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

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

Abstract: In accordance with a method a plurality of subscriber systems are provided, the systems being coupled via a Wide Area Network (WAN) and comprising a first subscriber system. The first subscriber system has processing and non-volatile storage and is suitably programmed for providing a subscriber service to a first subscriber. The first system is disposed in an unsecured location, which is associated with the first subscriber. Subsequently, the subscriber service is provided to the first subscriber. Separately, a task is provided to the first subscriber system via the WAN and is executed on the first subscriber system. An activity record for the execution of the task is logged, based on an amount of at least one of the processing and the non-volatile storage consumed on the first subscriber system during execution of the task.

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

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

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver, which receives and processes a service being transmitted in non-real time, and a broadcast receiver are disclosed. Herein, the method of processing a non-real time service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving in non-real time first signaling information including access information of a content item and second signaling information including detail information of the content item, receiving in non-real time a file belonging to the content item by accessing to a FLUTE session transmitting the content item, wherein the file corresponds to a compressed file that has one or more files including an entry file compressed therein, and decompressing the compressed file and then executing the content item referring to information on the entry file.

Abstract: There is provided a terminal device including a detection unit configured to detect a relay device, a reproduction unit configured to reproduce content, a transmission unit configured to transmit the reproduced content to the detected relay device, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire a response returned from one of identification server devices to the relay device according to a query, the response corresponding to an identification result of the content in such a way that the relay device extracts signature data representing a characteristic of the content from the content, generates the query including at least the extracted signature data, and transmits the generated query to the identification server device to request identification of the content.

Abstract: Provided is a media content receiving method of a media content receiving device. The method includes: receiving information on a content location information file; receiving the content location information file by using the information on the content location information file; measuring a current bandwidth; requesting a first media content through a first network on the basis of the current bandwidth and the content location information file; receiving the first media content through the first network; and consuming the first media content.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication device including: a cable port to which an external device is connected; a reading unit that reads identification information from the external device; a determination unit that determines whether the external device is the source-side wireless communication device; an authentication memory unit that performs an authentication process with the source-side wireless communication device; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with the source-side wireless communication device; and a physical address processing unit that controls the source-side wireless communication device to store a physical address of a source-side device calculated based on from the read identification information of the sink-side device.

Abstract: Provided a terminal device having a network interface that forces network connection when not connected to a network. A terminal device 101a that has a network interface includes: a connection check unit 109a that makes a check as to whether the terminal device 101a is connected to a network; and an invalidation unit 115a that, when the connection check unit 109a judges that the terminal device 101a is not connected to the network as a result of the check, invalidates a function included in the terminal device 101a.

Abstract: A 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: A method and system for validating SIPSI of a broadcast table in an electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a first cache signature and retrieving a second cache signature from a memory. The method also includes identifying differences between the first cache signature and the second cache signature. Further, the method includes performing one of updating the broadcast table and updating a portion of the broadcast table. The system includes an electronic device for validating SIPSI of a broadcast table. The electronic device includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a first cache signature and a memory for storing a second cache signature. The electronic device also includes a processor for identifying differences between the first cache signature and the second cache signature. Further, the electronic device includes the processor for performing one of updating the broadcast table and updating a portion of the broadcast table.

Abstract: A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.

Abstract: A system includes a first computerized device configured for communicating in an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode and a second computerized device configured for communicating at least in the ad hoc mode. A first computerized device operating in infrastructure mode prompts the user of the first computerized device to switch to ad hoc mode in order to communicate with the second computerized device.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting service according to the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving service signaling data for receiving a object; receiving network property information related to the object if the object that is to be received exists; determining whether the object is received according to network connection status of an apparatus for receiving a broadcast and the received network property information; receiving the object based on the service signaling data; receiving a first packetized stream; extracting a trigger including a trigger action and trigger time from a payload of the first packetized stream; and performing the trigger action in response to the object at the predetermined time using the trigger time based on the network property information.

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

Abstract: A method of searching the Internet and a video receiving apparatus, such as an Internet TV, to use the same to enable currently-displayed video to be transmitted to an external apparatus, such as a remote controller, and the video received from the external apparatus to be controlled, thereby increasing user convenience. Specifically, the video captured from the video receiving apparatus is transmitted to the external apparatus which receives coordinate data and performs an operation indicated by a menu of the currently-displayed video corresponding to the coordinate data received from the external apparatus so that websites having menus requiring user control can be used without requiring redesign even if the websites are not designed for use with the video receiving apparatus.

Abstract: An extended connectivity apparatus provides multimedia data from a multimedia source device to a multimedia presentation device. An electrical connector mechanically couples to a connector of the multimedia presentation device to provide a communication path to the multimedia presentation device. A wireless communication interface, which is selectively separable from the multimedia presentation device at the electrical connector, receives multimedia data over a wireless communication channel. A processor, which is also selectively separable from the multimedia presentation device at the electrical connector, encodes the received multimedia data into a format compatible with presentation capabilities of the multimedia presentation device and conveys the encoded multimedia data to the multimedia presentation device through the electrical connector.

Abstract: A content receiver useable in a broadcast content distribution system includes a content source that broadcasts audio/video content for reception by content receivers with associated metadata defining links to other content for possible reproduction by the content receiver and information indicative of a category of each link. The content receiver is configured to generate link information for display in dependence upon received metadata relating to links having a subset of categories while reproducing the broadcast audio/video content, and includes a user control operable to select a link for which link information is currently displayed by the content receiver causing the content receiver to reproduce content defined by that link and a category memory storing category information defining the subset of categories, the content receiver configured to modify stored category information in dependence upon which links are selected using the user control.

Abstract: A display system (100) includes a television receiver (110a) and a smartphone (110b). The television receiver (110a) is provided with a display unit (51a) for outputting content and a keyword detector (15) for extracting keywords (1) from the content. The smartphone (110b) is provided with a keyword selector (16) and a keyword-related information acquisition unit (17) that extract the related information (2) acquired from the outside that is related to the keywords (1) selected by the user from among the keywords (1) extracted by a keyword detector (15), and a display unit (51b) for outputting the keywords (1) and the related information (2).

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

Abstract: 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 a method for determining other content related to location information of program content displayed on a device, one or more processors receive one or more portions of a first content displayed on a first device. One or more processors determine location information of the one or more portions. One or more processors determine a second content based, at least in part, on the location information. One or more processors cause the determined second content to be displayed.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system includes a selector module that selects a content item and sends a stream of the content item to a set-top box. The set-top box analyzes content information associated with the content item using a speech interpretation algorithm or a text interpretation algorithm to create an index of the content information and determines to record the content item based upon the index of the content information. A method includes sending a content item from an IPTV network to a set-top box, directing the set-top box to analyze content information associated with the content item using a speech interpretation algorithm or a text interpretation algorithm, and directing the set-top box to record the content item based upon the analysis of the content information.

Abstract: It is provided a method for providing an interactive service. At the side of a device among a plurality of devices, each being assigned one of two types, the method comprises the steps of receiving a first request associated with the interactive service requesting for responses associated with the interactive service, wherein the first request includes conditional information associated with the devices; and in response to an input from a user, if said device is of a first type, sending the response; and if said device is of a second type, sending the response only if the device meets the conditional information included in the first request.

Abstract: A video content receiving apparatus (103a; 103b) includes an interface (209, 301) for interfacing to at least one associable video reproducing apparatus (102), and including: a receiver for receiving video contents from at least one source of contents (104) through a connection (201a, 203a; 201b, 203b) connected to a plurality of distribution platforms (105, 106), wherein a first connection (203a; 203b) to a first distribution platform (105) is of the broadband type, and wherein a second connection (201a; 201b) to a second distribution platform (106) is of the broadcast type; a first identifier for identifying a video content to be reproduced; a second identifier for identifying at least one active distribution platform on which said video content to be reproduced is currently being transmitted by the source of contents (104); a selector for selecting the reception of the video content through the active distribution platform; a switch for switching between the first connection (203a; 203b) and the second con

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a video processing method, a television dongle, and a control terminal. The method includes: receiving, by a television dongle, video information downloaded from the Internet; when a playing terminal needs to play the video information in a muted manner, decoding the video information, decomposing the decoded video information into video data and audio data, sending the decomposed video data to the playing terminal; and sending the decomposed audio data to a control terminal, so that the control terminal plays the audio data. Therefore, the present invention implements a function for a user to watch the picture of a video by using a playing terminal, for example, a television, and listen to the sound of the video by using a control terminal, for example, a smartphone, and reduces the cost for the user to watch video information in a muted manner.

Abstract: A trigger manager and related processes and systems for managing triggers for a plurality of subscribing set-top boxes in an interactive television environment are provided. In response to receipt of a configuration update request originating from a specific set-top box, the trigger manager accesses a database of subscribing set-top box profiles associating subscribing set-top boxes with respective sets of triggers. The database is processed based on the configuration update request to identify a profile associated with the specific set-top box from which the configuration update request originated. Trigger update information associated with the identified profile is transmitted over a network to the specific set-top box from which the configuration update request originated. In response to receipt at the specific set-top box of the trigger update information, the set of current triggers in the memory unit is updated at least in part based on the information received.

Abstract: A system for reproducing first reproduction data and for reproducing second reproduction data includes: a first reproduction device, configured for reproducing the first reproduction data; and a second reproduction device, configured for reproducing the second reproduction data. The system is configured such that the first reproduction data is transmitted to the first reproduction device via a first logical communication channel and the second reproduction data is transmitted to the second reproduction device via a second logical communication channel. The second logical communication channel is different from the first logical communication channel. The system is configured such that the first reproduction data is identified using pattern recognition, and determination of the second reproduction data is based on the identification of the first reproduction data.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze scheduled media content with limited temporal accessibility provided by a content provider, select a portion of the media content based on the analysis of the media content and a recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR to store the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content to a server. A request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the recipient media device via the server, and the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the recipient media device accepts the request. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to broadcasting/multicasting of media content over a communication network using shared bandwidth available from peer-to-peer networking. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of broadcast devices, a plurality of receiving devices, a plurality of databases, and a control center. The control center is the central nerve of the network, and provides a number of services, including but not limited to channel control, ad insertion, conditional access, program guide services, and the like. The broadcast device converts media content, which can be television, radio, and other data, received from various content providers, into digital data packets, having a suitable format for transmission over the Internet. Each receiving device will request the relevant packets, decode the received packets, and display or present the media content contained in the packets via an associated device.

Abstract: A system for supporting entertainment distribution via at least one network comprises a content provider (100) for distributing a program; a metadata provider (102) for distributing metadata, the metadata including a content reference identifier of the program and data relating to ambience complementing the program. The system further comprises a user terminal (118) comprising an input (106) for receiving the metadata; an input (106) for receiving the program using the content reference identifier; a rendering unit (116) for rendering the received program; an ambience generator (108) for generating an ambient effect different from audio or video; and an ambience controller (110) for controlling the ambience generator synchronously with the rendering of the content, based on the received data relating to ambience complementing the program.

Abstract: A set-top box (STB) of a television system receives web-based content, such as a web page, from a wide area network such as the Internet. The web-based content is provided to the STB for display. In response to an instruction, the STB provides all or a portion of the web-based content to a printer for printing. The printer can be connected to the STB via a network or through a computer connected to the STB on the same network. By providing an option to print the web-based content, the usefulness of the content is enhanced.

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

Abstract: A user electronic device comprising one or more processors; and one or more computer readable media operatively connected to the one or more processors and having stored thereon computer instructions for carrying out the steps of: (a) receiving, at the user electronic device from the computer system, a media work and one or more associated tags; (b) receiving, at the user electronic device from a user input device, a query related to at least one of the one or more associated tags; (c) obtaining, at the user electronic device, instructions for an action to be performed based on the query; and (d) performing, at the user electronic device, the associated action, in response to the query.

Abstract: A system for logging the TV viewing activities at a household includes a TV messaging device at the household and a remote TV viewership measurement server communicatively coupled to the messaging device. The TV messaging device receives an infrared signal including a TV operation code from a remote control device within the household. The infrared signal is directed to a particular TV to perform a predefined operation. The TV messaging device generates a TV operation message including the TV operation code and a household identifier associated with the household and transmits the TV operation message to the TV viewership measurement server. Upon receipt of the TV operation message, the TV viewership measurement server tries to identify one of multiple TV devices within the household as being the target of the TV operation code and updates TV viewership data associated with the household in accordance with the TV operation code.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprising the steps of receiving, by a computer system including at least one computer, a media work; receiving, by the computer system, a tag associated with the media work having a media work identifier; storing, by the computer system, the media work identifier and the associated tag; obtaining, by the computer system from a user electronic device, a query related to the associated tag; correlating, by the computer system, the query with associated information related to an action to be performed; and providing, from the computer system to the user electronic device, the associated information to be used in performing the action.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver includes receiving a signaling information table including additional information on contents configuring a non-real time service and a content identifier for each content, acquiring the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content from the signaling information table, storing contents being downloaded through a FLUTE or an internet in a storage medium, based upon the additional information on contents and the content identifier for each content, and displaying a list of recordings including the contents stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a digital communication between the embedded cable modem (eCM) and embedded set-top box (eSTB) via a shared memory. The communication is carried out by packet transfer mechanism as per the protocol without adding any extra header overhead. The communication link is established between the eSTB and eCM mainly in layer 2 and partly in layer 1 according to an implementation of the OSI model. Further, eSTB is used as an eSAFE device coupled to eCM where the eCM and eSTB are considered to be placed on two SoCs with a separate CPU to each SoC (System-On-Chip) with a shared memory (via high speed data bus protocol). DMA (Direct Memory Access) engines are used to accelerate data transfer and to reduce load. DMA of only eCM, SoC is used to minimize hardware resources.

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: 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.

Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart 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: Systems and methods for identifying which video segment is being displayed on a screen of a television system. The video segment is identified by deriving data from the television signals, the derived data being indicative of the video segment being displayed on the screen. This feature can be used to extract a viewer's reaction (such as changing the channel) to a specific video segment (such as an advertisement) and reporting the extracted information as metrics. The systems and methods may further provide contextually targeted content to the television system. The contextual targeting is based on not only identification of the video segment being displayed, but also a determination concerning the playing time or offset time of the particular portion of the video segment being currently displayed.

Abstract: A reception device includes an access control unit configured to determine whether access to the application programming interface is permitted based on a determination according to the type stored in the application storage unit to correspond to the application identification information set in the call instruction. In addition, the reception device includes a web server unit configured to receive the call instruction from the browser unit, inquire of the access control unit about whether access to the application programming interface is permitted, and control the call instruction according to a result of a determination which is made by the access control unit in response to the inquiry.

Abstract: A smart touch set-top box device comprises a touch screen, a LCD, a microprocessor, a television signal processing unit, a speaker, a wireless communication unit and an Ethernet communication unit, wherein the touch screen is arranged on the front end of said LCD for detecting the touch location of a user and transmitting a touch sensing signal to said microprocessor, the microprocessor is used for converting said touch sensing signal to operational order, controlling said television signal processing unit to communicatively connect with external device by driving said wireless communication unit or Ethernet communication unit, thereby realizing the synchronously play of audio and video signal on multi-screens. A smart network multimedia playing system sends wireless signal by mobile terminal to control the operation of said set-top box, thereby realizing the synchronously play of audio and video data on the own device of the set-top box and external television.