Abstract: A concept and method for the remote management of and recording of digital video content from a remote IP video camera to an application server via the internet. The recorder system comprises a user device capable of running a user interface, a server running a communications interface, a recorder module, and a digital recording device, and at least one remote IP camera. Upon system initialization, a recorder object and an associated unique ID for the recorder instance are transmitted with the user interface to the user device. A remote user of the device may request a video image from an associated remote camera to be sent to the server where it is recorded on the recording device. The image does not transmit to the user device, minimizing bandwidth requirements on the control side. The server provides a safe, secure and network-optimized environment for capturing the recording.

Abstract: A system provides dynamic brokering of digital content requests. The system includes a conditional scheduler configured for appropriating location data and metadata, both pertaining to the digital content, via a communicative coupling with a content management system. The conditional scheduler produces schedule data and delivery rules pertaining to the digital content. The system further includes a plurality of content broker servers. The content broker server receives content data, such as content location data, the schedule data and the delivery rules, from the conditional scheduler. The content broker server receives a digital content request from a client player. The content broker server dynamically assembles a set of content retrieval instructions based upon the content data when a digital content request is received from the client player.

Abstract: Shared television sessions are described. In embodiment(s), television content can be received via a tuner of a tuner device. A shared television session can be established between rendering devices that share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the television content. A tuner configuration input can be received when initiated at a rendering device, and the tuner configuration input can be communicated to the tuner device to change the television content. The tuner device can receive different television content via the tuner according to the tuner configuration input. Tuner update data associated with the tuner configuration input can then be communicated to update the rendering devices that further share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the different television content.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a method of streaming video data comprising, outputting video data from a video capture device comprising a first video resolution, determining a desired viewable area of the video data, removing a first portion of the video data comprising video data outside of the desired viewable area, and streaming the video data comprising the desired viewable area to a client device.

Abstract: A contents receiving system uses a digital broadcast wave or a broadband network to enable a user to suitably view main content, and provide a user with subsidiary content information desired by the user. Each of subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102) transmits ID information specific to each of the subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102), and a request for acquiring subsidiary content, from a communication control unit (405) to a main content receiving display unit 100. The main content receiving display unit 100 uses a content separation control unit (310) to separate a stream into subsidiary content corresponding to the request. Then, a request information input/transmission control unit (313) transmits the separated subsidiary content and the received ID information to the subsidiary content control receiver in question. The subsidiary content control receiver judges from the ID information that the subsidiary content should be acquired.

Abstract: A user request to watch a program is received in response to a promotion for the program. One or both of recording the program and playback of the program is performed. Information regarding one or both of the recording and the playback is output, this information including an identifier of the promotion. Additionally, a report can be generated from this information output by multiple devices, the report describing the recording of the program and the playback of the program on the multiple device in response to the promotion.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for controlling a plurality of cameras includes determining a selected camera though a control system, displaying a route map of the selected camera, and calculating motion parameters of a touch motion on a touch panel of the electronic device. The motion parameters are sent to the control system to control the selected camera according to the motion parameters. The touch panel displays acquired video images from the selected camera.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multiple live video broadcasts via a public data network on a single viewing channel is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for ordering entertainment programs from different programming transmission sources. A selection is received from an entertainment system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The purchase is automatically coordinated and the upgraded media feature is automatically provided for the programming by a server system. The server system bills a client for services performed by the server system and provides billing information about the client to at least one of a plurality of programming transmission sources that provided the programming transmission.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may operate according to, for example, a method involving recording audio feedback from a plurality of subscribers commenting on media content supplied by a media communication system on at least one of a plurality of media channels, detecting one or more trigger words in the recorded audio feedback having an association with a disruption of one or more media services supplied by the media communication system, selecting one or more network elements of the media communication system in at least one transmission path that supplies media services to one or more of the plurality of subscribers that supplied audio feedback matching the one or more trigger words, and directing the selected one or more network elements to record media content on one or more media channels selected from the plurality of media channels. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating content to users that includes a prioritizer and a listing module communicating the category and content identifier for a content to the prioritizer. The prioritizer associates a lifecycle having a plurality of lifecycle states with the category, assigns a first priority to the content in response to a first lifecycle state of the plurality of lifecycle states, changes the first lifecycle state to a second lifecycle state and changes the first priority to a second priority in response to changing the first lifecycle state to the second lifecycle state.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver and a method of determining an operation mode of broadcasting receiver are disclosed. A host device transmits the resource information including A-mode resource information. And a POD receives the resource information and determining an operation mode based on the received resource information and operation mode setting information. The broadcasting receiver can protect content data received from all the transfer protocols including the wired/wireless network and the IP protocol, using the conditional access provided from the conventional cable card. The broadcasting receiver determines whether the host supports the A-mode and determines a method for receiving broadcast data, such that the operation mode of the broadcasting receiver can be properly established according to the determined result.

Abstract: The present invention provides an IP broadcasting system that can receive IP broadcasting videos over an IP multicast network. In the IP broadcasting system, a multicast group management apparatus for IP broadcasting that holds multicast group identifiers is connected via an IP multicast network over which IP broadcasting services are provided. When a user issues a request to switch an IP broadcasting channel from an IP broadcasting terminal, a query message including the requested IP broadcasting channel identifier is transmitted to a management apparatus. The IP broadcasting terminal receives a response message indicating the correspondence between the IP broadcasting channel identifier and a multicast group identifier, and transmits a video reception request message to a multicast group by using the received multicast group identifier.

Abstract: A modem apparatus including means for communicating authentication information of a host along a first path to prompt a first validation for receiving data over the first path, and means for communicating identifying information of the modem apparatus and a request for network resource allocation over the first path to prompt a second validation after the first validation, the second validation enabling the reception of data over a second path that has a higher rate of transmission than the first path.

Abstract: A media database stores a number of media content items associated with a real-life field of competitive activity. A user database stores information about a plurality of entities involved in the real-life field of competitive activity, including indications of a number of the plurality of entities that are entities of interest. An event database stores event information identifying an event related to the real-life field of competitive activity, identifying at least one portion of one of said number of media content items as associated with the event, and identifying at least one of the plurality of entities associated with the event. A manager communicatively coupled to the media database, user database and event database, determines whether the event has occurred based on the event information, determines whether the event is associated with any of the number of entities of interest, and generates a highlight message.

Abstract: A video generation device, system and method. The device, system and method may perform the configuration of the video generation device, and thus may include a configuration file and a file format. The device, system and method may include at least one processing unit communicative with at least one cable modem, at least one application specific output generated from the processing unit, and a plurality of inputs to at least one processing unit for receiving at least a video input, a management input, and a configuration input, wherein the configuration input may include configuration information for processing the other received inputs. In embodiments, the video input, the management input, and the configuration information may be processed by at least one processing unit to at least one application specific output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus by which image data can be downloaded simply. A video camera 11 receives thumbnail images corresponding to one or more images included in an album from a video camera image station 41 and displays the thumbnail images on an LCD unit. If one or more images to be downloaded are selected, then the video camera 11 acquires image information of the selected image or images from a video camera image station 41, analyzes the image information and discriminates it one by one image whether or not the selected image data are downloadable. Every time one image is discriminated to be downloadable, the video camera 11 accesses a corresponding URL designated for each image, downloads the image from the URL and records the image onto a recording medium. The video camera 11 successively downloads the selected images in this manner.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods operable to distribute targeted content. Additionally, disclosed are corresponding apparatus and methods operable to selectively choose and cache selected ones from among the distributed targeted content, and to further choose ones from among the cached content to present on a device. In some aspects, selective caching of content may be based upon a match between predetermined content attribute information and predetermined profile information. Further, in some aspects, an indicator is operable to trigger the selective inclusion of one or more of the cached content in a presentation of other content, which may be based on a match between a desired content attribute associated with the indicator and the respective predetermined content attribute information of the cached content.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are described for determining attributes identifying media items from other media items. A first video sequence of a first media item is received from a media source, the video sequence including one or more images having first banner information embedded therein. The attributes of the first media item are determined. The determined attributes of the first media item can then be stored or otherwise processed as desired.

Abstract: The reverse path transaction management system enables the subscriber to receive a multicast on their wireless subscriber device via the forward path of a multicast channel or via a unidirectional broadcast channel concurrently with a plurality of other subscribers on the same multicast channel or broadcast channel. The subscribers can simultaneously initiate a transaction to purchase goods and/or services via the reverse path associated with the shared multicast channel or via a separate cellular communication connection associated with the broadcast channel. Typically, goods and/or services are offered to the subscriber as part of the multicast extant on the shared forward channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing method includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, parsing first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining permission information of broadcasting contents included in the mobile service data from the first program table information and controlling the contents included in the mobile service data in accordance with the permission information.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a channel information processing method are disclosed. A network interface transmits and receives an Internet Protocol (IP) packet. A controller detects broadcast data included in the IP packet received by the network interface and parses the detected broadcast data to obtain virtual channel information and physical channel information. The channel information is transmitted based on service discovery & selection (SD&S). The virtual channel information is transmitted in a broadcast discovery record and the physical channel information is transmitted in a cable network information record.

Abstract: There is provided a channel capacity estimation method for adaptive video transmission, the method including: estimating a Bit Error Rate (BER) for a received video packet; and estimating channel capacity by using the estimated BER.

Abstract: There are provided a system, an apparatus, and a method for suppressing increase in an amount of distribution data when performing content distribution via a network, improving reliability of the data received by a receiver in the distribution through an unstable transmission path such as a wireless transmission path, enabling provision of the content with a stable quality, and realizing the provision of the content with an optimal quality for the reception environment of content receiver, while suppressing an increase in an amount of processing for improving reliability of the distribution data on both of reception side and a transmission side.

Abstract: A method for broadcasting images from a video sequence, the method comprising, at the level of broadcasting equipment: including images in an output stream for transmission to at least one restoration equipment, receiving feedback from said restoration equipment of error messages relating to the restoration of the images from the video sequence, analyzing the error messages in order to identify images or parts of images not restored or badly restored and determining response messages including correction images or image parts. The method furthermore comprising determining a level of seriousness for each error message according to the analysis performed and deciding to return a response message relating to an error message according to the level of seriousness of that error message.

Abstract: A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF.

Abstract: A system and method for image information processing are disclosed. The system for image information processing includes: at least one image pickup terminal for providing image data picked up through a camera; an image information processing server for processing data collected from at least one image pickup terminal into data of a new format; and an application server for receiving the processed data from the image information processing server and providing the same to at least one user terminal. The amount of transmission data can be reduced and the reliability of information security can be increased since it is possible to allocate unique IDS to a plurality of image pickup terminals and application servers and identify the image pickup terminals and application servers only by their unique IDs without containing any particular information upon data transmission.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and system for dynamically inserting content into a streaming media program. The system and method provide a program manifest to rendering devices requesting a streaming media program and that manifest can include URIs which point to main program content on a content delivery network and includes meta URIs (mURIs) which point to a dynamic content decisioning server. The dynamic content decisioning server receives requests for the content indicated by the mURIs and operates to dynamically select content, from a dynamic content delivery network, to fulfill the requests. The selection can be based upon a variety of criteria, including viewer and/or rendering device demographics, advertiser campaign strategies, etc. Thus two or more rendering devices playing streaming media defined by the same manifest may render different inserted content for their viewers.

Abstract: A system and method that provide media content owners the capability to achieve community building goals by exploiting video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling media content on a network or Internet website. The system and method additionally provide website community building mechanisms to community members, thereby allowing the members to customize the actual community websites that many companies and website owners seek in order to enhance e-commerce revenue generation.

Abstract: A television receiver device consistent with certain implementations has a display associated with the television receiver device. A filter converts a stream of audio/video content that is to be displayed on the display associated with the television receiver device into a stream of digital audio data. A buffer stores a sample of the digital audio data. A modem transmits the sample of audio data from the buffer to a content identification server and that receives metadata identifying the audio data from the content identification server. A display processor renders at least a portion of the metadata to the display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A session management involves registering at least one IPTV application (54) in a registration table (170) so that the registration table (170) comprises at least a respective identifier of the IPTV applications (54). The IPTV applications (54) are invokable at a set top box (50) and can be so-called embedded applications and/or browser-based applications. An event requiring the invocation of an IPTV application (54) at the set top box (50) is detected and triggers a look-up in the registration table (170). The registration table (170) is, thus, used as source to indicate those IPTV applications that are potentially available and can be launched at the set top box (50). One of the registered applications (54) and is launched for the purpose of handling the detected event.

Abstract: Methods and related systems related to content distribution include but are not limited to receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content; displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification; receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content; transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected; receiving said specific instance of said content; displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content; enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content; and enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user.

Abstract: AN IPTV receiver and a method of discovering an IPTV service are provided. A network interface transmits and receives an IP packet through a network. An IP network stack checks a destination of the received IP packet and classifies the IP packet according to a protocol. A Service Information (SI) decoder parses a service provider discovery record included in the IP packet to read registration server address information included in the service provider discovery record and parses a provision information record included in the IP packet to read EPG discovery information included in the provision information record. An IPTV Terminal Function (ITF) operation controller controls a request of a registration to be transmitted based on the read registration server address information controlling a request of a registration to be transmitted based on the read registration server address information for receiving the provision information record.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus for providing broadband television service (BTS) are provided. The method includes receiving a channel selection at a receiver located at a service location. The channel selection is correlated to an Internet address. Data is requested from the Internet address. The request is made to a digital subscriber line (DSL) network via a modem. Video data packets containing live streaming video content are received from the Internet address in response to the requesting. The video data packets are received from the DSL network via the modem. The video data packets are assembled into video signals for display on a television and the video signals are transmitted to the television.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for transmitting and receiving 3D video based on digital broadcasting. The system includes: an encoder for generating 2D ES and 3D supplementary ES by encoding 2D video and 3D supplementary data; a packetizer for generating 2D video PES and 3D supplementary PES by packetizing the 2D video ES and the 3D supplementary ES; a PSI generator for generating a PSI; a TS generator for generating 2D video TS and 3D supplementary TS for the 2D video PES and the 3D supplementary PES; a multiplexer for multiplexing the transport streams to transmit the 2D video TS as a normal stream and transmit the 3D supplementary TS, the PSI TS and 3D video synch data TS as robust stream; and a modulator for modulating the multiplexed TS according to a DTV specification and transmitting the modulated TS.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The camera controller and the display controller share a common processor. The vision system is operable to adjust a displayed image responsive to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system. The vision system, responsive to object detection by a sensor, is operable to (a) provide enhanced imaging of the detected object, (b) provide enhanced processing of at least a portion of captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which an object is detected, (c) adjust the display device to enhance displayed images of a detected object, and/or (d) adjust the display device to enhance display of at least a portion of a captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which the object is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time.

Abstract: An Internet direct device comprises an imaging system and a microprocessor. The imaging system captures still or video images. The microprocessor transmits the captured still or video images to an account associated with a website or another Internet direct device upon image capture, and receives still or video images from other Internet direct devices over a communications network. The Internet direct device automatically connects to the communications network on power-up using one of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designated as a primary mode of connection. The Internet direct device automatically switches to another available mode of connection when the Internet direct device detects that the primary mode of connection to the communications network is unavailable.

Abstract: An interactive media management server that facilitates management of interactive media and delivery of such interactive media. It comprises a first interface to an interactive media distribution server communicatively coupled to a plurality of mobile devices, and a second interface to a service provider system or a content provider system. It comprises a manager module for managing creation, distribution and tracking of a plurality of interactive media. The manager module, via the second interface, manages the delivery of the plurality of interactive media from the service provider system or the content provider system, and the communication of user responses to the plurality of interactive media to the corresponding service provider system or content provider system.

Abstract: A device may be used for conditioning an upstream bandwidth. The device can include a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector, and a coupler connected within the return path, the coupler providing a secondary path. An offset or noise detection circuit is connected electrically downstream the coupler. A microprocessor is connected to the detection circuit. A variable signal level adjustment device is connected within the return path. The variable signal level adjustment device can be controlled by the microprocessor responsive to a detected offset level or noise floor in the return path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of classifying downstream service flows for a cable modem is provided. A method of classifying downstream service flows, the method including: classifying a service flow based on a Quality of Service (QoS) using a destination address of an inputted packet; composing an internal header including corresponding service flow information based on the classifying of the service flow; and adding the internal header to the inputted packet.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver is provided. The digital broadcast receiver includes a broadcast reception unit which receives a digital broadcast signal; a signal separation unit which separates a main audio signal, an auxiliary audio signal, and an audio description descriptor from the received digital broadcast signal; an extraction unit which extracts auxiliary information from the audio description descriptor; a mixing unit which generates an audio signal by mixing the main audio signal and the auxiliary audio signal based on the auxiliary information; and an audio output unit which outputs the audio signal.

Abstract: A DVR sends, over the Internet, to a server, information that indicates a set of programs. The information also may indicate a ranking of the programs in the set relative to each other. In response to receiving the information from the DVR, the server determines a “to do” list of programs that the DVR should record as those programs are broadcasted in the future. The “to do” list indicates recording times and channels for each program. The server sends the “to do” list back to the DVR over the Internet. The DVR receives the “to do” list over the Internet and stores the “to do” list. As the programs on the “to do” list are broadcasted, the DVR automatically records those programs at the list-specified times and on the list-specified channels. The DVR stores those programs on the DVR's hard disk drive for later viewing by the DVR user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadcast content by an adaptive streaming service and a system using the same are provided, in which a content transmission server configures and transmits a manifest file including a content IDentifier (ID), and a client device receives the manifest file, determines whether the content ID included in the manifest file is identical to an ID of user-requested content for recording, and records a content segment received from a content providing server, if the content ID included in the manifest file is identical to the ID of the user-requested content.

Abstract: A user can create a video segment or employ an existing video segment, upload the segment to a server, indicate an advertisement to be associated with the video, and then send it to a recipient over a computer network. The user provides an indication that one or more particular video segments and advertisements are to be shared over the network. The video segment(s) is/are then automatically assessed and determined to be compatible with streaming video, or not. If the video segment(s) is/are not compatible with streaming video, it/they are converted to a compatible format automatically. An identifier for the video segment is automatically created and the segment and the identifier are automatically uploaded to a host computer over the network such as the Internet. The video segment, the identifier (optionally with other identifying material such as an identity of the sender, and an advertisement selected by the sender can be stored at the direction of the host computer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving and distributing user-generated video content. In one aspect, a method includes receiving video data from a client computing device, where the video data is captured using a camera connected to the client computing device in accordance with instructions executed on the client computing device to provide the video data in accordance with predetermined constraints. The video data is automatically transcoded into at least one different format based on user credentials associated with a user of the client computing device and/or attributes associated with the video data. At least one format of the transcoded video data defines a video file in a format appropriate for inclusion in a linear television programming transmission. The transcoded video data is uploaded to a server for distribution.

Abstract: An upstream bandwidth conditioning premise device for use as part of a CATV system and for placement on or near a user's premise to reduce noise created on the user's premise that would otherwise be injected into upstream transmission channels and passed into an RF main signal distribution system of the CATV system. The device includes a variable attenuation device, a signal measurement circuit, a memory circuit and an electronic circuit, which is configured to iteratively determine (i) whether an incremental amount of additional attenuation is to be applied and (ii) whether at least a portion of a previously applied incremental amount of attenuation is to be removed. The electronic circuit includes a counting circuit, a threshold comparison circuit configured to compare a peak signal strength to a predetermined threshold, and a peak comparison circuit configured to compare a contemporary peak signal strength to a previous peak signal strength.

Abstract: Programming stream communication systems and methods are operable to communicate programming streams to a media transmit facility. An exemplary embodiment receives at the media transmit facility a first packetized programming stream (PPS), the first PPS including a first programming stream (PS) generated by a first local programming provider (LPP); receives at the media transmit facility a second PPS, the second PPS including a second PS generated by a second LPP; multiplexes the first PS and the second PS into a transport channel; and communicates the transport channel from the media transmit facility.

Abstract: An information distribution and processing system contains a remote site, a sender and a receiving apparatus. The remote site contains a first set of digital data. The sender delivers a second set of digital data to the receiving device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device contain a timing device for automatically receiving the second set of digital data at predetermined times. The second set of digital data contains a first set of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, at least one non-displayable symbol, and at least one linking reference associated with the second set of displayable data. If desired, a user can select the second set of displayable data. The associated linking reference is sent to the remote site. The associated linking reference is used by the remote site to search for the additional information, and returns the requested information to the user.