Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, a broadcast program stream is transmitted to broadcast programming content, and the broadcast program stream is recorded in a headend of the system to enable a user to perform network private video recorder (NPVR) functions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding) on the programming content in the recorded program stream. In accordance with the invention, a delay is introduced into the transmission of the broadcast program stream to reduce the unsynchronization between its transmission and that of the recorded program stream. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of the delay is a function of the time required for recording the broadcast program stream and processing a user request for a recorded program stream. In another embodiment, the amount of the delay is predetermined.

Abstract: A method for processing a data stream including receiving a transport stream (TS), storing at least a portion of the TS, the at least a portion of the TS having a beginning and including a plurality of TS packets, determining, from among the plurality of TS packets, at least one TS packet including a candidate access point, storing in an index store a byte offset of the candidate access point; and storing in the index store a plurality of indications of byte offset, each byte offset being associated with an arrival time of a received TS packet.

Abstract: Digital TV system with a PVR function and method for making a stream jump therein, wherein, upon reception of a stream jump order from a user, searching the storage medium for a target GOP the user, or a system designated, changing a reproducing position to a TP next to a TP having a picture header among TPs in a prior picture positioned right forward of the searched target GOP, and starting reproduction from the changed reproducing position, thereby preventing occurrence of a decoding error while maintaining continuity of CC values in decoding TPs of a target GOP, to permit no broking of picture even in the stream jump.

Abstract: In an interactive information distribution system that utilizes open sessions to provide requested information to users, a method for sharing the use of open sessions between a plurality of set top terminals associated with a common account number or user.

Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.

Abstract: A method of presenting, at a client terminal, a video program stored in a server linked with the client terminal via transmission path of a limited transmission band width. Each frame of the video program comprises a basic data portion and at least one level of quality supplement data portions. In the method, in response to one of play control commands from a user, the client terminal determines a start position in the video program according to the issued play control command. The play control commands includes a play, a stop, a head search, a jump forward and a jump backward command. In response to the issued play command, the terminal obtains and uses the basic data portions for playing the video program. In response to the stop command, the terminal obtains the quality supplement data portions for the last displayed frame and uses them for displaying a quality-enhanced version of the last displayed frame.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating a broadcast signal utilizes a sliding-window time range multicast or a buffered storage queue at the headend. Multiple streams are available to the end user, which each stream originating from a corresponding different playback point in the sliding-window time range or headend buffered storage queue.

Abstract: The client application provides VCR functionality in a data-centered video multicast network (36) through active prefetching of the fragments from broadcast channels. The player (10) has a user interface (12) that supports a plurality of VCR functions (14–26). Plural buffers (32) and their associated loaders (34) download video data under control of a manager module (38). The manager module accesses the playback pointer (40) and employs feasible point calculation module (42) to cause the loaders to selectively download segments so that VCR functions can be supported while maintaining continuous playback after the VCR function is performed.

Abstract: For providing video-on-demand (VOD) a set comprising a plurality of N video programs at staggered time intervals is repeatedly transmitting from a VOD server to a network for access by a view box of an user; responsive to a request for access to a selected program by the user, there is selection of that in-progress transmission of the selected program for which a lead-in portion is shortest and storage of the program in a buffer associated with the view box as it is transmitted. A previously stored beginning portion of the selected program having a time length sufficient to compensate for that time interval is selected, in a memory associated with the view box, and outputting to the view box for display. The in-progress transmission stored in the buffer is continuously spliced to a conclusion of the beginning portion. All different video programs in a same set are transmitted with mutual time shifts equal to a fraction of the staggered interval.

Abstract: Improved approaches for delivering media programs to viewers (e.g., subscribers) are disclosed. The media programs are typically broadcast in accordance with a schedule. The media program can be delivered to viewers through multicast or unicast. According to one aspect, the media programs are buffered (e.g., cached) in a data packet format such that producing unicasts for particular viewers requires less computation and resources such that more concurrent unicasts are able to be effectively supported.

Abstract: Replaying a compressed digital video stream in fast-forward and reverse modes at varied playback rates. An index of interceded frames, those frames not dependant on other frames for generation, is stored. The index includes the size of intercoded frames and their storage location. When a specified playback rate is requested, the intercoded frames are retrieved using the index. The interceded frames then have one or more intracoded frames, frames that reference other frames for generation, placed between them to generate a frame sequence. The intracoded frames are “blank,” meaning they contain only information from their associated interceded frame. By inserting “blank” frames specified playback rates and bit rates are generated. The index of interceded frames may also be accessed to generate playback in reverse mode, which conserves memory resources of associated systems by generating the reverse playback stream in an iterative manner.

Abstract: An electronic device operation method and apparatus. A current state of a device such as TVs or VCRs is indicated as a graphic moving picture of a familiar character shape. Pictures containing an associated character shape are stored in correspondence with a various states of the electronic device. The pictures are formed of fonts each of which has a predetermined magnitude and corresponds to a block of the picture. One or more fonts are read during the time of shifting a device state according to a user key input, and the fonts are changed at time intervals to display a moving picture. A sound corresponding to the moving picture may be output together with the displayed moving picture, to further enhance the device state indication. Thus, a current state of the electronic device is more recognized by persons who do not read characters.

Abstract: A system and methods provide handling of variable rate playback in a multimedia computer architecture. The systems and methods provide data structures and interfaces that enable a computer architecture and components therein with the ability to playback data at speeds faster and slower than real-time, to playback data in reverse, and to change the rate of playback at any point during playback. One embodiment is a method for providing low-latency, glitch-free changes in a multimedia architecture. Other embodiments are directed to defining multimedia component responsibilities for making rate changes, allowing rate changes to work with standard playback types, coder-decoders, and renderers. The methods include determining a minimum of the maximum reported playback rates and determining minimum and maximum playback rates in a set of modes including: reverse skip mode, reverse key frame mode, reverse full mode, forward full mode, forward key frame mode, and forward skip mode.

Abstract: The time required to review or playback multi-media program material can be controlled to reduce the time required to review a program. Segments of the program are indexed to mark their beginning and/or end. By detecting segments in the program material, segments can be selectively played back that are of interest to a viewer with other segments being skipped over.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for multimedia-on-demand services. In an embodiment, a multimedia-on-demand system includes a mass storage device that receives and stores a multimedia content item. A processor and a memory are coupled to the mass storage device. The memory can store a multimedia-on-demand data table and multimedia-on-demand instructions. The multimedia-on-demand data table can include a multimedia content identifier field adapted to store a multimedia content identifier, where the multimedia content identifier corresponds to a multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand data table can also include a multimedia content usage indicator field adapted to store a multimedia content usage indicator, where the multimedia content usage indicator is associated with the multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device.

Abstract: An electronic program guide displays televsion program listings in a time and channel guide format on a monitor screen. A cursor is provided for display on the monitor screen to selectively highlight one of the television program listings in the guide. Various guide functions are activated in response to movement of the cursor in the guide. For example, program note corresponding to the highlighted television program listing is displayed simultaneously with the television program listings, such that the program note changes as the cursor moves in the guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reliably encode and decode information over a communication system. The method includes transforming two coefficients into two pairs of random variables, one random variable in each pair having substantially equal energy as one random variable in the other pair. The method further includes quantizing each of the pairs of random variables and entropy coding each quantized random variable separately creating an encoded bitstreams. The encoded bitstreams are received by a decoder which first determines which channels of the communication system are working. The encoded bitstream is entropy decoded, inversed quantized and inversed transformed. An inverse transform performs three different transformations depending upon which channels are working, i.e., whether the first, second or both channels are working.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: A one-to-many transmission method and system to transmit real-time video and audio data on wireless local area network, which includes a first station, a second station, and at least one third station. The first station provides at least one video and audio program and a set-packet, and periodically transmits them to the second station. The second station transmits a command-packet to the first station to determine the content of video and audio program transmitted by the first station, and receives the set-packet to confirm whether the set-packet is correct or not. The third station intercepts and receives the set-packet, and according to the configuration of the set-packet changes its network configuration to receive the video and audio program transmitted by the first station, and selectively play the content.

Abstract: An integrated telephony and video system allows a viewer of a program to selectively accept a telephone call based on caller identification information and automatically buffer the program upon acceptance of the call. When the call is terminated, the buffered program is played from the point of interruption until the buffered program is the same as the real-time program. The system may store data about the call, such as the caller identification information and length of the call. Such data may be used to determine a compression format for the buffered program. Such data may also be used to generate a list of callers for whom the user desires to be interrupted while viewing the program.

Abstract: A method and structure that allows a user who has access to an audio/visual object to cause an interactive control element of an interactive multimedia system to grab and store off for future retrieval the audio/visual object by simply activating a selection mechanism of the interactive multimedia system.

Abstract: A method and system for entertainment and information services delivered via mobile telecommunication devices include a communication network, and a station communicatively linked to the communication network. The station includes an output and an interface. Also included is a head-end having at least one database configured to store programs including an audio content. The head-end receives a request from the station for a desired one of the programs, verifies the request, transmits a first portion of the desired program to the station, and records an association between the identification and the desired program. The head-end further suspends transmission of a second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to suspend transmission. The head-end further transmits the second portion of the program based upon detection of an indication to resume transmission and stored bookmark data indicating the starting location in the program of the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control video recording and playing system, and its method, comprising: at least a video program broadcasting system, a video server, and a client computer. A video program broadcasting system includes a channel sending video programs through the broadcasting network to the computers at the client's end. A video server stores a plurality of digital video programs, each corresponding to a broadcasted video program. The said video server is able to receive the user instructions, and to send the stored digital videos to the computer at the client end, both through the internet. A client computer is used for selecting channels, and sending instructions to the video server. The said client computer is able to receive the video programs broadcasted through the network, and record a plurality of digital video programs in the video server, each requested with a separate instruction, sent by the said video server through the internet simultaneously.

Abstract: In a processing terminal, operational request information inputted from an operational request unit is transmitted as additional information to a communication unit of a CATV distributor. In the CATV distributor, the additional information is received in the communication unit, and when the additional information is the operational request information, an operational command generator generates operational command information corresponding to the operational request information. The operational command information is transmitted to a communication unit of a receiver through the communication unit. In the receiver, as the communication unit receives the operational command information for the receiver, an operating unit operates the receiver to perform the desired operation in response to the operational command information.

Abstract: A television has an encoder, a random access memory buffer, and a decoder in addition to components of a conventional television receiver. The encoder encodes television signals to a digital format and the random access memory buffer stores the encoded television signal in response to activation of a pause function. The random access memory buffer outputs the stored digital television signal and the decoder decodes the digital television signal output from the random access memory buffer in response to deactivation of the pause function.

Abstract: A browse client uses a viewing percentage counter to count the extent to which the user has played back and displayed content video data distributed from a distribution server on a screen, and transmits the extent information to the distribution server. The distribution server keeps track of the received browse extent information in a database in association with the content and the user and also sends the browse extent information to a management client having a setting unit for user registration and a mail unit of preparing electronic mail and transmitting electronic mail to each user for providing management information. The browse client provides the user with a playback button for making it possible to play back the video data starting at the previous stop point using the counted extent information.

Abstract: A system and method for permitting an end user to select a media stream and immediately experience the audio and video of that stream, in order to evaluate whether the stream is appropriate to the user's interests and needs. The invention implements a multi-channel receiver that is actively receiving multiple streams, simultaneously. In a preferred aspect, the bandwidth requirements necessary to convey multiple streams, e.g., those communicated on the same network branch, is reduced. Further, the resource requirements of the multi-channel receiver device are reduced for enabling a user to select from among the received multiple streams. A novel user interface is provided that enables fast selection of a pre-acquired stream and, playback of the stream content immediately upon selection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multi-media data, e.g., video and audio data, corresponding to television programs, movies, local advertising, etc. are described. Video on demand services such as pay-per-view (PPV) services are supported by caching initial portions of PPV programs in user devices such as cable set top boxes and satellite receivers. In response to a request for a PPV movie, the user is immediately presented with the movie by outputting data corresponding to the requested program from the cache. During the presentation of the PPV program to the user, the cached data is supplemented with broadcast data obtained from a time staggered repetitive broadcasting of the requested PPV movie. A variety of regional news programs are also made available to a user of the invention through the use of program segment caching. Regional news program segments are cached prior to presentation time.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of MPEG encoded television signals from a Video-On-Demand server (1) to a receiver (2) via a network (3). Non-linear playback functions such as ‘pause’ and ‘resume’ require a very accurate control of the bit stream, taking account of typical network aspects such as network latency and remultiplexing. In order to allow the receiver to flawlessly resume signal reproduction after a pause, position labels (p; 5,6; 7a,7b,8a,8b) are inserted into the bit stream at positions where the server can resume transmission of the signal after an interruption. Upon a pause request, the decoder initially continues the reproduction until such a position label is detected. The subsequent bits delivered by the network are ignored, i.e. they are thrown away. Upon a request to resume reproduction, the receiver requests the server to retransmit the signal starting at the detected position.

Abstract: Although personal video recorders (also known as digital video recorders) provide certain conveniences to viewers of programming content, such devices facilitate manipulation or “skipping” of commercials, frustrating the intent of the advertisers of the commercials. In accordance with the invention, when a user fast-forwards (rewinds) a commercial, alternate commercial(s) may be accessed for display in place of the original commercial, which provides a full impression of the goods and service promoted, otherwise impossible to appreciate at the fast-forward (rewind) speed. The duration of the alternate commercial(s) corresponds to the duration of the original commercial at the fast-forward (rewind) speed controlled by the user. With the invention, the user advantageously realizes the convenience of manipulating programming content, and at the same time can appreciate the full impression of an alternate commercial to the original commercial, albeit in a shorter duration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a video stream from a server to a client over a network include a memory for storing a forward-encoded bit-stream and a reverse-encoded bit-stream for a video data. The forward-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames encoded without inter-frame dependencies and P-frames encoded depending on forward-direction preceding frames, and the reverse-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames and P-frames encoded depending on reverse-direction preceding frames. When the server receives a request with a video cassette recording (VCR) function from the client, the server reads out and transmits frames selectively from among the first, second, third, and fourth frames in accordance with the request. The server can select the closest I-frame to a requested frame in either bit-stream for a fast-mode play or a random-access play, and switch the bit-streams to use subsequent P-frames in a different direction than that of the closest I-frame.

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

Abstract: A playback apparatus that is used for receiving and continuously playing back a plurality of video sources delivered via a network. Video sources Vm continuously played back in content and the display time of the video sources Vm are extracted from playback information described in a playback scenario read into a scenario management section via the network. The video sources Vm are rearranged in order of display time. The distribution of the video sources Vm among a plurality of decoder modules Dn, a playback schedule, and a schedule of switching a changeover switch are determined. By doing so, the plurality of video sources Vm are continuously played back.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and service model are disclosed which simplify conventional methods for schedule recordings of television programs and enable users to control recording equipment from any location via the Internet. Entities connected to computer networks such as the Internet and web-browser software can schedule recordings of television programs and/or operate the recording equipment. In an example scenario, a user who maintains recording equipment at home may utilize the present invention from his or her workplace or vacation place, accesses a service provider website using her/his user name and password, views the a schedule of television programs provided by a broadcaster or other distributor of programming and selects the television programs to be recorded. The application service provider in turn transmits the selected television program information to a computer connected to a later described remote control unit to execute and operate the recording of selected programs.

Abstract: A resident application and a second application are provided in a set-top terminal to receive a TV broadcast service and network personal video recorder (NPVR) service, respectively. The resident application is suspended in favor of the second application when a user changes from a broadcast channel to an NPVR enabled channel, and vice versa. In an embodiment where a digital video recorder (DVR) set-top terminal is used, a DVR server therein provides trick mode functions (pause, rewind and fast-forward) before an NPVR session, e.g., a Look Back session, is established. In another embodiment, during an NPVR session the DVR server plays back recorded programming content downloaded from a communications network, and provides trick mode functions as well.

Abstract: A background video player, a method for processing moving images on a background screen using the same, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program for execution of either of them. A background overlay unit (11) receives a play video file list from a play list scheduler (13) in response to a control command from a control panel (14). The overlay unit (11) also detects a used amount of system resources through a system monitor (12), and then reproduces a moving image on the background screen when the detected system resource used amount is not extremely large or the background screen is not fully hidden. A user can program a plurality of moving images in a desired play order. Upon occurrence of a specific event, the user can view a preselected moving image a moving image downloaded over the Internet or a real-time event moving image from a Web camera.

Abstract: In order to maintain continuity before and after interruption of a streaming broadcast, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reception unit which receives data on a stream broadcast; a memory which is capable of storing a predetermined amount of the received data on a stream broadcast; a data processing unit which processes the data on a stream broadcast to generate video data for the stream broadcast; a video output unit which outputs the video data to a display apparatus; and a detection unit which detects interruption point data indicating a position where the stream broadcast should be interrupted out of the received data on a stream broadcast; when an abnormality is detected, the output of the video data is stopped at a position instructed in the interruption point data detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A personal video recorder records and plays back a television program in a user-defined playback mode while preserving content advisory rating information. A decoder parses a digital transport stream comprising transport stream packets containing the television program and generates navigation data. A source of content advisory rating information corresponding to said television program is provided. This source of content advisory rating information may be within the digital transport stream. A non-volatile storage unit is used for saving each of the frames of the television program in a transport stream file and for saving the navigation data in a navigation data file. The navigation data includes pointers that point to a location of each of the frames of the television program in the transport stream file and content advisory rating information associated with each of the frames from the source of content advisory rating information.

Abstract: A demand television system comprising a broadcast encoder and a storage encoder. The broadcast encoder encodes a real-time video frame sequence to form a broadcast bitstream and broadcasts the broadcast bitstream to a plurality of subscriber equipment, while simultaneously the storage encoder encodes the real-time video frame sequence to form a storage bitstream that is stored in an information server. The subscriber equipment decodes the broadcast bitstream to display the broadcast program. At any time, the subscriber equipment may request to review the information previously displayed in the broadcast bitstream. As such, the storage bitstream is transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The storage bitstream facilitates standard play of the previously broadcast information as well as trick play such as fast forward and fast reverse functions.

Abstract: A method and system for providing flexible subscriber VCR control of an interactive media system that limits the consumption of bandwidth capacity, the method comprising establishing a viewing time window during which a subscriber can watch an ordered program, enabling the subscriber to freely pause, rewind, and fast-forward the program so long as the end of the program does not exceed the end of the window, automatically tracking the remaining program running time against the time remaining in the window, deactivating the pause and rewind features if the remaining program running time equals the time remaining in the window, and reactivating the pause and rewind features if the program is fast-forwarded such that the time remaining in the window exceeds the remaining program running time.

Abstract: Command packets for personal video recorder. The invention provides for transport stream (TS) that contains data and also includes a transport packet (TP)/TS formatted command packets. The TP/TS formatted command packet may be communicated between any number of devices, including multiple chips, multiple boards, and multiple processors. A decoder is able to decode the TP/TS formatted command packet and to perform the appropriate operation on data portions of the TS. When a TS is provided to a device not having the capability to perform the proper decoding of the TP/TS formatted command packet, that particular packet may be deemed as being unidentified (or unknown) adaptation field data. Alternatively, the packet may be identified as being corrupted data and/or irrelevant data. The invention is operable to encode command packets into the transport stream in such a way that it is backward compatible with previous systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a video stream from a server to a client over a network include a memory for storing a forward-encoded bit-stream and a reverse-encoded bit-stream for a video data, The forward-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames encoded without inter-frame dependencies and P-frames encoded depending on forward-direction preceding frames, and the reverse-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames and P-frames encoded depending on reverse-direction preceding frames. When the server receives a request with a video cassette recoding (VCR) function from the client, the server reads out and transmits frames selectively from among the first, second, third, and fourth frames in accordance with the request. The server can select the closest I-frame to a requested frame in an either bit-stream for a fast-mode play or a random-access play, and switch the bit-streams to use subsequent P-frames in a different direction than that of the closest I-frame.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to improve the scalability of Video on Demand Systems with VCR functions using the client buffers in a cooperative way.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes viewing at least one frame of a video file at a first location, viewing the at least one frame of the video file at a second location and transmitting a command from the first location to the second location regarding a control operation of the video file.

Abstract: A method (200) or (300) and system (100) of performing a trick mode on a video signal. The method includes the steps of receiving (212) a trick mode command, searching (214) for a picture in the video signal compatible with the trick mode, and initiating (216) the trick mode once the compatible picture is located. The compatible picture can be an intra or a predictive picture. The trick mode can be a freeze trick mode, and the method can further include the step of repeating the compatible picture for the duration of the trick mode to form a trick mode signal. The repeating step can further include the step of repeating the compatible picture for the duration of the trick mode by inserting (218) into the video signal dummy pictures predicted from the compatible picture to form the trick mode video signal. The dummy pictures can be dummy predictive pictures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an information stream comprising a plurality of compressed information frames to produce an information sub-stream having a reduced number of information frames. In the case of an MPEG video information stream, the information sub-stream is suitable for use as a fast-forward (FF) or rewind (REW) stream in, e.g., a video on demand (VOD) system utilizing such streams.

Abstract: A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing a time-shift buffer (TSB) that is used for buffering video presentations. One such method includes receiving user input identifying a storage capacity for the TSB and modifying a storage capacity of the TSB such that it is at least substantially equal to the storage capacity identified by the user input.

Abstract: High quality replay of a streaming multimedia video segment on demand is provided. The multimedia segment may be transmitted as a stream by a server system and received by a client system over a fixed bandwidth communications path. The client system receives a base layer of the stream, decodes the base layer and displays the decoded base layer at a first quality level. The client system stores at least a portion of the base layer in a cache. When a request for replay service for the multimedia segment is received from a user, for high quality replay, the client system may receive at least one enhancement layer of the stream corresponding to the stored portion of the base layer. The client system may then read the stored portion of the base layer from the cache, decode the stored portion of the base layer and the at least one enhancement layer, and display the decoded base and enhancement layers at a second quality level, higher than the first quality level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of Video on Demand programs or items via a television broadcast system. The broadcast system typically comprises a means for receiving broadcast data, a receiver for processing the data and a television or other display apparatus for displaying the selected program. Video on Demand programs can be selected for display at any or any of a range of times by the system user. In the current invention, to avoid the delay experienced between a VoD program being selected and the same actually being displayed, initial portions of data for the selectable VoD programs are stored in memory in the system such that upon selection of the particular program, the initial portion of the data is immediately displayed and as this occurs the remaining data for the selected program is transmitted to the receiver for display after the display of the initial portion.