Abstract: A system may receive an enhanced media stream that includes media content and interactive content relating to the media content, present the media content for display on a video display device, detect initiation of a trick mode during presentation of the media content, and present information, relating to the interactive content, superimposed on the media content presented for display on the video display device during the trick mode.

Abstract: An initiating viewer identifies a multimedia channel and submits a request to share the multimedia channel with at least one recipient viewer at another viewer premises. This request is processed by the multimedia receiver of the initiating viewer so as to generate a channel change request for submission to a service provider. In response to the channel share request, the service provider queries the recipient viewer to determine whether the recipient viewer accepts or rejects the offered multimedia channel. If the recipient viewer accepts the multimedia channel, the multimedia channel can be provided to the multimedia receiver of the recipient viewer either for storage for later playback or for immediate playback concurrent with the provision of the multimedia channel to the initiating viewer. Billing for costs associated with the shared multimedia channel is conducted based on billing feedback provided by the initiating viewer.

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

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus provide for detection by a display device of an idle mode of a remote sender device. Information received from a remote sender device by a display device is monitored during a normal operating mode of operation of the display device to determine whether the remote sender device is not providing primary content for display by the display device, such as might occur during a sleep or idle mode of the remote sender device. If the display device determines that primary content is not being provided by the remote sender device, then the display device acquires alternate content that may be displayed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for bi-directional Internet protocol (IP) data transport through a broadcast TV signal is provided. The method can include establishing a communication path between a customer premise equipment (CPE) device and a router of a headend system, receiving an Internet data request from a computing device of an end user, and communicating the request to the headend system over the communication path, where the communication path can be a separate return path. The method can further include listening for motion picture expert group (MPEG) packets broadcasted from a TV transmission facility in response to the request, extracting IP data packets from the MPEG packets, and returning the extracted IP data packets to the computing device as a response to the Internet data request.

Abstract: A portable, high definition home entertainment component integrates all of the most relevant media types together into one unit for home use. WhiteHatt™ combines such media as live television, built-in DVR (digital video recorder), Internet Television, Internet Radio, social networking, Blu-ray/DVD (digital video disc) w/ 3D, Media Center, and VoiP (voice over Internet protocol) among other media sources, into one, high quality consumer electronic device. WhiteHatt allows the user to eliminate the necessity of maintaining a monthly cable television (CATV) or satellite cable (SATV) subscription, removing the expense of the monthly cable bill, while increasing television content selection and overall viewing quality.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a call from an interactive voice response (IVR) system to a first device associated with a user in response to a request. The method includes receiving voice input data at the IVR system via the call. The method also includes performing a search of a media content database based at least partially on the voice input data. The method further includes sending search results identifying media content items based on the search of the media content database to a second device associated with the user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing data being displayed on at least one monitor screen based on monitoring user's attention in relation to the monitor screen. In one embodiment, upon detecting that the user's attention is leaving at least a portion of a screen, the system may alert the user of such an event. Alternatively, the system could alert the user upon detecting a triggering condition while the user's attention is away from the at least a portion of the screen. The step of alerting the user may include modifying at least a portion of a display on a monitor not being viewed by the user. Additionally, the system may initiate preparation of a report including any data not being viewed by a user during the time period when the user is not viewing a portion of the monitor.

Abstract: A method comprising combining Internet linear video together with interactive video content into a single video stream that is compressed and transmitted in the form of streaming interactive video through the Internet to a user client device.

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: Systems and methods for delivering media over a network are provided. Multiple media assets are stored on a server, as well as a representation for at least one media asset. The representation of a media asset is delivered to a client. A client user request based on selection of a representation is received, and the represented media asset is delivered from the server in response to the client user request.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver and method of interfacing resource information between a host device and a POD, sending host device resource information and obtaining host device resource information are disclosed. A POD sends a resource information requesting message. And a host device receives the resource information requesting message and responds with a resource information message including a resource identifier defined in a resource information table which includes information indicating whether the host device supports A-mode. Using a “conditional access” feature provided by a conventional cable security card, content received through any type of transport protocol (including an IP protocol) including a wired/wireless network can be protected and A-mode resource information can be systematically defined together with other-mode IP communication resource and the resource information of different modes can be integrated and transmitted to the host device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media device, a content signal sent to the media device from a data center via a network. The content signal includes a hot key signal indicating availability of alternate content. The method includes determining, at the media device, that the hot key signal is relevant to content sent by the media device to a display device. The method also includes sending, via the media device to the display device, a hot key associated with the hot key signal to the display device to be displayed with the content.

Abstract: A client device is enabled to access content by generating a request to access content residing on a host. A rule set associated with a user is accessed that includes one or more rules configured to identify content responsive to a predicted interest of the user. The rule set is used to identify content selections from a library of content selections available on the host. A first address corresponding to a first content selection and a second address for a second content selection identifying are identified from among the identified content selections. The first content selection is accessed from among the identified content selections by establishing a connection to the host at the address identified for the first content selection. In response to receiving a change instruction to change a content selection being rendered, the second content selection is accessed from the identified content selections at the second address.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided to detect live video data satisfying user specified criteria and consolidate live broadcasting management, analysis of detected video data, and notification of potential viewers.

Abstract: An interaction method between a digital television reception terminal and a mobile terminal, the terminal and a system are provided. The method includes the following steps: the mobile terminal acquires a first swinging control instruction of a user by a vector sensor; the mobile terminal transmits the title and the link address information of the current online playing video to the digital television reception terminal, according to said first swinging control instruction; and said digital television reception terminal acquires said playing video to play, according to said title and link address information. By means that the user swings the mobile terminal to initiate a video playing handoff, the invention realizes the video handoff between the mobile terminal and the digital television reception terminal by a convenient operation, and improves experience of the user while being user-friendly.

Abstract: A method for switching the working state of a mobile terminal comprises that: the mobile terminal detects the swinging state of a user; when the swinging state matches a predetermined rule, the mobile terminal sends a playing instruction used for the current online playing video to a digital television receiving terminal, and switches the working state to a remote controller state; and the digital television receiving terminal obtains the playing video to play according to the playing instruction. The present invention conveniently switches the mobile terminal to the remote controller for users to use, after the digital television receiving terminal has continued to play the online video being played by the mobile terminal, which is convenient to the users and improves the experience of the users.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest in a recorded program previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player. The system is based on the synchronization of local times of transmitters and recorders. The synchronization is done referring to an absolute or universal time such as the Global Positioning System Time (GPS-time), the Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) time or another suitable universal time based on a satellite system. The system is also based on a plurality of hyperlinks defined during the production and recording of the broadcast program, for given sequences corresponding to particular intervals of time synchronized with the universal (absolute) time.

Abstract: A method including receiving a request from another device to provide television content; sending a response that includes the television content; storing state information associated with the television content, wherein the state information includes an identifier of the other device and an identifier of the television content provided; detecting when an error occurs between the device and the other device; and resending a last television content that was successfully received by the other device before the error occurred.

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

Abstract: A method for connecting a media player to a remote server is provided. The method comprises processing a request for connecting to an remote server while reproducing data recorded on an enhanced navigation medium, processing connection information recorded on the enhanced navigation medium to determine whether connection to the remote server is permitted, and requesting connection to the remote server, if connection to the remote server is permitted in accordance with the connection information.

Abstract: A videoconference multipoint control unit (MCU) automatically generates display layouts for videoconference endpoints. Display layouts are generated based on attributes associated with video streams received from the endpoints and display configuration information of the endpoints. An endpoint can include one or more attributes in each outgoing stream. Attributes can be assigned based on video streams' role, content, camera source, etc. Display layouts can be regenerated if one or more attributes change. A mixer can generate video streams to be displayed at the endpoints based on the display layout.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of controlling an electric device is described, where the electronic device comprises a tuner, an OSD-controller, a net connection module, and an initial setup module for setting a menu language of the display menu. The method comprises associating setup information to information to be transported to the server. Thereafter, the method comprises accessing the world wide web server through a net connection module by using the information associated with the setup information; selecting content of one of languages from a set of content of various languages stored in the world wide web server, wherein the one of languages is the same language with that of the display menu; and displaying content delivered from the world wide web server.

Abstract: Techniques are afforded for providing syndication feed content on a television STB with limited decoder capability. A request is initiated for syndication feed content from a networked content source through the STB. The syndication feed content is obtained through a proxy device in communication with the networked content source. When the syndication feed content is in a first format usable by the STB, the proxy device passes the syndication feed content in the first format to the STB. When the syndication feed content is in a second format unusable by the STB, the syndication feed content is first converted from the second format to the first format usable by the STB and then the syndication feed content is passed, in the first format, to the STB.

Abstract: A method, device and/or system for operating or causing a video player embedded into a web page to play a video is disclosed. Embed code is placed into the web page. When the web page is loaded into a web browser, player code is loaded and optionally customized to display one or more videos that can be selected for playback with the player code. When an end user selects the video using the player code, any ad and/or analytics module associated with the video are retrieved. The functionality of the ad and/or analytics module is integrated into the player code to allow tracking of analytics and inserting advertising into the video.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of controlling an electronic device comprises accessing a world wide web (WWW) server by using information that indicates at least the menu language which is set by an initial setup module of the electronic device, through a connection module of the electronic device that connects the electronic device to the world wide web server. The method further comprises selecting content of one of languages from a set of content of various languages stored in the WWW server, where the one of languages is the same language with that of the display menu, and displaying content delivered from the WWW server.

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 method of delivering personal video content via a video head-end office is provided that includes receiving a personal video content upload request at a notification server from a first set-top box device. The personal video content upload request relates to personal video content to be uploaded from the first set-top box device. The method also includes receiving a personal video content sharing request at the notification server from the first set-top box device. The personal video content sharing request identifies a second set-top box device designated to receive the uploaded personal video content. In addition, the method includes sending notification information from the notification server to the second set-top box device. The notification information indicates a first option to store the uploaded personal video content at a data storage device and a second option to stream the uploaded personal video content to the second set-top box device upon selection of the second option.

Abstract: A method of providing a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transmission time and a loading time of the digital TV application and a limitation on a number and a size of the digital TV application are minimized, providing a personalized digital TV application based on a receiver information or a user information is possible.

Abstract: This electronic system, comprises: a first electronic device comprising means for reproducing audio and/or video data; a second electronic device comprising means for transmitting data to be reproduced to the first device; and a third electronic device, connected to the second device and comprising a memory to store personal information associated with a user of the third device. The third device comprises means for computing personalization parameters of the data to be reproduced, based on the personal information, and means for transmitting the computed personalization parameters to the second device, without any transmission of the personalization parameters via the Internet network. The second device comprises means for selecting data to be reproduced in relation to the received personalization parameters, the selecting means being connected to the transmission means.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a configuration method thereof are provided in which the broadcast receiving apparatus can be configured according to configuration setting values received from outside. The broadcast receiving apparatus is configured according to configuration setting values of the broadcast receiving apparatus, which are received from outside.

Abstract: An Internet system for and method of automatic optimizing quantitative business objectives of sellers (advertisers) with synergistic pricing, promotions and advertisements, while simultaneously minimizing expenditure and discovery and optimizing allocation of advertising channels that optimize such objectives.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus, including: a program receiving section configured to receive broadcast program data; a program reproduction section configured to reproduce the received program data; a clock functioning as a timer; a subtitle-data obtaining section configured to obtain subtitle data via a network, the subtitle data corresponding to the program data, time to display the subtitle data being previously specified; and a reproduction-time shifting section configured to delay, in a case where the time to display the obtained subtitle data is behind time of the clock, time to reproduce the program data by the program reproduction section for at least a time lag between time to display the subtitle data and time of the clock.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for limiting a content usage authority scope of a client by using metadata in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method performed by a metadata server adds control information to the metadata and transmits the metadata, wherein the content usage authority scope of the client is defined in the control information. The client of a user limits a content control operation according to a user input by using the control information extracted from the metadata.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reproducing device, including: an acquiring portion, a storage control portion and a reproducing portion. The acquiring portion acquires stream data on contents which are streaming-delivered through a network in which a band is changed. The storage control portion controls temporary storage of the stream data thus acquired in an external storage device detachably connected. The reproducing portion reproduces the contents based on the stream data read out from the external storage device.

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

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

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for receiving non-real time content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol stream of packets containing non-real time content, non-real time service metadata and non-real time content metadata; demultiplexing the Internet Protocol stream of packets to produce: non-real time content, non-real time service metadata, and non-real time content metadata. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception block configured to receive AV content; a definition information acquisition block configured to acquire definition information defining the life cycle of an application program to be executed in linkage with the AV content; an application acquisition block configured to acquire the application program distributed over a network in accordance with the acquired definition information; and a control block configured to control the performance of the acquired application program.

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

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

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.

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

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a Public Cloud, one or more End-Caches and optionally one or more Edge-Caches in computerized architecture that provides digital content, such as entertainment services and/or informational content, to a guest display (i.e., End-Cache connected to in-room TV). Implementations of the present invention also include a Content Distribution Architecture that uses the public Internet to securely broadcast large digital media file(s) simultaneously to all desired locations (e.g., Edge-Caches). Implementations of the present invention further include a Channel Processor that uses a video-input agnostic approach (i.e., composite, sVideo, component, HDMI) to take whatever video signal (i.e., std-def, high-def) and make it better (i.e., all digital, all high-def quality). Implementations of the present invention therefore improve distribution of entertainment to end users, as well as the playback thereof.

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

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executable software product, and system for performing a test of an audio/video playback device are described. The audio/video playback device includes at least one main processor, interfaces, and additional processors. The main processor(s) communicate with the additional processors through the interfaces. The method, software product, and system include monitoring at least part of the interfaces for communications between the main processor(s) and the additional processors. The method, system and software product also include storing the communications in a raw format during the test. The method, software product and system also include translating the communications from the raw format to human-readable format after the test concludes and displaying the human-readable format of the communications. In some aspects, the method and system also include reading and storing run time data during the test such that the reading and storing is Heisenberg-friendly.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes: a receiving means for receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating thereto; an acquisition means for acquiring network content and information relating thereto from a predetermined server via a network; and a start-up controlling means for starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser, regardless of whether the receiving apparatus is in a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed.

Abstract: This invention is intended to allow user to easily and quickly set the preset recording of television programs on recording devices. When setting the preset recording of a television program on a VCR, the user of a personal computer first accesses an EPG server on the Internet to download the preset recording data of that program. The personal computer converts the downloaded preset recording data into a G-code and transmits the G-code from a video mouse to the VCR as an infrared signal. The VCR decodes the received G-code, recognizes the program to be preset for recording, and sets the preset recording of the recognized program.

Abstract: When electronic mail is arrived while digital broadcasting is being viewed in a portable receiving terminal (2), a process for automatically opening the electronic mail, or a process for opening the electronic mail according to an instruction by a user is to be carried out. In addition, when the process for opening the electronic mail is thus carried out while a video obtained by receiving broadcast is being displayed, a process for switching to a display screen for an electronic mail content (body text) is not carried out. Instead, the video obtained by receiving broadcast is remained displayed, and the content (body text) obtained as a result of opening the electronic mail, too, is displayed by an OSD function within the same screen (liquid crystal display panel 202).

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to allocate between a video and audio quality in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) presentation and to utilize a resultant bandwidth as a result of allocation to enhance an audio or video quality in the IPTV presentation in response to a user selection among levels of video quality and audio quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.