Abstract: An Internet gateway video server transmits selection information to a set top box connected to a television. The set top box displays the selection information on the television. A user views the selection information, and inputs user selection requests to the set top box. The Internet gateway video server receives user the requests for information and retrieves the information. The server then converts the network information from a network format to a television format. The conversion includes scanning the network information for selection elements, and adding selection elements for transmission in the television format. The converted network information is then transmitted to the set top box for display on the television. The user may then make further selections based on the displayed network information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: In response to a request from a playback apparatus over a network to play back content, a first recording/playback apparatus transmits data indicating content satisfying the request to the playback apparatus over the network. When selecting desired content from the transmitted data, the playback apparatus requests the first recording/playback apparatus to transmit data of the selected content to the playback apparatus over the network. When the data of the desired content is transmitted to the playback apparatus from the first recording/playback apparatus over the network in response to the request, the content being transmitted is played back via streaming.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the storage of content on a network and the delivery of content to subscriber locations. According to one system and method, content is delivered to a set-top box from a content source in the process of transmitting the same content to another set-top box. The content source instructs a shared router to duplicate the content such that the content is transmitted to the requesting set-top boxes substantially simultaneously. According to another system and method, a server and cache provide dynamic caching of content such that requests for content are satisfied from the cache if possible. If the requested content is not found in the cache, the content is requested from alternate source and added to the cache. Weight values associated with the stored files are updated such that the more frequently requested files are maintained in the cache.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus, method, and computer programs for obtaining content from a communications network. One aspect of the disclosure includes: storing an aggregator on a Set Top Box (STB) associated with a television set, wherein the aggregator is adapted to obtain content corresponding to a plurality of feeds from a communications network; displaying the plurality of feeds on the television set in response to a first input received by the STB; accepting at the STB a selection of at least one feed from the plurality of feeds; obtaining content from the communications network corresponding to the selected at least one feed; and providing the obtained content for display on the television set.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method including the steps of maintaining, by a computer system including at least one computer, a database in which is stored first data related to identification of one or more works and second data related to information corresponding to each of the one or more works as identified by the first data. Extracted features of a work to be identified are obtained. The work is identified by comparing the extracted features of the work with the first data in the database using a non-exhaustive neighbor search. The information corresponding to the identified work is determined based on the second data in the database. The determined information is associated with the identified work.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: An outdoor broadband unit implements a library of commands to communicate between a wide area network (WAN)-side Long-Term Evolution (LTE) module and a local area network (LAN)-side broadband home router within the outdoor broadband unit. The commands are used for control plane operations to facilitate LTE network sessions for individual devices within a customer premises LAN. In some cases, the commands are also used for communicating with a remote device manager.

Abstract: An apparatus for encrypting and recording a broadcasting program includes a packet input unit configured to receive packets of a broadcasting program to be recorded and sequentially output the packets, an encryption selector configured to receive the packets sequentially output from the packet input unit, selectively output the received packets to a first path and to a second path, wherein packets to be encrypted are output to the first path and packets not to be encrypted are output to the second path, an encryption processor configured to encrypt the packets output to the first path based on a predetermined encryption method, and a storing unit configured to store the encrypted packets from the encryption processor or store the packets output to the second path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information.

Abstract: An emergency response system, method of responding to emergencies and a computer program product therefor. Networked provider computers are distributed over a geographical area that includes multiple regions with at least one providing computing capability to each region and each region receiving emergency response resources during emergencies from an emergency response computer. During any local emergency the area emergency response computer provides a local response and notifies other emergency response computers for other regions that are potentially affected by the emergency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing a mobile device user to forward one or more messages which are received on the user's mobile device, to a television or a set top box are described. The user is able to view the forwarded messages on the television and can also reply to such received messages from the television. The methods and apparatus may be implemented using a message forwarding application installed on a user's cell phone and a server responsible for forwarding messages and replies between the user's Internet capable TV or set top box and mobile telephone. To the party sending a message, replies appear to have originated from the user's cell phone making the use of the service transparent to individuals other than the user to which the message is sent. Message received and sent logs are maintained in the user's phone so the message record is complete.

Abstract: It is presented a hybrid media receiver capable of receiving broadcast media content using a first broadcast media network and a second broadcast media network, wherein the first broadcast media network complies with Internet Protocol Television, IPTV. The hybrid media receiver comprises: a content type receiver arranged to receive a first content type identifier and a second content type identifier, corresponding to the first broadcast media network and the second broadcast media network, respectively; and a channel data obtainer arranged to obtain, using the first content type identifier, a first list of scheduled media channels available to the hybrid media receiver over the first broadcast media network; and to obtain, using the second content type identifier, a second list of scheduled media channels available to the hybrid media receiver over the second broadcast media network. A corresponding middleware server, methods, computer programs and computer program products are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving device for receiving AV contents, the receiving device including: an obtaining section configured to obtain a description document described in a program language for displaying contents from a server present on a network connected with the receiving device; a determining section configured to determine whether the obtained the description document is obtained from a first server managed on a broadcaster side broadcasting the AV contents; and a controlling section configured to control execution of the obtained the description document according to a result of determination by the determining section.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a terminal device can be used for sharing Internet protocol television content. The method includes receiving a request message that is sent by a first terminal and includes a receiving terminal identifier. The request message is used for the instruction of providing a receiving terminal, which corresponds to the receiving terminal identifier, with IPTV content that is being played by a second terminal. The method further includes obtaining identification information of the IPTV content that is being played by the second terminal. The identification information includes a content identifier, a channel identifier, or a multicast address. The method further includes providing, according to the identification information, the receiving terminal with the IPTV content that is being played by the second terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for implementing FCC. The method mainly includes: receiving, by a fast channel change FCC server, a plurality of FCC requests concurrently sent by the same user, and obtaining, rates of a plurality of channels corresponding to the plurality of FCC requests; and when the FCC server determines that the rates of the plurality of channels do not belong to the same rate range, respectively performing channel change processing for the plurality of FCC requests. The embodiments of the present invention may be applied to a scenario in which FCC is concurrently performed corresponding to a large picture and a channel corresponding to a small picture of the same user, and ensure that FCC of the channel corresponding to the large picture and FCC of the channel corresponding to the small picture do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of displaying a branched chain of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) video content involves providing a first stream of video content, the first stream of video content having a plurality of video features that appear during a plurality of associated time intervals in the first stream of video content; providing a collection of affiliate video streams related to the plurality of time intervals; 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 device 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 compatible player device, receiving a selection signal during the associated time interval that selects the video feature being displayed; upon receipt of the selection signal, the IPTV compatib

Abstract: A method for reestablishing presentation of a paused media program is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) located in a building can have a controller element that presents a media program to a media device operable only in the building, pauses presentation of the media program responsive to a pause request, generates a departure mark that identifies a presentation point in the media program associated with the pause request, receives a request to resume presentation of the media program from the departure mark at a portable communication device capable of maintaining communications with the STB outside the building, and transmits to the portable communication device a presentation of the media program from the departure mark. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

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

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server having computer instructions to execute a web server application in the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to cause a media processor to invoke a software application in the mobile device server. The mobile device server can support voice communications over a cellular communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing information (e.g., metadata) relating to content in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network, and the information comprises metadata relating to the bitrate profile of deterministic content such as stored video. Content sources, or the network operator themselves, generate the metadata which may then be used by the operator to adjust or optimize the operation of the network; e.g., more efficiently allocate the program to a multiplex. Network apparatus adapted to implement the metadata functionality and related business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media system having a controller element that contextually associates a plurality of portals with a corresponding plurality of multimedia broadcast channels as an aggregated service offering. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a client device, determining a maximum number of channels based on the client device and selecting different targeted channels from a set of available channels. At least one of the different targeted channels is selected to form a preloaded channel.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium is disclosed and includes processor-readable instructions executable by a processor to perform a method. The method includes sending a request for television content from a first device that is not equipped with a television tuner to a second device that is equipped with at least one television tuner via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method also includes receiving the television content at the first device directly from the second device via the WLAN. The television content is received at the second device via the at least one television tuner. Further, the method includes outputting the television content at the first device.

Abstract: During tuner manufacture, the unique power parameters as a function of frequency and channel are stored on a memory unique to each tuner. When the tuner is subsequently incorporated into another device, such as a modem, the stored power parameters are made available to the subsequent device, thereby overriding the need for subsequent calibration tests to be run. The stored parameters aid in remote testing of the communication device and also allow for individual channel by channel setting of TOP levels.

Abstract: Logical content is defined by start/end times into a VoD media offering. The calculation of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times is distributed among the STBs to first request the particular logical content. Upon receiving an initial request for a logical content offering, an IPTV AS returns a VoD media file URL, start/end times, and null values of byte-range markers corresponding to the start/end times. In response to the null values, the initially-requesting STB downloads the entire VoD media file from a Download Media Server, and calculates the byte-range markers by comparing the start/end times to timestamps in non-encrypted headers in the VoD media file. The non-null byte-range markers are transmitted back to the IPTV AS, which provides them to STBs subsequently requesting the same logical content. The subsequently-requesting STBs may download only the logical content by providing the non-null byte-range markers to the Download Media Server.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.

Abstract: A method of processing channel information of a transmitter/receiver and a receiver are disclosed. The method of processing channel information of the transmitter includes service provider identification information in service provider discovery information, includes content provider identification information and content service identification information in service discovery information and transmitting the resulting service discovery information, and transmits the resulting service provider discovery information and service discovery information to the receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing subscription data are described. Subscription data may be received from a subscription data source. The video content may be provided for presentation. A determination may be made of whether the subscription data is contextually relevant to the video content. The subscription data may be provided for presentation in accordance with the determination and the providing of the video content.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying security content from a set top box to a television. In one embodiment, the television receives media content for display. Security content from one or more wireless cameras replaces the media content in response to receiving an alert from the one or more wireless cameras.

Abstract: A system and method for a content provider to distribute content may include configuring a webserver to be in communication with the Internet and be accessible to subscribers of a communication service provider without accessing the Internet. The content provider may be enabled to store content in at least one data storage bin at the webserver, where the webserver may further be configured to provide digital rights management for the content provider and guaranteed QoS to the subscribers when downloading the content. The content may be communicated from the webserver with guaranteed QoS to the subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an output signal includes a receiving system generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 162 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. The system also includes a local area network 130 routing the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210 to form a combined signal, a modulator 214 modulating the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forming the output signal from the modulated signal. In one aspect, the output signals may be satellite uplink signals.

Abstract: A method for operating an image display apparatus is discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes reproducing content, storing at least part of the reproduced content, upon receipt of a content save command, displaying a content object representing the stored content, displaying objects representing other users or electronic devices of a connected network or a network linked to the connected network, and transmitting, when the content object is dragged and dropped on an object selected from among the objects representing other users or electronic devices, the stored content to a selected user or electronic device represented by the selected object. The content is at least one of a broadcast image, an external input image, an audio file, a still image, a connected Web page, or a text file.

Abstract: A portable device is provided for allowing a user operating the portable device to communicate with a remotely located entity. An object or a device connected to an object emits a signal containing an electronic address of the remotely located entity. The portable device includes a button and a wireless receiver. The button facilitates communication between the portable device and the remotely located entity. The wireless receiver receives and automatically captures the signal emitted by the object or the device connected to the object without selection of any buttons on the portable device. The portable device automatically establishes communication with the remotely located entity upon selection by the user of the button. Selection of the button causes the portable device to automatically contact the electronic address contained within the emitted signal.

Abstract: A content reproduction device including: an obtaining unit configured to obtain the content including plural segments on a per segment basis from a server through a communication network, each of the segments being assigned with a priority; and a reproduction controlling unit configured to reproduce the content on the per segment basis by displaying the content on a display device on the per segment basis, in which the reproduction controlling unit is configured to control reproduction of a target segment based on an amount of delay and a priority of the target segment, the amount of delay being a difference between a distributable position indicating a position of a latest segment distributable by the server and a first reproduction position in the content that is currently reproduced.

Abstract: A method of processing channel information of a transmitter/receiver, and a receiver are disclosed. The method of processing channel information in the receiver receives at least two of provider identification information, region identification information, content source identification information, content genre identification information, content data characteristic identification information, channel level identification information and content existing channel number identification information, forms multi-part channel information using the received identification information according to a preset channel information format, and connects to a content service server providing content service corresponding to the multi-part channel information.

Abstract: An information apparatus includes a comment processing unit that acquires, from an external posting site, a comment of a viewer by using a tag as a search key. The comment represents a viewer's feedback on the content of a program being viewed and is related to a tag for grouping with other comments. The information apparatus also includes a display processing unit that generates data to be displayed on a screen. The data includes an image of a program being broadcast by a first broadcasting station and at least one comment for a program being broadcast by a second broadcasting station, which is different from the first broadcasting station.

Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, which is within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of 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 location information and/or the time information of the IP LNB assembly may be determined via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in 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 a signal received from the wireless source device, the determined location information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Abstract: A playback device for playing back a program, including a program information acquisition unit configured to acquire program identification information for identifying a program; and a memory unit configured to store an adjustment item setting file for setting an adjustment item related to playback of a program for each program identification information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and storage medium associated with personal video content consumption using shared video device and personal device are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a personal device (PD) method may include registering, by a personal device of a user, with a shared video device (SVD) configured for use by multiple users, or associating the SVD, by the PD, with the PD. The PD method may further include, after the registration or association, cooperating with the SVD, by the PD, to facilitate personalized video consumption by the user. In various embodiments, a SVD method may include similar registering or associating, and cooperating operations, performed by the SVD. In various embodiments, registration, association or cooperation may include facial and/or gesture recognition. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

Abstract: A server-based profile generating and managing system, method and apparatus are provided. The system includes a stream capture server which captures a received broadcasting signal stream to generate profile data and transmits the profile data to a web server, the web server which receives the profile data from the stream capture server, updates the profile data in a new version, and transmits the profile data if requested by a broadcasting reception apparatus, and the broadcasting reception apparatus which requests and receives a selected profile data to and from the web server and sets a service program based on the received profile data.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus. The method includes receiving content from a content source, and displaying the received content on a display. The reception apparatus 20 receives a first trigger associated with the received content. The reception apparatus retrieves a trigger parameters table (TPT) based on the first trigger. The TPT includes at least one event associated with one or a combination of a trigger identifier and a first media time of the received content, and is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. Further, the reception apparatus determines whether to process the at least one event included in the TPT based on one or a combination of a protocol version and one or more capabilities defined in the TPT.

Abstract: A method for transferring video and sound data from a first digital video recorder situated in a first local area network to a second digital video recorder situated in a second local area network comprising the steps of recording video and sound data with the first digital video recorder in the first local area network, providing a distinct address of the second digital video recorder in the second local area network, identifying the second digital video recorder in the second local area network by the address, establishing a direct and secure connection between the first digital video recorder in the first local area network and the second digital video recorder in the second local area network and sending the video and sound data from the first digital video recorder through a communications network to the second digital video recorder.

Abstract: A wireless video camera system including a single or dual HDTV digital camera; a system for the wireless transmission of uncompressed single or multiple SMPTE 292M, HDSDI data streams over an RF band; and automatic self-pointing transmitting and receiving antennas.

Abstract: The invention defines a method for leveraging the standard conditional access module interface of a digital TV receiver to deliver IPTV or other TV content without the need of a set top box. An IP-connected interface (“probe”) is used in place of a conditional access module to establish a two-way communication link between the TV and the IPTV headend or other IP content source and to deliver IP content. In an embodiment, the invention covers the specifics of content navigation without requiring any modification of the TV receiver application software or provisioning of IPTV-specific software. Content navigation is achieved by supporting a catalog/grid browsing session on the TV receiver and enabling a flat multiplex navigation, a virtual MPEG multiplex that contains the definition of several available programs but a single video and audio channel is dynamically switched to carry the selected program.

Abstract: A services gateway includes a processor configured to send a request for a video-on-demand content, receive a first content stream from a video-on-demand content server, and process the first content stream to retrieve the video-on-demand content. The first content stream includes the video-on-demand content and is protected with a first digital rights management scheme. The processor is further configured to encode the video-on-demand content in a second content stream, and provide the second content stream over a local area network to a playback device. The second content stream is protected with a second digital rights management scheme. In an embodiment, the processor can be further configured to store the video-on-demand content in a mass storage.

Abstract: A method of providing a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service includes receiving a file configuring the NRT service, first signaling information, and second signaling information in a state of being IP-packetized and contained in a single ensemble, configuring and displaying a service guide using the first signaling information acquired from the ensemble, acquiring a first content identifier of content selected from the displayed service guide, accessing a FLUTE session using the second signaling information acquired from the ensemble and acquiring a second content identifier matched with the first content identifier from the accessed FLUTE session, and receiving and storing at least one file configuring the content based on the acquired second content identifier.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box operating from an interactive television (iTV) communication system having a controller to receive from the iTV communication system media content with metadata, record the media content, detect in the metadata a description of the media content correlating with one or more preferences in a preference profile, present at a media presentation device a first prompt requesting an acceptance or rejection of the media content, present at the media presentation device a second prompt requesting a selection of one or more communication devices to direct in whole or in part the media content thereto, detect the selection of at least one of the one or more communication devices, and transmit in whole or in part the media content to the at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.