Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.

Abstract: Systems and methods that request emergency services through an Internet-Protocol Television (IPTV) infrastructure. One embodiment comprises an IPTV network infrastructure comprising an IPTV server coupled to an IPTV set-top box of an end user that subscribes to IPTV services. The IPTV server receives a request for an emergency service from the end user through the IPTV set-top box. The infrastructure further includes a management server that receives the request for the emergency service from the IPTV server, and identifies information regarding the end user from an IPTV account of the end user. The infrastructure further includes a text message engine that receives the request for the emergency service from the management server, formats a text message for requesting the emergency service, inserts the information regarding the end user in the text message, and sends the text message to an emergency services center.

Abstract: A device streams assets to network-based storage in cooperation with servers administering the network-based storage. The servers manage and secure access to the stream of assets, on both an account level and an asset level, in accordance with asset metadata registered for the assets during streaming, and in accordance with account data associated with the assets being streamed and the device with which the assets are streamed. The servers operate to notify other authorized devices associated with the device that the assets are available to download, including initiating the download of assets automatically or in response to user input.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a plurality of respective context keywords are stored to a plurality of contexts, wherein each of the plurality of respective context keywords is different. In response to sending of a first plurality of instant messages from an electronic device, a first context is selected at the electronic device from among the plurality of contexts. A first context keyword of the plurality of respective context keywords that matches respective first terms in the first plurality of instant messages is stored in the first context. The first plurality of instant messages are stored to a first chat session in the first context that was selected by the selecting. The first context that comprises the first plurality of instant messages and the first context keyword is sent to a recipient device.

Abstract: A service information provision apparatus is provided with a data service information table configured from a service discovery information table showing association of specific information of a service provider and service discovery information as service content information provided by the service provider, and a service offer information table showing association of the service discovery information of the service discovery information table and data contents corresponding to the service discovery information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using a second display with a network-enabled television. In one implementation, this feature allows the user to conveniently affiliate their IPTV devices with various service providers and manage such affiliations directly from a second display device instead of going to a separate affiliation website. The second display could be a smart phone that can often be found beside the user, a laptop or tablet PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

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: Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for the use of digital TV (DTV) bandwidth for web cache pre-loading. A system may include a receiver module configured to receive a digital television (DTV) signal. The system may also include a data extraction module configured to extract the web cache data from the DTV signal, wherein the web cache data is encoded within the spectral bandwidth of the DTV signal. The system may further include a network interface configured to transmit the extracted web cache data to a device that includes a web cache pre-loading service.

Abstract: A method and an IPTV server (302) for enabling playout of one or more media objects for a subscriber. A current connection state and capabilities are maintained in the IPTV server for a set of devices (304, 304a) associated to the subscriber. The IPTV server further sends (3:3) a list of the devices to a first device (300), comprising current connection states of the devices. When the IPTV server receives from the first device a first indication (3:4) indicating a wanted media object and a second indication (3:5) indicating a selected second device (304), the IPTV server sends (3:6) a download instruction with a media reference to the selected second device. The download instruction instructs the second device to download and prebuffer (3:7) data of at least an opening part of the wanted media object based on the media reference. Thereby, a user can start playout of the wanted media object on the second device immediately without having to wait for session setup and downloading of enough data for playout.

Abstract: A method of processing a broadcast signal including an interactive broadcast service at a transmitter is disclosed. The method comprises generating an parameter table containing metadata about applications and interactive broadcast events targeted to the applications, dividing the parameter table into a plurality of parameter blocks, inserting each of the parameter blocks into each of a plurality of parameter table sections, generating a trigger which is a signaling element to identify signaling and establish timing of playout of the interactive broadcast events, inserting the trigger into a closed caption channel of the broadcast signal, transmitting the broadcast signal including the closed caption channel and a specific channel carrying the plurality of parameter table sections, wherein the trigger includes location information specifying a location of the parameter table in the broadcast signal.

Abstract: Method and system for overlaying videos in a television include: receiving a plurality of video signals directly from a plurality of video sources by the television; receiving and processing a script by the television, the script includes instructions for placing a first picture from a first video signal of the plurality of video signals in a first position at a first depth value on a display coupled to the television, and instructions for placing a second picture from a second video signal of the plurality of video signals in a second position at a second depth value on the display; and simultaneously displaying the first picture and the second picture on the display by the television in an overlayed manner, the first picture being displayed at the first position and at the first depth value, the second picture being displayed at the second position and at the second depth value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.

Abstract: A multi-functional display device and method for displaying content on the same are disclosed herein. The method may include displaying broadcast content on a first multi-functional display device, transmitting a request to display the content on a second multi-functional display device. The second multi-functional display device may accept the request and display the content on the second multi-functional display device. The first and second multi-functional display devices may display the content at the same time. The first multi-functional display device may be associated with a first social network service (SNS) account of a first individual and the second multi-functional display device may be associated with a second SNS account of a second individual. The request to concurrently view the content may be generated using account information of the SNS accounts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

Abstract: Interleaving multiple streams of data using a universal services multiplexer is followed by conveying a time interleaved multiplexer stream to a remote QAM module. A universal services multiplexer interleaves multiple streams of data into a time interleaved multiplexer stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving program configuration information for a scalable ultra high definition (UHD) video service under the hybrid transmission environment, and to a method and apparatus for effectively transmitting scalar layer information, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a scheme for inserting group information for the scalable layer of a base layer and an enhancement layer, which form a scalable UHD video, and transmission channel information into a program map table (PMT) or a package configuration table (PCT), and for transmitting same, and to a scalable layer information format for transmitting layer information with a smaller number of bits as possible when a packet header includes scalable layer information.

Abstract: An operating method of application for the television apparatus is provided. Wherein, the operating method includes: receiving a channel selecting instruction; reading a channel list, the channel list includes a plurality of applications (APPs) and a plurality of physical channels corresponding to a plurality of channel numbers, wherein each of the APPs is assigned to one of the channel numbers respectively; mapping the channel selection instruction to one of the plurality of channel numbers in the channel list; and launching and executing a selected APP if the channel selection instruction is corresponding to the channel number of the selected APP.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a call request from a set top box that is remote from the server where the call request identifies a telephone number that is presented from video content presented by the set top box where the telephone number is detected based on a combination of image pattern recognition and speech recognition and where the telephone number is associated with a marketing entity, establish a voice communication with a first telephone device associated with the set top box, and establish the voice communication with a second telephone device associated with the telephone number and the marketing entity if the first telephone device accepts the voice communication. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A Dynamic Video Source Selection (DVSS) component that can be implemented in a physical or virtual STB that is capable of presenting a high quality service and consistent navigational paradigm to the viewer, while detecting, selecting, and presenting the best quality programming possible based upon the current position of the viewer's device within the network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a television configuration technique includes determining a location, from a web service, of a television set using an internet protocol address of the television set or a zip code corresponding to a physical location of the television. Electronic programming guide, interactive programming guide or the like data for a plurality of service providers in the determined location are downloaded. The electronic programming guide data, interactive programming guide data or the like for one or more channels that are unique between the plurality of service providers are checked against transmitting station identifier data or system information protocol data to identify the specific service provider that the television set is connected to. A channel list for the specific service provider is then determined from the electronic programming guide or interactive programming guide corresponding to the specific service provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to detect a portable media storage device (PMSD), present media content supplied by the PMSD, present a survey to appraise the media content; receive a survey response, and transmit the survey response to a survey collection system identified by the PMSD. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a computing device to associate wirelessly with one or more access points that are connected to a cable TV network when such device is in a range of such access point, even though such wireless device would not generally be authorized to receive content or data from the access point. Signals to and from the wireless device are carried over the cable TV network and transmitted to other devices associated with other access points attached to the cable TV network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a channel playlist for streaming audio/video content to a user. Specifically, the system is operative to generate a playlist and stream content in response to user provided search terms and statistically relevant information. The system is further operative to store information related to consumed content and provided updated playlists in response to further user requests.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments a system and an apparatus for utilizing a multimedia service are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a first client device, a media managing server and a media provider system to implement the multimedia service. The first client device is associated with a user desiring to utilize the multimedia service. The first client device includes, primarily, a processor, and a memory configured with one or more programs and is connected to the processor. The memory includes a media handling module configured for managing sensory inputs and customized outputs that are characteristic to the immersive multimedia service and a social communicator assisting in providing immersive multimedia service, the social communicator being configured for enabling social communication of the first client device with a second client device through the media managing server based on a set of user preferences provided by the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing complete Internet anywhere with partial server processing in which a request is sent from a set-top-box (STB) to a server communicatively coupled with the STB to process a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser running on the STB. In one such method, the STB sends to the server an unsupported content request associated with a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser executing on the STB. The STB receives a data stream from the server in response to the unsupported content request. The data stream was generated at the server by processing the unsupported portion of the web page. The STB composites the received data stream with another portion of the web page, that is supported by the web browser, to produce the web page.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products that allow for the load adaptive downloading, processing, and rendering of video by a video processing client, where the downloading is adaptive to the processing load of a computing system on which a video processing client operates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resuming playback of media content from more than one Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) device. The playback of a media asset or media content typically contains an asset ID and a start time. Based on the architecture of a second display device (e.g., a second IPTV device) the IPTV system determines the identity of an account and its associated IPTV devices. When a user pauses an asset, the system sends the asset identification (ID) and the stop time to a server operatively coupled to the system. The next time (within a predefined duration) the user requests the same asset ID, the pause time and the asset ID are returned. Using the pause time and the asset ID, the user can resume playback of the asset.

Abstract: Media rights are managed to include not just device authentication, but to include elements of user, device, and service authorization. A user can play media on a mobile device, continue playing the media on a desktop computer, and subsequently move to a large screen television and media rights are automatically identified to provide the most appropriate authorized content. This allows an authorized user to seamlessly access different forms of the same content on a variety of authenticated devices using the same digital rights management mechanisms.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus, a transmitting method, a receiving apparatus, a receiving method, a program, and a content distribution system capable of stably supplying content to a plurality of terminal devices. A terminal device can receive content streaming distribution from a content distribution server over the Internet. In addition, the terminal device can relay the received content to a different terminal device over the Internet. If the quality of the content distributed in such a manner is degraded (e.g., the amount of delay increases), the content distribution server can control a TV broadcasting apparatus to streaming-distribute the content by on-air broadcast. In addition, the content distribution server can stop broadcasting of the content in accordance with the number of viewers.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving device includes a profile management module that manages user profile information indicating whether to execute a data broadcasting application received via a channel, an application filtering module that filters data composing a data broadcasting application from data signals of broadcast signals, and an application management module that executes a data broadcasting application composed of the filtered data and according to the user profile information.

Abstract: A system for communicating resource information may include a resource reservation proxy module to receive a first signal including resource request information. The resource reservation proxy module may be associated with a first environment associated with a requesting application. The resource reservation proxy module may process the received resource request information into a resource request packet, and communicate the resource request packet utilizing an environmentally independent communication protocol. A resource reservation handler module may receive the communicated resource request packet. The resource reservation handler module may be associated with a second environment associated with a resource management application. The resource reservation handler module may process the received resource request packet into a second signal including the resource request information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content item receiver module and method. The content item receiver module is operative for a content item delivery system, configured to operate in a first and second mode: said first mode operative to drive a display apparatus to display a received content item; said second mode operative for a specified time window to display on a display apparatus a sequence of linked content items in said specified time window, each of said linked content items having a duration less than said specified time window, and to respond to a prompt signal to initiate a display option.

Abstract: A system and method of performing data communication upstream to the network central location is provided. A system and method for providing one way devices with video and/or services distributed using switched digital video can be provided. A system may include a one way device, a gateway device, a user operated communication device, and/or a network central location. Such systems and methods allow for greater functionality, customization and/or interactivity to users of one way devices, which do not communicate data from the one way device upstream to a network central location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: The present invention generates a media processing unit (MPU) from the component units of media fragment units in configuring a media processing unit, thus achieving the effects of packaging media data corresponding to various media data structures.

Abstract: An IPTV receiver and a method of acquiring a resource for an Internet protocol TV (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 parsing an Internet protocol TV (IPTV) service record containing a resource locator element representing location of a resource included in the IP packet and read a child element contained in the resource locator element. An IPTV terminal function (ITF) operation controller controls the retrieval of the resource according to information included in the child element.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video content on a data network connected device having a display and a device display controller including a player. The method comprises the steps of a data network connected device, accesses a reference file including a plurality of player control parameter values and linking data for one or more content sources. Play control commands are provided to the player based on the play control parameter values. Content data is acquired by the player from one or more content sources via the data network using the linking data, and the content acquired from each source played on the display in accordance with the player control commands. The reference file may be a pre-existing reference file or a reference file created in response to a request to play the video content data. A reference file compiler is provided for generating the reference file.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a DVR sends a user's contact information over a network to a third party. Upon determining that a television program or advertisement contains a special tag that is associated with a third party, the DVR displays, to the user, a prompt that invites the DVR user to allow the DVR to send the user's contact information to the third party. If the user gives permission for the DVR to send the contact information to the third party, then the DVR sends the contact information to the third party (e.g., over the Internet).

Abstract: In providing composite programming content from different sources on a program channel, a host processor joins IP multicast groups for which “live” contents from multiple sources are provided. Specifically, the host processor collects packets containing the live contents based on their destination addresses associated with the IP multicast groups. Segments of the received live contents are selected to realize the composite programming content, which is provided on the program channel.

Abstract: A method for dynamic routing is provided. Status information of a multichannel video and data distribution service (MVDDS) channel from customer premises equipment (CPE) is received. The status information is evaluated to determine if data destined for the CPE over the MVDDS channel should be routed over a secondary channel. Data destined for the CPE is route over the secondary channel when the data is determined to be routed over the secondary channel.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention are directed to, among other things, systems, computer readable media, methods and any other means for requesting information from a server. In some embodiments, a client generates a URL request that is provided to the server. The URL request includes a format identifier that is specific to the server's type. The format identifier is also associated with the data format of a video stored on the server that the user is interested in. The server may then provide data that is associated with the format identifier.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for delivering three-dimensional (3-D) content. The device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first signal containing at least two-dimensional (2-D) content, a processing unit configured to (i) determine an amount of a difference in the content in the first signal to be visualized by a left visual sensor and a right visual sensor, (ii) determine whether the amount of the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum value, and to discard the signal to be visualized by one of the right and left visual sensors when the amount is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined minimum value, and (iii) generate a second signal containing the 2-D content of the first signal and 3-D content in which the first signal to be visualized by the one of the right and left visual sensors is discarded.

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 disclosure relates to techniques to establish a multicast communication session between a source device and multiple sink devices in a Wireless Display (WD) system. Two or more sink devices may be interested in receiving the same media data from the source device. According to the techniques, the source device establishes a multicast session with the sink devices in the WD system, and sends a single copy of multicast media data for the multicast session to the interested sink devices using a receiving multicast port. The source device selects a receiving multicast port number as a destination identifier for each multicast session. The sink devices interested in receiving the media data of a given multicast session bind on the receiving multicast port for the multicast session. This disclosure describes several exemplary multicast subscription procedures to ensure correct binding on the receiving multicast port at each of the sink devices.

Abstract: A presentation system comprising a presenter terminal and at least one audience terminal which is connected to the presenter terminal to communicate with each other; wherein the audience terminal comprises; an identification information transmitting section which transmits identification information of the audience terminal to the presenter terminal; wherein the presenter terminal comprises; a display section which displays an image used for a presentation; an identification information storing section which stores the identification information transmitted by the identification information transmitting section of the audience terminal in association with a displayed image displayed by the display section; an identification information display controlling section which controls the display section to display the identification information in association with information on the displayed image.

Abstract: A media agent that monitors multiple broadcast transmissions and a method for the same. The media agent establishes connections with broadcast transmissions and then identifies characteristics of the media content contained within the broadcast transmission. The association between the identified characteristic of the media content and the connected broadcast transmission is maintained to allow the information gathered from the broadcast transmission to be used meaningfully.

Abstract: A method and system implements supplementary media channels to Internet-protocol television (IPTV) channels. An IPTV user may receive a selected IPTV program on an IPTV channel. The IPTV program may be correlated in time with metadata describing the content of the IPTV program. At a point in the IPTV program, the metadata may match with user configuration information for receiving supplemental content. A supplementary media channel may be used at such point to provide the supplemental content to the IPTV user during the IPTV program. Supplemental content may include additional storyline content for the IPTV program or an advertising message, a redeemable coupon, a promotional offer, or an order invitation. The supplementary media channel may include a telephone connection with the IPTV user, an email message, a text message, or an instant message sent to the IPTV user, or a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) connection with the IPTV user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to content searching of various databases in an interactive television network; caching programming for rebroadcasting to interactive television network subscribers; and interactively offering goods and services referred to in broadcast programming to interactive television network subscribers.

Abstract: A particular method includes identifying, at a portable computing device, media content that is accessible from a remote computing device via a network. The method includes receiving user input associated with a particular media content item of the identified media content. The user input indicates selection of a send media to a second device option associated with the particular media content item. The method includes generating a message in response to the user input, wherein the message includes information identifying the particular media content item. The method also includes sending the message from the portable computing device to an application server that provides media content to a set top box device. In response to the message, the application server sends information to the second device that causes the set top box device to automatically play the particular media content item.