Abstract: A video playback system includes a content provider server, first and second video decoders, a playback control server, and first and second mobile communication devices. The first and the second mobile communication devices belong to the same accessing group. The first mobile communication device transmits a first selection message to the playback control server to request the first video decoder to playback a target video provided by the content provider server. The second mobile communication device transmits a second selection message to the playback control server to request the second video decoder to playback the same target video. The content provider server performs a billing process on the basis of the accessing group, so that the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device would not be repeatedly charged for the target video.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor can have a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system according to one or more graphical user interface (GUI) templates that define a plurality of segments of a presentation area of the personal TV channel and one or more modules that arrange media content of the subscriber in the plurality of segments of a select one of the plurality of GUI templates. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication system having at least one network element to receive from an Set-Top Box (STB) a communication identifier of a targeted communication device (TCD) to conduct a communication session utilizing a real-time Text over Internet Protocol (ToIP), determine whether the TCD operates according to one of a circuit-switched protocol (CSP) or ToIP, responsive to detecting that the TCD operates according to the CSP, establish the communication session between the STB and the TCD, transcode for the TCD ToIP communications initiated by the STB to CSP communications, and transcode for the STB CSP communications initiated by the TCD to ToIP communications. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for Internet Protocol television streaming are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request in a content delivery network from a client device to receive television programming from a particular television service provider among a plurality of television service providers. The method also includes allocating for the client device a remote access point in the content delivery network connected to a data feed from the television service provider and a portion of a controller connected to the remote access point configured to encrypt a data stream carrying encoded television service from the television service provider.

Abstract: A web server presents a web page to a user. The web page dynamically presents information corresponding to a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with the user. The web server accepts input information to control the DVR. A delayed-job server accepts input from the web server and stores a job entry corresponding to the input in a message queue. The delayed-job server processes the job entry from the message queue and creates a function request representative of the web server input. An access server accepts the function request from the delayed-job server and bi-directionally communicates messages with the DVR. The access server communicates a response to the function request back to the delayed-job server. The delayed-job server communicates data from the response to the web server, wherein the web server is not blocked while waiting for the response from the delayed-job server.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a communications gateway associated with a customer premises, multimedia content from a communications network. The method includes superimposing, via the communications gateway, a heartbeat signal on an alternating current electrical power signal associated with an electrical wiring system of the customer premises. The method includes encoding the multimedia content based on the heartbeat signal to produce encoded multimedia content at the communications gateway. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the encoded multimedia content from the communications gateway to a device.

Abstract: A reception device receives program data transmitted by an outside transmission device, and comprises: an information storage unit storing first information that includes processing capability information for playing back the program data and user preference information relating to a viewing mode for programming; an information reception unit receiving second information that is associated with a program and indicates a condition for determining the viewing mode for programming; a determination unit using the first information stored in the information storage unit and the second information received by the information reception unit to make a determination of the viewing mode for programming associated with the second information; and a decoded output unit decoding and outputting the program data of the program associated with the second information, in the viewing mode determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of sharing information with digital television (“DTV”) terminals and terminal and system for the same, the method comprising: establishing a communication connection between a DTV terminal and a mobile terminal; sending from the DTV terminal to the mobile terminal the DTV terminal's data receiving port information; and sending one or more multimedia files from the mobile terminal to the DTV terminal in accordance with the DTV terminal's data receiving port information. The present disclosure can accomplish information sharing between mobile terminals and DTV terminals, thereby realizing easy and convenient browsing or playback of multimedia files, taking advantage of DTVs' superior multimedia playback effect and avoiding the inconvenience brought about by wired connections.

Abstract: An integrated cable modem and cable television management system. The invention may include a stand alone device, a portable device, or a vehicle adapted device in various embodiments of the invention. The invention allows for two-way communication and interaction between a television service provider and a user of the device. In addition, other various circuitries may reside in the device allowing storage and processing of received signals. The invention allows a device operable to receive different broadcast signals, including analog and digital signals. In addition, the invention allows for download of selectable programming from a cable television server using the device, either offline, streaming, or in real time when online. The invention allows for recording and buffering of received signals. In addition, the invention allows for control of commercials, publications, and content contained within received signals. The invention allows for time compression of such signals as well.

Abstract: A method, executed by a processor, for selecting content segments to serve to a viewer based on time-delayed television content viewed by the viewer includes receiving by the processor, a notification for a visit by the viewer to the resource; accessing by the processor, a time-delayed content viewing history; and in response to the notification, identifying by the processor, based on the history, one or more content segments to serve at the resource.

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: A particular residential gateway includes a network interface, a connector interface to receive a signal via one or more communication lines, and a power coupling device to receive power from at least one of the one or more communication lines. The residential gateway includes a first module to receive first data via the signal and to route the first data to a first device coupled to the network interface. The first module is powered using the power received from the at least one communication line by the power coupling device.

Abstract: Media data may include audio content and video content. Text may be associated with the audio content and presented on a display device. In response to receiving a selected portion of the text, supplementary information associated with the selected portion of text may be provided to a user. A method, device, or medium may be associated with identifying the selected portion of text and providing the supplementary information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for invoking third-party call control via a cable-television host device. A video signal is received into a cable-television host device, the video signal comprising an identifier associated with a first telephony endpoint. A command is received into the cable-television host device, the command requesting establishment of a communication session between the first telephony endpoint and a second telephony endpoint. A message is transmitted via a packet-switched network from the cable-television host device to a network entity, wherein the message comprises content based at least in part on the identifier, and wherein the message further comprises content for causing the network entity to invoke third-party call control to attempt to establish the communication session between the first telephony endpoint and the second telephony endpoint.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing augmented broadcast content, and the method includes receiving, from a broadcast content provider, broadcast content and augmentation region information required to composite augmented content to an augmentation region in the broadcast content; receiving, from a user input device, selection information necessary to select one out of a plurality of augmented content providers; generating an augmented content request message based on the augmentation region information, and transmitting the augmentation content request message to an augmented content provider selected based on the selection information; receiving the augmented content from the augmented content provider; and compositing the augmented content to the augmentation region in the broadcast content by using the augmentation region information.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and virtual servers for providing virtual service are provided. A user of a virtual service is authenticated. An input is received that identifies another user in which to operatively connect for virtual service. Permission is requested to operatively connect to the other user. The user is operatively connected to the other user, in response to receiving an acceptance to operatively connect from the other user. Acquired information is transmitted and received between the user and the other user, while broadcast content is being received by the user and the other user. The acquired information and the broadcast content may be displayed together on a television.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed in which a buffer receives a first content stream carrying a content channel signal. The first content stream carries the content channel signal at a rate substantially greater than the streaming content playout rate, for initially loading the buffer. The buffer switches its reception of the content channel signal from the first content stream to a second content stream. The second content stream is at a rate substantially the same as the streaming content playout rate. Generally, this switch occurs when some predefined threshold of the content channel signal is buffered.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content over the Internet from a content source to a destination is disclosed which includes the use of an overlay network, built on an underlying IP network. Additionally, error correction capability is added to the overlay network to allow the destination to reconstitute packets lost during the transmission over the Internet. In one embodiment, an overlay network is created using a plurality of overlay nodes, which may be geographically distributed. Each respective content source or destination is also a part of the overlay network. Overhead, capable of providing error correction capability, is added to the content flow as it enters the overlay network. As the content flow leaves the overlay network, this overhead is removed from the content flow. In the case of transmission errors across the overlay network, the overhead information is used to reconstitute lost or corrupted packets.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device during content playback commences by receiving at the device at least one user-entered command to instruct the device to take at least one action upon the occurrence of an event during content playback. The device will execute the command to take the at least one action upon occurrence of the event during content playback. The action can include providing a notification to another device, such as in the form of a URL.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request related to a set top box, the request having a public identifier of the set top box and a user account identifier. The public identifier is accessible by a user associated with the set top box. The method also includes accessing a user record, corresponding to a location, from a database of user records. The method further includes determining, from the user record, a private identifier of the set top box corresponding to the public identifier of the set top box, wherein the private identifier is unique to the set top box among a set of set top boxes associated with the user record and the private identifier is inaccessible by the user and using the private identifier to perform an action related to the set top box in response to the request.

Abstract: Determining video content type of a video displayed on a LCD and triggering adjustment in drive power of the LCD based on the video content type. The video content type indicates relative content motion of the video. A video content type detection module is one or combination of a software and a hardware and directs the LCD to be driven relative slower or faster based upon video content. The module independently or in conjunction with another module identifies an active window from a plurality of windows corresponding to a plurality of applications running on the host device and sets the drive power of the LCD based on speed of a video displayed on the active window. The module may also adapt LCD drive power based upon user input and/or remaining battery life.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) LAN, and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implement a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. A disclosed example content delivery system comprises: a receiver station; a content server to transfer a file to a receiver via a point-to-point communication signal; and a transmission source that includes a computer readable medium to store the file containing pre-packetized content data and a controller to send the file containing the pre-packetized content data to a broadcast transmitter and to the content server.

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: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for managing communication between a display device and a remote server or services is provided. A remote server provides access to widget applications that are to be used on the display device. The method includes receiving a request from the display device, and the request includes data that identifies attributes of the display device. Then, examining the data to authorize access a specific application widget gallery. The specific widget gallery includes widget applications that have passing filter parameters for the request. Then, returning to the display device data for populating attributes or widget application data for rendering on the display device. Furthermore, the methods and systems for providing access to, installing, administering and rendering web-based applications (e.g., widgets) on a display device, which connects to a server, are provided.

Abstract: A method and a service side and a terminal for finding an interactive electronic service guide. Said method comprises: the server side down-issuing the information corresponding to the finding interactive ESG service to the terminal through the broadcast channel, and the terminal acquires the information for finding the interactive ESG service in the broadcast channel. Said server side comprises a sending module of the related information for finding interactive ESG service and a down-issue module for the ESG supplier list. The terminal comprises a receiving module of the related information for finding the interactive ESG service and a receiving module for the ESG supplier list.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely transcoding content includes a set top box generating a playlist corresponding to content titles stored in a memory of the set top box. A user device is in communication with the cloud location and the set top box through a network. The user device reviews the playlist and selects a first content title from the playlist to form a selection. The cloud location includes a transcoder device transcoding content corresponding to the selection to form transcoded content. One of the cloud location and the set top box communicates the transcoded content to the user device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for utilizing dynamic bandwidth allocation for recording content. A recording manager generates a request for bandwidth for a future recording of a programming content to be delivered to a set-top box. The recording manager then receives a response indicating a dynamic bandwidth allocation for the future recording and schedules the future recording of the programming content based on the dynamic bandwidth allocation.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.

Abstract: In at least one example embodiment, there is a device that displays television content on a display. The device may include a web browser engine configured to host a plurality of web-based applications; at least one web socket configured to provide each of the plurality of web-based applications with at least one respective TCP connection; and a service management unit configured to transmit data packets from at least one of the plurality of web-based applications to an external device via the at least one web socket.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcasting receiving method includes: informing a server storing content data of data related to a display size of a screen and acquiring the content data according to the display size; generating display data obtained by combining the contents data with a moving image, with a display size based on layout information included in the acquired contents data; and performing image processing on the display data for being displayed on the screen to output the display data on which the image processing is performed, wherein when a ratio of a display area of the moving image with respect to the screen is a predetermined value or more based on the display size of the moving image based on the layout information, downscaling an image based on the content data to generate display data obtained by combining the moving image with the downscaled image.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system includes an internet protocol television server configured to transmit a first-internet protocol multicast stream of internet protocol television content; a wireless router configured to: receive, from the internet protocol television server, the first-internet protocol multicast stream, convert the first-internet protocol multicast stream into a second-internet protocol unicast stream, and transmit the second-internet protocol unicast stream via a wireless network; and an end device configured to: transmit a request for the internet protocol television content to the wireless router, and receive the second-internet protocol unicast stream from the wireless router.

Abstract: A method for blocking objectionable information on a terminal. The method includes receiving header information corresponding to a particular multimedia content, extracting grade information from the header, determining if the extracted grade information is an allowable grade indicating that the particular multimedia content can be received by the terminal, receiving the particular multimedia content if the determining step determines the extracted grade information is the allowable grade, comparing the received multimedia content with objectionable information determination data stored in the terminal to determine if the multimedia content is objectionable, and assigning an objectionable grade to the header of the multimedia content when the comparing step determines the received multimedia content is objectionable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting user-generated content in an easily accessible manner using an interactive media guide are provided. In particular, a user may be able to peruse user-generated content through an interactive media guide which is also used to access non-user-generated media content such as linear programming (e.g., over-the-air broadcast, cable, and satellite scheduled programming) and on-demand media. The interactive media guide may include a provider of user-generated content populated with user-generated content according to the user's interests or most recently added to the provider.

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: A set top box or like device utilizing trusted applications in conjunction with an untrusted software framework. In one implementation, trusted or certified applications are received from a service provider for execution by a software framework of the device. Certification of a trusted application may entail, for example, verifying that the application is executable by the device in a manner consist with the industry standard certification process. The software framework may comprise, for example, an Android framework supported by an underlying Linux operating system environment and isolated in a Linux resource container. A secure access client/server interface may also be provided to support interactions between the software framework and trusted portions of the device. In further embodiments, both trusted applications and a set top box application utilized by the device to perform traditional set top box operations are implemented in at least one version of an Android or like framework.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transceiving media content through the Internet. A media transmitting method according to one embodiment of the present invention transmits media content through the Internet, and comprises the steps of: configuring the media content with a plurality of representations; dividing each of the plurality of representations into a plurality of segments; dividing each of the plurality of segments into a plurality of sub-segments; generating a plurality of time reference values corresponding to each of the plurality of sub-segments; and transmitting any one of the representations, wherein the representation being transmitted comprises the plurality of time reference values. According to the one embodiment of the present invention, media content can be seamlessly played back due to switching a bit stream when the state of a network changes.

Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device, based on the determined location, information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly along with a plurality of other location information and a plurality of corresponding other time information associated with a plurality of other IP LNB assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating a bi-directional control channel into an entertainment display device to deliver content and exchange control information. The system collects request and response information from the entertainment display device. The system also provides format translation of received and collected content to and from a plurality of formats such as N-PCS technology formats and video display formats in such a manner that the integrated system is independent of broadcasters, satellite, IPTV and cable operators. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A video playing device capable of external connection to an application processor includes a remote controller and a processor. The remote controller includes a first button group having a plurality of buttons for use in operating the video playing device and a second button group having a plurality of buttons for use in operating a portable carrier. The processor processes an external video signals and portable carrier video signals from the portable carrier, sends the signals to a screen, and processes remote control signals corresponding to the first and second button groups. The processor sends to the portable carrier a plurality of signals according to the remote control signals of the second button group. A portion of the signals triggers the application processor of the portable carrier to execute a plurality of App accordingly.

Abstract: A broadband data broadcast system that allows rich multimedia content to be delivered to a plurality of subscribers is disclosed. The broadband data broadcast system operates by multiplexing a plurality of rich multimedia digital information streams together at a centralized data broadcast center. The data broadcast center then broadcasts the multiplexed digital information stream on a broadcast medium such as satellite broadcasts, radio frequency broadcasts, or digital television broadcasts. A large number of receiver systems receive the broadcast signal and demodulate the broadcast signal to retrieve the multiplexed digital stream. The receiver system extracts a subset of digital information streams that the particular receiver system's owner has designated are of interest. The receiver system caches the interesting digital information stream for later access. The receiver system outputs the interesting digital information streams to a client system upon demand.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a server includes a data receiving unit configured to receive metadata regarding television content; a data mapping unit configured to generate mapping information to associate web content with the television content based at least in part on the metadata; and an information transmitting unit configured to transmit the mapping information to an end device.

Abstract: A network system includes an image projection apparatus that projects image data; a first terminal; and a second terminal where the first terminal includes an original image data storing unit that stores original image data and a corresponding information generating unit that generates corresponding information in which image identification data of the image data for projection, generated from the original image data, capable of identifying the original image data and terminal identification data for identifying the first terminal correspond with each other, and the image projection apparatus includes a corresponding information sending unit that sends, upon receiving the request for delivering the corresponding information of the image data being projected from the second terminal, the corresponding information stored in the storing unit, to the second terminal.

Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

Abstract: Networks and/or devices for enabling and/or providing live or non-live interactivity with televised programming and/or its viewers and/or fans and/or hosts and/or actors and/or contestants. In certain (non-limiting) embodiments, mobile or handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones or laptops) communicably connected or connectable to networks having platforms thereon for permitting or providing live or real-time interactivity with televised programming and/or its viewers/fans/hosts/actors/contestants. In other embodiments, methods for performing or providing the interactivity described herein. In still other embodiments, software, residing on a data storage device, which directs a processor to perform actions in accordance with and/or to obtain one or more of the objectives of the technologies and methods described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for multimedia data handling to a web or cloud-computing service are disclosed. A set-top box can generate a pre-encoded stream of digitized data after receiving a raw incoming multimedia signal or after receiving a pre-processed, decoded, decompressed, and/or decrypted incoming multimedia signal from a service provider-specific signal receiver. The set-top box can also generate streams of encoded multimedia data from the pre-encoded stream of digitized data and segmentize the streams of encoded multimedia data into individually-viewable segments for uploading to the web or cloud-computing service, wherein a size of each segment varies based on a current connection bandwidth availability and/or a workload on the set-top box. By automatically segmentizing the streams of encoded multimedia data into individually-viewable segments for the web or cloud-computing service, a user can start viewing the currently-uploading multimedia data faster than a conventional single stream upload.

Abstract: A content processing device is provided. Media content is selectively received by the content processing device for display on a media playback device. A software application is included on the content processing device and is configured to perform at least one of (a) receiving message content from a remote computer and providing the message content for display on the media playback device, and (b) receiving, from the media playback device, input for a message and sending the input to the remote computer.

Abstract: A method of displaying a branched chain of IPTV content involves providing a set of metadata that associates the time intervals with one of the plurality of affiliate video streams; playing the first stream of video content on an IPTV compatible player to sequentially reveal the plurality of features of the first stream in their respective time relationships in the first stream via a display driven by the IPTV compatible player device; at the IPTV player, receiving a selection signal during the time interval that selects the video feature being displayed and the IPTV player ceasing to play the first stream of video and beginning playing the associated one of the collection of affiliate data streams. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.