Abstract: A method and an apparatus for setting a computer connecting mode in a portable terminal. The method includes checking a program executed by a user in the PC when the portable terminal is connected to a personal computer (PC); requesting the portable terminal to perform the connection to the PC using a connecting mode appropriate for a characteristic of the executed program, wherein the connecting mode is one of connecting modes to the PC; and performing the connection to the PC using the connecting mode requested by the PC.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a mobile television signal receiver includes a channel history feature. Methods for adding channels to the channel history, tuning channels from the channel history, and generally maintaining the channel history are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for adding a channel to channel history includes a step of adding a selected channel to the channel history if the channel meets a criterion. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for tuning channels includes steps of receiving a useable program signal from a first channel, testing for presence of a useable program from a second channel without interrupting the receiving step, and if the useable program signal from the second channel is detected, tuning the second channel.

Abstract: A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application. A display associated with execution of the application on the host device may include a video portion and one or more non-video portions. Information may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. Such information may include display information for the video portion as described by raster data and information for the non-video portions as described by vector data. Such information may be used by the client device to generate a display corresponding to the host display. The video portion of the client display may be based on the raster data, and the non-video portions of the client display may be based on the vector data.

Abstract: A first terminal sends a message to an application server in order to redirect the same content object to a second terminal. The application server receives the message and forwards it with content object preference of the second user to the content server. The content server redirects distribution of the content object with the advertisement to the second terminal. The advertisement is personalized for the second user based on the content object preference of the second user. The advertisement for the first user is also personalized based on a content object preference of the first user. The first and second users enjoy the same content object with the different advertisement.

Abstract: A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application. A display associated with execution of the application on the host device may include a video portion and one or more non-video portions. Information may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. Such information may include display information for the video portion as described by raster data and information for the non-video portions as described by vector data. Such information may be used by the client device to generate a display corresponding to the host display. The video portion of the client display may be based on the raster data, and the non-video portions of the client display may be based on the vector data.

Abstract: A method of providing internet protocol television (IPTV) diagnostics. The method includes receiving customer premise equipment (CPE) information from a diagnostic applications program interface (API) executing in a CPE. The CPE information is stored in a database. An issue is detected with the CPE and the CPE information in the database corresponding to the CPE experiencing the issue is accessed. The issue is resolved in response to the CPE information the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a first video display coupled with a receiving system to display a video broadcast, and a computing device having a second display displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) corresponding to the video broadcast, wherein the EPG and the video broadcast are displayed concurrently.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

Abstract: A moving image reproducing apparatus which receives moving image data transmitted through a network and reproduces the moving image data includes an analysis unit adapted to analyze first moving image data stored in a storage unit and additional information of the first moving image data, a determination unit adapted to determine a storage destination on the network which is configured to acquire second moving image data following the first moving image data on the basis of the analysis result on the additional information, an acquisition unit adapted to acquire the second moving image data from the storage destination of the second moving image data, and a reproducing unit adapted to reproduce the second moving image data acquired by the acquisition unit concurrently with finishing reproduction of the first moving image data.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor can have a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system according to one or more graphical user interface (GUI) templates that define a plurality of segments of a presentation area of the personal TV channel and one or more modules that arrange media content of the subscriber in the plurality of segments of a select one of the plurality of GUI templates. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system, transmit to the media source a communication identifier, and receive from the media source media content in the personal TV channel adapted according to the communication identifier. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A switched broadcast service and a network personal video recorder (NPVR) service are provided synergistically in a cable TV system having limited resources. For example, in providing the switched broadcast service, a resource manager allocates network bandwidth for broadcast of materials from selected program channels on an as needed basis. Such allocation is conducive to an effective provision of the NPVR service which requires dedicated bandwidth for transmitting recorded broadcast program material in a headend to each set-top terminal requesting the NPVR service. Thus, unlike the switched broadcast service where a program stream containing program material is shared by one or more set-top terminals, the NPVR service provides a dedicated program stream to each set-top terminal so that a user at the terminal may manipulate (e.g., rewind, pause and/or fast-forward) a presentation of program material at will.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide personal channels from a network-capable user terminal. A first user terminal may receive a request from a second user terminal for access to a personal channel created by a user and stored on the first user terminal in association with media content. In response to the request, the first user terminal may access the media content associated with the requested personal channel and provide the media content to the first user terminal over the network. A data center accessible by both the first and second user terminals may facilitate the access to the personal channel by storing information associated with the personal channel, including terminal identifiers and metadata, and providing a searchable catalog interface to identify personal channels to view.

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: Systems and methods supporting automatic selection of media according to a user profile are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically select media matching user-defined characteristics in a user profile, and may provide information identifying the selected media to a user via a user interface. The user interface may be displayed as one or more media channels, where a portion of each media channel may comprise information identifying the automatically selected media. The user may then access the automatically selected media via the user interface. The media selected may one or more of audio, still images, video, real-time video, and data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiver including: a reception section adapted to receive AV, namely audio and visual content; a registration section adapted to register related content relating to the AV content based on control information included in an application program executed in response to the AV content; and a presentation control unit adapted to exercise control in such a manner that if the registered related content is selected, the selected related content is presented.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing augmented broadcast content, and the method includes receiving, from a broadcast content provider, broadcast content and augmentation region information required to composite augmented content to an augmentation region in the broadcast content; receiving, from a user input device, selection information necessary to select one out of a plurality of augmented content providers; generating an augmented content request message based on the augmentation region information, and transmitting the augmentation content request message to an augmented content provider selected based on the selection information; receiving the augmented content from the augmented content provider; and compositing the augmented content to the augmentation region in the broadcast content by using the augmentation region information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and virtual servers for providing virtual service are provided. A user of a virtual service is authenticated. An input is received that identifies another user in which to operatively connect for virtual service. Permission is requested to operatively connect to the other user. The user is operatively connected to the other user, in response to receiving an acceptance to operatively connect from the other user. Acquired information is transmitted and received between the user and the other user, while broadcast content is being received by the user and the other user. The acquired information and the broadcast content may be displayed together on a television.

Abstract: Various techniques for providing a video-on-demand (VOD) system based on distributed networks are disclosed. According to one aspect of the VOD system, individual client devices on a network are identified to supply each other with needed sources in pieces to render required services. As a result, the loading pressure on a central server or centralized servers is distributed into the network. A VOD system so contemplated can sustain a substantial growth in its subscribers.

Abstract: An audio/video bitstream playback system and associated method is provided. The playback system includes an audio/video service system, a user device and a playback device signally connected to one another. The playback method includes the following steps. The audio/video service system provides multiple audio/video bitstreams and an operation interface. The user device connects with the audio/video service system, and performs a personalized operation on the multiple audio/video bitstreams via the operation interface. The audio/video service system generates an operation result in response to the personalized operation and stores the operation result. The playback device connects with the audio/video service system, and plays one of the multiple audio/video bitstreams according to the operation result.

Abstract: A system for providing virtual AV service includes a local device middleware (LDM) media server which stores AV contents and a resource cooperation server (RCS) which separates the AV contents from the LDM media server into video contents and audio contents. The video contents and the audio contents are reproduced by an LDM video renderer and an LDM audio renderer, respectively. An LDM control point (LDMCP) controls the LDM media server and the LDM media renderers using the LDM protocol and a virtual device ensembler (VDE) controls the RCS and the LDMCP.

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: 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: There is provided a broadcast reception mobile terminal capable of improving both electric power saving and user-friendliness. A CPU (209) detects that the lid body is opened or closed by a signal from an opening/closing detection switch. In addition, the CPU (209) obtains from an earphone connector (203) information indicating whether or not an earphone is connected. In a case that the CPU (209) detects the lid body being closed during television viewing on the main LCD panel (202a), and performing a TVOFF process if the earphone is not connected, and stopping video display but continuing output of received audio if the earphone is connected.

Abstract: A method of initializing, provisioning, and managing a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device includes, prior to receiving the configuration file for the cable modem, providing an equipment identification message containing a description of the customer premise equipment device connected to the cable modem. In the case where the cable modem has yet to be provisioned, the configuration file received from the network server is a particular access-limiting configuration file that is selected from a group of access-limiting configuration files. The selection of the particular access-limiting configuration file is based on the description of the customer premise equipment device in the equipment identification message. This allows different devices to have different network restrictions or different walled gardens.

Abstract: Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a content management server that enables a playback restart from a suitable playback interruption position to be made possible even when editing processing has been executed on content copied to a content playback apparatus.

Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing complete Internet anywhere with partial server processing in which a request is sent from a set-top-box (STB) to a server communicatively coupled with the STB to process a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser running on the STB. In one such method, the STB sends to the server an unsupported content request associated with a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser executing on the STB. The STB receives a data stream from the server in response to the unsupported content request. The data stream was generated at the server by processing the unsupported portion of the web page. The STB composites the received data stream with another portion of the web page, that is supported by the web browser, to produce the web page.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

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 channels via a content receiving device, thereby eliminating the need for the users to have to call a call center or content provider to activate previously unavailable or inaccessible content. Using a set of interactive screens, the user is enabled to view programming channel information, including comparative information. In one embodiment, the method assists users who are moving to activate/reactive programming and content 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 channel based on channels that are recommended by the system.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device capable of easily setting area information. A control unit of a DVR transmits an acquisition request for area information to a TV. When the control unit receives a response to the acquisition request from the TV, the control unit extracts area information from the received response and performs a channel presetting using the extracted area information. A control unit of the TV has area information stored therein. When the control unit receives an acquisition request for area information from the DVR, the control unit transmits, as a response to the request, the stored area information to the DVR.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for adapting playback bit rate in a content delivery system based on scene complexity of the video content as well as network conditions and other performance factors. A scene complexity map of the video content indicates the complexity levels of different scenes within the video content. Using the scene complexity map, a content player may download scenes of lower scene complexity levels from video streams encoded to lower bit rates to manage the bandwidth consumed to download the video content and allow for the downloading of scenes of higher complexity levels from video streams encoded to higher bit rates.

Abstract: A remote controller (100) and a system and method for remotely controlling a digital TV are disclosed. A memory card (110) is mounted in the remote controller (100), and the remote controller (100) receives video or audio data inputted from the memory card (110) and transmits the received data to a TV body (300). The remote controller (100) receives the video or audio data from the memory card (110) modulates the received data into a wireless signal and transmits the modulated wireless signal, and the TV body (300) receives the wireless signal transmitted from the remote controller (100), demodulates the received wireless signal into the video or audio data and reproduces the demodulated video or audio data. Therefore, the user can remotely control the TV body (300) without personally inserting the memory card (110) into the TV body (300). As a result, the user does not need to move to a place where the TV body (300) is located resulting in convenience in use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for receiving and displaying cellular television content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wireless communication device for establishing a connection to a wireless telecommunications network and for receiving video content over the connection. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the cellular television content and the television signal. The processor generates a signal for display on a video display screen from the television signal and the video content. A video display screen is also provided in the apparatus for displaying the signal. The apparatus may also include a remote control interface and a remote control device that includes a keypad for establishing a wireless telephone call through the apparatus over the wireless telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method of playing back media data in a single operating system that supports a smart service and digital television (DTV) service is provided. The method includes loading the single operating system that supports the smart service and the DTV service, receiving, by a default media player included in the single operating system from an application, a request for playback of a target media data, determining a type of an identifier (ID) of the target media data, selecting, based on the type of the ID of the target media data, one player from among a video-on-demand (VOD) player and a DTV player different from the default media player, and playing back the target media data by the selected player.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting content distribution in an electronic network includes a peer-to-peer network of electronic devices. The electronic devices are initially preloaded in a distributed manner with various content segments from corresponding content items. When a system user selects a particular content item on a corresponding electronic device, a download manager of the electronic device may automatically generate content segment requests to other appropriate electronic devices in the peer-to-peer network. The download manager may then download and automatically reassemble the content segments to produce the selected content item for utilization by the system user.

Abstract: A set-top box for receiving radio and television signals is disclosed in which there is the presence of at least one unit (2) for receiving a signal (S) and at least one unit (3) for sending the received and processed signal (S?) to an image and/or sound broadcasting apparatus (4) such as a television set, radio set, PC, iPOD, and any other existing and/or achievable apparatus; means for processing the signal (S) converts said signal (S)—into the signal (S?) to be sent through a circuit (5) adapted to allow passage towards the broadcasting apparatus' (4) of information, data, promotions or advertising depending on suitable scheduling of said circuit.

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: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.

Abstract: A personalized media service provides, e.g., user customization of radio channel selections, immediate availability of multiple pre-programmed and/or customized channels, the ability to intersperse different types of content including periodically refreshed information content, availability of personal radio functions on devices such as car audio systems, PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, etc. Available channels include, e.g., pre-programmed channels selected for the user based on an interest profile, user-owned content, user-specified recorded content, etc. An audio user interface facilitates user selection of programming and user purchase of currently played audio material. An overall radio experience is thus provided that combines the customization and flexibility of digital media with the immediacy and ubiquity of radio. Video materials may also be accommodated.

Abstract: An alternative system and method for charging to provide audio visual services typically made available by providers, namely DVR services, rDVR services, on-demand services, broadcast and switch video television services, and pay-per-view services, for example. A customer/user may be enabled to access certain services from a provider in exchange for viewing one or more commercials, advertisements, overlays, watermarks, logos, or the like, preferably in real time, before, during, or following viewing an audio visual work provided in accordance with the services.