Abstract: An efficient near video on demand (NVOD) service for various client environments is provided. The NVOD service method for transmitting video data including moving pictures to a plurality of clients in a network includes identifying a relative network bandwidth “m” of a client with respect to a video playout bandwidth, dividing the video data into data segments having different sizes according to the relative network bandwidth “m” and transmitting the data segments to the client through a plurality of channels.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for transferring content authorization information between television receivers. Authorization information for content and features associated with a television receiver is securely stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be moved and connected to a different television receiver in order to transfer the authorization information to the different television receiver. The other television receiver accesses information on the portable storage device and allows the user to access the content and features that are authorized on the home television receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for publishing video, processing, storing and purchasing the video over the Internet. The system includes a seller user interface where a seller can register and upload the video over the Internet, and still retain the copyright ownership of the video. Once uploaded video is processed and encoded with copyright notices, it is then available for searches. The system stores the video and user profiles in the database. The system includes a buyer user interface where a registered buyer can search and purchase video content over the Internet. The video can be purchased by many buyers for usage or it can be purchased for exclusive rights by one buyer, after which time the video is deleted from the system and the buyer gets the video copyright ownership. Once a transaction is made, the buyer pays for the video to the seller and listing fees are deducted in the transaction.

Abstract: A process for secured distribution of digital fixed pictures in the form of streams comprising sequences of data each containing a part of information of the picture comprising: modifying the original stream by modifying at least a part of the data sequences to produces a stream modified in the same nominal format as the original stream, transmitting the modified stream, and reconstruction of the modified stream with a decoder in addressee equipment, wherein the reconstruction is adaptive and progressive as a function of information coming from a digital profile of an addressee user.

Abstract: A portable communication device equipped with a screen and a random access memory. The device receives a data stream through a radio link for automatically displaying information from the data stream on a display screen, without any user's request, a part of this information being stored in random access memory during a period of time that is longer than the duration of display and displays information from the data stream on the display screen, upon user's request, this information being stored in random access memory during the duration of display only.

Abstract: A system and method includes an automation system and a scheduling system generating a schedule having a countdown time for a countdown clock assembly and communicating the schedule to an automation system. The system also includes a content repository storing promotional content and a clock background in the content repository. The automation system retrieves the promotional content and the clock background from the content repository, stores the promotional content and the clock background, forms a countdown clock assembly from the promotional content and the clock background and inserts the countdown clock assembly into a channel signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced video signal processing are described. An enhanced video signal is received. A plurality of metadata describing the enhanced video signal are generated and processed. A channel for transmission of the enhanced video signal to a plurality of viewers is determined.

Abstract: A method for providing pay-per-view service while observing an OpenCable standard in realization of bi-directional digital cable broadcasting includes a method for interfacing between a set-top box and a point of deployment (POD), the method comprising the steps of: receiving, at the set-top box, an arbitrary program event purchase-related instruction inputted by a user, generating an object based on the arbitrary program event purchase-related instruction, and transmitting the arbitrary program event purchase-related instruction object to the POD; and receiving, at the POD, the object transmitted by the set-top box, generating an answer object based on the reception, and transmitting the answer object to the set-top box.

Abstract: Live television broadcast and other information and entertainment programs, e.g., videos-on-demand (VOD), are provided to a user through a communications network, e.g., a cable network. A processing unit is employed at an headend of the communications network to respond to user requests for PVR-like functions, e.g., pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, to be performed on the program content being viewed. The processing unit in accordance with the invention causes a delivery of an appropriate version of the program content to meet such user requests.

Abstract: In a digital video network that is capable of distributing digital video content to a client via multicasting and unicasting, servicing a channel change request from a client involves switching from providing the digital video content to the client via multicasting to providing the digital video content to the client via unicasting and continuing to provide digital video content to the client via unicasting until a pre-established condition is met. Continuing to provide digital video content to the client via unicasting until a pre-established condition is met allows the network to opportunistically switch the client from unicasting back to multicasting.

Abstract: Blackout event data is received that includes data regarding a geographic area affected by a blackout event. Based on a user location code such as a ZIP code, a determination is made whether a user account is subject to the blackout event. If the user is subject to the blackout event, access to a pay-per-view multimedia event is restricted.

Abstract: A content providing server connected to a home network or the like is configured in such a way as to store a content key, which is encrypted by a network key shared by network-connected devices and appropriately updated, in a storage together with encrypted content, and as to hold a network key table in which all network keys including all pre-update network keys, which are being applied to encrypted content keys, are registered and stored. This server performs a key changing operation of changing a content key, which is encrypted by a pre-update network key, to an encrypted key, to which an updated network key is applied, only when needed, for example, at an occurrence of utilization of the content. Consequently, this configuration prevents key changing operations from being wastefully performed. Thus, the processing load on the server is alleviated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring files by accumulation of points. The device is designed for a user of a receiver of data of a communication network, able to earn points by accomplishing at least one predefined operation, and to acquire at least one of the files by downloading via this communication network, when the aggregate number of points reaches a predetermined level associated with this file. The device comprises an automatic control module for ordering downloading via this network to a storage space accessible to this receiver, of portions of this file, designed to order the downloading of each of these portions when the number of points earned by this user reaches a fraction of this predetermined level which corresponds to this portion.

Abstract: A method consistent with certain embodiments provides portable delivery of television programs to a portable wireless device (PWD) involves using the PWD to capture a sample of a program being played by a television; transmitting attributes of the captured sample to a service provider so that the service provider can identify the program being played by the television; and receiving the television program at the PWD from the service provider via a wireless transmission. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A method according to the present disclosure comprises displaying a program in a first format on a first television channel to a user and automatically displaying a message to the user indicating that the program is available in a second format on a second television channel. The message may be displayed on the first television channel while the program in the first format is being displayed. Additionally, the automatic displaying of the message may be unprompted by the user. In certain embodiments, the user may be provided the option to purchase the program in the second format if the second format is not within the user's subscription.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and device for clock transmission between a sender and a receiver. The sender generates clock information of a clock to be sent relative to a system clock and sends a data packet containing the clock information to the receiver over a Packet-Switched Network (PSN). The receiver obtains the clock information in the data packet received and obtains the clock sent by the sender according to the clock information and the system clock. According to the embodiments of the present invention, after the clock of the sender is transmitted over the PSN, the receiver may obtain the clock of the sender without being affected by such damage as a network delay jitter and a packet loss.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more devices within a subscription television network that offers pay-per-view programming to viewers includes receiving criteria for triggering dynamic pricing discounts for a pay-per-view event and establishing, based on the received criteria, dynamic prices for the pay-per-view event. The method also includes offering, to the viewers over the subscription television network, the pay-per-view event at one of the established dynamic prices.

Abstract: A viewer can enter into a wish list a show listed on an electronic program guide (EPG) that is being shown on a channel not subscribed to by the viewer. Should the show later become available on a subscribed-to channel, it is automatically recorded.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for granting access rights to specific media processing equipment. Such access rights may be provided to specific media processing equipment using an interactive wireless device as a backchannel. The interactive wireless device may be operative to retrieve, from an entitlement key source, an entitlement key corresponding to programming of interest and provide that entitlement key to the media processing equipment, thereby enabling the media processing equipment to access the programming of interest.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of receiving audiovisual programs transmitted to terminals. The users of the terminals choose a program from a catalogue and make a proposition to a server to download it to their terminals. The proposition is accompanied by a price and/or deadline. The server analyzes the propositions it receives and, taking account of its profitability constraints, decides whether or not it will transmit the program. Depending on the case, it sends the acceptance to each user who has made a proposition with profitable parameters for the transmission of the program and gives the users the means of receiving the program for viewing. The decision to transmit the program is determined according to various strategies the common criterion of which is profitability. The invention also concerns a terminal and a server for the implementation of the method.

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

Abstract: A method of displaying menus on a screen of a television using a set-top terminal connected to the television is described. The method receives a video signal including video of a plurality of programs transmitted from a source remote from the television and the set-top terminal, generates a submenu that includes a plurality of selectable program listings, each program listing corresponding to one of the plurality of programs, displays the submenu on the screen during broadcast of the plurality of programs, displays the video of one of the plurality of programs on the screen in response to a user selection of the corresponding program listing, generates an overlay menu that includes selectable options, and displays the overlay menu together with the displayed video of the program on the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for realizing a Pay Per View (PPV) purchasing mechanism.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a content purchase history storage unit in which a content purchase history for each user is stored, a metadata storage unit in which metadata of a plurality of contents is stored, and a metadata retrieval unit to retrieve, upon reception of a metadata retrieval request that is sent from a terminal apparatus of the user via a network and includes information for identifying a user and a retrieval condition, metadata of a content that meets the retrieval condition from the metadata storage unit, judge whether the content retrieved has already been purchased based on the content purchase history of the user that is stored in the content purchase history storage unit, and send a retrieval result of the metadata of the content that includes a judgment result to the terminal apparatus via the network as a metadata retrieval response.

Abstract: In the present invention, a moving-picture editing program (12) controls the recording of the data transmitted from a personal computer (1-1), into a user video-data management database (4). The program (12) determines whether the data should be supplied to another personal computer (1-2) in response to a demand made by the personal computer (1-1). The moving-picture editing program(12) supplies the data to the other personal computer (1-2) in response to the demand from the other personal computer (1-2) when it is determined that the data should be supplied to the personal computer (1-1). Hence, the data can be utilized by many other users.

Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of selecting a pay per view program to be transmitted to a personal video recorder having a program receiver. A schedule of pay per view programs is obtained. Each of the pay per view programs has a title and at least one transmission time and an associated transmission channel for each transmission time. A title list comprising the titles of at least one pay per view program is generated based on the schedule. The title list is provided to a display device for display to a user. A selection by title of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is received from the user. A potential transmission time of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is determined based on the at least one transmission time. Alternatively, selection of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver may be based on user's preferences or a pre-selected list of titles.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for sharing a purchased pay-per-view (PPV) event over a plurality of set-top boxes (STB). Thus, a PPV event purchased through one STB may be viewed through every STB associated with the customer ID number of the purchaser, including an STB located in a separate location from the PPV purchaser. The customer information used to locate the STBs associated with the customer ID may be retrieved from a database or may be provided by a billing site. Providing for the purchaser to view the PPV event on several STBs may allow the customer of the PPV service maximum access to the purchased PPV event.

Abstract: An apparatus is described herein, wherein the apparatus includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The apparatus also includes a display screen that is located in the first aperture of the housing. An interface module may be located in the second aperture of the housing, wherein the interface module can be configured to receive a portable memory device. The apparatus also includes a data store that is communicatively coupled to the interface device, wherein the data store includes a plurality of movies available for rental.

Abstract: Program identifiers from an electronic programming guide are added to a wish list. The wish list may be created automatically from user preferences or from manual user selections. In some embodiments, the wish list is available from different platforms including set-top boxes, personal computers, and mobile telephones. Users are not required to scroll through an entire list of available on-demand movie titles, for example, to choose those that may later be selected for viewing. Instead, a user may scroll through an entire list once and move any items of interest to a wish list for later consideration.

Abstract: A method of transmitting multimedia data on demand by using a dynamic channel and apparatus thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes i) continuously transmitting the multimedia data from beginning to end via a first static channel at a first static channel transmission point, ii) transmitting a portion of the multimedia data from beginning via a first to dth (d is a natural number not less than 1) dynamic channel at a first to dth dynamic channel transmission point and iii) reusing kth (k is more than 1 and less than d) dynamic channel as another dynamic channel after releasing the kth dynamic channel to be available after Tk from the kth dynamic channel transmission point, wherein the Tk is not less than an elapsed time from the first static channel transmission point to the kth dynamic channel transmission point.

Abstract: A credit card is used to purchase services, such as special pay-per-view television events, when the purchaser is located remote from his or her home base. When a subscriber is in a location remote from his or her base, that is, out of his or her subscription area, and wishes to view an event that is carried by his or her subscription service but which is not carried by the carrier serving the remote location, the purchaser contacts the system that is offering the event by telephone for example and uses a credit card that is issued by the system to purchase the event.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide a solution that enable real, delayed or relayed time trade and delivery of time-tagged electronic information items from/among same or different regions' information content providers (190a, 190b) and/or their subscribers (201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222), or via their corresponding region's information content network operators and their subscribers (201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222). In order to realize the objective, this invention provide a system to select wanted information items and package the unselected or for-not-use information items in specified time frame by mapping and grouping via a grid/matrics to packaging, labeling and pricing the items into for-trade-items or dealpacks and register them into trading database (200); a system for dealpack listing, online searching and purchasing; and dealpack's secret key submitting, verifying, encrypting transmission and decrypting delivery.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: Purchasing PPV movies and events can be quite expensive for a viewer particularly when multiple PPV videos are purchased. Functionality can be implemented in a video recording device to search for less expensive alternatives for acquiring selected PPV content and other fee based videos. Automatically searching for lower fees and other lower-cost sources of a PPV video removes the tedium of manually checking for fee decreases for the selected PPV video and allows for more cost effective video recording.

Abstract: A multimedia content delivery resource suitable for supporting a video on demand service to a plurality of users substantially simultaneously. The multimedia content delivery resource includes a reception interface for receiving a video content item selection signal associated with a primary subscriber; and a subscriber selection signal indicative of a secondary subscriber associated with the primary subscriber; a shared video module operable to identify a selected video content item associated with the video content item selection signal and define recipients of the identified video content item based at least in part on the subscriber selection signal; and a transmission interface operable to transmit the identified video content item substantially simultaneously to the defined recipients.

Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.

Abstract: A content rental system includes one data store for storing rental content. The content rental system also includes a content server for transferring content to one viewing device based upon a received request. The content server is further configured to authorize the transfer of the content from the viewing device to another viewing device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for delivering purchase information comprising storing purchase information for a purchase of a user in a set top box. The set top box (STB) is configured to receive and display the broadcast signals through a tuner onto a display device. The STB establishes a connection to the Internet through a user initiated action (e.g., when the user accesses the Internet using the STB). A new transmission control/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection is obtained using the established user-initiated Internet connection without the user requesting the connection. A secure electronic connection is established with a server through the new TCP/IP connection. The purchase information is then transmitted from the STB through the secure electronic connection to the server.

Abstract: A TV program distribution system comprises: a TV broadcast signal distribution device for distributing a scrambled pay TV program provided by a TV program provider; an auction management device for managing selling, by auction, of the viewing right of the pay TV program; an account management device for charging winning bidders of the pay TV program determined by the auction; and a conditional access management device for managing conditional access information to make it possible for each STB of each winning bidder of the pay TV program to descramble the scrambled pay TV program. The TV program distribute system sells the pay TV program by auction, limiting the number of STBs allowed to access the pay TV program, so that the TV program distribution system makes it possible for the TV program provider to collect fees of the pay TV program according to market value of the pay TV program.

Abstract: An “inventory free” approach for managing rental items across a plurality of distribution locations includes sending at least some rental items that are not needed by two or more distribution locations to a designated distribution location. Rental items sent to the designated distribution location may be permanently stored at the designated distribution location, returned to the distribution location from which they were sent, or sent to other distribution locations, depending upon where the rental items are needed. In situations where particular rental items are not currently needed by customers at a distribution location, but there is a high likelihood that the particular rental items will be needed by the customers within a specified time, the particular rental items may be maintained at the distribution location as “float” and not sent to the designated distribution location. The float is re-processed as returned rental items prior to being again rented to customers.

Abstract: A process for secured distribution of fixed numerical images according to a nominal format resulting from numerical encoding in wavelets, represented by a original stream including a packet relating to organization of a binary sequence that contains at least a block that regroups numerically encoded simple elements according to a mode specified inside the stream and utilized by decoders that are capable of reconstructing or decoding it to be able to correctly display the image including modifying at least one of the simple elements according to at least a substitution operation including extracting the simple element, followed by its replacement by lure data, modifying a principal stream to conform to a nominal format including modified blocks and packets, and by a path that is separate from the principal stream of complementary numerical information and allowing reconstruction of the original stream from calculations, on destination equipment, as a function of the principal stream and the complementary infor

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for overlaying parts of a displayed presentation of a video by using graphic content rendered by a receiving device such as a set top box or television to complete a displayed presentation of the video. The apparatus receiving frame synchronizing information from a content provider and then conveying the frame synchronizing information as a graphic overlay to the video. The frame synchronizing information comprises frame starting identifier data, frame ending identifier and positional information for describing frame locations and frame timing for overlaying the graphic content and positional information to indicate where to place the graphic content to be overlaid. The frame synchronizing information provides the information necessary to place graphic content, such as a graphic image or graphic animation, at specified positions that are synchronized to the displayed presentation. The same method also enables audio information to be synchronized.

Abstract: Systems and methods to process program wish list data are provided. A system includes a media receiver adapted to receive media content from a media distribution system and a recording module responsive to the media receiver. The system also includes a program guide module to receive a published program guide identifying media content available to be distributed via the media distribution system. The system further includes a wish list module to generate wish list data including identifying information associated with at least one program. The at least one program is not listed in the published program guide when the wish list data is generated. The system also includes a reporting module to report information related to the wish list data to a remote network element.

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: The video input unit inputs video data. The reference data input unit inputs a plurality of reference data relating to the video data. The extraction condition determining unit determines, from the identification information of the plurality of reference data, an item of identification information in correspondence with a period of time elapsed after receipt of an output request. The reference data extracting unit extracts the reference data having the determined identification information. The analyzing unit calculates the level of similarity between the frames in the input video data and the reference data, and extracts frames whose level of similarity is greater than a first threshold value. The video generating unit generates output video data that includes the extracted frames. The output unit outputs the generated output video data.

Abstract: The present invention employs a cache for storing a large repository of digital media files (i.e., content) in a local hard drive of individual users, whereby a slower delivery mechanism can be used to add potentially wanted files to each cache in advance of any request for viewing the files. Combining a large cache size along with user and content profiling allows a target file desired by a user to be found in the cache for a great majority of file requests. Cached files are encrypted. To view a file, the user must first provide payment information to a content server in order to obtain authorization and a decryption key.