Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for assembling and distributing multi-media output, comprising: a rendering server; a web server; and storage, wherein the servers and the storage are operably coupled; the storage adapted to receive digital media and properties of the media, store the media and the properties, and transmit the media and the properties; the web server adapted to perform at least one of a following action: retrieve the media and properties of the media; manipulate the media and the properties; assemble the properties; and transmit at least one of a following element from a group consisting of: the properties; and the assembled properties; and the rendering server adapted to receive commands from the web server.

Abstract: A live broadcasting method and its system for SNG webcasting studio is an easy tool for producing teaching material and online live broadcasting. The system comprises SNG audio/video special effect equipment, a webeasting encoder, a synchronization control program for streaming audio/video, presentation files and digital whiteboard and a streaming server. Through the SNG webcasting studio, multimedia content is easily integrated. Teaching material is produced immediately and output for online broadcasting. Further, the system allows the integration of the broadcasted content from camcorder or VCR and PowerPoint files. Through Intranet or Internet, the teaching or training program is broadcasted online. The viewer only needs to logon Internet to watch the teaching or training program.

Abstract: A television system and method for facilitating use of closed caption text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. The system includes a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal, and a television display for displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal. A data slicer coupled to the tuner extracts the XDS signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for displaying targeted information based upon preference and/or demographic data. In one embodiment, generalized triggers are sent to a set-top box which contains the preference and/or demographic data. Downloaded addresses of targeted information are selected based upon the trigger and the preference and/or demographic data. Targeted data is then downloaded from a selected site for display to a viewer. In another embodiment, the preference and/or demographic data is stored at an upstream source. In another embodiment, multiple triggers are transmitted to the set-top box which then selects an address of targeted information from the multiple triggers based upon the preference and/or demographic data.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a digital broadcasting signal from data transmitted using an IP network, transmits an IP packet at wire-speed by performing a comparison of an IP address in a hardware scheme without a special memory when separating Internet data and digital broadcasting data (MPEG-TS) in an IP network-based digital broadcasting signal process unit.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for utilizing a coded audio/video signal to conduct commerce over the Internet. Broadcast information is broadcast from a remote location on a secondary network containing video over the secondary network to a location thereon proximate the location of the user PC. Unique information is encoded in the broadcast information representative of a location on the primary network of the remote node. The broadcast information is received and displayed on a video display at the location on the secondary network proximate the user PC. The user PC is connected to the remote node utilizing the unique information, and in accordance thereto, in response to receiving the unique information encoded within the broadcast information broadcast over the secondary network.

Abstract: In an interactive television system, an interactive television receiver can receives a carousel over a broadcast path. The broadcast server may run a carousel manager, and the carousel manager may formulate a broadcast policy to be used in constructing the carousel. The interactive television receiver may run a interface module that can process resource requests from an application program. The interface module may obtain a requested resource from the broadcast path or from a point-to-point path.

Abstract: It is possible for the present invention to obtain program-related information browser languages used in the terminals vary by carrier. A broadcast station 2 broadcasts AV stream data and its characteristic data. Basic data for determining URI is written in the characteristic data. Carrier ID is stored in each of terminal 4a through 4n. A contents-server from which program-related information being acquired is determined from the carrier ID and the basic data. Upon determining the contents-sever, program-related information is obtained therefrom by connecting one of predetermined relay centers 4a through 4n provided at the carrier via the Internet.

Abstract: A video distribution method and a video distribution system connected to a transmission path such as the Internet. The system has a video signal input unit, an encoder for converting the video signal into a digitally compressed image data, an image accumulation and distribution unit for accumulating and distributing the digitally compressed image data, a notification unit for reading the accumulated images and detecting an image change, an image browsing data converter for reducing the accumulated image, and an information terminal for accessing the images of the image accumulation and distribution unit and the image browsing data converter. The notification unit, upon detection of an image change, records the image change occurrence time. The information terminal acquires the image from the image accumulation and distribution unit or the video browsing data converter based on the change occurrence time information stored in the notification unit.

Abstract: A method for asynchronously watching programs from internet includes providing at least one IP address in connection to the internet, receiving a user's end connection through the at least one IP address, transmitting the corresponding program to the user's end over the at least one IP address, receiving the user's end connection to the random visual communication server, receiving command package to the random visual communication server from the user's end, processing the command package by the random visual communication server, the user's end requesting connection to the video program broadcasting server, receiving programs of the video program broadcasting server through the IP address, sending command package from the user's end to the video program broadcasting server, receiving responses from the video program broadcasting server after sending the command package, and playing the visual programs as randomly selected.

Abstract: An emergency voice communication technique through the Internet using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Internet phone between a central control center and a digital video recorder or between remotely located digital video recorders. The operator of the digital video recorder immediately calls the Internet phone of a predetermined remote workstation only by lifting the handset of the Internet phone connected to the digital video recorder when an alarm event is generated in the digital video recorder. If an alarm event occurs in the remote workstation, the operator of the remote workstation immediately calls the Internet phone of the digital video recorder by lifting the handset of the Internet phone connected to the remote workstation. VoIP communication between remotely located digital video recorders can be carried out through a network or the Internet using Internet phones connected to the digital video recorders.

Abstract: An enhanced television recorder and player includes a trigger inserter unit that inserts triggers into vertical blanking intervals of audio/video signals. The triggers point to resources that are stored in a storage medium or are available from a network, where the triggers, audio/video signals, and resources together can comprise a Transport Type B transmission. The audio/video signals having triggers in the vertical blanking intervals are stored in the storage medium, and during playback by a stream simulator unit, simulate a Transport Type A transmission, transformed from the Transport Type B transmission. Requested resources may be retrieved from the storage medium or from the network by a proxy unit of the receiver unit.

Abstract: Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) or other network information identifiers embedded in television signals are processed in order to permit viewers to customize the display of a corresponding program. In an illustrative embodiment, at a time prior to the scheduled display of a program or portion thereof, a given viewer makes a selection of one of a number of available alternate characteristics for the program, such as one of a number of available alternate endings. At a later time, a base URL embedded in the television signal is extracted and processed using the viewer selection in order to generate a combined URL. The combined URL is then used to establish a connection over a network with a corresponding web site or other information source, and information is retrieved from the web site and stored in a memory. The retrieved information is subsequently taken from the memory and used to modify the manner in which the program is displayed to the viewer.

Abstract: Graphics metadata is embedded in an input video signal at a first system, to form a processed video signal which is distributed to a plurality of second systems, typically cable or broadcast systems. Each individual second system can edit the metadata and insert graphics into the video based on the edited metadata so as to form a final signal for broadcast or other distribution to viewers. Thus, each second system can provide a final signal with an appearance consistent with the brand identity of that individual second system. The metadata facilitates storage and retrieval of the video.

Abstract: A digital personal video stream manager (102) includes a control processor (202), a media interface (204), and one or more control interfaces. The media interface (204) can receive broadband audio and video and convert it into digital file format for transmission on a LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11 based wireless LAN, to a personal computer (110). The media interface (204) can likewise receive digital media files from the personal computer (110) via the wireless interface, and convert them to a format for playback by the audio system (118) or television (116). Further, the digital personal video stream manager (102) can receive controls from remote users to supervise media recording. The control interfaces allow control of the digital personal video stream manager, such as via infrared remote controls.

Abstract: A device and method of displaying images and data on a display device. The device and method displays still and moving images in which at least one icon is associated and displayed with each image on a screen. A single screen may contain several images which change over time. As the images change so do the icons associated with them. Upon selection of an icon by a viewer, the device and method will display one of several possible advertisements or information associated with the icon. The selection of which advertisement or piece of information is based on information stored about the viewer. This information would include data concerning the viewer's age, income, address and hobbies. A list of selections made by a viewer is maintained and may be displayed at the viewer's request. The system may also force the display of advertisements if desired by advertisers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for exchanging audio/visual information between a caller and a called party through the Internet. The method includes the steps of setting up a session link between the caller and called party using a tunneled real time control protocol and collecting audio and video information from the caller and called party. The method further includes the steps of forming the audio and video portions into data objects, attaching a time stamp to each formed data object and exchanging the formed audio and video data objects as real time packets using a transport control protocol between the caller and called party through the session link.

Abstract: A television method and receiver are configured to receive a television broadcast signal that includes multimedia data files including hypertext data. The multimedia data files relate to a television program guide and the hypertext data includes address information that designates a linked multimedia data file. Once extracted and stored, a processor interprets the multimedia data files and generates a display signal including the television program guide and link portions based on the hypertext data. The processor is able to recognize and address information of each link portion that is pointed to by way of a user interface. The processor then retrieves the linked multimedia data file corresponding to the recognized address information and interprets the retrieved linked multimedia data file so as to generate the display signal.

Abstract: A web television includes a display, a tuner, an internet module, and a PIP module. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display on the display and to select television audio for display by a speaker of the web television. The internet module is arranged to supply internet video for display on the display and to supply internet audio for display by the speaker of the web television, and the internet video and audio are derived from internet communications between the web television and internet content providers. The PIP module is arranged to provide a PIP area within a main area of the display. The internet video and the television video may be swapped between the PIP area and the main area of the display, and the speaker of the web television may be swapped between the internet audio and the television audio.

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: Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting module reference information representing application resources in a data carousel scenario of a DASE data broadcasting system. The method includes inserting uniform resource identifier (URI) information into a DownloadServerInitiate (DSI) message that provides information regarding a module group, the module group having a predetermined number of modules and the URI information being shared by modules belonging to the module group, and inserting the remaining URI information, except for the shared URI information, into a DownloadInfoIndication (DII) message that provides the module information. Accordingly, it is possible to save space in a DII message and consequently insert more modules into the DII message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting system and an operating method thereof. The digital broadcasting system including: a transmitting unit having a unit for generating digital broadcast including audio/video broadcast and data broadcast, and a unit for registering the digital broadcast or the data broadcast on a certain internet site; and an internet terminal connecting to the internet site to receive the digital broadcast or the data broadcast. The method for operating digital broadcast at a transmitting unit of a digital broadcast system, the method including the steps of: producing data broadcast; generating the digital broadcast by using the data broadcast and audio/video broadcast; and registering the produced data broadcast or the produced digital broadcast on a certain internet site, wherein the produced data broadcast or the generated digital broadcast is provided depending on a viewer's request.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: A method of doing business and a system wherein broadcast programming is provided, the programming being primarily classified advertisements, and an automated online method and system and a semi-automated method and system for preparing, building, placing and scheduling classified advertisements to sell, lease, rent and/or use goods and services. The classified advertisements may be broadcast by television, internet or other network, or telephone.

Abstract: Certain embodiments for supporting communication of media may comprise establishing a private television channel to be showed by a first television at a first home and a second television at a second home. Personal media associated with the private television channel may be displayed along with content of a media broadcast on the first and/or second television. The personal media may be communicated over the private television channel between the televisions. An identifier associated with the first television and/or the second television may be determined and the private television channel may be established based one more identifiers. A representation of the private television channel may be presented in a channel guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television. A representation of the associated personal media for the private television channel may be presented in a media guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting storage device using a mark-up language, the storage device including: a user interface unit for allowing broadcasting information to be used or searched; a metadata processing unit for processing and parsing XML (Extensible Markup Language)-formatted broadcasting information received; a storage unit for storing the broadcasting information therein; a searching unit for searching and providing the stored broadcasting information; and a controlling unit for controlling to process, store and search the broadcasting information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protocol for broadcasting to a terminal (T) audio-visual materials (PG) from an audio-visual server, comprising a signalling source (SS) and an audio-visual source (SAV). The protocol consists, via an IP network, in acquiring (A) a descriptive file of the source (SS), in acquiring (B) from the source (SS) based on the file SDP, a broadcast signalling channel (SC), and in receiving (C) on said terminal from the signalling channel (SC) at least a digital data flow supporting the audio-visual materials (PG). The invention is useful for broadcasting audio-visual materials on INTERNET.

Abstract: A library of video advertisements are stored at a clearing house for distribution to a plurality of geographically separated theaters along with display schedules of the transmitted video advertisements. A network such as the Internet connects the clearing house to the theaters. At the theaters, the transmitted video advertisements are displayed according to the schedules. A log of the displayed advertisements is compiled at each theater and transmitted by the network to the clearing house. In addition, one or more parameters representative of attendance and/or demographics at the theater are also transmitted by the network to the clearing house.

Abstract: Methods and systems for directing a web browser to a URL, including displaying a selectable link(s), the selectable link(s) associated with the URL and processor instructions, and, based on selection of the link(s), executing the instructions to generate a post query to the URL for the data. In a second embodiment, the methods and systems include loading a first URL into the web browser, the first URL associated with the destination URL, and, after loading the first URL, directing the web browser to the destination URL. In a third embodiment, the methods and systems include requesting data associated with a first URL, based on data received from the request, constructing the destination URL, and, based on the constructed destination URL, directing the web browser to the destination URL.

Abstract: Systems and methods of billing and authentication of a communication device in a communication network are provided. In one embodiment, the system may comprise, for example, at least one communication device, a communication network, information content, and a card. The communication device may be deployed at a location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to that location. The information content may reside on the communication network and the location. The card may carry information related to one or more user-defined selections of the information content and may allow the communication device to access the user-defined selections.

Abstract: A broadcast signal is received that includes a data identifier that identifies data associated with the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal also includes the data associated with the broadcast signal encoded in the broadcast signal. The data associated with the broadcast signal includes an indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The system decodes the data encoded in the broadcast signal while ignoring the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal may include an associated time period during which the data identifier should be ignored. The data identifier is broadcast in scan line twenty-one of a broadcast image. The data associated with the broadcast signal is encoded in vertical blanking interval lines of a broadcast image.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and system for interactive broadcast and web information browsing. In embodiments of the invention, web information is presented in conjunction with a broadcast television image, either at an edge of the image screen or overlaid with the image screen in an opaque, transparent or translucent image. The presented web information is fully interactive and can be interacted with by the user using all known features of interactive web presentation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying additional information on a TV program is disclosed. In the present invention, both a detail information included in the additional information transmitted by a broadcasting station or detail information obtained from an external source such as the Internet may be displayed to a user, it requested.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data broadcasting contents authoring system which comprises: an authoring engine for modifying objects or images to fit to a data broadcasting format, and authoring new data broadcasting contents; a data converter for receiving the data broadcasting contents authored by the authoring engine, and converting the contents into a standard file format to fit to at least one data broadcasting standard; and a code generator for receiving the generated contents data from the authoring engine, and the converted contents data from the data converter, and converting them into a broadcasting contents format that fits at least one broadcasting standard. As described above, the present invention enables users to easily and quickly author desired data broadcasting contents using a WYSIWYG broadcasting contents development tool.

Abstract: In a digital television system, a receiver/decoder (or “set-top-box”) can download one or more of several applications which can be run by the receiver/decoder to provide interactivity with the user. The applications include: an Internet browser application which uses a PSTN connection to make Internet requests and the television signal path to receive Internet responses; a shopping application operable in an “impulse” mode and a “catalogue” mode; a banking application; a quiz application which runs in synchronization with a quiz television programme; a magazine browser application; and a weather or traffic application.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for enabling a radio auditor or a television viewer (100) to access complementary information (101) related to a broadcast program (102) received in real-time. The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for enabling a person (100) receiving a broadcast program (102), to select a plurality of topics drawing his or her attention (101) (103) and for immediately, or at a later time, accessing additional information related to these topics from the Word Wide Web. The system is based on a synchronization of the local times of receivers and transmitters according to a same universal-time (201) (202), so that the flow of information transmitted and received is always synchronized, independently of the relative positions of receivers and transmitters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method or computer program, for enabling a radio auditor or a television viewer (100) to access complementary information (101) related to a broadcast program (102) received in real-time (or to a recorded program previously broadcast and played back on an audio or video player/recorder). The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for enabling a person (100) receiving a broadcast program (102), (or listening or watching a recorded program), to select a plurality of topics or sequences drawing his or her attention (101, 103) and for immediately, or later on, accessing additional information related to these topics or sequences from the Word Wide Web.

Abstract: A method for eliminating the need for custom interfaces between client PC applications and DVB-T receivers. The method uses existing TCP/IP structure to provide details of all currently active connections, and uses a cross reference system on DVB-T SI to identify any filter state changes that are needed. This system obtains filter information by polling the UDP Listener Table or by detecting IGMP status changes. These methods are implemented in receiving terminals, and overcome significant limitations to current methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user (100) (an auditor or a viewer) to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest (102) in a recorded program (103) previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player (104). The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for enabling a person (100) listening to or watching a recorded program (103), to select one or a plurality of topics (101) (102) drawing his or her attention and for immediately receiving further information related to these topics from the World Wide Web. The system is based on the synchronization of local times (204) (205) of transmitters (201) and recorders (203). The flow of information transmitted, received and recorded is always synchronized, independently of the relative positions of recorders and transmitters.

Abstract: In order to eliminate viewer's waiting time for downloading metadata on a network when enjoying hypermedia by combining videos in viewer's possession and the metadata, a client device holds video data, metadata related to the video data is recorded in a server device; the server device sends the metadata to the client device through the network at the request from the client device; and the client device processes the sent metadata, thus realizing hypermedia together with local video data.

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

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides a broad-based solution for acquisition, processing and distribution of media objects including pictures (images), movies, videos, graphics, sound clips, etc via the Internet or the like. And specifically, it is a solution to such systems for use in applications wherein there are multiple originators of media objects that will be viewed in multiple web sites having different viewing requirements. A browser-based Aprepare and post@ tool prepares and submits media objects from inside a standard browser to a remote server. A Media Acquisition, Processing and Distribution (MAPD) system receives these media objects, processes them to meet specific requirements, and delivers them for integration into remote databases. MAPD system services include media object submission, processing, hosting and mirroring. The hosting service delivers a media object URL to a remote database, allowing the media object to be requested and served by the media object server.

Abstract: A browse client uses a viewing percentage counter to count the extent to which the user has played back and displayed content video data distributed from a distribution server on a screen, and transmits the extent information to the distribution server. The distribution server keeps track of the received browse extent information in a database in association with the content and the user and also sends the browse extent information to a management client having a setting unit for user registration and a mail unit of preparing electronic mail and transmitting electronic mail to each user for providing management information. The browse client provides the user with a playback button for making it possible to play back the video data starting at the previous stop point using the counted extent information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an interactive service to an end-user, the method includes: providing a program to an end-user; detecting a request to participate in an interactive service; and initializing an interactive session and enabling the end-user to receive a delayed program in response to a progress of the interactive service.

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

Abstract: A system and method for the management of common consumption of media in a media exchange network is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for control by a first user at a first location in a media exchange network of the simultaneous consumption of media content by other users at other locations in the media exchange network. The media content consumed may comprise audio, still pictures, video, and data. The first user may consume the media content simultaneous with the consumption of the other users, and the media content may be stored at the location of the first user, or at other locations in the media exchange network.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for customizing media content distributed by a multicast network based on a stored user profile. A new high quality video distribution method is disclosed. A new system supporting targeted, interactive advertising is taught. The tracking of media content consumed in the home is enabled. Media content producers are provided with a new connection to media content consumers. Unwanted media channels are no longer distributed to a customer.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Abstract: A system and method supporting the communication of indication of activity in a communication network are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit a first user to send an activity indication to a pre-defined group of other users, to enable members of the group of other users to engage in additional media exchange activities with the first user. The activity indication sent to the other users may comprise information descriptive of the media consumption activity of the first user. A user of an embodiment of the present invention may define a set of conditions in which received activity indications result in a notification of the user. Notification of the user may comprise displaying a graphical image, generating a sound, or lighting an indicator on a set top box.