Abstract: There is provided a method device and system for streaming media content to a media presentation appliance. There may be provided an appliance specific media stream generator adapted to derive an appliance specific stream from a multicast media stream. The generator may convert a multicast media stream addressed to a set of media presentation appliances into either (1) one or more unicast media streams, wherein each unicast media stream is addressed to a separate media presentation appliance; or (2) a multicast media stream addressed to a subset of the set of media presentation appliances. In both cases, the media content within the derived media stream may be substantially identical to the media content of the original multicast media stream. The generator may also introduce content (e.g. advertising) into the derived media stream(s).

Abstract: A method of facilitating the organization and presentation of video e-mails containing embedded video provides a repository for distinguishing video e-mails from regular e-mails, displays the contents of the repository (e.g., as a list of thumbnails, etc.), and, in response to their selection, streams embedded videos from within the e-mail client where the body of an e-mail is usually displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing custom media channels within an Interactive Digital Program Guide (IDPG) of a device having a set-top box function associated with a cable or satellite television network. In general, a user interacts with the set-top box function to define a custom media channel. The custom media channel may be defined by a channel name and user preferences. Once the custom media channel is defined, an Internet search is performed based on the user preferences in order to identify media presentations for the custom media channel. Thereafter, when a user selects the custom media channel via the IDPG, the media presentations are played in a substantially continuous stream in either a predetermined or random sequence.

Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.

Abstract: A mobile terminal 10, which includes a TV receiver to receive a broadcast of a TV program and which is provided with the function of recording and pre-programming a received TV program, uses the detection parts (151, 152, 153) to detect the occurrence of an event which will preclude the operation of the TV program recording function, and uses the message transmission/reception part 155 to instruct the recording or pre-programming of an in-recording or pre-programmed TV program, based on an instruction from the event occurrence detection part 154, to a server device 20 or a video recorder 30, which is an external recording device having the TV program recording function and connected with the mobile terminal via a communication line (50).

Abstract: In an implementation of broadcast content delivery, content is broadcast to television-based client devices via a broadcast communication link. The content can be generated for display to include a user-selectable control to initiate a request for additional content that includes broadcast content and/or on-demand content. A content provider receives the request for the on-demand content from a client device via a two-way communication link, and broadcasts the on-demand content to the television-based client devices via a channel of the broadcast communication link. The content provider also communicates an identifier via the two-way communication link to the client device such that the client device can identify the channel of the broadcast communication link and receive the on-demand content via the broadcast communication link.

Abstract: A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.

Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.

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: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: In delivering an entertainment program over a communications network, e.g., a cable TV network, interactive application data for realizing interactive features in the entertainment program are interjected into the program stream carrying the entertainment program on an as needed basis. Because the entire channel bandwidth is temporarily dedicated for transmission of the interactive application data, whose amount is relatively small compared with that of the video and audio data of the programming content, the interactive application data when transmitted appears as a short “burst,” causing a virtually unnoticeable interruption in the programming content delivery.

Abstract: A system for creating and viewing customized multimedia segments allows a user to create event identification data from in-band data in a program stream. The in-band data is processed and compiled into event identification data associated with the content stream. The event identification data identifies patterns or sequences of in-band data associated with events in the content stream. Metadata are also included in the event identification data. The event identification data is provided to multimedia devices which receive multimedia content streams containing content streams with in-band data. The in-band data are parsed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to identify events or perform specified actions.

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: The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and un-pausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.

Abstract: A system and method of providing broadcast channel information generates a join message to join a broadcast channel information multicast group, sends the join message to a network, and stores a broadcast channel information table received from the network. Therefore, there is no need to receive broadcast channel information every time a set-top box is turned on or off.

Abstract: A system that includes a speaker workstation and a system that includes an auditor device. The speaker workstation is configured to perform a method for generating a Speech Hyperlink-Time table in conjunction with a system of universal time. The speaker workstation creates a Speech Hyperlink table. While a speech is being spoken by a speaker, the speaker workstation recognizes each hyperlinked term of the Speech Hyperlink table being spoken by the speaker, and for each recognized hyperlinked term, generates a row in the Speech Hyperlink-Time table. The auditor device is configured to perform a method for processing a speech in conjunction with a system of universal time. The auditor device determines and records, in a record of a Selections Hyperlink-Time table, a universal time corresponding to a hyperlinked term spoken during a speech.

Abstract: A system and method for producing and receiving interactive broadcasting having a broadcast signal with a hypermedia channel and a logical multicast data channel. The logical multicast data channel has a broadcast signal markup stream (BSMS). The system users have a receiver with an interactivity module and a communication module. The BSMS allows user selectable objects to be displayed to users of the system. BSMS objects can be generated by combining speech recognition, language (and optionally video) processing, and keyword searches. By selecting objects various information relating to those objects may be displayed to users. A portion of the logical multicast channel may be employed to provide interactivity between users. A variation eliminates the BSMS either by employing a markup stream server to provide access links or by generating link content directly in the receiver by the same process.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer readable medium is disclosed for synchronizing a performance of a plurality of presentation content portions at a network node, wherein, e.g., when two such content portions are to be presented concurrently at the network node, at least one is delayed until the other such portion can be presented concurrently therewith. That is, these two portions may be received by the network node at times sufficiently far apart so that the earlier received content portion must have its presentation appropriately delayed in order to be presented concurrently with the second content portion. In one embodiment, the content portions are transmitted via at least a portion of the Internet to a plurality of network nodes, wherein the presentation system can distribute the presentation content data to the network nodes via a plurality of network routes and presentation formats. In particular, a first portion of the content data may be provided as slides in, e.g.

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 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 method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for an XML-based personal media broadcaster, in which TV programs, which are multimedia, are provided to allow a viewer to view a program desired by him or her at a desired time and at a desired place by compositely implementing an open service architecture, a time-shift function and a place-shift function, thus enabling the platform for a personal media broadcaster to be implemented. The present invention includes an XML module (150) for allowing XML-based communication and control protocols to work in conjunction with middleware of the platform, thus enabling the broadcast reception module (120), the storage and playback module (130), and the IP streamer module (140) to work in conjunction with each other. The XML module (150) executes operation commands between the platform for PMB and the wireless terminal so that the operation commands are transmitted in a bidirectional transmission manner.

Abstract: In a web information processing apparatus (100), a web page information acquisition unit (106) acquires information of a web page being browsed with a web browser (103). Then, an association determination unit (202) determines whether or not that web page is stored in an associated web page information holding unit (109). If it is so stored, then a program search unit (203) searches for an associated program and notifies the existence of an associated program to a user through an associated-program notification unit (204).

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 system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) comprising a controller to analyze media content provided by a media content provider, wherein the media content is scheduled content with limited temporal accessibility, select at least a portion of the media content and at least one recipient media device to receive the portion of the media content, the selection of the portion of the media content being based on the analysis of the media content, transmit the portion of the media content to a DVR, wherein the DVR stores the portion of the media content, and transmit a metadata pointer associated with the portion of the media content stored in the DVR to a server, wherein a request to accept the portion of the media content is received by the at least one recipient media device via the server, and wherein the portion of the media content is retrieved from the DVR by the server based on the metadata pointer when the at least one recipient media device

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to manage a library of pointers to altered media content, and enable a network element of an interactive media network to access additional media content responsive to detecting a selection of the watermark at the network element. The altered media content is created by embedding a watermark in media content presentable at the network element. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

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 system for receiving a digital broadcast includes an input terminal that receives the digital broadcast containing scalable data, and a controller for controlling an operation mode of the system. In addition, the system may also include a processor that decodes the data, and a power management device that varies the amount of data to be decoded according to the operation mode.

Abstract: A server retrieves user group data and information that indicates when a selected segment of a commercial media program is to be aired on a first medium. The server also receives content that is related to the selected segment of the commercial media program, and delivers it via a second medium. The server delivers the related content via the second medium based on the user group data, and at about the same time the selected segment is being aired on the first medium. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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 system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.

Abstract: A device consistent with certain embodiments has a television receiver and an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) receiver. A decoder decodes television programming from either of the television receiver or the IPTV receiver. A programmed processor(s) retrieves metadata relating to television programming, IPTV content, any installed Widgets, and the television (TV) receiver device's function, all of which are considered search targets. The programmed processor stores tags from the metadata in a database and associates the tags with their targets. A search engine searches the database for tags in response to a search query and to retrieve the associated target on command. The control processor executes the target by either tuning to the target's program content or by launching or resuming a Widget or TV device function. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An Advanced Television Systems Committee Digital Television (ATSC DTV) transmitter transmits a digital multiplex that includes a legacy DTV channel and a mobile DTV channel. The mobile DTV channel is conveyed in mobile packets that comprise mobile data and additional mobile training information. A mobile packet comprises 207 bytes wherein 2 bytes are header information, 20 bytes are Reed-Solomon (RS) parity information and 185 bytes convey mobile data and mobile training information. The mobile training information is inserted into mobile packets such that the additional training information appears in contiguous positions after convolutional interleaving.

Abstract: A rich media file is a self-contained file, including both the information to be viewed by a user and the viewer that displays the information to the user. The information can be formatted however the client likes: for example, the information can be split across several pages, and can include text and still and animated images. There can also be web links to pages on a network, and e-mail forms to simplify sending an e-mail message to the client. The rich media file can include viewing limitations, so that only the proper password can unlock the file, or that the rich media file will automatically expire after a specified condition occurs. The rich media file also assists the user in obtaining the latest version of the rich media file, by offering to retrieve a newer version for the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of utilizing hyperlinks in connection with video services are disclosed. One such method includes receiving a video program having a start time. This method also includes receiving, before the start time, a media object associated with the video program. This method also includes storing the media object, and displaying the media object and the video program on a screen.

Abstract: A display system and method are disclosed. The system comprises a data transmitting apparatus built in a computer and a data receiving apparatus connected to a remote VGA/DVI display device, in which the data transmitting apparatus comprises a collecting unit for collecting screen data and/or audio data in video signals and a local control unit for encoding said screen data and/or audio data and transmitting said encoded screen data and/or audio data; the data receiving apparatus comprises a remote control unit for controlling the reception of said screen data and/or audio data and decoding it, a buffer unit for controlling the audio/video data decoded by the remote control unit to be placed into a memory for buffering, and an output unit for converting the buffered screen data and/or audio data into a format supported by the VGA/DVI display device and/or audio format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or an operation for providing a personalized TV-Anytime metadata service. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of transmitting non-anonymous user metadata to a TV-Anytime service agent using a SOAP operation, comprising the steps of a) defining a SOAP operation which transmits user metadata and is capable of identifying transmission of non-anonymous user metadata, b) the service agent identifying a user, c) a client loading user metadata about the identified user on an element of the SOAP operation defined at step a) and transmitting the element with the user metadata to the service agent, and d) the service agent identifying the element of the SOAP operation transmitted at step c) and extracting the user metadata included in the element of the SOAP operation therefrom.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred content. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The invention provides objects called a capture requests that are sent by the service to client systems. Capture requests reflect local storage management decisions about how the client system storage is partitioned.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a broadcast receiver, identification information for identifying a currently received broadcast station. The method also includes receiving, from an external server, state information which indicates a state of a service for providing information concerning the currently received broadcast station corresponding to the identification information. In addition, the method includes providing information, from a server, depending on whether a URL is included in the state information. The method further includes transmitting, to the broadcast receiver, the state information and an address corresponding to the service, after receiving the identification information from the broadcast receiver and the state information from the external server.

Abstract: A device for obtaining, storing and displaying information from a remote server, the device has a modem for establishing communication sessions with the remote server. A memory coupled to the modem stores the obtained information, and a display is coupled to the memory for displaying the stored information. The device automatically and periodically communicates with the remote server for obtaining the information.

Abstract: A method for starting an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service is provided, which includes the following steps. Before the terminal accesses an IP network, an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)-based join request message carrying multicast program channel data is sent via a physical link connection. Then, a media stream of a multicast group which the join request message requests to join in is acquired. A device and a system for starting an IPTV service and an IPTV terminal are also provided. The IPTV service startup speed is accelerated, and the time spent on waiting for the startup of the IPTV services is shortened.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information.

Abstract: A system and method for e-mail control of a digital personal video stream manager (102), for example, to program a video recording device (114). The system includes a personal computer (110) having an e-mail client (1802) and equipping the e-mail client with a DPVSM control plug in (1800). The DPVSM control plug in (1800) is adapted to identify a special DPVSM control e-mail (1900) which is then translated by the DPVSM control program (312). The digital personal video stream manager (102) then activates at the appropriate time to record the program.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing, managing and cataloguing video tracks generated by a video surveillance system. Systems and methods operating in accordance with the present invention receive video tracks from a video surveillance system; analyze them for particular categories of, for example, objects or events, assign unique identifying tags to the video tracks; and save them in highly-cross-referenced databases so that video tracks containing, for example, particular objects or events can be easily searched for and recalled. In addition, the present invention provides browsing facilities for viewing events that have just elapsed, events that are occurring in near real-time.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a carrier medium for securely distributing multimedia while still retaining compatibility with existing CA systems. The method includes forming a packet including a plurality of encrypted multimedia stream segments. The packet further includes, for each segment of the plurality, a field providing conditional access information associated with the segment. The method further includes sending the packet to an intermediary. The method is such that the intermediary receiving the packet can send a first segment of the plurality and any associated conditional access information to a first receiver, and send a second segment of the plurality and any associated conditional access information to a second receiver. The method is also such that no decryption of any segment of the plurality is required by the intermediary to send the first segment or to send the second segment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a digital stream, inclusive of an Internet Protocol (IP) datagram, is transmitted to a digital device. IP datagram comprises an IP header and a body segmented including a plurality of packets in an MPEG format such as MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 for example. The plurality of packets comprises (i) a first packet including a payload having content and a header that comprises a first packet identifier to indicate a type of the content contained in the payload of the first packet, and (ii) a second packet including a payload and a secondary packet identifier to indicate that its payload includes content duplicative of the content contained in the first packet. The second packet precedes the first packet in the digital stream. Upon detecting the presence of duplicative content, the duplicative content is recovered, but the content contained in the payload of the first packet is disregarded.

Abstract: A m Methods and apparatus is systems are provided for connecting a directing computers to communicate with a data service using electronic addresses in sync with an corresponding to audio/ or video broadcast programming content. In one embodiment, S simultaneously with the broadcasting of audio/ or video programming, an address transmitter transmits an address, such as a URL, identifying an on-line a data service, such as a web site, which contains information about the audio or video programming. This The address is received by a computer and used to automatically access the on-line data service. Preferably, the process is repeated with different addresses corresponding with different programming. It is also preferred that the addresses be sent via a paging system. Optionally, the computer may be directed to display content of the data service.