Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive and alter media from a procured channel in an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network, create a library of metadata pointers to the altered media, and grant access to the library of metadata pointers through a server in the IPTV network, wherein the server presents a media on demand (MoD) option for access to the altered media to users on the IPTV network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method to protect the financial rights of tiered media content providers including the original media content owner and media enhancers who add enhancements as additional media information or additional media content to be presented in conjunction with the media content when chosen by user.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method carried out in a digital television receiver device incapable of full two way communications, of receiving switched digital television programs involves storing a virtual channel table in the digital television receiver device, the virtual channel table having entries for each available channel and having a channel type indicator that identifies switched digital channels; receiving a command indicative of selection of a switched digital channel having the switched digital channel type indicator in the stored virtual channel table; sending a request from the television receiver device for the switched digital channel; responsive to the request, receiving a response that either grants the request or denies the request; and if the response grants the request, receiving an updated virtual channel table having updated table entries. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A video clip is captured from a television broadcast on each of a plurality of channels. The captured video clips are provided to a display interface, which successively displays the captured video clips within a focus area of a user interface in response to an initiating action by a user. The display interface then discontinues the successive display of video clips to show a particular video clip corresponding to a selected channel in response to a terminating action by the user.

Abstract: A social networking service defines a community group of cable system viewers as members, who share a common experience or interest based on viewing a common video. Various attributes define how the community group is created and how membership is defined. Members can invoke the service and join an active session thereby allowing them to view and potentially post content that is then displayed in a chat window. A software application downloaded to the set top box creates the chat window on the television screen. Content may comprise text and/or video clips identified by the member. Members can post messages by using their remote control or other device to provide text entry which is processed by the set top box application. Input is received by a social networking server which then distributes the content to the group members.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for content protection of broadcast flagged programs for digital television devices that use CableCARDs. In one embodiment, a filter is used to prevent program content in a clear format from being exposed on the CableCARD connector. In one embodiment, broadcast flagged programs in a clear format are filtered for a CableCARD so that no high definition version of the broadcast flagged programs can be easily recorded via the circuitry of the CableCARD. The filter may degrade the broadcast flagged programs, or zero the broadcast flagged programs, or delete the broadcast flagged programs from the transport stream.

Abstract: An operation-mode conversion apparatus for an image display compound device includes: a power-state detector which detects a power state of the compound device; an operation-mode determination unit which determines a present operation mode of the compound device; and an operation-mode controller which converts the operation mode of the compound device based on the power state, the present operation mode, and whether one of an optical storage medium and a movable memory is detected by the compound device, in response to a user input signal, regardless of the preset operation mode.

Abstract: A method of generating a smoothed transport stream to an MPEG decoder for a diversity combine digital television receiver includes generating a plurality of synchronization clocks and demodulated signals according to a plurality of digital television signals received from a plurality of antennas; monitoring a signal quality associated with each of the digital television signals; combining at least demodulated signals having a signal quality being greater than a predetermined threshold to thereby form a combined signal; generating transport stream packets according to the combined signal; selecting a synchronization signal corresponding to a digital television signal having a signal quality being greater than a second predetermined threshold as a selected synchronization signal; and generating a smoothed transport stream having packets being uniformly spaced according to the transport stream packets and the selected synchronization signal.

Abstract: A system and methods perform an automatic TV signal/tuner setup in a tuner device (e.g., a PC, a personal video recorder, a set-top box, etc.) that has one or more tuners. The setup identifies the number of tuners in the device, whether the tuners are analog or digital, and what broadcast standard each tuner supports. The geographic region in which the device will be receiving TV signals is identified, and tuners supporting that region are identified. Digital tuners are reported as being digital, while analog tuners are scanned to locate valid TV signals, and to determine the source of any valid TV signals (e.g., an antenna, a cable provider, a set-top box).

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are described for the automated payment, download over a network, installation on a set-top box, and play of console and online video games by user interaction with a controller-adapted set-top box. Security measures inhibit video game piracy.

Abstract: Upon reproducing a TV program, it is a common practice to display video data sent from a broadcast station as it is, and the display pattern (layout) is not effectively changed (e.g., an object in video data is erased, or the object size is changed). A program ID from additional data contained in received TV information is detected, and when layout setting data corresponding to the detected program ID is stored in a memory, the corresponding layout setting data is read out from the memory to display program video data in the set layout. When a new layout is set, the user selects an object for which a layout is to be adjusted from objects that form image data in TV information, and adjusts movement, upscaling/downscaling, display ON/OFF of the selected object.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver apparatus includes: a detection section that detects a receivable digital broadcast wave; a list production section that produces a list by associating pieces of provider information of a plurality of broadcast programs superposed on the digital broadcast wave with identifiers uniquely assigned to the broadcast programs and then sorting the pieces of provider information associated with the identifiers in predetermined order; an addition section that adds, if the identifiers of a currently-produced current list are the same as the identifiers of a previous list that was produced immediately before the current list, detailed information about the pieces of provider information to sub items associated with the identifiers; and a display control section that displays, based on the identifiers, the pieces of provider information of the list and contents of the sub items corresponding to the identifiers on a display screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for ordering a selection in advance, characterized in that it includes a step in which a menu is displayed followed by a selection in this menu, to make specific requests and particularly: a step displaying the event for which the advance order of a selection is made, and then selection of the event; a step displaying the identity of destination equipment on which the selection is to be played, and then selection of this equipment; a step displaying the date and time at which the selection is to be made on the destination equipment; a step in which particular requests are recorded and downloaded onto a file only after payment has been verified.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for conveying personalized content to a viewer associated with a receiver are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating control data indicative of a receiver-accessible source of personalized content for the viewer and inserting the control data into a plurality of control streams for transmission to the receiver, each of the control streams being accessible to the receiver when in a different respective operational state. The type of personalized content may include, but is not limited to, an instant message, an e-mail message, a file, a personalized report, a new television channel within a system for causing a channel change, a pay-per-view program, a video-on-demand program, a personalized message, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for multi-tasking in mobile terminal having multimedia processor for video-on-demand (VOD) services that identifies port of each data received during use of VOD service and processes data to enable user to implement any other network application program simultaneously with use of VOD service. Method provided includes setting port number for VOD services of multimedia processor and accessing VOD server when demand for VOD services is received, processing VOD data received through the set port number to deploy VOD services, determining whether port number of data received during VOD services is identical to the set port number. When the port number of the received data is identical to the set port number, recognizing received data as VOD data to deploy VOD services, when not, recognizing received data as general data and sending it to MSM from the multimedia processor, and processing general data sent to the MSM.

Abstract: The device includes a cable interface module having a diplexer that outputs a first signal input from a first connector part connected to a cable television network to a third connector part and outputs a second signal input from a second connector part to a first connector part; a video tuner module having a distributor that branches a first signal input from a fourth connector part having a shape capable of connecting to the cable television network and connected to a third connector part and outputs to a fifth connector part, and inputs the other branched signal into a video tuner; and a communication tuner that selects another channel of the signal output from a fifth connector part.

Abstract: A data-processing method of receiving broadcast contents and content-related information related to the broadcast contents. The method includes setting a frequency for receiving the broadcast contents from the broadcast station, and recording frequency information corresponding to the set frequency. The method also includes transmitting request information including broadcast station ID identifying the broadcast station corresponding to the frequency information to a server.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for tagging a segment of media content. In various embodiments, a beginning location and an ending location indicating the segment are recorded and are used to retrieve the segment from the media content. Various embodiments provide systems and methods for communicating the segment with a user. In various embodiments, the user requests the segment and the position of the segment in the media content and the storage location of the media content are used to extract the segment from the media content. In addition, various embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a license to the user to observe the segment. In various embodiments, a request for the license includes a player identifier and a user identifier that are used to verified the player is associated with the user and the user has rights to observe the segment.

Abstract: A system is provided in which IP or media content residing on or being streamed to a mobile phone is forwarded to a display. The media content supports a native resolution of the mobile phone that is significantly smaller than a native resolution of said display. The system has media content processing circuitry, which up-scales the media content to the display native resolution. The system forwards the up-scaled media content to the display, whereby the display provides the up-scaled media content to a viewer.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is used to enable interactive functions via network generated overlays. This invention enables network operators to launch interactive functionality without requiring changes to existing equipment that exists in the field on the client end.

Abstract: A mobile terminal for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting data and a method thereof are provided. A digital broadcasting receiver receives digital broadcasting data corresponding to a frequency in response to a request for digital broadcasting corresponding to the frequency. A demodulator separates a main service channel (MSC) containing broadcasting data for subchannels and a fast information channel (FIC) providing information about the MSC from the digital broadcasting data. A multimedia portion reads and outputs the FIC, and outputs broadcasting data of a subchannel according to a predetermined control signal. A controller acquires analysis information by analyzing the FIC and configures a user interface menu for the subchannels of the MSC using the analysis information.

Abstract: Various techniques for enhancing wireless networks and/or devices that can receive wireless signals are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes identifying an asset bundle including a plurality of assets of different asset types. The method includes identifying devices that are capable of using the plurality of assets. The devices are associated with a subscriber. The method includes presenting an offer to sell the asset bundle to a first device associated with the subscriber based on asset types of the plurality of assets and based on a device type of the first device.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering VOD content during emergency alert system events including receiving a request for a programming session at VOD system and transmitting the requested programming content from the VOD system. Also, the system and method may include transmitting one or more emergency alert system messages from an emergency alert system, and receiving one or more sustain messages at the VOD system and in response the VOD system continually providing the requested programming content during the one or more emergency alert system messages based at least in part on the one or more sustain messages.

Abstract: A system includes a set-top box and a server for a subscription television service. The set-top box includes a processor to receive a video-on-demand (VOD) programming suggestion from a user and send, to the server, the VOD programming suggestion. The server includes a processor to receive the VOD programming suggestion, compile the VOD programming suggestion with other VOD programming suggestions from other set-top boxes, and send a notification to the set-top box that the VOD programming suggestion has been added to the list of available VOD programming for the subscription television service.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to access multiple media content in response to a request to record the multiple media content from a first communication device, adjust a format of at least a portion of the multiple media content based at least in part on a user profile associated with the first communication device, and compile the adjusted multiple media content for delivery. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the demultiplexing of a digital data stream in a receiver so as to retain only those parts of the digital data stream required by the receiver. Such demultiplexing is particularly useful when applied to a receiver circuit in a television system having a digital set-top-box. A memory in the receiver stores packet identifiers of data packets required by the receiver, which are stored in the memory under the control of a first control circuit. A second control circuit extracts packet identifiers from incoming data packets in an input digital data stream. A third control circuit receives the extracted packet identifier and determines whether this matches one of the packet identifiers stored in the memory. A match signal is set by the third control circuit to the second control circuit responsive to a match. The second control circuit demultiplexes the input data packet responsive to the match signal.

Abstract: Method, system and computer-readable medium to distribute VOD content are disclosed. A method of displaying video content includes accessing an association table for video-on-demand (VOD) content. The association table includes a first segment entry associated with a first video segment of a first length and a second segment entry associated with a second video segment of a second length that is longer than the first length. The first segment entry includes a first multicast group ID and the second segment entry includes a second multicast group ID. The method further includes receiving the first video segment via the first multicast group ID, displaying the received first video segment, and receiving the second video segment via the second multicast group ID within a period of time of displaying the first video segment.

Abstract: A portable communication device and method of use is provided. In one embodiment, the method of using a handheld mobile telephone includes capturing a plurality of images via an image input device; storing the plurality of images in a memory, receiving a first speech input, identifying command information in said first speech input; retrieving information from memory based, at least in part, on the command information. The method may further include generating a request related to an article of commerce that includes, at least in part, the information retrieved from memory, determining a destination for transmitting the request, and wirelessly transmitting said request through a mobile telephone network to the destination.

Abstract: A disclosed portable settings service for use in conjunction with a multimedia content distribution service includes enabling a user to define settings for aspects of a multimedia content delivery network (MCDN) client. The service may include storing the defined settings to a settings file. The service may further include enabling the user to designate any of a set of multiple MCDN clients and, in response, applying the settings in the settings file to the designated MCDN client. In some embodiments, the settings application operates in conjunction with a user interface that enables the user to modify the defined settings. The user interface enables the user to modify the defined settings while interacting with a first customer premises equipment (CPE). Enabling the user to designate any of a plurality of MCDN clients may include, in some embodiments, enabling the user to designate a second CPE that is different than the first CPE.

Abstract: A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device.

Abstract: A dual mode tuner/receiver is disclosed in which both analog and digital signals can be received and processed. A low pass filter allows all channels below a selected frequency enter the circuit. A precisely controlled dual conversion circuit creates an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. An automatic carrier detection circuit monitors the IF signal and determines whether the signal is of analog or digital format and intermediate frequency filters are adjusted based upon the type of signal detected. A coherent oscillator circuit generates in-phase and quadrature reference signals that are used by video and audio detectors for further processing of the IF signal. In-phase and quadrature outputs are provided for digital signals and composite video and audio outputs are provided for analog signals.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling users to perform self-service operations in interactive TV environments. In one embodiment, the method enables users to select and activate programming packages via a set-top box, thereby eliminating the need for the users to have to call a call center to activate the unit. Using a set of interactive screens, the user is enabled to view various programming package information, including comparative information. In one embodiment, the method assists users who are moving to activate/reactive broadcast services. For example, options are provided to enable the user to schedule service work, disconnect and activate services, and other activities connected with the move. In another embodiment, the method enables a user to select a programming package based on packages that are recommended by the system. Historic usage patterns, including viewing habits and attempts to access unavailable content are analyzed to determine which programming packages should be recommended for the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for purchasing media features for programming transmissions. A selection is sent to a server system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The server system automatically coordinates purchasing the media feature from a programming transmission source and providing the media feature from the programming transmission source. In one embodiment, an entertainment system includes a user interface from which a viewer selects an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission, wherein the programming transmission with the upgraded media feature is provided to the entertainment system.

Abstract: A media system stores a plurality of media content items for transmission to a media receiver in response to requests for the items. The media system receives a request for a particular item and generates a playlist including the requested item. The media system adds at least one further media content item to the playlist and transmits the items to the media receiver for playback. A media receiver is also provided for playing back received items. The media receiver receives a playlist including the requested item and at least one preview secondary media content item provided at a playback position in the playlist before the requested item. The media receiver plays back the received items but user selection of a playback start position is disabled until the preview secondary media content item has been viewed in its entirety.

Abstract: A reception apparatus includes an acquisition section and a transmission section. The acquisition section acquires program information containing an ID that is assigned to a broadcast program by a broadcaster and a broadcast date and time. The transmission section transmits, to a server apparatus that manages the broadcast program using identification information formed by combination of the ID and the broadcast date and time, a request containing the identification information formed by combination of the ID and the broadcast date and time that are contained in the program information.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) detects activation of the STB, and performs, in response to the activation of the STB, a health check of the STB. The STB also detects connection of the STB with a network, and performs, in response to the connection of the STB, the following: a pre-provisioning of the STB, a provisioning of the STB, and a service check of the STB.

Abstract: A media device, a network element and a method of enhancing use of a media device are provided. The media device is configured to receive a broadcast media stream transmitted by a broadcast system at a given frequency and a service transmission over a radio interface of a cellular telecommunication system, the transmission being associated with the media stream and comprising information about frequencies used to transmit the media stream in different locations. The media device measures signal strength of the media transmission at the frequency the transmission is received and at least at one other frequency used for transmission of the transmission, compares the measured signal strengths and switches the reception of the media transmission to another frequency if the signal strength at said frequency is greater than the signal strength at the current frequency.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for transcoding media content in the background on a source computer device prior to such time as a target media playback device is connected to the source computer for synchronization of the media content. The system and methods anticipate which media content to background-transcode based on user input rules and media status data that are maintained in a transcode database. Pre-transcoding media content provides advantages that include a significant reduction in the time needed to synchronize media content between a source computer and a target media playback device, and an efficient use of CPU power for transcoding media content at times when the CPU might otherwise stand idle.

Abstract: A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline.

Abstract: A system and method may include receiving, at a set top box, one or more user inputs from an input device, analyzing the one or more user inputs to identify last application data, prioritizing one or more pointers associated with the last application data based on at least usage data, receiving, at the set top box, one or more request messages from the input device, and outputting, to a display device, last application information, in response to receiving the one or more request messages, based on the prioritization of the one or more pointers.

Abstract: A device receives one or more of demand information, event information, past order information, or demographic information associated with a subscription video package, and determines a subscription video package advertisement based on one or more of the demand information, the event information, the past order information, or the demographic information. The device also provides, to one or more of a set-top box (STB) or a user device, the subscription video package advertisement for display, and receives, from one or more of the set-top box (STB) or the user device and in response to the subscription video package advertisement, a request for the subscription video package. The device further enables one or more of the set-top box (STB) or the user device to receive the subscription video package for display.

Abstract: A settop box system for capturing and controlling live and recorded audio and video content. The system records digital and analog data from video and audio content, such as in a home entertainment center. The system records data from the content as specified and the data may be sequenced into clips that can be searched and indexed. A user may create comparison programs that allow searches of either pre-recorded or incoming content to be performed. In addition, the program allows editing of recorded programs, such as filtering of audio content or overlaying a video program with a different audio background. Multiple audio and video feeds may be handled simultaneously and the program's functions may be executed without viewing of the content being manipulated. The recorded content may also be indexed and even clips of the content may be indexed.

Abstract: A system and method for the management of common consumption of media in a media exchange network is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for control by a first user at a first location in a media exchange network of the simultaneous consumption of media content by other users at other locations in the media exchange network. The media content consumed may comprise audio, still pictures, video, and data. The first user may consume the media content simultaneous with the consumption of the other users, and the media content may be stored at the location of the first user, or at other locations in the media exchange network.

Abstract: The invention relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video/audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's recording, storage and playback system. Customers may preselect from a list of available movies or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for the video/audio content that is actually viewed.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes an input unit, a receiving unit, a control unit, a main memory, a demultiplexer unit, and a decoding unit. A transport stream of digital packetized data includes various data types identified by various parameters within the packet header. A filtering table lists select identifying parameters representing the various data types which are to be stored and processed. Data packets which do not have a select parameter found within the filtering table are ignored by the broadcast receiver. The filtering table is scalable by a control unit to an optimum size, which is the minimum size necessary to store all necessary parameters. A control unit determines the number of parameters required in the filtering table, and scales the filtering table to accommodate that number of parameters.