Abstract: A method and system for supporting media services on devices lacking capabilities to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to request and/or locate the services. The method and system may be suitable for use with switched broadcast television (SBT) system having unidirectional digital cable products (UDCPs) which are unable to execute reverse transmission communicates necessary to support SBT.

Abstract: An internet-based content platform that includes subscribable paid channels is provided. The internet-based content platform receives, via a user interface, a request of an end user to subscribe to a paid channel. The paid channel is one of a plurality of channels of the internet-based content platform and has dynamically changed content. The internet-based content platform requests, via the user interface, end user information that includes payment information of the end user. The internet-based content platform receives the end user information and creates a subscription to the paid channel for the end user based on the end user information. The internet-based content platform provides, via the user interface, access to the content of the paid channel to the end user at substantially the same time as creating the subscription for the end user.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method of ordering the delivery of a media stream to a client terminal coupled to an IP network is described. The method comprises identifying, at a user terminal (e.g. a mobile device), destination address information for the client terminal. The user terminal is authenticated to an application server of an IP Multimedia Subsystem network, and the destination address information is sent from the user terminal to the application server. The media stream is then sent to the client terminal. This enables the media to be delivered to the client terminal on the basis of the authentication of the user terminal.

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 providing Internet access via a set top box may include operating, on the set top box, a browser configured to display data associated with a website. A command may be received from a wireless communications device via a communications network. The command may include a network address of the website. In response to receiving the command, the website data may be displayed on a television to which the set top box is in communication.

Abstract: It is presented a method, executed in a media receiver connected to a media server in parallel via an internet protocol, IP, network and a cable television network. The method comprises the steps of: sending a media setup message to a middleware server, the media setup message comprising a content identifier, IP routing data and cable television routing data; receiving a setup confirmation message from the middleware server, the setup confirmation message comprising a transport indicator indicating which one of the IP network and the cable television network is to be used for media streaming from the media server to the media receiver; and receiving a media stream from the media server using either the IP network or the cable television network, as indicated by the transport indicator. Corresponding media receiver, middleware server, computer programs and computer program products are also presented.

Abstract: A video server determines a frequency at which various content titles are accessed, and forms and communicates to downstream client devices a first data carousel of metadata about at least some of the various content titles, the metadata about a particular content title included in the data carousel or not according to how frequently the particular content title is accessed. The video server forms and communicates to downstream edge server devices a second data carousel comprising metadata about at least some of the various content titles, the second carousel updated more frequently than the first data carousel.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A social network service for use by a television service provider is disclosed. The social network service allows a subscriber to connect and interact with other subscribers based on program ratings or other criteria. The social network service may comprise correlating program ratings of different subscribers of the social network service in order to suggest possible subscribers to join a first subscriber's social network. The social network service may allow for a subscriber or the television service provider to moderate the social network.

Abstract: An enhanced manner of providing broadcast television to portable devices is disclosed, including tuner assistance, improvements in recording and datacasting content, and assisting users in obtaining the optimum experience from their set-up. A small form factor, low cost accessory product such as a WiFi dongle with one or more tuners can be used to provide the single function of delivering content to portable devices. The content can be sourced from broadcast (e.g. ATSC/DVB-T, etc.) and can be in the form of live (linear) television or datacast (on demand) programming. No Internet connection is required.

Abstract: A computing system includes a trait-recognition module configured to detect a physical identification signature for representing a user; a device-recognition module, coupled to the trait-recognition module, configured to detect a device-identification for representing a device closely associated with the user; and a connection module, coupled to the device-recognition module, configured to establish a device-grouping based on the physical identification signature for connecting the device with a further device for displaying a content on the device, the further device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An enhanced manner of datacasting and providing broadcast television to portable devices is disclosed, including tuner assistance, improvements in recording and datacasting content, and assisting users in obtaining the optimum experience from their set-up. A small form factor, low cost accessory product such as a WiFi dongle with one or more tuners can be used to provide the single function of delivering content to portable devices. The content can be sourced from broadcast (e.g. ATSC/DVB-T, etc.) and can be in the form of live (linear) television or download (on demand) programming. No Internet connection is required.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling presentation of supplemental application content to display devices while particular content is rendered on the display device. One example method includes receiving a request, at a server, to register a display device. The display device has hardware for communication over the Internet with the server that is further configured to provide applications for rendering on the display device. The display device further includes hardware for communication with a broadcast television provider that provides broadcast content to the display device. The method also includes registering the display device with the server. The registering includes receiving attributes of the display device. Also included is receiving information, at the server, regarding content rendered on the display device, and sending to the display device application data for at least one of the applications of the display device.

Abstract: A broadcasting method and a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is provided wherein auxiliary information, such as video and audio data for supplementing broadcast information presented through a broadcasting network in an interlocked manner can be watched and listened to by the viewer. Broadcast information received from a broadcasting network is temporarily stored in a storage means of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and a recording medium for storing auxiliary information used as a supplement to the broadcast information is mounted on the broadcast signal receiving apparatus. The broadcast information and the auxiliary information are then played back in an interlocked manner with a predetermined timing. As a result, a function to present information which cannot be accommodated in a broadcast frame and a parental function can be implemented.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and device that manage interactive content include initiating at least one widget application. A list of available interactive content previously received and stored from a broadcast stream is received based on the initiated widget application. An item of interactive content is selected from the received list of available interactive content. The selected item of interactive content is received and provided. Another method, non-transitory computer readable medium and device that processes interactive content includes obtaining interactive content from one or more content providers. One of one or more content types for the obtained interactive content is identified and metadata associated with the identified content type is identified. The obtained interactive content is transformed into a standard format based on the identified content type and the metadata associated with the obtained interactive content.

Abstract: A method for rendering application user interfaces includes providing a user interface of a first application for display on a television screen, and, while providing the user interface of the first application for display on the television screen, providing a user interface of a second application for concurrent display with the user interface of the first application, in a predefined user interface region, on the television screen. The method also includes, while providing the user interface of the second application, receiving a request for a user interface of a third application. The method further includes, in response to receiving the request for the user interface of the third application, providing a user interface of the third application, instead of the user interface of the second application, for concurrent display with the user interface of the first application, in the predefined user interface region, on the television screen.

Abstract: In an IP multimedia gateway, locations corresponding to communicatively coupled communication devices are determined and transmitted to a service provider device (SPD) that provides services to the communication devices. Communication devices receive location based service profiles from the (SPD) based on the determined locations. Services content from the (SPD) is communicated with the communication devices and/or with the (SPD), based on the profiles. The determined locations are received from communication devices which may be local or remote. A device location map is generated to be displayed by communication devices. The gateway may be integrated in an STB/DTV that displays the determined locations. Content is communicated to communication devices based on their location. The (SPD) may provide content and/or control information for communication device services.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more temporal actions initiated by each of a plurality of users while presenting a media program to said plurality of users, generate one or more symbolic overlays according to the one or more temporal actions collected for each user, and combine the presentation of the media program with a presentation of the one or more symbolic overlays. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for a plurality of devices to share a channel map of digital broadcast in a home network is provided. In a system and method for sharing a channel map of digital broadcast in a home network according to the present invention, a Remote User Interface Server (RUIS) stores a channel map including an occupied count field for indicating a number of devices using each of a plurality of digital broadcast channels and an occupier indicator field including indicators of the devices using corresponding digital broadcast channels, and at least one Remote User Interface Client (RUIC) as one of the devices receives and displays the channels for which occupier indicator fields include the occupier indicator of the RUIC.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for using search queries related to television programs. A server receives a user's search query from an electronic device. The server then determines, in accordance with the search query and television program related information for television programs available at a location associated with the electronic device during a specific time window, a television program currently being displayed in proximity to the electronic device, wherein the television program related information includes program descriptions for a plurality of television programs being broadcast for the associated location.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods of displaying content comprising: receiving, through a user agent of a web browser application implemented on a television, web content comprising an option defined within the web content to cause the retrieval and playback of additional multimedia content; activating a first canvas and displaying the web content in the first canvas; detecting an activation of the option; retrieving the additional multimedia content; intercepting the additional multimedia content and preventing the additional multimedia content from being displayed within the first canvas; activating a second canvas; and playing back, on the television and in response to the detection of the activation of the option, the additional multimedia content within the second canvas while the web content continues to be displayed within the first canvas such that both the first canvas and the second canvas are active and displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: In one method embodiment, receiving a video stream comprising a first compressed picture without associated time stamp information and a second compressed picture having associated first time stamp information, the second compressed picture following the first compressed picture in transmission order; deriving second time stamp information based on the first time stamp information; and processing the first compressed picture based on the second time stamp information.

Abstract: An Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform is provided. By providing remote medical services to users in the Open IPTV environment using a remote medical service providing apparatus including: an application programming interface (API) calling unit to call, when receiving a request for receiving a remote medical service from a counselor's terminal, an API of an Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform; and a service provider to provide the remote medical service to a user through the API, it is possible to provide remote medical service operators with environments where they can develop and share various remote medical to services and content.

Abstract: A system, associated with a video provisioning system, may receive a hierarchical representation of categories and subcategories associated with a catalog of video assets; and condense the hierarchical representation of categories and subcategories into a file. The system may further transmit the file to a set top box, where transmitting the file allows the set top box to access the hierarchical representation of categories and subcategories without retrieving, from the video provisioning system, additional information associated with the hierarchical representation of categories and subcategories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for obtaining video streams is presented. A device-agnostic request to obtain a video stream is received from an application executing on a client device, the device-agnostic request including a universal resource identifier (URI) for the video stream, the URI including a type of the video stream and at least one of a name of the video stream and device-specific parameters for the video stream. The URI is analyzed to identify a media device from which the video stream is available. A device-specific library for the media device is identified. A device-specific request corresponding to the device-agnostic request is executed to obtain the video stream, the device-specific request including the URI. The video stream is received from the media device responsive to executing the device-specific request. The video stream is provided to the application.

Abstract: A broadcast service receiving method of a broadcast receiving device provided. The method includes: receiving a trigger including location information of a bookmark target object; extracting the location information of the bookmark target object from the trigger; receiving bookmark target object related information including bookmark signaling data by using the location information of the bookmark target object; extracting the bookmark signaling data from the bookmark target object related information; when the bookmark signaling data is extracted, displaying that a bookmark target object is able to be bookmarked; when a user input for bookmarking the bookmark target object is received, saving the location information of the bookmark target object; and displaying location information of a saved bookmark target object at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method of processing a web service in a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and the broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of providing an NRT service in a broadcasting receiver may include receiving first signaling information, identifying whether a service type of an NRT service is a web service based upon the first signaling information, identifying a web page type and a web page version of the NRT service and browsing the NRT service. The method may further include connecting a service signaling channel, parsing the received first signaling information, determining whether the NRT service is supported in the broadcasting receiver and consuming the web contents of the NRT service. The NRT service may include at least one of a fixed NRT service and a mobile NRT service. The first signaling information may be a data casting description table (DDT) if the NRT service is the fixed NRT service. The first signaling information may be a service map table (SMT) if the NRT service is the mobile NRT service.

Abstract: A digital display device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method of controlling a digital display device connected to at least one network and at least one memory includes receiving content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) over the at least one network, calculating memory capacity of an internal or external memory, storing the received content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) in the internal or external memory according to the calculated result, accessing the internal or external memory if a specific channel is selected, extracting the content (e.g., a TV program, etc.) stored in the accessed internal or external memory, and outputting video data and audio data corresponding to the extracted content (e.g., a TV program, etc.).

Abstract: Method, medium and apparatus for receiving a request for a conferencing session identifying a group to participate in the conferencing session, the group comprising a first user terminal and a second user terminal, the request identifying media content to transmit to the group during the conferencing session, initiating the conferencing session including the group, in response to the request, receiving conferencing data comprising first communication data associated with the first user terminal and second communication data associated with the second user terminal, in response to the initiating the conferencing session, generating a first media stream and a second media stream, the first media stream comprising the media content and the second communication data and the second media stream comprising the media content and the first media stream and sending the first media stream to the first user terminal and the second media stream to the second user terminal.

Abstract: A method of enabling transmission of a data service from a content server to a terminal using a data channel in a system in which at least part of the data service is transmitted to the terminal using a broadcast channel, the method including: receiving, using the broadcast channel, first data comprising part of the data service; processing the first data using a signature-generating algorithm to derive first signature data; transmitting the first signature data using the data channel to the content server; validating the first signature data by comparing said first signature data with a signature derived by processing data comprising part of the data service using a corresponding signature-generating algorithm; and enabling the terminal to access the data service using the data channel dependent on validation of the first signature data.

Abstract: An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver.

Abstract: A broadcasting method and a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is provided wherein auxiliary information, such as video and audio data for supplementing broadcast information presented through a broadcasting network in an interlocked manner can be watched and listened to by the viewer. Broadcast information received from a broadcasting network is temporarily stored in a storage means of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and a recording medium for storing auxiliary information used as a supplement to the broadcast information is mounted on the broadcast signal receiving apparatus. The broadcast information and the auxiliary information are then played back in an interlocked manner with a predetermined timing. As a result, a function to present information which cannot be accommodated in a broadcast frame and a parental function can be implemented.

Abstract: An Internet protocol television (IPTV) system includes a server operable to send a performance guide and a time code over the IPTV system to two or more clients. The server receives a performance from each of the clients over the IPTV system, combines the performances into an overall performance, and sends the overall performance over the IPTV system to the clients.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of content from multiple platforms maintains data for various video channels. Some of the video channels are television channels, while others are over-the-top (OTT) video content sources such as video streaming websites. The system includes a package generation module by which a service provider may define a package of both traditional and OTT channels to offer to subscribers in a unified programming interface. When a user uses the interface to select a set of video channels, the system compiles the set of the video channels in a subscriber package of both television and OTT channels. The system assigns a name to the subscriber package, and it stores the defined package and name, along with other information about the package, in a data storage facility for offering to a subscriber of content from the service provider.

Abstract: A smart receiver for a mashup services based on convergence includes a hardware platform which receives a digital broadcast and supports an added service, a smart receiver hardware module which supports a multimedia function of the hardware platform and a mashup service, and a smart receiver software module which supports the multimedia function and the mashup service so that a digital broadcast is received in real time via a broadcast tuner. A software module and a UX (user experience design), both of which enable access to a CDN (contents delivery network) server for a massive data mashup service, are provided in order to overcome a problem with the related art, i.e. an existing system including a smart TV and an IP STB (Internet protocol set-top box) cannot directly support a mashup service, so that a user can use the mashup service at any time.

Abstract: The present invention enables real-time video commenting by viewers of media content on a web site. The media content may be video, audio, text, still images or other types of media content. When a content viewer indicates a desire to provide a real-time video comment, a content server causes a video input device at the content viewer's location to be activated. The content viewer's video comment is captured by the video input device and transmitted to the content server, where it is stored and associated with the video being commented upon. When the original video is subsequently presented to content viewers, indicia of the video comment such as a thumbnail or description of the comment is also presented, thus inviting content viewers to view the video comment in addition to the original video.

Abstract: An integrated Set-Top Box DSL VOIP WIFI device including a housing; a telecommunications line input for accepting a telecommunications line containing a video content signal and a data content signal from a provider, the data content signal for providing the voice over internet protocol to a telecommunication's device; a virtual local area network for splitting the video content signal and the data content signal; a video output for accepting a video line for transmitting the video content signal to a video device; a data output for accepting an audio line for transmitting the data content signal to at least one of a telecommunications device and a digital computing device; an antenna for transmitting the data content signal to a wireless communications device; and a passive pass-through filter for connection for providing transmission of E911 service voice signals.

Abstract: A multi-functional display device and a method of controlling the same are disclosed herein. The multi-functional display device and method provides access to human channel services, such as social network services (SNS), on a designated channel on the display device. The method may include assigning channels for a multi-functional display device including assigning a first channel number to at least one broadcast channel, and assigning a second channel number to at least one social network service (SNS) account of one of a first individual and at least one second individual associated with the first individual. The method may include displaying a list of individuals with channel numbers on a display of the multi-functional display device in a social network service (SNS) channel mode, selecting one of the individuals on the list, and displaying information related to the individual or communicating with the selected individual using a SNS account.

Abstract: An identification server correlates the web browsing behavior of individuals with their use of social media systems. Based on these behaviors, web identifiers (referred to as identities or IDs) may be matched to social media identifiers; these matches being determined, stored, and output as a confidences that the web identity of the user corresponds to a social media identity. Each web identity may be associated with one or more social media identities. The identity correlations between web identities and social media identities may be used along with other alignments to provide information regarding the time-based media (e.g., advertisements) a user may have likely been exposed to, topics the user is interested in, and to provide targeted advertisements.

Abstract: A digital video recorder is disclosed. The digital video recorder includes at least one memory device, a plurality of communication access points for receiving at least one program play, an open application programming interface associated with the at least one memory device, and at least one correlation engine in communication with the open application programming interface. The plurality of applications correspondent to the open application programming interface allow a user to manipulate metadata associated with ones of the programs plays and the metadata relates to interframe interactivity with detailed aspects of the ones of the program plays. The at least one correlation engine provides for correlation among at least for the interframes of the program play to ones of the interframes of other ones of the program plays, and among the interframe interactivity to the interframes of the program play to interframe interactivity with the other ones of the interframes of the other ones of the program plays.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording application state information over time while simultaneous recording application streaming interactive video output. A playback means in which the recorded application video may be played back or the application may be re-executed with the application state information.

Abstract: Implementation of a virtual service includes connecting a set top box (STB) of a first user to a STB of a second user and a STB of a third user, providing a first video of the first and second users to corresponding STBs, and providing a second video of the first and third users to corresponding STBs. The virtual service also includes displaying the first video on a device of the first user and a device of the second user simultaneously with broadcast content. The virtual service further includes displaying the second video on the device of the first user and on a device of the third user simultaneously with the broadcast content. The displaying is implemented such that the second user and the third user are unaware of the mutual connection to the set top box of the first user.

Abstract: Object To improve a quality of a service that uses an application that uses a broadcast resource. Solving Means There is provided an information processing apparatus including: a broadcast processing unit that receives and processes a broadcast resource constituted of a plurality of types of media information; and a controller that acquires an application information table which stores information requisite for activating an application that can use the broadcast resource and first definition information for specifying the type of the media information of the broadcast resource usable by the application, and judges whether the broadcast resource can be used by the application in a unit of the media information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for providing interactive services used with a time sensitive interactive application are provided. A request is received for interactive services that corresponds to a program. A program identification (ID) for the program is determined. An interactive application that corresponds to the program is determined based on the program ID, where the interactive application has a corresponding interactive application ID. The interactive application ID that corresponds to the interactive application for the program is provided.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes: a display control unit for causing a display unit to display a video based on received data; an input unit, through which information input operation is performed; a first network communication unit communicably connected to a wide area network; a second network communication unit communicably connected to an information processing device; a network bridge processing unit for creating a bridge connection between the first network communication unit and the second network communication unit to make possible communication between the information processing device and the wide area network; and a user interface providing unit for receiving graphical user interface generated by the information processing device via the second network communication unit and supplying graphics data based on the graphical user interface to the display control unit, the user interface providing unit supplying information inputted from the input unit to the information processing device via the s