Abstract: Methods and systems are described for enhancing the viewing experiences of users consuming a content item. The system identifies identifying portions for playback and allows a user to select a playback rate to display the selected portions at. This creates a highlight reel for the user to watch at their selected playback rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems and computer program products for transfer of video signals at a destination with reduced turnaround time. According to one embodiment, a method includes performing transfer of a series of video chunks of a video signal, each video chunk of the series of video chunks comprising a sequence of video frames, wherein for each video chunk, one or more processors perform a processing cycle comprising: receiving the sequence of video frames from a source; processing the received sequence of video frames to generate a processed sequence of video frames, wherein receiving of a consecutive video chunk of the series of video chunks comprising a consecutive sequence of video frames is initiated simultaneously while initiating said processing of the received sequence of video frames; and transmitting the processed sequence of video frames for consumption at a destination.

Abstract: A media being consumed on a computing device is determined. Responsive to determining the media is being consumed, a first video is presented on the computing device. The first video is an advertisement. A user is going to skip the first video is determined. Responsive to determining the user is going to skip the first video, a second video is presented on the computing device. The second video is an advertisement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a media guidance application that enhances the viewing experiences of users consuming a sequence of media. In particular, the media guidance application may enhance the viewing experiences of users consuming a sequence of media by removing portions of redundant media that were previously consumed by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting contextual clips for distributed content are disclosed. Some embodiments include receiving an input for presenting content while the content is currently being distributed at a first distribution time point within the content, transmitting a request for contextual content prior to the first distribution time point, receiving information for displaying a plurality of contextual content clips distributed prior to the first distribution time point, wherein each of the plurality of contextual content clips corresponds to an event depicted in the content, displaying the plurality of contextual content clips using the received information, and displaying the content at a second distribution time point after all of the plurality of contextual content clips have been displayed.

Abstract: The invention provides an operation method for multi-monitor applicable to an electronic system including a plurality of monitors. The operation method for multi-monitor includes capturing a current image including a user by using a camera, calculating a current gaze direction of the user according to the current image, and determining a target monitor according to the current gaze direction of the user. After the target monitor is determined, the operation method for multi-monitor further includes moving an object to a display area of the target monitor. In addition to the operation method for multi-monitor, an electronic system using the operation method is also provided.

Abstract: An attention position detection section detects an attention position of a user to a reproduction image of moving image data. Image-related information indicating a position of a virtual division area in which the reproduction image is virtually divided and an importance level of the virtual division area is associated with the moving image data. A reproduction control section determines the importance level of the virtual division area corresponding to the attention position detected by the attention position detection section and controls a reproduction operation of the moving image data in accordance with the determined importance level. For example, the reproduction control section sets a larger number of images to be thinned in the reproduction operation as the importance level becomes lower so as to make the reproduction speed faster. The user can control the reproduction operation only by moving the attention position and easily perform the appropriate reproduction operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented and executed method of managing recorded video events is disclosed. The method collects viewer measurement data from presentation devices, the viewer measurement data indicating user viewing behavior associated with playback of recorded video events. The method continues by analyzing the collected viewer measurement data to estimate boundaries between segments of the recorded video events, which results in groups of estimated boundaries corresponding to the recorded video events. Cue files are generated for the recorded video events, the cue files indicating the estimated boundaries corresponding to the recorded video events. The cue files are maintained at a central system for access by the presentation devices.

Abstract: Generating trick mode data from streaming media content is described herein. A media device receives streaming media content. A content server streams media content to the media device configured to identify a plurality of key frames within the media content. The content server receives the plurality of key frames from the media device. The content server further generates trick mode data for the media content based on the received plurality of key frames.

Abstract: Methods comprising outputting a first content on a first device and a second content on a second device, wherein the first and second devices are communicably coupled as part of a multi-device platform, wherein the first and second content are related content, monitoring, by a gaze detection module, a gaze of a first user holding the first device, and upon determining that the gaze of the first user is focused on one of the first device and the second device, performing a predefined operation to modify the first and second contents outputted on the first and second devices based on the gaze of the first user.

Abstract: Systems and computer program products to perform an operation comprising outputting a first content on a first device and a second content on a second device, wherein the first and second devices are communicably coupled as part of a multi-device platform, wherein the first and second content are related content, monitoring, by a gaze detection module, a gaze of a first user holding the first device, and upon determining that the gaze of the first user is focused on one of the first device and the second device, performing a predefined operation to modify the first and second contents outputted on the first and second devices based on the gaze of the first user.

Abstract: A location-based radio system including a storage database and a computing device coupled with the storage database. The computing device includes an application that determines a location of a listener computing device that is accessing a radio station and plays audio content associated with one or more locations on the listener computing device if the location of the listener computing device corresponds to the one or more locations associated with the audio content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a computer, a video file containing audio content and or visual content. The method further involves, based on a determination of the rates at which information is communicated by different temporal segments of the video file when played back at a default playback speed, assigning a respective target playback speed to each the different temporal segments of the video file. The video file is edited and marked in a format to be played back on a video player so that each of the different temporal segments of the video file can be played back at its respective assigned target playback speed.

Abstract: A uniform resource locator (URL) monitoring system and method employs rules for dynamically managing URLs associated with streamed video content. The system monitors the content stream for URLs and, when a URL is detected, applies the rules to determine how to handle the URL. The system may disable selected trick modes to prevent additional content from being skipped. Alternatively, the system may display the URL while a trick mode is active and, if the URL is followed, suspend the trick mode and show the additional content. URLs encountered during trick modes may be captured and the URL or additional content presented when normal playback resumes. Additionally, the system may determine whether to fit saved URLs around other URLs later in the content stream, display saved URLs simultaneously with the later URLs, or replace the later URLs with the saved URLs based on the handling rules.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a recording and playback manager of a digital video recorder (DVR), set top box, receiver or other device stores and accesses statistics in a statistics file related to average distances between reference frames (e.g., intra frames or I-frames) within blocks of the video data of the recording. Accessing these statistics during playback enables the system to more accurately locate reference frames to display while executing the playback in a trick mode such as fast forward, rewind or skip. The average distance between reference frames for a particular block of video data may be used to jump from one reference frame to the next reference frame in that block during playback in trick mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for switching between a live video decoding and a recorded playback in a digital video and recording system. A received video data stream is transmitted to a first-in first-out video decoder buffer without first looping the video data stream through a playback buffer. The video data stream is transmitted from the video decoder buffer to a video decoder. If a “pause” command is received, the video data stream is transmitted to a first-in first-out playback buffer, while continuing to transmit the video data stream to the video decoder buffer. Transmission of the video data stream to the video decoder buffer is halted when the video decoder buffer fills up. The last byte of the video data stream that was transmitted to the video decoder buffer is marked. If a “play” command is received, the video data stored in the video decoder buffer is transmitted to the video decoder.

Abstract: A video image information playback method and a video image information playback device with which user convenience can be obtained at the start of resume playback. The video image information playback method is a method of playback of a recording medium on which virtual-machine-based content has been recorded. During normal playback of the virtual-machine-based content, a program running on a virtual machine and a decryption program that decrypts encrypted virtual-machine-based content perform decryption processing for the virtual-machine-based content while exchanging data. After suspension of playback of the virtual-machine-based content, at the start of resume playback, which is executed following an instruction to resume playback, a proxy program is launched in place of the program that runs on the virtual machine. The proxy program and the decryption program perform playback of the video image of the virtual-machine-based content while exchanging data.

Abstract: A novel method for creating multimedia presentations in a media editing application is provided. The method selects a portion of a media clip and retimes the selected portion of the media clip from a first playback speed to a second playback speed. The method defines a transition interval for a discontinuity between a first section of the media clip with the first playback speed and a second section of the media clip with the second playback speed. The media clip is played back according to a smoothed curve that is constrained by the transition interval, the first playback speed, and the second playback speed. The smoothed curve transitions gradually from the first playback speed at the start of the transition interval to the second playback speed at the end of the transition interval.

Abstract: A system and method for video trick mode playback is described, the system and method including a user actuated control operative to slide (130) a playback position along a video file, the user actuated control including a rewind actuation, a forward actuation (120) and a default neutral actuation, a player device including a plurality of video file readers (110b-110e) operative to play the video frames at nominal frame rate disposed along the video file, around the playback position, the distance between the video file readers varying according to the sliding speed of the playback position, a trick play engine to control the sliding speed and direction of the playback position, the sliding speed and direction being functions of a user actuation and a trick play engine velocity, the position at which each one of the plurality of video file readers is disposed along the video file is updated to catch-up with the playback position when the playback position is not sliding forward at nominal frame rate according

Abstract: A system provides personalized media in video for presentation using a video decoder in a device such as a video recorder, hardware or software player, computer system, or television. The personalized media may be embedded or hidden in a video stream or provided separately. A video decoder determines profile and preference information associated with a viewer, group, or demographic and personalizes commercial content using the profile and preference information. The system includes personalized media by introducing, embedding, overlaying, etc., media on video during commercial breaks. Personalized media may be provided during normal viewing or may be provided when a skip forward or fast forward request is received. The system may also evaluate personalization mechanisms using neuro-response measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that facilitate the relatively smooth playback of video at an altered playback speed. Video frames are scored and selected for removal (or duplication) to provide faster (or slower) playback speed based when the video is displayed at a predetermined frame rate.

Abstract: A scene switching system and method applicable to a plurality of media channels and a recording medium thereof are provided, which are used for switching and playing scenes for a plurality of media channels. Such a system includes a channel connection module and a media switching module. The channel connection module acquires first media data and second media data from a first media channel and a second media channel. The media switching module, when determining that a first switching setting corresponding to the first media data is set to be activated and the second media data is being played, analyzes whether a first playing scene of the first media data agrees with scene demand data of the first switching setting, and decides whether to perform switching processing on the first playing scene according to the first switching setting.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that provides tier information corresponding to a picture, the tier information provided in an adaptation field of a transport packet, the transport packet comprising a first byte of a header of a packetized elementary stream (PES) containing the picture; and provides the first transport packet.

Abstract: A method for use in advertising includes initiating playing of interactive content, suspending playing of the interactive content, displaying an advertisement, and resuming playing of the interactive content. A computer program product includes a medium embodying a computer program for causing a computer to perform these operations, and a system for use in advertising includes a display and a processing system configured to perform these operations.

Abstract: In an approach, a method of spotting music for a motion picture comprises: receiving music editor (MXE) cue related data defining a plurality of cues each having a start timecode value and an end timecode value; based on the MXE data, creating and storing an MXE timecode path, a composer (CMP) timecode path, and a cue sheet timecode path; copying one or more of the MXE cue related data to CMP cues in the CMP timecode path in a CMP spotting dataset; receiving one or more changes to the CMP cues without also modifying the MXE cue related data; applying an editing lock to the CMP cues; auto-populating the CMP cues to cue sheet cues in the cue sheet timecode path; receiving one or more changes to the cue sheet cues without also modifying the CMP cues; finalizing and distributing a cue sheet based on the cue sheet cues; wherein the method is performed by one or more special-purpose computing devices.

Abstract: In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for managing playback of content delivered to a mobile device with a pause and resume functionality. The method and system includes receiving delivered content on a mobile device, initiating playback of the delivered content, pausing playback of the content being delivered to the mobile device in response to an action and resuming delivery of the content upon a request.

Abstract: Providing previews of seek locations in digital media is disclosed. While playback of the media content is progressing as normal a snapshot such as a thumbnail is displayed to show the user a representation of the media content that is associated with a seek location. The functionality of a transport key may be temporarily modified. The temporary modification allows the user to seek to a desired location very accurately and may result in fewer input keys being selected. Moreover, because the modification is temporary a great deal of flexibility is provided.

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: There is provided a system and method for time-adapted video content during trick mode playback. There is provided a method of providing a plurality of pre-produced alternative contents for use by a playback device in conjunction with rendering of a content, comprising determining a current playback speed of the playback device, comparing the current playback speed with a real-time playback speed of the playback device that is for viewing the content, selecting one of the plurality of pre-produced alternative contents based on the current playback speed in response to the comparing of the current playback speed with the real-time playback speed, and rendering the one of the plurality of pre-produced alternative contents in place of the rendering of the content. In this manner, more relevant and intelligible video contents can be provided for the user during trick mode playback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to simultaneously play back first media data and second media data according to a selected method while the first media data is being played back in a trick play mode, wherein the second media data is independent from the first media data.

Abstract: A method and system for managing multiple user locks and deletion requests on a digital video recorder (DVR) is disclosed. Files associated with the DVR can be protected from deletion by allowing users to lock a recorded file utilizing a number of locking strategies. The recorded file can also be locked by multiple users and the recording can be deleted when the users specifically remove the lock. A simpler interface for each user can be provided to prevent other users from deleting recorded files, which have not yet been viewed. Such an approach allows for an administrative override to prevent users from locking recordings and never unlocking in order to prevent the DVR exhausting disk space.

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: Methods and apparatus for performing dynamic compensation for delays over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes periodically or situationally assessing variable delays within the system associated with functional commands (such as “trick mode” commands), and dynamically compensating for these variable delays in order to improve the accuracy and timeliness of the user's trick mode command. This approach increases user satisfaction, and obviates the issuance of additional compensatory trick mode commands that only further degrade the performance of the network.

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: A drop sensor detects a drop of a device. When the drop of the device is detected, a sub CPU allows a counter to count a drop time. When the device drops for a predetermined time or more, the sub CPU controls a regulator so that the regulator forcibly disconnects an electric power to be supplied to a hard disc, and writes a drop occurrence flag into a nonvolatile memory. When the power supply is again turned on, a main CPU allows a display section to display information indicating that the power supply is disconnected due to the drop of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for adaptively streaming a time-ordered sequence of video frames from a video server, across a wide area network, to a remote client video device, to accommodate advanced video display modes. Based on indications received from the remote client, the video server obtains and sends to the remote client encodings of video frames adapted to facilitate smooth, timely transitions between display modes at the client, and optimal playback quality across all modes, subject to various operational constraints. Advanced playback modes include fast forward and reverse, slow forward and reverse, frame-by-frame stepping, and other modes that specify displaying video frames on the client at a rate different from the normal display rate, or that specify displaying video frames in a different order than the normal time-ordering of the sequence of video frames. The systems and methods may be incorporated into collaborative online video editing environments.

Abstract: An approach provides interactive application and advertisement within media streams. A program map table of a media stream is retrieved, wherein the program map table includes a plurality of private descriptor fields that permit user specified tag values. One of the descriptor fields is configured to indicate whether the media stream is associated with an interactive application or advertisement information.

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: Various methods, systems, and apparatuses can be used to obscure advertisements during trick mode operations. In some implementations, the trick mode stream can be selected so as to not include advertisement frames within the trick mode stream. Upon resuming normal operation, the advertisements can be included within the normal playback stream.

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 certain implementations, a method consistent with the invention involves at a television receiver device, receiving a television program depicting a sports program, where data associated with the sports program is represented in a score graphic that is displayed on a television display overlaying images of the sports program; storing the television program depicting the sports program; analyzing the score graphic to identify a change in at least one element of data displayed in the score graphic from one video frame to a subsequent video frame; and storing a chapter mark associated with the time that the change in the element of data displayed in the score graphic occurred. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A rendering process for rendering an image frame and a postprocess for adapting the image frame to a display are separated. A rendering processing unit 42 generates an image frame sequence by performing rendering at a predetermined frame rate regardless of a condition that the image frame should meet for output to the display. A postprocessing unit 50 subjects the image frame sequence generated by the rendering processing unit to a merge process so as to generate and output an updated image frame sequence that meets the condition. Since the rendering process and the postprocess are separated, the image frame sequence can be generated regardless of the specification of the display such as resolution and frame rate of the display.

Abstract: An audio and video recording and reproduction apparatus includes an audio signal switch section for outputting one of a first audio signal having a first volume level and a second audio signal having a second volume level by a switching operation; and a mute section for muting the first audio signal which is output from the audio signal switch section when the audio signal switch section switches the second audio signal to the first audio signal.

Abstract: A multimedia data recording and playing device and a method of driving the same are provided. The multimedia data recording and playing device includes a PVR processor for controlling to store received multimedia data in an activation mode where a time shift function can be performed, a storage for storing the received multimedia data under a control of the PVR processor, and a time shift function switcher for switching from the activation mode into a deactivation mode where the time shift function cannot be performed after determining whether the time shift function is performed or not.

Abstract: A method of generating a file at a header metadata creator apparatus, the method including: generating, at the header metadata creator apparatus, a file, the file including: a file header, a file body, and a file footer, wherein the file header includes at least KLV encoded header metadata, the KLV encoded header metadata including at least a universal label, length data and variable length data, the variable length data including a plurality of KLV encoded metadata sets, each one of the KLV encoded metadata sets includes a predetermined universal label, essence length data and a plurality of KLV encoded metadata items, and each KLV encoded metadata item includes at least an item universal label, variable item length data and item value data.

Abstract: A multimedia file and methods of generating, distributing and using the multimedia file are described. Multimedia files in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can contain multiple video tracks, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, a complete index that can be used to locate each data chunk in each of these tracks and an abridged index that can enable the location of a subset of the data chunks in each track, data that can be used to generate a menu interface to access the contents of the file and ‘meta data’ concerning the contents of the file. Multimedia files in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention also include references to video tracks, audio tracks, subtitle tracks and ‘meta data’ external to the file.

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 device plays back programming content in a trick mode while an advertising segment record is monitored. When an advertising segment beginning identified by the advertising segment record is encountered, playback of the programming content temporarily ceases. One or more advertisements are played back during the advertising segment, and then playback of the programming content in the trick mode resumes after an ending of the advertising segment is encountered.

Abstract: When a skip operation is carried out and then another skip operation is carried out next, it is determined whether or not a direction of a first skip operation and a direction of a skip operation carried out next are opposite directions. If the direction of the skip operation carried out next is the opposite to the direction up to that point in time and there is a change point between scenes in a skip segment of the skip operation carried out next, skip processing is carried out such that the playback position is placed to the change point of this scene. Thereby, for example, when the content is played back after jumping past a CM, the boundary between the CM and program can be easily found, and the replay can be started.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including: a storage to store first and second contents, each of which includes scenes, and meta-information items each indicating a feature of each scene of the first and second contents; a reproducer to reproduce the first and second contents; an operation receiver to receive an input of an operation by a user; and a controller to control the storage to store an operation-history information item indicating an operation history of the user for each scene during reproduction of the first content while it is associated with the meta-information item of each scene, to calculate a similarity between scenes of the first and second contents based on the meta-information items, and to control the reproducer to change a reproduction mode for each scene based on the operation-history information item and the similarity during reproduction of the second content.