Abstract: An application on a viewer client device receives a user input to access a live stream, sends a request to access the live stream, presents information allowing a user to indicate a first anchor of a plurality of anchors of the live stream, the first anchor corresponding to a timestamp for starting a portion of the live stream, receives the live stream and data indicating the timestamp corresponding to the first anchor of the live stream, and displays the live stream beginning at the timestamp corresponding to the first anchor of the live stream.

Abstract: Techniques for improving data rates at mobile terminals that are subject to periodic channel interruptions in a beyond-line-of-sight communication system are disclosed, including improved encoding and decoding systems that identify blockages and modify receiver operation during blockages to reduce data errors. In certain embodiments, encoding, symbol mapping, interleaving, and use of unique periodic identifiers function to enable a series of packets that may be received in a blockage impaired channel with reduced errors.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: record a motion of a user made until a video pause instruction to pause displayed video is given; and display a still image in the video displayed at a second time point earlier than a first time point, the first time point being a time point at which the video pause instruction is received, the second time point being a threshold time point at which acceleration involved with the motion of the user first exceeds a predetermined threshold and which is a most recent threshold time point.

Abstract: Particular portions or events of recorded television programming identified as having especially significant or interesting detail may be played-back at normal speed without user input; whereas other portions or events of the recorded television programming may be played-back at greater than normal speed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying and recommending events of interest in real-time media content. Individual ones of multiple media content streams are analyzed to determine whether events of interest are occurring in real-time. It is then determined that an event of interest is occurring in real-time in a particular media content stream of the multiple media content streams. A user interface is generated that recommends the particular media content stream based at least in part on the event of interest.

Abstract: A distributive instructions transmission system for the performing a task the can be generated by request of a user. A user initiates the task by transmitting instructions for a chosen task to a remote processing center. The selected task will be acted upon by one several options. The processing center immediately generate instructions that will execute the task, check to see if the task is already requested by other users, or take steps to make possible execution of the task. Execution of the requested task can involve the generation of an enhance subset of user instructions that is transmitted to one or many different processors. If more than one process is involved they can be located in a single site, or be remote to one another. The instructions for each sub-segment task can be routed to the involved processor(s), and they initiate an integrated coordinated action.

Abstract: A system is described to determine a work distribution model for a computing application deployed on a cloud. In one embodiment, the system comprises a launch request detector, a provisioning module, and a work distribution module. The launch request detector may be configured to detect a request from a client device to launch a computing application. The provisioning module may be configured to provision an application container on a virtual instance of a machine for executing the computing application. The work distribution module may be configured to generate a work distribution model for the computing application, the work distribution model indicating a first portion of the computing application to be executed on the client device and a second portion of the computing application to be executed on the virtual instance of a machine. The client device may be a desktop device or a client device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing playback devices with trick play functionality are described. The system includes a playback device, e.g., without recording capability, and a gateway device with multiple tuner-demodulators and/or a cable modem and recording capability. During normal playback, in some embodiments, both the playback device and gateway receive content in parallel with the gateway recording content at the request of the playback device and supplying the content over the local network when a user of the playback device requests a trick play operation. A single gateway, with multiple tuner demodulator pairs and/or a cable modem, supports trick play functions. In some embodiments if the number of playback devices exceeds the number of tuner-demodulator pairs in the gateway, the playback device can stream content to the gateway for recording and to be returned via the local network in the event of a request for a trick play operation.

Abstract: Particular portions or events of recorded television programming identified as having especially significant or interesting detail may be played-back at normal speed without user input; whereas other portions or events of the recorded television programming may be played-back at greater than normal speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying transitions within media content items. In one implementation, a processing device process a first media content item, the first media content item being associated with a transition, to identify one or more characteristics associated with the transition. The processing device processes a second media content item to identify at least one of the one or more characteristics at a chronological interval of the second media content item. The processing device receives a sponsored content item. The processing device provides, during a presentation of the second media content item, the sponsored content item at the chronological interval.

Abstract: Particular portions or events of recorded television programming identified as having especially significant or interesting detail may be played-back at normal speed without user input; whereas other portions or events of the recorded television programming may be played-back at greater than normal speed.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing multiple devices with each other is provided. The method includes generating first interworking information corresponding to a first device, transmitting the generated first interworking information to the first device, receiving second interworking information from a second device and if the first interworking information corresponds to the second interworking information, synchronizing the first device with the second device, wherein the second device is configured to display broadcasting related information generated based on a broadcasting schedule provided by a broadcasting transmission apparatus that transmits broadcasting contents to the first device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for time shifting a video program. In one embodiment of the present invention, a receiver, which may be configured to function as both a receiver and a DVR, is configured to receive a video program having both primary and secondary portions. The receiving device is further configured to play both portions of the video program if the program is being watched (a) during a first period of time or (b) during a second period of time and a user desires to watch both portions, and to play only the primary portions if the program is being watched during the second period of time and the user desires to watch only the primary portions. By doing this, the user can avoid the secondary portions when those portions have a diminished value to the user, the content owner, the content provider and/or advertisers.

Abstract: A media distribution system provides controlled distribution of media owned by various parties hosted on a local media access device. The media access device may store temporary media, such as rented or leased media, on a separate provider controlled storage partition. This gives the media provider control over rented or leased media even though it is locally hosted. The media access device can download media from providers at various predefined times so as to limit its use of bandwidth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing the playback of streamed content on multiple playback devices is disclosed. The systems and methods include receiving time information based on a network time source in the playback devices connected to a defined network. The playback clock in each playback device is set based upon the time information. A first playback device then generates presentation time information including a start time for playback and broadcast the presentation time information to the other playback device over the defined network. The playback devices use the presentation time information to adjust the presentation time stamps of the frames of the media content in the stream.

Abstract: A system for modifying commercials for multi-speed playback detects when a commercial break begins in a broadcast program content stream. If the viewer selects fast-forward playback mode during the commercial break, then the system selects the appropriate alternate content to be played to the viewer. The alternate content can include images, video, and/or audio content. The system is provided configuration information by the service provider or broadcaster to identify what alternate content will be played, when it will be played and any additional processing tasks required. A service provider can charge an advertiser or content provider a fee based on viewership of the alternate content. When the system detects that the commercial break has ended, it returns the viewer back to the program material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of management of trick mode commands destined to control a digital content streaming server. In order to manage the transmission of trick mode commands from multiple trick mode command issuers, the method comprises: a step of reception of at least one trick mode command from at least one command issuer, a step of determination of elapsed time between the received command and a last transmitted command, and a step of transmission of the received command to the at least a digital content streaming server if none of determined conditions applies, whereby the determined conditions comprises: if the elapsed time is smaller than a determined first delay; and if the command issuer of the received command does not have highest issuer rights allowing the issuer to derogate from respecting of the determined first delay.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recording programming content in a signal distribution system are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, an interrupt is received, which may be associated with an incoming telephone call, email message, alarm or other type of message, and a corresponding interrupt indicator is presented on a user interface screen of a device such as television, laptop computer, mobile telephone, etc. Also presented on the user interface screen of the device is an activatable pause control that if activated initiates recording of a portion of the programming content that would otherwise be presented via the device absent activation of the pause control. Various trick play functions, such as pause, play, forward and rewind, may be provided utilizing the recorded portion of the programming content.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for establishing a connection with a first processor-based device at a second processor-based device, receiving through the connection a control command from the first processor-based device implemented according to a first protocol, wherein the command corresponds to a remote control command received through a remote control device at the first processor-based device, translating the control command from the first protocol to a second protocol executable at the second processor-based device, and executing an event in response to the control command having been translated into the second protocol.

Abstract: A system may send a request for video content to a server device; obtain, in response to the request, control information, associated with the video content, where the control information may include one or more digital versatile disc (DVD) features that correspond to one or more portions of the video content; and present the control information, for display, via a user interface, where presenting the control information for display may enable a user, of the video client device, to interact with the control information as though the video content was being played by a DVD player. The system may also receive selection of a DVD feature, of the one or more DVD features; and obtain, from the server device, a portion of the video content, of the one or more portions of the video content, that begins at a point that corresponds to the selected DVD feature.

Abstract: A distraction monitoring system may monitor a user's consumption of content, such as video content, and identify times at which the user is distracted from the content. The identified times may then be presented with a timeline for the video program, and the user may be permitted to view the distractions that occurred during the viewing of the video program. The user may select a distraction, and the video content may be played back from a corresponding playback point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing playback devices with trick play functionality are described. The system includes a playback device, e.g., without recording capability, and a gateway device with multiple tuner-demodulators and/or a cable modem and recording capability. During normal playback, in some embodiments, both the playback device and gateway receive content in parallel with the gateway recording content at the request of the playback device and supplying the content over the local network when a user of the playback device requests a trick play operation. A single gateway, with multiple tuner demodulator pairs and/or a cable modem, supports trick play functions. In some embodiments if the number of playback devices exceeds the number of tuner-demodulator pairs in the gateway, the playback device can stream content to the gateway for recording and to be returned via the local network in the event of a request for a trick play operation.

Abstract: An enhanced collaboration system makes it possible for viewers of post-original video presentations to collaborate online with others who are viewing the same video presentation at the same time. A collaborate room controller establishes and maintains sets of online collaboration sessions for the post-original video presentation with each collaboration session being associated with a particular time slot in the presentation. Typically, a viewer is assigned to a collaboration session that is associated with the user's current view point; i.e., the presentation time slot the user is currently viewing. A graphical user interface conveys information about existing collaboration sessions to the user to assist the user in selecting an appropriate collaboration session.

Abstract: In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with determination of frame alignment. In embodiments, a similarity value matrix may be determined representing similarity values for pairs of frames from two pieces of video content. An alignment score matrix may be determined from the similarity scores. Multiple sets of frames may be selected from the two pieces of video content and alignment score matrices determined for each set. From these alignment score matrices, an alignment of frames may be determined. In embodiments, a Needleman-Wunsch process may be used to compute alignment scores as well as to compute alignments based on alignment score matrices. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the design of a Tracker in P2P applications to support DVD features, the method including determining for each peer and video operation the time T and jump point Pj, generating a hash key HKj for each peer, the hash key having a value Kj=(Pj?T)/C, where C>=1 is the granularity of the system, and grouping the peers with the same hash-key, where the system is designed to provide good viewer experience while supporting DVD features like pause, forward and backward jump operations.

Abstract: Processing a video stream using upon Program Clock References (PCRs) contained therein in preparation for transmission to a wireless device. Operation includes receiving video frames of the video stream, buffering the video frames, and extracting PCRs from at least some of the video frames of the video stream. Operation further includes, based upon at least the values of the PCRs, determining transmission parameters, and transmitting video frames of the video stream to the wireless device according to the transmission parameters. Operation may further include determining a round trip delay of transmissions to the wireless device and acknowledgements from the wireless device, adjusting PCRs of at least some video frames of the video stream based upon the round trip delay, and transmitting the video frames of the video stream to the wireless device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toggling between television channels that appear on a display. A listing of channels is received from a user, with the channels being prioritized in an order of preference. One or more toggle types are also received from the user, with each toggle type further including a toggle trigger. In use, a channel is displayed on the display until a toggle trigger is detected. Once detected, the channel on the display is changed to another channel from the list of channels. This process may continue with the detection of another toggle trigger causing another changing of the displayed channel.

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: An exemplary method includes receiving, by a media content delivery subsystem from an end-user media content processing device via a network, a request to record a live transmission of a media content instance, recording, by the media content delivery subsystem, the live transmission of the media content instance, and transmitting, by the media content delivery subsystem, data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance to the end-user media content processing device via the network for local storage by the end-user media content processing device. In certain embodiments, the recording includes generating at least one media data file containing the data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance, and the transmitting includes transferring the at least one media data file from the media content delivery subsystem to the end-user media content processing device via the network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a process for a user viewing a media item. The process comprises the user viewing the media item on a first device in a first format, and the user pausing the media item at a stop time. The stop time is saved in the first format and a second format. The process further comprises the user choosing to view the media item on a second device requiring the second format. The media item is resumed in the second format from the saved stop time.

Abstract: Media content quick speed presentation systems and methods are operable to present selected portions of a media content stream at a quick speed presentation rate. An exemplary embodiment receives the media content stream; identifies a normal speed scene in the received media content, wherein the normal speed scene is presented at a normal speed presentation rate; and identifies a quick speed scene in the received media content, wherein the quick speed scene is presented at a quick speed presentation rate.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for receiving a program by a user location that is sent from a content distributor is described. In one step, a first portion of the program is received and stored at the user location. A user request for the program is detected after storage of the first portion. A second portion of the program is received in response to the detecting the user request.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

Abstract: A system and method for improving media delivery and display. By utilizing a memory buffer in a DVR or similar device, and broadcasting linear content at a rate other than 1×, services like video on demand or regular broadcasters can be more versatile. For example viewers can start over without launching a separate VOD session. If part of the linear content requested is not in the buffer, a switched multicast stream can be sent to with the proper section of content. Other receivers on the network may also receive the stream and buffer the content if the content is related to what a viewer is viewing.

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

Abstract: A method for locking communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them; and locking the ICDs to send wireless data exclusively to that DIR and/or ICD; and/or the DIR and/or ICD locking itself for exclusive communication with the locked ICDs, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment.

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: An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer of the movie wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, then only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped, that is, the ad is unskippable; this technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, then the ad is moved to after the end of the skip; this technique is referred to as “slipad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic.

Abstract: A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for providing an convenient video program start over system and method for a video entertainment distribution network whereby a user may interactively revert back to the beginning of an ongoing video program that is currently broadcasted over the video distribution network. The novel system and method may be implemented on any video network having interactive television (ITV) capabilities, wherein user requests from a client are serviceable at an upstream head end, and video storage means exist for the purpose of storage of time based broadcast video programs. The system preferably utilizes a process that involves a minimally complicated sequence of commands that are easily understood and remembered by virtually any user, thereby enhancing the probability of consumer acceptance. The start over system and method may be embodied as a program of instructions, defining a controller, that are executed by a micro-processor located in the STB (client) or head end (server).

Abstract: The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.

Abstract: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing latency caused by information server processing of subscriber request wherein a plurality of content streams defined by a playlist are sequentially provided to a subscriber in a substantially seamless manner and wherein the playlist is updated and otherwise maintained in response to subscriber commands and requests.

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: An accumulation display device can interlock a display content according to specification of each of the mobile data terminals. An interlocked display system includes an accumulation display device having a metadata interpretation unit that analyzes metadata transmitted by a broadcast wave or a communication network and an accumulated image processing unit that performs accumulation processing of a program content or transmission processing of a restructured program content and managing each mobile data terminal, and the mobile data terminal. Highlights or replays of various scenes of a program currently viewed on the accumulation display device can be viewed on another device. Information on the currently viewed program and a related program as well as a previous scene can be viewed on the mobile data terminal.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: Logical content is defined by start/end times into a VoD media offering. The calculation of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times is distributed among the STBs to first request the particular logical content. Upon receiving an initial request for a logical content offering, an IPTV AS returns a VoD media file URL, start/end times, and null values of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times. In response to the null values, the initially-requesting STB downloads the entire VoD media file from a Download Media Server, and calculates the byte-range markers by comparing the start/end times to timestamps in non-encrypted headers in the VoD media file. The non-null byte-range markers are transmitted back to the IPTV AS, which provides them to STBs subsequently requesting the same logical content. The subsequently-requesting STBs may download only the logical content by providing the non-null byte-range markers to the Download Media Server.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.

Abstract: A system comprises television equipment and a number of portable electronic devices. The television equipment includes a large display and control circuitry. The control circuitry receives media content and media guidance data for display on the display. The control circuitry also includes communication components for communicating with the portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices are operable for displaying video and communicating with the television equipment.