Abstract: A computer system includes a display that displays an electronic program guide to a user. A data storage unit includes keywords related to television shows currently being broadcast. A server device is configured to retrieve real-time data related to a person of interest from the internet by monitoring messages that they generate. The server device can then identify one or more matches between the retrieved data and the stored keywords, and can output a modified electronic program guide including an indication of matching keywords. This can allow an electronic program guide to include an inference of the television show that a person of interest is likely to be watching or talking about online.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing media consumption are disclosed. The present invention can provide viewers increased access to content of interest across various platforms, such as online articles, online audio and video clips, and television and radio broadcasts. In an embodiment, an individual viewing content online, such as a news article, is given a link. The link provides the viewer access to a list of content related to the article being viewed. The related content is not limited to the platform related content across, and allows the user to view the content, automatically set the content to be recorded by a digital video recorder, or reserve the content for future viewing. Accordingly, by providing the user with convenient access to content across platforms, based on their interests, they are more given media content they are more likely to enjoy. Accordingly, viewership of this content will increase, through this connection of individuals with content that aligns with their interests.

Abstract: A method for providing content from a first node to a second node using a satellite communications system includes receiving side information at a gateway in the satellite communications system. The side information may be transmitted from a subscriber terminal to the gateway via a first communication path that includes a satellite link. The method also includes determining at the gateway that the side information is associated with first content available at the first node, and determining at the gateway that second content is available from a source other than the first node. The method also includes generating output content using the second content and the side information. The output content may be substantially the same as the first content. The method also includes providing the output content to the second node via a second communication path that does not include the satellite link.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content providers with network distribution nodes for distributing content to subscribers of a communications service provider may include maintaining multiple network nodes by the communications service provider, where the network nodes may be in communication with the Internet and be configured to enable subscribers of the communications service provider to access and download content over a controlled service provider network without the content having to be communicated over the Internet. Multiple respective content service providers may be enabled to store content at the network nodes for subscribers local to each respective network node to download the content. Multiple customer databases configured to store information associated with subscribers of the communications service provider may be operated.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: In a video distribution apparatus, a memory caches segments of video data into which video data received from a communication network is sectioned on a basis of a predetermined unit and stores video identifying information of the segments of video data. A distribution controller derives, upon receipt of a cache distribution request from the network, video identifying information contained in a cache distribution request. A relay controller obtains segments of video data associated with the video identifying information from the memory to transfer the obtained segments of video data to a requester at a transfer rate defined on the segments of video data in the vicinity of a source of the video data. The video can be distributed at a transfer rate close to a transfer rate defined by a content distribution server while the video traffic can be diminished.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. A video feed is harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. The feed items are filtered to remove those that do not link to video content. A criteria specified by the user is used to filter the feed items.

Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). The user can set a reminder message for a television program that is transmitted prior to the transmission time of the program. If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.

Abstract: An audio/video network system for distributing satellite broadcast services includes an antenna unit for receiving audio/video broadcast services. The antenna unit is in communication with a master receiver, which receives the audio/video broadcast services and displays them on a first television associated with the master receiver. The master receiver is in communication with a plurality of slave clients, which receive audio/video broadcast services from the master receiver and display them on a respective television associated with each of the slave clients.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for transmitting high quality multimedia data from a mobile device for live and on-demand viewing. The mobile device adjusts the quality of a single multimedia data stream based on one or more factors, such as the available bandwidth of a wireless link with a server, whether there are any “live” subscribers of the multimedia data stream, whether any “live” subscribers are interacting with the mobile device, and a change in the privacy settings of the user of the mobile device. Any data that was removed from the multimedia data stream before it was transmitted to a server is subsequently sent to the server. The server generates multiple versions of the multimedia data stream that vary in terms of quality. The server selects which version of the multimedia data stream to transmit to a subscriber of the multimedia data stream based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a receiver configured to receive a request for an adaptive streaming media presentation description (MPD), a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to generate the MPD, wherein the MPD comprises a parent element and a mechanism for specifying a client's behavior, wherein the parent element comprises a group of elements, wherein each element comprises a same value for a same attribute, and wherein the mechanism conditions the client's capability on the client's processing at least one of the elements, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the MPD.

Abstract: A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels.

Abstract: A display terminal and a method for displaying content on the display terminal are embodied and broadly disclosed herein. The method may include displaying an indicator that indicates a presence of at least one new content available in a channel; displaying a list of the at least one new content in response to an acknowledgement request corresponding to the indicator; and connecting to the channel to display the at least one new content in response to an input, wherein the input is a selection of one or more of the at least one new content in the displayed list.

Abstract: A system and method for failure recovery for a node in an IPTV network makes use of the ability of an IMS Gateway, an Open IPTV Terminal Function, and an IPTV Control Server to provide each other with information about a session to be recovered in a manner which allows the control session state to be reconstructed without impacting the user's viewing experience.

Abstract: While receiving content from a source via a first connection, a receiver determines the connection is interrupted, selects an alternative source, and continues to receive the content from the alternative source via a second connection. In some implementations, the alternative source may be a server. In implementations, the alternative source may be additional receivers configured in a peer-to-peer arrangement. In various implementations, after the receiver determines that the first connection is interrupted, the receiver may utilize the second connection until finished receiving the content, continue receiving the content utilizing the first connection once no longer interrupted, or determine that the second connection is interrupted and select an additional alternative source to continue receiving the content from via a third connection.

Abstract: Provided are a method of receiving an enhanced service and a video display device thereof. The method includes: receiving an audio-visual (AV) content; extracting first feature information from the received AV content; receiving a database including at least one of content information, enhanced service information, and an enhanced service, which correspond to the first feature information, from a first server by transmitting the extracted first feature information to the first server; storing the database received from the first server in a memory; extracting second feature information from the received AV content; and searching and obtaining one of content information, enhanced service information, and an enhanced service, which correspond to the extracted feature information, from the database.

Abstract: A distribution management apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires terminal management information that indicates locations of multiple communication terminals, a determination unit that determines cutout position information of video data based on the terminal management information acquired by the acquisition unit and operation data received from any one of the communication terminals, a cutout unit that cuts out multiple pieces of video data from the video data based on the cutout position information determined by the determination unit, and a distribution unit that distributes the video data cut out by the cutout unit to each of the communication terminals based on the terminal management information. The determination unit modifies the cutout position information of the video data based on the operation data.

Abstract: A video production sharing apparatus is provided with a first computer having a processor, memory, and an input device, the memory having programs stored therein, the programs implemented through the processor and designed to cause the processor to: 1) access at least one video stream, 2) manipulate viewing perspective of the at least one video stream with the input device of the first computer to generate an individualized video, and 3) transfer a data file of user inputs from the input device used to manipulate the at least one video stream to create the individualized video that describes the individualized video of the at least one video stream. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A media content distribution system (10) comprises a plurality of interconnected system resources (13-15) arranged to receive and/or transmit media content. A number of the system resources (13-15) have a capability of performing a transform processing operation on the media content. A system controller (20) automatically determines connectivity of the system resources (13-15) and determines the transform capabilities of the system resources using control messages received from the system resources. A first of the system resources can advertise information about a potential combined system resource which is possible if at least one transform capability of the first system resource is combined with at least one transform capability of another system resource. The system controller (20) can output a map of the system resources on the user interface (25). The user interface (25) can allow a user to explore detail of resources (13-15) and select routes between nodes.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for receiving and displaying video from both an Internet and a broadcast video source. Also provided is a frame controller for receiving video data from an Internet video stream and from a cable broadcast video stream, the frame controller further in communication with a television display and causing the Internet video stream and the cable broadcast video stream to each be displayed in a separate frame on the television display.

Abstract: A method of switching a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a channel changing event corresponding to a changing of a channel is used to minimize a time required for providing the digital TV application suitable for a changed channel.

Abstract: In a mobile communication system and a broadcasting system, an Advanced Base Station (ABS) periodically broadcasts a buffering data packet of broadcast buffering content in providing a Mobile Internet Protocol TeleVision (Mobile IPTV) service. The broadcast buffering content represents content in which a buffering data packet corresponding to a predetermined buffering capacity is periodically broadcasted, and the buffering data packet represents a data packet that is transmitted to be buffered in advance before the broadcast buffering content is actually provided to Advanced Mobile Stations (AMSs).

Abstract: According to the invention, a broadcast receiver receives a packetized stream. The broadcast receiver extracts display time information from a header of the packetized stream, and extracts trigger information including a target object identifier from a payload of the packetized stream. The broadcast receiver recognizes the type of the trigger information. If the trigger information is of the preparation trigger type, the broadcast receiver acquires information on the location of the file which belongs to the target object identifier. The broadcast receiver downloads the file which belongs to the target object identifier from the time corresponding to the extracted display time information via said acquired information on the location of the file.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for processing media content for display on a monitor. A home media center (HMC), that includes a server receiver, acts as a central location for recording, distribution, and scheduling of tasks and system resources. The HMC receives a client request from a first client receiver and a legacy request or informs the receiver that the request cannot be fulfilled. Different coding technologies are used to provide video, audio, and data services to the client receiver and the legacy receiver.

Abstract: There is provided a data stream comprising a plurality of program streams and at least one multistream descriptor. The multistream descriptor defines a multistream group identifier; and the identity of the program streams that are members of the multistream group.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adding or extracting metadata for video streams. The system receives a video stream compressed according to a video encoding standard, and generates a packet for transmission across a packet-switched network. The system inserts at least one compressed segment of the video stream into a payload of the packet. The system also receives metadata that describes content within the video stream and is not compressed according to the standard, inserts the metadata into the packet without compressing the metadata according to the standard, and transmits the packet across the packet-switched network to a target device.

Abstract: a media file is electronically communicated by programmatically generating a link for an electronic communication, where the link identifies a media file that is stored on a given terminal of a user. Selection of the link at a remote terminal is detected, indicating that a recipient of the electronic communication has selected to view the media file. In response to the link in the message being selected from the remote terminal, streaming data from the media file to the recipient. An embodiment such as described may be performed from a user terminal or system, correspond to, for example, where the media file was recorded, created and/or stored.

Abstract: Whether or not HDCP authentication is necessary is determined and managed for each device connected to an HDMI port. In selector control, when switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that requires HDCP authentication, DDC access is turned off by setting an HPD signal to Low. Communication is then resumed after a predetermined amount of time has passed by setting the HPD signal to High and thereby turning the DDC access back on. When switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that does not require HDCP authentication, the HPD signal is kept at High, and video and audio data is output without resuming the DDC access.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adding or extracting metadata for video streams. The system receives a video stream compressed according to a video encoding standard, and generates a packet for transmission across a packet-switched network. The system inserts at least one compressed segment of the video stream into a payload of the packet. The system also receives metadata that describes content within the video stream and is not compressed according to the standard, inserts the metadata into the packet without compressing the metadata according to the standard, and transmits the packet across the packet-switched network to a target device.

Abstract: An interactive program system includes a device that receives program data and Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) data associated with an interactive application; identifies the EBIF data; converts the EBIF data to a data format compatible with a user device; generates an EBIF notification based on the EBIF data; transmits the EBIF notification to the user device; and transmits the converted EBIF data to a network device. The user device communicates with the network device based on the EBIF notification and displays the converted EBIF data. The user device transmits input data to the network device and the network device provides interaction data to the device.

Abstract: A method of processing an interactive service and an apparatus thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes sending a discovery message to a second screen application, receiving a request for descriptions of the second screen support services, sending a response with the descriptions, receiving a trigger, and delivering the trigger to the second device using a trigger service.

Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, a providing device, a providing method, programs, and a broadcasting system that can control operations of external devices connected to the receiving device in synchronization with progress of a show being received. When the application control type in an application control descriptor is 2, the receiving device receives command information contained in a digital broadcast signal, and acquires and starts a new information service application and the like in accordance with the received command information. When an external device is designated as the command destination device, the receiving device generates a command for the external device, and outputs the command to the external device. In accordance with the command from the receiving device, the external device acquires and starts the new information service application and the like.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a receiving unit, an SI handler, and a decoding unit. The receiving unit receives broadcast signals including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure a data group, and the data group may include a signaling information region in some of a plurality of data regions. Also, the signaling information region may include TPC signaling data and FIC signaling data. The SI handler acquires channel configuration information of the mobile service data from the broadcast signal using pre-decided IP access information, and extracts encoding format information for each IP stream component within a corresponding virtual channel service RTP-packetized and received from the acquired channel configuration information.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising from a central database server connected to a global computer network to distributed sites via interactive television. A representative icon is presented to a subscriber on a television screen indicating an advertisement. When a the icon is selected, an advertisement information detail is retrieved from storage in a local memory, or from the central database server and presented to the subscriber on the television screen.

Abstract: A communication device includes multiple output terminals configured to output, through an interface including at least a signaling channel through which a baseband signal is transmitted in one direction and a bidirectional control channel used for control, the baseband signal, one or more input terminals configured to be input with the baseband signal through the interface, and a control unit, the multiple output terminals including a primary output terminal through which the control is preferentially performed with another device connected to the one or more input terminals and one or more further secondary output terminals, and the control unit configured to perform a control of notifying another device connected to the secondary output terminal of a function of another device connected to the one or more input terminals as a function of the communication device via the control channel.

Abstract: A multi-media method, system and apparatus are provided to optimize a network bandwidth and enhanced video experience. Each of a plurality of environmental views are encoded and the encoded multi-media streams are subsequently transcoded in accordance with respective encoding characteristics. The resulting video streams are then provided to a user for selecting preferred views. The user's multi-media preferential attributes are determined from the viewer's feedback. In response to the viewers' feedback, a video manager communicates to the cameras/encoders encoding characteristics and to the transcoders transcoding characteristics associated with corresponding encoded multi-media streams. A transport processor encodes for transport each of a plurality of the transcoded video streams and communicate towards viewers the transcoded video streams.

Abstract: A coding/transmitter device (11) includes a broadcasting module (12) in order to broadcast television to a plurality of STB receiver/decoder devices (15) via an IP/Internet network (14), so that the clients-subscribers are provided with a first UDP stream and a second UDP stream which includes identification data associated with data packets transmitted within the first UDP stream in order to provide functionalities such as reorganization of packets, detection of losses, requests for retransmission etc. without adding headers according to the RTP protocol, but with a reliability and capability of inserting additional data comparable to that provided by the RTP protocol.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an indicator from a service provider via a network. The indicator is received with first media content and includes data to cause a selectable image to be displayed with the first media content. The selectable image indicates an availability of second media content that is different than the first media content. The method includes, in response to receipt of the indicator, displaying the selectable image with the first media content at a display device. The method further includes, in response to receiving a removal message before receiving an input indicating a selection of the selectable image, removing the selectable image from display at the display device.

Abstract: The proposed invention is a 3rd party provided multimedia platform designed to link an application driven media player within a social media website landing page. The Platform is administered by a third party server and provides the user of a social media website access to multimedia content along with integrated access to other social media users through mechanisms such as chat rooms. The Platform integrates chat and metadata management to allow clients to provide integrated multimedia feeds to users. Clients may engage and interact with users of provided media in directed dynamic communications (including advertising and other mechanisms) directed by data analysis of trends in communication and behavior that develop dynamically over the course of media broadcasts.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting signaling information for reception of a broadcast service in a digital broadcasting system is provided. The method includes generating signaling information that includes a network information table indicating information about a transport network over which broadcast service data is transmitted, and a service information table indicating at least one broadcast service and information about at least one Physical Layer Pipe mapped to the at least one broadcast service, and transmitting the signaling information in a Generic Stream Encapsulation packet.

Abstract: A method for providing applications to one or more requesting devices is provided. The method comprises a step of first receiving an application request from the one or more requesting devices. The method includes extracting details of the request. Further markup language structure for corresponding page of the application is generated. The markup language structure is generated by invoking page handlers which includes contacting business logic layer to get information required to be embedded in the corresponding page. The output page is then provided to the requesting device.

Abstract: A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device.

Abstract: A method including receiving an input media stream and splitting a video portion of a received portion of the input media stream into input video chunks, while receiving a remaining portion of the input media stream. For each input video chunk of the video portion of the input media stream, the method includes assigning the input video chunk to one or more slave transcoders, splitting the input video chunk into video subchunks, and separately feeding each input video subchunk to each of the one or more slave transcoders. The method includes separately receiving output video subchunks from the one or more slave transcoders. Each output video subchunk respectively corresponds to one of the input video subchunks. The method also includes assembling the output video subchunks into an output video chunk corresponding to the input video chunk and assembling the output video chunks into an output media stream.

Abstract: At least one of a probability density for a video and a granularity mapping for the video based upon the probability density are generated at an analytics server. The probability density is calculated according to a predetermined set of points in the video and a pseudo-randomly generated set of points in the video. The probability density is non-degenerate. The granularity mapping for the video provides a mapping of the probability density to the video. The at least one of the probability density and the granularity mapping are sent from the analytics server to a video content server so that the video content server sends the video and the at least one of the probability density, and the granularity mapping to each of a plurality of clients. A set of beacons is generated by the each of the plurality of the clients according to the probability density and the granularity mapping.

Abstract: A transfer device includes: a first network connection control section that controls connection to a first network enabling transfer of content data and/or control data using a first address assigned by a key device in the network; a second network connection control section that controls connection to a second network enabling transfer of content data and/or control data using a second address assigned by a device having a routing function; and an address table that stores the correspondence between the first address of devices on the first network connected via the first network connection control section and the second address of the devices on the second network connected via the second network connection control section.

Abstract: An Internet direct device comprises an imaging system to capture audio or video images and a microprocessor. The microprocessor transmits the captured audio or video images to another Internet direct device upon image capture and receives audio or video images from the other Internet direct device 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 video/multimedia application (IVM application) may specify one or more media assets for playback. The IVM application may define the rendering, composition, and interactivity of one or more the assets, such as video. Video multimedia application data (IVMA data may) be used to define the behavior of the IVM application. The IVMA data may be embodied as a standalone file in a text or binary, compressed format. Alternatively, the IVMA data may be embedded within other media content. A video asset used in the IVM application may include embedded, content-aware metadata that is tightly coupled to the asset. The IVM application may reference the content-aware metadata embedded within the asset to define the rendering and composition of application display elements and user-interactivity features. The interactive video/multimedia application (defined by the video and multimedia application data) may be presented to a viewer in a player application.

Abstract: A system and method of providing sequential video and contextual based content to an end user viewing video content in a video player on an end user computing device is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises storing a plurality of videos in a memory, storing a plurality of advertisements in a memory, receiving a plurality of requests from a plurality of different clients and wherein each request includes information identifying a first video and each of the plurality of clients initiates its request from one of a plurality of web pages and wherein the plurality of web pages form part of a plurality of different web sites. In addition, the plurality of web pages may include program code configured to cause a video to be presented in the video player.