the data. Then, first partial data and second partial data having a degree of importance higher than that of the first partial data are held separately from each other. The data are, for example, sensor data or camera data constituted of a plurality of values. For example, the second partial data are encrypted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to identify jump points indicative of potential time points from which to resume consumption of the media asset in response to receiving a request to skip a portion of a media asset being consumed. The jump points include a first jump point identified based on a content viewing profile and a second jump point identified based on a scene information associated with the media asset. A preview image is displayed at each of the identified jump points. Systems and methods are also described to pause the skipping operation at the identified jump points and provide a preview at the respective jump points. Systems and method are further described to identify jump points based on analysis of the portion of the media asset being skipped.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a live streaming quick start method and system, which belong to streaming media technology. The method comprises: slicing, by a server, an audio-video stream into slice files, and assigning a sequence number to each generated slice file according to timestamps of the audio-video stream; recording, by the server, key frame information of the audio-video stream; determining, by the server, an initial slice file sequence number in response to a live streaming request sent by a player client; based on the initial slice file sequence number and the recorded audio-video stream key frame information, transmitting, by the server, a start-streaming response file and the initial slice file sequence number to the player client; and resetting, by the player client, timestamps for the start-streaming response file based on a key frame closest to the initial slice file, and decoding and playing the start-streaming response file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoding device and a method, a decoding device and a method, an editing device and a method, a storage medium, and a program which can perform encoding and decoding so that buffer failure does not occur. Information, such as a minimum bit rate, a minimum buffer size, and a minimum initial delay time, is contained in a random access point header contained in an accessible point in a bitstream. A bitstream analyzing unit 72 analyzes an input bitstream, sets the above-mentioned information, and outputs the resulting information to a buffer-information adding unit 73. The buffer-information adding unit 73 adds the input information to the input bitstream and outputs the resulting bitstream. The present invention is applicable to an encoding device and a decoding device which process bitstreams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoding device and a method, a decoding device and a method, an editing device and a method, a storage medium, and a program which can perform encoding and decoding so that buffer failure does not occur. Information, such as a minimum bit rate, a minimum buffer size, and a minimum initial delay time, is contained in a random access point header contained in an accessible point in a bitstream. A bitstream analyzing unit 72 analyzes an input bitstream, sets the above-mentioned information, and outputs the resulting information to a buffer-information adding unit 73. The buffer-information adding unit 73 adds the input information to the input bitstream and outputs the resulting bitstream. The present invention is applicable to an encoding device and a decoding device which process bitstreams.

Abstract: Mechanisms provide intermediate key frame animation during a media seek. A streaming server receives a seek request from a client device while the streaming server provides the client device with a media stream. The seek request is made when the media stream is playing at an initial location and the seek request includes a request to play the media stream from a seek location. In some embodiments, intermediate key frames before the seek location are identified. In other instances, intermediate key frames between the initial location and the seek location are identified. These intermediate key frames are provided to the client device for display before the media stream begins playing at the seek location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a full reverse translating proxy for streaming media content, which can employ session tracking or transmuxing, or both. The described system can be integrated seamlessly into an existing adaptive streaming environment. The system can transmux each request from a client into a delivery format supported by an origin content server, and vice versa, irrespective of the specific delivery format used by either the client or server. Conversely, the system can further transmux the requested content into the delivery format used by the client. A stateful session model can link each request from a specific end user for a specific piece of content to a particular identified client streaming session.

Abstract: A method for producing an auxiliary video stream arranged for reverse trick mode playback from a video stream including a plurality of uni-directional predicted frames, the method including producing the auxiliary video stream by performing the following steps copying each uni-directional predicted frame included in the video stream into a memory, thereby producing a plurality of copied frames in the memory, replacing each one of the plurality of copied frames with one corresponding supplemental frame, thereby producing a plurality of corresponding supplemental frames, and producing a copy of the video stream arranged in reverse processing order, the producing a copy including replacing each frame which corresponds to one of the plurality of copied frames with the one corresponding supplemental frame from among the plurality of corresponding supplemental frames. Related methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: Technology is described for navigating content. The method may include receiving instructions for activating a navigation mode in order to navigate through play content. The navigation mode may have a modified frame configuration as compared to the play mode. Navigation content selected from a plurality of navigation content sources may be received. The navigation content may be previously encoded to provide content in a modified frame configuration. The navigation content may be provided for display according to the navigation mode. The play content may be played in response to receiving instructions for activating the play mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, as a recording apparatus, formulates a Clip Information file of a still picture file (TS file), made up by plural still pictures, and a PlayList, composed of plural PlayItems, indicating the replay path of a slide show, and records the information on a DVD along with the TS file. The Clip Information file has an EP_map, as a table indicating the relationship of correspondence between the value of the presentation time stamp PTS of the transport stream TS and the source packet number SPN in the TS the PTS value indicates. The information processing apparatus, as a reproducing apparatus, reads out and reproduces the data address of the TS, represented by the replay start time IN_time and the replay end time OUT_time of the PlayItem.

Abstract: A method of operating an IP client device for presentation of video content to a viewer includes the step of transmitting a trickplay request to a server. The client device receives from the server a manifest that references at least first and second consecutive video content fragments. The first fragment contains a sequence of N1 frames and the second fragment contains a sequence of N2 frames, and defines a set of M1 frames of the first fragment, where M1 is less than N1, and a set of M2 frames of the second fragment, where M2 is less than N2. The client device transmits a request for the M1 frames and the M2 frames and receives the M1 frames and the M2 frames. The client device presents the M1 frames and the M2 frames consecutively at the uniform, predetermined frame rate. The sequence of the M1 frames and the M2 frames has a presentation duration of (M1+M2)/F.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing a cross frame playing mode in media-on-demand in a peer to peer network, comprising the following steps of: (a) partitioning a requested media file into blocks and encapsulating the blocks into a media content file, and recording a number of a block where each media key frame is located so that a frame index file is formed; (b) distributing said media content file and said frame index file in the peer to peer network; (c) when requesting a media, a client acquiring said frame index file and media blocks in said media content file from a source node; (d) when cross frame playing is required, the client calculating the number of a block where a next key frame is located according to said frame index file, and acquiring a corresponding media block to de-encapsulate, decode and play.

Abstract: At least one trickplay source file is generated from original media content. Trickplay view files for rendering particular trickplay view rates are then generated from the trickplay source file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing smooth visual search of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes requesting and buffering portions of video from at least one of the alternative streams using a playback device, decoding the buffered portions of video using a decoder on the playback device, receiving at least one user instruction directing the playback device to perform a visual search of the media, requesting and buffering portions of video from the trick play stream using the playback device, and decoding the buffered portions of the trick play stream using a decoder on the playback device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moving picture reproduction apparatus including a frequency change unit for changing a display frequency to a frequency of a moving picture when a reproduction of the moving picture starts and for changing the display frequency to a frequency prior to the start of the reproduction of the moving picture when the reproduction of the moving picture stops, and a reproduction unit for stopping the reproduction of the moving picture when the frequency change unit changes the display frequency, wherein the frequency change unit maintains the display frequency at the frequency of the moving picture in a case where the reproduction unit stops the reproduction of the moving picture in response to the change of the display frequency by the frequency change unit.

Abstract: In a video recording apparatus which records and reproduces digital TV broadcasting, an I-picture extraction processor that extracts packets containing I-pictures by analyzing a transport stream is arranged. Then, packets containing I-pictures is output, by reading predetermined amount of recorded data from an HDD in which recorded data is stored and by detecting start information and end information of the I-pictures. A stream for special reproduction is output by repeating the above-stated processes. With such arrangement, it is possible, even if data does not contain position information of I-picture, to execute special reproduction such as fast-forwarding reproduction for TV program data that is recorded as an MPEG-formatted transport stream.

Abstract: Provided is a video reproduction method with a less difference between a target speed and an actual speed, when fast forward reproduction or fast rewind reproduction is performed on reproduction units consisting of a plurality of connected video units. When the video units are switched, in fast forward reproduction, as an elapsed jump time duration, a difference between a reproduction time of a last displayed picture in a source video unit and an end time of the source video unit is calculated (S104), then, as a remaining jump time duration, a value is calculated by subtracting the calculated elapsed jump time duration from the jump time duration corresponding to the designated speed (S105), then, as a reproduction start time, a time is calculated by adding the calculated remaining time duration to a start time of a destination video unit (S106), and the video is reproduced from the reproduction start time.

Abstract: A playback device judges whether a connected display device is equipped to display only interlaced video or both interlaced and progressive video. If equipped to display both interlaced and progressive video, a mode setting unit 15 sets an operation mode of the playback device to an image quality mode for interlaced signal output or a continuity mode for progressive signal output, according to a user selection received via a GUI. If continuity mode is set, the playback device decodes the video stream and performs progressive signal output.

Abstract: A recording apparatus and a recording method that can record both moving picture data and still picture data in a form reproducible by various reproducing apparatus. The moving picture data is compressed by an MPEG system by an MPEG encoder, formed into data for recording corresponding to a predetermined recording format by a format forming unit, and then recorded on a DVD. The still picture data is compressed by a JPEG system by a JPEG encoder, and recorded on the DVD separately from the moving picture data. In predetermined timing, the still picture data compressed by the JPEG system and recorded on the DVD is read, the still picture data is converted into I-pictures of the MPEG system by a format converting unit, and then the I-pictures of the MPEG system are recorded onto the DVD in the predetermined format via the format forming unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for time-warped playback of presentation layer protocol data. The method includes a protocol engine executing on a computing device recording a protocol data stream comprising a plurality of packets representing a user session. The protocol engine determines a complexity factor for a first portion of the protocol data stream and for a second portion of the protocol data stream based on content of the packets of the protocol data stream. The protocol engine determines a first playback rate for the first portion of the protocol data stream and a second playback rate for the second portion of the protocol data stream using the complexity factor of each portion of the protocol data stream, wherein the first playback rate differs from the second playback rate. The protocol engine renders the protocol data stream according to the determined playback rates.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a storage unit that sequentially stores a plurality of frame images based on an imaging signal from an imaging sensor that images light from a subject, a moving image data generation unit that generates slow motion moving image data that is to be played at a second frame rate lower than a first frame rate that represents the number of frame images stored per unit time in the storage unit, based on the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit during a predetermined time period, a still image data generation unit that generates at least one piece of still image data based on at least one frame image of the plurality of frame images stored in the storage unit during the predetermined time period, and a record control unit that associates the slow motion moving image data generated by the moving image data generation unit and the still image data generated by the still image data generation unit and records the slow motion moving image data and the still image data in a reco

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, providing a transport stream including a video stream that comprises a sequence of pictures corresponding to a video program, each of the pictures of the sequence uniquely associated with one of k successive tiers, where k is a non-negative integer number starting with a lowest tier number; and providing personal video recording assist (PVRA) information in the transport stream at a location corresponding to each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a first tier and each of the pictures of the sequence associated with a second tier different than the first tier, the PVRA information comprising an indication of a first tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the first tier and a second tier number corresponding uniquely to the pictures associated with the second tier, the pictures corresponding to the first tier number decodable independently of the pictures corresponding to the second tier number.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a memory may receive digital video data containing a first I frame and a second I frame with a plurality of P frames located between the I frames. The I frames each include a first timestamp. A processor may determine a subset of the P frames to be played in a trick mode along with the first I frame and the second I frame based on the number of P frames included in the plurality of P frames and the desired playback speed.

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: An image device capable of reverse play with minimal time delay, and a method thereof. The image device includes a buffer to store a greater number of pictures than constitute a single group of pictures (GOP), and a controller to operate the buffer to store decoded pictures. Accordingly, problems such as cutoff of pictures or time delays are minimized when performing reverse play.

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

Abstract: 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: Disclosed a disk reproducing apparatus including: a reproduction control unit; a repeat section setting unit; a repeat reproduction control unit; a special reproduction control unit; and an on-screen display unit, wherein the repeat section setting unit sets time information at the repeat starting point and the repeat ending point, and stores image data at the repeat starting point and/or the repeat ending point; the special reproduction control unit performs special reproduction by skipping I pictures included in the image data at a predetermined time interval; and when the special reproduction reaches the end point of the repeat section, the special reproduction control unit makes the on-screen display unit display the image based on the image data at the repeat starting point or the repeat ending point.

Abstract: A video encoding acceleration service to increase one or more of the speed and quality of video encoding is described. The service acts as an intermediary between an arbitrary video encoder computer program application and arbitrary video acceleration hardware. The service receives one or more queries from the video encoder to identify implementation specifics of the video acceleration hardware. The service interfaces with the video acceleration hardware to obtain the implementation specifics. The service communicates the implementation specifics to the video encoder. The implementation specifics enable the video encoder to: (a) determine whether one or more of speed and quality of software encoding operations associated with the video encoder can be increased with implementation of a pipeline of one or more supported encoding pipeline configurations and capabilities, and (b) implement the pipeline by interfacing with the service.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system encodes multiple video streams from media content, such that the video streams have staggered intra-frame intervals. When a client device requests a video stream, the video-on-demand system selects one of the multiple video streams based on the position of the intra-frames, and transmits the selected video stream to the client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a program table that has information associated with playing a TV program and storing the program table with program data. Program packets related to the TV program are extracted from an encoded MPEG-2 transport stream (TS) and stored. A TS demultiplexer extracts the program packets related to a program desired to be stored from TS packets under control of a TS demultiplexer control unit which also extracts location information of an I-picture. A program table having information related to playing the TV program and the location information of the I-picture is generated and the program table is stored together with the TV program so that subsequent play and trick play of the stored TV program are more easily performed by referring to the program table.

Abstract: A method for traversing a multiplexed data packet stream including choosing a starting location in a multiplexed data packet stream, making a bi-directional search from the starting location to locate a nearest system stream object; and traversing the system stream as a doubly-linked list of objects. Traversing the system stream preferably includes traversing object links of the doubly-linked list of objects. The objects are further preferably cached with an LRU process. Multiple disjoint locations in the system stream can be accessed with a virtual linked list. The virtual linked list can be used to search forwardly, backwardly, or both forwardly and backwardly.