Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of synchronizing media streams among a plurality of digital home communication terminals (DHCTs). The method comprises the steps of: decoding a stream of encoded media frames; receiving an indication of a desired playout time; determining a variation between the target playout time and the desired playout time; and adjusting the decoder playout speed to reduce the variation. At least a first portion of the frames have a target playout time conveyed in the stream. The indication of desired playout time is received for at least a second portion of the frames.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sharing private content. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a designation of a share location from which private content of a first user of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system can be obtained. The method also includes receiving identifications of a plurality of other users of the IPTV system. The method also includes notifying a video server to include an indicator of the private content with video content sent to a plurality of set-top box devices, where each of the plurality of other users is associated with one of the plurality of set-top box devices.

Abstract: Techniques for Internet Protocol (IP) video integration within a home viewing network are provided. Locally acquired IP video content is assigned a channel on a television (TV). The assigned channel is associated with a same source input of the TV that includes other channels that present externally acquired TV programming content. The TV programming content and the local IP video content can both be accessed on a TV over the same source input via references to appropriately assigned channels.

Abstract: A real-time program transmission system and method may receive a signal from a content source, and generate two different data streams. One stream may be of a higher quality than the other. The two streams may then be inserted into time slice frames, such that a single frame carries two portions of data: one corresponding to a first time segment in the program, and a second corresponding to a different time segment in the program. A receiving mobile terminal may buffer the received data, and may use the lower quality data as a backup in the event of a transmission error in the higher quality data.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment there is provided a computer program executable on a computing platform to at least in part analyze data at least in part obtained from one or more data sources of an Internet-protocol television (IPTV) network, wherein the data provided by the data sources includes set-top-box data, subscriber data, demographic data, content server data and network usage data. In another embodiment, the computer program at least in part correlates video provisioning information obtained from the data sources, individual subscriber channel viewing information, subscriber data and demographic data to provide informative views of data. The provisioning information may include information such as what programs or television (TV) commercials are shown on each channel during different time periods and the TV or video-on-demand program category information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a similar broadcasting service in a DVB-H system. The method includes: configuring and broadcasting Electric Service Guide (ESG) data including service linking information in which a DVB-H transmission server including data and access information about at least one linked service set in a certain DVB-H service; and receiving and storing the ESG data by a DVB-H reception terminal, detecting service linking information corresponding to a DVB-H service during reception from the ESG data if a reception intensity of signals is less than a preset reference value during reception of the DVB-H service, stopping reception of the DVB-H service being currently received, and receiving a linked service included in the service linking information with reference to the detected service linking information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing enhanced advertising media are described herein. In particular, interactive music and music videos can be provided to a viewer of a television (TV) upon the request of the viewer. Additionally, the viewer can choose which music and/or music videos he/she would like to view at a particular time as well as order such music and/or music videos.

Abstract: A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting—method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer.

Abstract: Techniques for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) stream management within a home viewing network are provided. A plurality of IPTV streams are presented on viewing devices within the home viewing network. Descriptive information is presented with each of the presentations. The descriptive information includes at least a status for each of the IPTV streams and a location for each of the IPTV streams within the home viewing network. Moreover, the presentation permits selectable actions to be taken with respect to any of the IPTV streams within the home viewing network.

Abstract: In a digital broadcasting system comprising a server for retransmitting a digital broadcast on the basis of an Internet protocol (IP), a user terminal for receiving the digital broadcast on the basis of the IP, and a router for connecting the server with the user terminal, the server performs a method for providing the broadcasting channel information that includes the steps of dividing a broadcasting stream to be transmitted to the user terminal into the broadcasting channel information and other information excluding the broadcasting channel information by demultiplexing the broadcasting stream and extracting the broadcasting channel information from the divided broadcasting stream, converting the extracted broadcasting channel information into IP-based broadcasting channel information by inserting the Internet protocol information for each broadcasting channel into the extracted broadcasting channel information, and remultiplexing the IP-based converted broadcasting channel information and the other inform

Abstract: A production facility receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program contents. At the production facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real time based at least in part on the interaction of the production with the viewers.

Abstract: A system for broadcasting enhanced television content may provide for early notification of web hosting facilities when uniform resource locators may be broadcast with television content. When uniform resource locators are broadcast with television content, a large number of users may attempt to simultaneously access the hosting web site for the uniform resource locator. By providing early warning through the television broadcast system, the web servers which handle the load of attempted web accesses may gear up for the load spike. Through an automatic system, a relatively failsafe procedure may be implemented to ensure that the web hosting facilities receive notice sufficient to enable them to prepare for the onslaught of attempted accesses.

Abstract: A method and system for use in providing content to a viewer that includes providing a service comprising an on demand video service to the viewer wherein the viewer has an option to view video content. The system is configured to compensate the viewer a reward for having viewed the video content, and the system maintains an accounting of the reward and corresponding viewer identification.

Abstract: A data transmission system and method for DVB-H signals for enhancing data robustness of a DVB-H receiver in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels includes transmitting IP datagrams from a DVB-H transmitter to the DVB-H receiver; applying a MPE section and a FEC section to the transmitted IP datagrams; mapping the transmitted IP datagrams to TS packets; aligning boundaries of the transmitted IP datagrams to a given number of TS packets; fixing a size of the IP datagrams to a known value at the DVB-H receiver; and extracting the IP datagrams from the DVB-H receiver.

Abstract: A DVB-H transmitter having a plurality of video encoders each having a variable bit rate associated with IP datagrams for each television program broadcast by one RF channel. A method is also provided for statistical multiplexing of video channels for DVB-H mobile TV applications, wherein the method includes jointly configuring a plurality of video encoders each having a variable bit rate associated with IP datagrams for each television program broadcast by one RF channel.

Abstract: A broadcast pause and resume system may enable replay from a random access memory of video information received from a video distribution source such as cable, broadcast television or satellite distribution as examples. Key frames may be stored which enable the replay from the memory of both video and enhanced content. In some embodiments of the present invention, a reference to stored enhanced content may be stored instead of storing the entire contents of a browser cache.

Abstract: A system for providing pre-paid access to digital streaming media tracks a number of credits associated with each subscriber. The system measures subscriber use of a digital media stream by embedding frame indicators in the stream at periodic intervals. Each frame indicator includes a URL or other response address. The frame indicators may be inserted, for example, in an RTP header of the digital media stream. Subscriber devices, upon receiving frame indicators, send responses to the response address. With each response received from a subscriber device, the system decrements the number of credits available to the subscriber. The system may stop delivering the media stream to a subscriber who runs out of credits, until that subscriber purchases more credits.

Abstract: An advertising system using digital media collects information from a plurality of sources, automatically processes the information based on set of predetermined criteria, and provides processed information to a plurality of information and advertising display devices. The advertising system allows the information feed provided to each of the display devices to be customized based on a rule set so that the information displayed on each section of a particular display device is customized according to predetermined criteria. The advertising system also allows a user of a particular display device to provide local information that to be displayed in a section of that particular display device.

Abstract: A method for interactive Internet protocol television in which program channels and an announcement channel are received over the IP medium. Triggers contained in the announcement channel can be used to alter a viewer's viewing experience. The bandwidth required for the announcement channel is not fixed, rather it is a function of the triggers contained therein. The program channels and the announcement channel can be provided by independent sources. The method can provide for efficient use of the bandwidth in the IP medium and can provide greater flexibility to the viewer with regard to the source of program and announcement channels.

Abstract: An IP-based television interactive broadcast system that includes: a first subsystem, the first subsystem receiving and storing raw content arriving from a content generation source; a second subsystem, the second subsystem processing the received content by performing at least one of encoding, editing, inserting interactive modules into the content, or inserting special affects and graphics in the received content, and a third subsystem, the third subsystem having the capability to stack multiple streaming files into a playlist, store all of the processed content from the second subsystem, broadcast, control access, and manage the delivery of streams/channels to worldwide audiences. The IP-based television interactive broadcast system capable of delivering an unlimited number of channels containing multiple content, where the channels are interactive 2-way streams contained within a single IP Internet session.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending recording and/or downloading suggestions to a DVR user are provided. According to one technique, a list of suggestions is received from a recommending entity. Each of the suggestions identifies either to-be-broadcasted content or downloadable content. The entity is mapped to the list, thereby establishing an entity-to-list mapping. Data, which indicates a user's selection of a list, is received. The user's DVR is mapped to the selected list, thereby establishing a DVR-to-list mapping. Based on this mapping, one or more candidate items are automatically selected from among a set of items. Identities of the candidate items are sent to the DVR. The recommending entity does not own or operate the DVR.

Abstract: A processor for a cable television set-top box has an interface for coupling the processor to a second processor. The processor also has a port that is coupleable to control a tuner, a demodulator and a DOCSIS module with or without DSG support. The tuner has an output coupled to the demodulator input, and the demodulator has an output to the DOCSIS module input. The demodulator's output is also coupled to a conditional access module controlled by the second processor. The processor issues commands via the port to control at least one of the tuner and the demodulator based on instructions received via the interface from the second processor.

Abstract: A method and system that implement a process for managing video information on a video recording device. The management process involves receiving a video input signal including a video stream, obtaining content information corresponding to the video stream, associating the content information with the video stream, and storing the video stream and associated content information in a database as a searchable index for the video stream. The searchable index includes location of the stored video stream and identifies the associated content information. Then, content information from an input signal corresponding to a video stream is captured for analysis and searching the index to identify stored video streams related to the video program for suggestion to the user.

Abstract: An aggregator is provided in connection with advertisement swapping. The aggregator can be implemented in an interactive television system so as to perform real-time aggregation of trigger information for advertisement swapping through cooperation with content providers or third-party entities. The aggregated information can then be made available to set top boxes and/or ancillary devices of subscribers. Advertisement swapping may be performed via use of the trigger information to perform channel switching to a channel that broadcasts substitute advertisements or via use of the trigger information to retrieve substitute advertisements from a storage unit. The advertisement swapping may be performed by devices of opted-in subscribers, or by devices at a broadcast center.

Abstract: A digital broadcast signal is received to a digital television receiver in a computer. The digital broadcast signal is processed to extract enhanced content data. The enhanced content data is stored in a web browser cache. The web browser cache is interrogated with an application programming interface. Responsive to the application programming interface interrogating the web browser cache, the enhanced content data is provided to a personal web server. The enhanced content data in the personal web server is stored and providing to at least one client device.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a set top box for playing Web TV. The set top box includes a control unit, a network transmission interface, a data transmission interface, and a first interface. The set top box can be connected to a multimedia player through the first interface, such that a multimedia processing unit of the multimedia player can control the control unit and the multimedia processing unit to decode audio/video signals transmitted from the network transmission interface and the data transmitter, and output images and sounds. Therefore, through the multimedia processing unit of the multimedia player, the set top box is able to play Web TV. The invention also discloses a multimedia player, a system capable of playing Web TV, and a method of integrating the set top box and multimedia player for playing Web TV.

Abstract: A content processing method and apparatus which can maximize user convenience by allocating content available in a home network to an empty TV channel are provided. The content processing method includes storing channel information regarding a plurality of broadcast channels to which a broadcast signal has been set, storing channel information regarding a plurality of empty channels to which no broadcast signal has been set, issuing a request for a content list to and receiving a content list from one of a plurality of server devices connected to a home network, mapping the content list to a plurality of empty channels, and selecting one of the channels to which the content list is mapped, and playing back content included in the selected channel.

Abstract: A data distribution apparatus includes a data file configured to store video data and advertisement data to be provided to a receiving terminal of a Video on Demand service; a video distributing unit configured to distribute video data in accordance with a distribution request from the receiving terminal; a video presentation confirming unit configured to confirm a presentation state of the video data at the receiving terminal; an advertisement distribution determining unit configured to determine distribution of advertisement data to the receiving terminal when it is confirmed that the video data to be distributed by the video distributing unit is being called; and an advertisement distributing unit configured to distribute the advertisement data.

Abstract: A method and a communication network system for increased viewership of a public event or broadcast program which is affected by providing incentives to the viewers in the nature of a sweepstake program drawn from the viewers' responses to queries communicating to the viewers in connection with the event or broadcast presentation. Sweepstake rules are selectable to encourage viewer interaction and engagement with the presentation. Dynamic incentive drivers are applied in real time to further enhance viewer participation and excitement. Broadcast sponsor shares in the revenue generated by the service provider providing the communication services by which the viewers' responses are made in response to the queries.

Abstract: A control device that interacts with a television system. The control device may receive a user input identifying a video selection. At least one module of the control device may display video information corresponding to the video selection. The control device may alternately, or in addition, cause display of the video information on a television system. The control device may respond to a second user input identifying a storage selection by triggering storage of the video information in a storage unit corresponding to the storage selection. The control device may also receive a third user input identifying a replay request for other video information that may be selected from a plurality of stored videos. The control device may direct display of the other video information on the television system and/or on a display of the control device.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for announcing and identifying metadata relating to available video programs and/or enhancements in an enhanced television communications system compliant with the standard set forth by the Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF). In particular, the method provides for a new attribute to the existing Session Description Protocol (SDP) announcement specified by the ATVEF standard which is used by client receivers to access metadata. Metadata is data that describes other data, in particular, that describe available video programs and/or enhancements transmitted by a content creator and/or transport operator. The new SDP announcement provides a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) to allow client receivers to identify the incoming metadata. Additionally, the new SDP announcement further can provides the address and/or port if the metadata is located on a network database.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for finding an Internet or E-mail address. Internet or E-mail addresses are noted in the content of many teletext pages regardless of whether they contain advertising or information. The addresses are currently transmitted within the visible area of a teletext page so that the user must normally copy them and enter them into an Internet browser. The invention is based on the object of creating a simplified method for finding an Internet or E-mail address. The method according to the invention for finding an Internet or E-mail address which is reproduced in a teletext system, comprising visible areas and non-visible areas of the teletext system, a selection unit, a control unit and a link unit, is distinguished by the fact that the address in the visible area is selected by the selection unit, the control unit recognizes the selected address, the control unit accepts and/or modifies the address format and the address is selected via the link unit.

Abstract: An interface device to a broadcast medium uses the Internet Protocol communication layer to communicate with other devices on a network. The device may be associated with a single controlling device on the network, through which other devices on the same network may query and schedule the interface device. The interface device may accept several sources of broadcast or other media, including video and audio, and prepare and normalize the content for used by other devices. Several different physical interfaces may be used to subsequently convert the Internet Protocol communications into useful content streams for various devices, including storage and rendering devices.

Abstract: A method for providing enhanced programming to an entertainment module where the display of the enhanced programming is prepared remotely from the entertainment module. The method includes a step for analyzing a programming transmission stream deliverable to an entertainment module, remotely from the entertainment module, to identify whether the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal. In the event that the transmission stream includes at least one enhanced programming control signal, a step for preparing, remotely from the entertainment module, a visual representation of the enhanced programming based upon the at least one enhanced programming control signal. Following preparing the enhanced programming by the preparing step, a step for delivering the visual representation of the enhanced programming to the entertainment module.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which there are provided a communication means that communicates through a network, a printing means that outputs and image based on image data by forming it on a recording sheet, an inputting means into which information transfer items corresponding to a specific event and an information transfer target address are inputted, a table in which the information transfer items and the information transfer target address are recorded according to the setting inputted from the inputting means, and a control means that controls image forming and controls to transfer the contents of the information transfer items to the formation transfer target address through the network referring to the table, when the specific event is caused.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer medium, and other embodiments for synchronizing control of one or more devices at predetermined times are described. A host scheduler loads a to-do list of predetermined events and corresponding time-tags into memory and broadcasts scheduled events to the devices to cause activation of the events on intended devices.

Abstract: A user interface is configured to identify and display each of the one or more service providers servicing the user's computing system. The interface also identifies the presence information that is being supplied to the service providers by the user's computing system for publication. The presence information that is provided to the service providers can include, but is not limited to, the name, alias, location, and network status of the user. A user can make global or discrete customized changes to the presence information that is provided to each of the service providers through the user interface. Modifications made to the presence information can also be made automatically to reflect a new condition or status in the user's presence on a network that is provided by a service provider.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for generating a graphics window that is capable of emulating enhanced video from a combined video and interactive content stream. The set-top emulator can randomly access the combined video and interactive content stream to provide an easy manner of randomly accessing portions of the combined video and interactive stream for quality control purposes. Random access allows selective viewing of the enhanced video which saves time. Additionally, the combined video and interactive content stream can be simultaneously viewed as it is being produced to allow immediate feedback to an interactive television producer.

Abstract: An improved short life coupon system which allows a television viewer to select discount or promotional coupons while viewing a television commercial. Coupon information relating to the commercial is sent to a central station which also contains up-to-date point-of-sale information. This information is analyzed by the central station so that the coupon can be specifically designed to satisfy the viewer and maximize sales.

Abstract: A viewer can initiate and then defer a transaction conducted via an interactive television system. The transaction can involve obtaining information or ordering goods or services available from a network, such as the Internet, that is accessible via the interactive television system. As an example, while the viewer is watching a television commercial, the viewer can begin a transaction to order a product advertised in the commercial. If for some reason the viewer does not complete the transaction by the time the commercial has finished broadcasting, the viewer can complete the transaction at a later time. A user input device is useable to initiate the transaction, to store information related to the transaction, and then to use the stored information to complete the transaction if the transaction has been previously deferred.

Abstract: A viewer of television programming is alerted to the availability of content related to the programming (e.g. an associated Internet web page) by an icon momentarily displayed on the screen. Using a remote control, the viewer can select the icon. A control panel then appears, superimposed over the television image, and provides additional detail about the related content. By further operating the remote control, the viewer can select the associated content for viewing, or return to watching the television. Various other features and variations are disclosed.

Abstract: A master movie and player are created on the fly. The master movie is created based on characteristics of a movie or other asset to be viewed by the player. The player is constructed from a template having rudimentary player capabilities for a predetermined connection speed. Tracks selected by suppliers and user/e-tailers are added to customize the player. Different players are constructed for various predetermined connection speeds. When an asset is to be viewed, a server downloads the master movie matching a content viewer's request to the content viewer's machine. The master movie determines the connection speed and send a message back to the server. The server then downloads the player for the asset requested by the content viewer and matching the content viewer's connection speed. The requested asset is then streamed to the content viewer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying Internet content associated with television programming. Content associated with a program included in the television programming is automatically displayed by a set top box. Before the broadcast of a program, listing information or EPG data is stored at the set top box. The listing information includes batch mode logical addresses or links. During the program, a viewer is notified about the link, and the content may be accessed and displayed concurrently with the program. In addition, real-time logical addresses or links, which are embedded in the program, may be extracted and the viewer is notified of these links. If both the real time and batch links are available, a determination is made according to pre-defined rules regarding which link is brought to the attention of the viewer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide alternative content during an intermission in a main content experience. The method includes receiving a pause signal and starting a pause interval. When the pause interval exceeds a predetermined length, alternative content is provided to the user. A network termination unit receives the pause signal and includes a controller that ceases distribution of the main content and starts a timer to time the pause interval. The network termination unit has a content source that may include a local store of main content, alternative content, or both. It may also include a port operable to pull content from a content server.

Abstract: A computerized system for integrating internet sources and television sources in a convergence system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the system integrates both television channels and internet channels in a single list of channels available on the system. The lists of channels are stored in an electronic program database. The system solves the problem of managing multiple channels from multiple sources by seamlessly integrating channels from the television with channels from the internet in a single channel list.

Abstract: A system interrelating a program to be broadcast with a CM stored on a network 5 is implemented. The CMs (second contents) stored on the network 5 are each assigned a URL, while the program (first content) to be broadcast is embedded with tag information, which is used to specify the URL of the CM to be interrelated with the program for reproduction and output. Based on the tag information embedded in the received program, a TV commerce terminal 1 specifies any one URL and then fetches the CM having the URL assigned.

Abstract: An interactive information aggregator is provided for off-broadcast access to trigger information, which can include interactive television triggers, accompanying content and data, network addresses. The aggregator can be implemented in an interactive television system so as to perform real-time capture and aggregation of trigger information through cooperation with content providers, use of a network of collection devices deployed in the interactive television system, or generation of trigger information by third-party entities. The aggregated information can then be made available to ancillary devices used by viewers, independently of being provided to a set top box and television. For instance, the aggregated information can be provided to ancillary devices that do not have direct access or capability to process television broadcast signals.

Abstract: A system in which a video signal, such as a television program, is received and displayed to a viewer. The system has a user-selectable chat option in which the viewer can enter text messages that will be displayed to other viewers of the video signal who have also selected the chat option. A transcript of the text messages from all of the viewers who have selected the chat option is displayed to all such viewers. The video signal is simultaneously displayed on a graphical user interface having a video region for display of the video signal and a chat region for display of the transcript of text messages.

Abstract: The invention is intended to facilitate the recording presetting of programs from a remote site. A program information providing apparatus having a storage section for storing program information, which is attribute information about a program, and a program chart, the program information and the program chart being sent via a network in response to a request from a portable terminal apparatus, the program information providing apparatus comprising: a search section for searching the storage section for the program information in response to a program recording preset request from the portable terminal apparatus to which the program table has been sent; a program recording preset script generating section for generating a program recording preset script, which is a control command for causing a recording apparatus to record a user-specified program listed in the program chart to a recording medium, and a sending section for sending the generated script.