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

Abstract: A method of operating a server for synchronizing contents includes receiving content identification information of image contents being reproduced by a plurality of image display apparatuses, obtaining reproduction time information of the image contents by comparing the content identification information with previously stored contents information, setting a synchronization reference time to synchronize reproduction of the image contents based on the reproduction time information, and transmitting a set synchronization reference time to the plurality of image display apparatuses.

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

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for managing display of web-based content on one or more portable communication devices. The method and system include a content acquisition module configured to acquire the web-based content from one or more web-based sources, a device detection module configured to determine a plurality of configuration parameters for each of the one or more portable communication devices, and a transformation module configured to transform the web-based content for each of the one or more portable communication devices based on the determined plurality of configuration parameters for each of the one or more portable communication devices. Each of the one more portable communication devices sends a request to the one or more web-based sources to access web-based content.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatic real-time cloud computing processing of live multimedia content are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a portable electronic device can transmit live event multimedia data to a web/cloud computing storage service in real time, wherein the web/cloud computing storage service segmentizes incoming streams of the live event multimedia data into multiple media files during an ongoing transmission of the live event multimedia data. In one embodiment of the invention, the size of each segmented media file depends on a current network traffic condition and/or a bandwidth availability. By automatically segmentizing the streams of encoded multimedia data into individually-viewable segments for the web or cloud-computing storage service, a user can start viewing the currently-uploading multimedia data faster than a conventional single stream upload which requires a longer waiting time.

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

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to establish a group presence session between at least a first device associated with a first network and a second device associated with a second network. During the group presence session, multimedia content is provided to the first device and to the second device at substantially the same time, and first presence information from the first device is provided to the second device at substantially the same time as second presence information from the second device is provided to the first device. The method further includes synchronizing the multimedia content, the first presence information, and the second presence information based on a first device capability, a second device capability, information associated with the first network, and information associated with the second network. Synchronized content streams that include the multimedia content and presence information are transmitted to the devices via the respective networks.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for data processing in a device with integrated set-top-box and femtocell functionality are provided. Data may be received via an integrated femtocell and set-top-box device and may be synchronously processed, utilizing a common clock, to perform one or more femtocell functions and/or set-top-box functions. The common clock may be derived from global navigation satellite system signals. The integrated femtocell and set-top-box device may convert the received data from a first to a second format. The converted data may be transmitted to a cellular enabled communication device via a cellular transmitter within said integrated femtocell and set-top-box device and/or to a multimedia device via a multimedia interface within said integrated femtocell and set-top-box device. The received data may comprise multimedia content.

Abstract: A receiver and method for operating the same includes a memory storing purchase information therein and a communication module. A controller is in communication with the memory and the communication module. The controller determines whether an existing Internet connection is present at the communication module when the existing Internet connection is present and communicates purchase information to a service provider through the existing Internet connection. The controller determines whether a subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within a mandatory callback time period, when purchase information has been communicated within the mandatory callback time period and advances the mandatory callback time period. The controller initiates the communication module to initiate a new Internet connection when there is no existing Internet connection present or no subscriber-initiated Internet connection has occurred within the mandatory callback time period.

Abstract: A terminal device acquires a part of an audio-visual content regenerated by a video display apparatus. The terminal device acquires contents information of the audio-visual content based on the part of the audio-visual content. The terminal device acquires the available enhanced service based on the contents information and regenerates the available enhanced service.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including: a broadcast reception block; a network connection block; an operation input block; a display block; a broadcast content display block; a network content processing block; a pseudo-data broadcast content processing block configured to process pseudo-data broadcast content having a first designation part and a second designation part, and a data broadcast content processing block.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering video content that includes a first reception module for receiving secondary digital content from the Internet, a second reception module for receiving a primary video stream, a decoding module for decoding the primary video stream received through the second reception module, a rendering module to render digital video content in an overlay above the primary video stream by using the secondary digital content, an encoding module to encode digital video content that has been rendered by the rendering module into a video format for display on an output screen, and a controller module for decoding an input signal from a controller device to control a display of the transparent layer on the output screen. The digital video content in the overlay may be encoded as a transparent layer above the primary video stream.

Abstract: Device-descriptive data of a multimedia device are obtained by a remote control through a near-field communication (NFC) data exchange. The device-descriptive data of the multimedia device are received by an extended connectivity device through its wireless communication interface. A wireless link is established between the extended connectivity device and the multimedia device using connection parameters in the device-descriptive data. Multimedia data are transmitted to or received from the multimedia device over the wireless link established in accordance with the connection parameters received in the device-descriptive data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of rendering a thin client application in a network device, for parsing the internet data so as convert the internet data into a common data format which can be rendered in set-top box using any type of middleware. The invention would be equipped to handle any type of application and also would be cost-efficient to be developed in a middleware layer of a network device like set-top box.

Abstract: Credential data are obtained by a remote control from a credential-bearing device through a near-field communication (NFC) data exchange. The credential data are transmitted by the remote control and are received by an extended connectivity device through its wireless communication interface. A transaction is conducted with a network-connected service through the wireless communication interface of the extended connectivity device using the received credential data.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) for controlling loading (e.g., pre-filling) of video data to a user equipment by a wireless network (e.g., from internet) while the video is played by the user equipment using an additional pre-filling based on predicted degradation of connectivity of the user equipment with the wireless network to avoid interruption or deterioration of playing the video and/or to reduce video data loading cost.

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

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

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a set-top box device, an e-mail notification request including a set-top box identifier associated with the set-top box device and linked to an internet protocol television account identifier. The method includes accessing stored information that includes a plurality of set-top box identifiers and that links respective set-top box identifiers with corresponding e-mail accounts. The method further includes determining, based on the stored information and the set-top box identifier, an e-mail account of a first user maintained at a mail server, where the determination includes associating the internet protocol television account identifier with the e-mail account. The method further includes determining whether an e-mail has been received for the e-mail account at the mail server.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for context based splitting of a broadcast content stream and transmission of a relevant broadcast content out of said broadcast content stream to at least one edge device over a home area network for consumption. Particularly, the invention provides a method and system for obtaining context of the edge device and corresponding device owner; comparing the said obtained context with the broadcast content stream; finding and splitting relevant broadcast content out of the broadcast content stream according to the context of said edge device; and transmitting said relevant broadcast content to said edge device for future consumption.

Abstract: There is provided a data stream for receipt by a receiving device. The data stream comprises at least one program stream; and an extended data descriptor. The extended data descriptor comprises extended data for an auxiliary device, the extended data relating to a particular program stream and defining information to be output by the auxiliary device when the particular program stream is output by the receiving device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for relaying contents in a contents reproducing device. In one embodiment, reproducibility of content is determined, and in case reproduction of the content is not possible, existence of the content reproducible in a second device is notified, where link information about a device to be connected to receive the content can be provided together. In another embodiment, reproducibility of content is determined; in case reproduction of the content is not possible, one or more second devices connected wired or wirelessly is notified of existence of the content reproducible in the corresponding second device; and if a request for reproducing the content is received from the one or more second devices, while providing information about a second device which has sent the reproduction request to a server providing the content, the server can be requested to provide the content to the second device.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information storage medium storing metadata for providing additional content during a broadcast program, the metadata including information indicating whether to insert second additional content instead of first additional content, which is underlying additional content of the broadcast program, and a locator of the second additional content, a method of providing additional content by using the same, and a digital broadcast reception apparatus.

Abstract: A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.

Abstract: A computer system is used to distribute an application using a data resource. An application using a data resource is created using an authoring environment. The application is converted into a certified master application template. The certified master application template is used to create a certified application and certified data resource. The certified application and certified data resource are distributed. During the distribution of the application, the certified master application template is modified and a new certified data resource is created. The new certified data resource is distributed.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception portion configured to receive audio video content; a trigger extraction portion configured to extract trigger information for operating an application program transmitted along with the audio video content and executed in interlocked relation to the audio video content; a table acquisition portion configured to acquire a correspondence table for associating the trigger information with commands for controlling the operation of the application program; a command determination portion configured such that, based on the acquired correspondence table, the command determination portion determines the commands associated with the extracted trigger information; and a control portion configured to control the operation of the application program in response to the determined commands.

Abstract: Distribution schemes for subscriber-created content are described. Subscribers create and upload content for distribution to communities of recipients. The recipients join the communities in response to invitations from the subscribers. When connections to devices associated with the recipients are detected, any content due for delivery to the recipients is distributed. Systems supporting these distribution schemes may include content distribution modules that receive the content from the subscribers, and that provide corresponding content notifications. Content storage modules store the uploaded subscriber content. In response to the content notifications, notification modules notify the recipients that the content is available. Presence modules detect the connections to the devices, and provide corresponding device notifications. In response to the device notifications, device management modules provide recipient notifications, which associate recipients with the detected devices.

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

Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

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

Abstract: A system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a broadcast service receiving method of a broadcast receiving device. The method includes: receiving an video stream among a content transmitted as a broadcast service; generating a request message for at least one of signalling information on the broadcast service and signalling information on an adjunct service of the broadcast service on the basis of part of the received video stream; transmitting the generated request message to a server through an internet network; receiving a response message corresponding to the request message from the server; obtaining at least one of the broadcast service corresponding to the video stream and the adjunct service of the broadcast service on the basis of the received response message; and providing the obtained broadcast service and adjunct service, wherein the request message comprises first query information for specifying a request time interval and second query information for specifying at least one signalling table to be requested.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate the provisioning of data and video services to client devices using communication standards and/or protocols that are not compatible with corresponding CPE device(s). An IPTV adapter can be embedded in a CPE device, can be connected to a CPE device, or can be a stand-alone device, and the tuning adapter can translate/reformat communications between client devices and an upstream component and/or content server. The IPTV adapter can support various communication standards and protocols.

Abstract: A broadband gateway, which that enables communication with a plurality of devices, handles at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider. The broadband gateway may identify video layer information required for a layered video service based on video decoding capabilities and/or power profiles for the devices. The identified video layer information, comprising number of required layers and corresponding video formats such as 720P60, 1080i60 and/or 1080P60, may be communicated to the at least one network access service provider. A base layer video and one or more enhancement layer videos, generated via scalable coding based on the communicated identified video layer information, may be received from the at least one corresponding network access service provider.

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: Data between a client and a server is pinned through a receiving interworking unit and a transmitting interworking unit connected via a non-IP based communications path. The receiving interworking unit and transmitting interworking unit convert received data between IP and a non-IP based communications protocols. The transmitting interworking unit receives IP data for the client from the server. The data is converted and transmitted via the non-IP based communications link to the receiving interworking unit, which converts the data back into an IP format and forwards the converted data on to the client. One segment of the path between server and client transports the data in a non-IP format. Neither IP client nor the server are aware of the non IP segment and no change in their IP network mode of operation is required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling physically separated network computers in one monitor and a security system using the same in that a video information of two computers having physically separated networks is displayed on one monitor and controlled by means of a cursor, thereby reducing a video information throughput and implementing fast network switching.

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

Abstract: A system replicates Internet websites on a large number of user computers having browsers. The system includes a gateway platform having a gateway server and a cache. In the broadcast mode, the gateway server periodically or continuously images broadcast data (e.g., popular websites), compresses the website images, and stores the compressed website images in the gateway cache. The gateway server then broadcasts all of the compressed broadcast data to all (millions) of the user computers over a broadcast device (such as a satellite), for subsequent display by the user in the browser. In the unicast mode, the user requests unicast data (e.g., less-popular websites or websites having highly user-customized information) at the browser. The gateway server images that one web page, compresses the unicast data, and transmits the compressed unicast data over the broadcast device substantially in real time to the one requesting user computer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically transitioning program delivery/reception between alternative sources, e.g., from a non-IP channel to an IP video source or between two alternative IP sources are described. The transition maybe triggered by a detected problem with the delivery via the non-IP channel or because of scheduled service. The transition may be in response to a command sent to a device or because the receiving device detects a problem with one of the content sources triggering an automatic switch to the alternative content source. In at least some embodiments the different content sources corresponding to different coding methods, e.g., with MPEG-2 encoded and packetized content being delivered by a non-IP content delivery channel and MPEG-4 being delivered using unicast IP content delivery techniques. The methods facilitate deployment of new services with IP content delivery being deployed initially on a regional basis with non-IP content delivery gradually being rolled out.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device and a reporting method thereof are disclosed. If a request to purchase a pay service is received, a signal received from a remote control device within a preset reference time period is sensed before purchasing the pay service in order to determine whether the purchase is normal or abnormal, and a purchase questioning message according to the determined results is transmitted to a pre-registered contact number or an address of a user and a time display unit mounted on the broadcast receiving device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable medium providing licensing rights for media content that follows a subscriber so that the subscriber may experience the media content on various content distribution platforms. In particular embodiments, the systems, methods, and computer-readable medium transfer licensing rights for a user for particular media content that is associated with a first device on a first distribution platform so that the rights are associated with a second device on a second distribution platform. As a result, in various embodiments, the user is able to experience the particular media content with the use of the second device on the second distribution platform.

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

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling one or more external audio-visual devices are provided. In one example, a method comprises receiving a device command and determining an intent of the device command. The intent includes an action and an external device to perform the action. The method further comprises selecting a selected protocol for communicating the device command to the external device, where the selected protocol is selected from a plurality of supported protocols, and communicating the device command to the external device according to the selected protocol.

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

Abstract: A display system includes an acquisition unit that acquires recorded data of a broadcasted content and posted information which is posted on a Web page in association with the content; and a display control unit that controls a display unit to display posting result information which indicates a posting result for the posted information posted in association with the content. It is possible that the display control unit displays, as the posting result information, a posting result for the posted information posted in association with the content, based on posting correspondence relationship information in which temporal information according to a time at which the content was broadcasted is associated with posting timing of the posted information posted for the content.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing a remote control configuration procedure includes a settop box that receives electronic programming from a program source and a television that is configured to reproduce the electronic programming. A remote control device controls various functionalities of the television over an RC-TV communications link. The remote control configuration procedure is coordinated by the television and a configuration server to allow the remote control device to also control various functionalities of the settop box over an RC-STB communication link. The television and the configuration server support a user-friendly interactive procedure to automatically determine and provide certain settop-box control information for adding appropriate settop-box control functions to the remote control device during the remote control configuration procedure.