Abstract: This invention concerns remote telemetry and video. In a first aspect, the invention is a remote telemetry and video support platform for communicating with at least one remote mobile telemetry video monitoring installation, and with users. The platform stores a profile for each remote installation and uses this profile to assemble a message for transmission to each remote installation to enable automatic configuration of the remote installation's hardware, and establishment of a monitoring regime. Thereafter as the monitoring regime is performed by the remote installation and monitoring data is generated, the server platform receives, stores and interprets the data, and provides the data to users as required and according to the respective profile. In another aspect a remote mobile telemetry and video monitoring installation. In a further aspect the invention is a remote telemetry and video network comprising the platform and plural remote installations.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and a control method thereof are disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes a reception unit for receiving a broadcast signal which mobile service data and main service data are multiplexed, an extractor for extracting transmission parameter channel signaling information and fast information channel signaling information from a data group in the received mobile service data, an acquirer for acquiring a program table describing virtual channel information and a service of an ensemble by using the extracted fast information channel signaling information, the ensemble being a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, a detector for detecting a descriptor defining Internet access information corresponding to the mobile service data by using the acquired program table, and a controller for controlling such that the Internet access information of the detected descriptor and the mobile service data are displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting service discovery information in a multimedia transmission system. Service discovery information, including service access information for reception of a service, is generated. The service discovery information is transmitted after being classified into a plurality of levels.

Abstract: A method of creating an audio-video stream comprises multiplexing a video component, an audio component, a content reference identifier, and a semantic data packet containing information on the relationship between the video component and the content reference identifier. Apparatus for receiving the audio-video stream, and apparatus for transmitting the audio/video stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically formulating and delivering a video program that includes perishable information is provided. The system includes a video server that creates a video program using one or more recent video segments in combination with other video segments. The recent video segments are typically generated in a studio, whereas the other video segments are obtained from a variety of sources, including databases and live feeds. An audio system stores pre-recorded audio and is used to create audio for certain video segments. The video server enables an organization to deliver more customized video programs to more users and to update those video programs more frequently without requiring additional studio time or resources.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that facilitates communication between devices that implement at least one proprietary feature in a DOCSIS-compliant broadband communication system. A logical channel is established for communication between a first device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS), that implements at least one proprietary feature, and other devices that also implement the at least one proprietary feature. Registration information is then received from a second device, such as a cable modem, wherein the registration information indicates that the second device also implements the at least one proprietary feature. In response to receiving the registration information, the second device is assigned to the logical channel.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring broadcast components includes a broadcast operation channel management system (BMS) forming a bit rate allocation chart and a compression control system storing a stream map having a channel lineup. The BMS retrieves the channel line up from the compression control system and modifying the channel lineup to form a modified channel line up. The BMS communicates the modified channel lineup to the compression control system.

Abstract: A method of broadcasting a succession of contents through a computer network from a broadcasting source (S) to a plurality of receiver terminals able to receive from the source. The method includes, for each content, sending data units conveying the content from the source through the computer network, and supplying the receiver terminals with an indication enabling them to identify each transition between two successive contents, thus enabling the receiver terminals to determine the time of a transition between successive contents more precisely. The data units to be broadcast are marked by modifying the marking of the data units of the successive contents separated by a single transition. The receiver terminals (T) are supplied with marking information enabling them to distinguish between data units belonging to different contents (Cn, Cn+1) with the aid of their marking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing data identifying a video for processing and mapping an instruction graph to the video based on one or more predetermined criteria and the data identifying the video. The instruction graph describes a workflow for processing the video, and the workflow includes a series of services that each provide particular processing of the video. The method includes calling the services in series to process the video based on the instruction graph. The video streams to each service in series as the video processes. A downstream service may begin processing one or more portions of the video after an upstream service has finished processing the one or more portions of the video and before the upstream service has finished processing the video in its entirety.

Abstract: Information provisioning includes acquiring one of an audio and a video elementary stream of content that is composed of a plurality of segments, and actual data of metadata that includes information related to the content. The metadata is divided into metadata processing units (MPU) corresponding to segments subjected to processing in the plurality of segments. A transport stream of a MPEG-2 system is generated that includes packetized elementary stream (PES) packets acquired by packetizing the segments of the data stream and metadata PES packets acquired by packetizing at least one MPU.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moving-picture image data-distribution method that suppresses increases in processing loads at respective information terminals without being affected by an uneven distribution status of processing loads that changes over time or by a bandwidth status of a connected network.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method (e.g., of operating a gaming device) is provided. The method includes the steps of (i) receiving audio/video content; (ii) associating a plurality of sets of outcome values with the audio/video content; (iii) determining a play session; (iv) determining which of the plurality of sets of outcome values to associate with the audio/video content for a duration of the play session, thereby determining an active set of outcome values; (v) determining a result of a game play during the session; (vi) selecting, based on the result, a value from the active set of outcome values; and (vii) outputting, as an indication of the result, the audio/video content and an indication of the selected value.

Abstract: Rerouting apparatus for rerouting data including multimedia data. The apparatus is for association with electronic equipment and allows for routing the data to a device regarded as the most convenient for playing the media. The apparatus comprises an announcer device for indicating to surrounding equipment that associated equipment is available for rerouting, thereby to enable receipt of rerouted communications therefrom, and a scout device for scanning surroundings of the associated equipment to find out about compatible equipment in the vicinity, thereby to reroute communications thereto. The apparatus may be attached to any device having data processing capability, to enable rerouting of data and communications therebetween.

Abstract: A controller in a video headend or other transmission element of a signal distribution system is operative to detect a condition in which unicast transmissions of a given content stream to a plurality of terminals meet a specified threshold. The controller starts a multicast transmission of the given content stream in response to the detected condition, and transitions at least one of the terminals to the multicast transmission. In one embodiment, the controller identifies at least one of the terminals as a terminal that will receive the multicast transmission of the given content stream in place of its unicast transmission prior to one or more of the other terminals receiving the multicast transmission.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for supporting wireless local area multimedia broadcast, and the method comprises: sweeping frequencies in an area where wireless local multimedia broadcast will be performed to determine the transmitting power and the transmitting position of the system; when the system is working, acquiring audio and video signals requiring performing the wireless local area multimedia broadcast, and after encoding the audio and video signals, transmitting according to a transmitting power, a transmitting position and a mobile television technical standard; and a terminal supporting mobile television choosing a receiving power corresponding to the transmitting power of the system according to mobile television technical standard to receive signals, and decoding the audio and video signals by a mobile television module supporting this mobile television technical standard in this terminal, and playing and consuming the audio and video signals according to user's choice.

Abstract: A scheme for retrieving digital multimedia content from a network node. A message is provided to the network node by a client application executing on a digital multimedia device, wherein the message includes a multidimensional pointer to a depository of digital multimedia content associated with the network node as well as a timing parameter operable to indicate when the message is to take effect. The multidimensional pointer contains a relative time offset variable as well as a plurality of media identifier dimensions corresponding to a plurality of nested hierarchical levels into which the digital multimedia content is organized. Responsive to the message, content from a particular content source identified by the multidimensional pointer is streamed to the digital multimedia device at a time indicated responsive to the timing parameter.

Abstract: A method, system API and computer product for adapting reverse data channel (RDC) utilization by selectively restricting the reporting of statistics data from client devices using a client-side filter adapted in response to configuration data from a file or other source file.

Abstract: A system and method for retransmitting an Internet protocol packet for terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service are provided, in which a PES packetizer and an MPEG-2 TS multiplexer are removed; video, audio, and data signals are individually carried by RTP packets; and a receiver extracts object clock reference (OCR) included in a MPEG-4 SL, and synchronizes a system clock and controls buffers by means of the OCR.

Abstract: Where multiple client devices are synchronized to multiple, asynchronous instances of a time-based media presentation such as live and time-shifted views of a television broadcast, interactive content can be delivered to each one of the various devices at a particular time (or “time offset”) within the presentation independent of when each instance of the time-based media presentation is viewed.

Abstract: A motion image distribution system includes a server and a use terminal. The server generates a feature quantity table CHT1 representing a data structure of motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates the motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT1. Then, the server transmits the motion image encoded data VDE and the feature quantity table CHT1 to the user terminal. The user terminal generates a feature quantity table CHT2 representing a data structure of the received motion image encoded data VDE, and authenticates received motion image encoded data VDE by using the generated feature quantity table CHT2. Then, the user terminal plays back the motion image encoded data VDE and outputs motion image playback information.

Abstract: A handset or other end device in a local service domain receives video service notifications. The video service notifications can provide information to a user of the end device about a video service (e.g., a television program or a movie) available within a local network. The video service notification can include a request for a response to the notification, with the request having a corresponding URI or other type of link to cause a desired action (e.g., to commence recording or playing content associated with a particular video service). A mobile device configurable for direct communication in a wide area wireless network can join a local service domain and receive services through a gateway of that local service domain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating customized, personalized broadcasting content, and for broadcasting the created content are disclosed. A computer automated system comprised of a memory coupled to a processing unit includes means to receive audio and video data of an event. The system further includes a server to encode and transcode the received data, and to standardize the received data to internal presets. Timecode is embedded in the received data if it is not already present and a low resolution proxy of the standardized data is streamed to a commentator's computer through which commentary is added. The added commentary is transmitted back from the commentator computer and combined with the commentator audio stream with the audio and video data of the event. The resultant stream is buffered and then broadcast as well as archived.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods provide an automatic capability for generating interactivity event applications for execution on receiver devices within a broadcast network based upon interactivity event application data, information and sequence logic. Interactivity event content providers may provide to a broadcast network interactivity event application data, event metadata information and sequence logic a broadcast network. Interactivity application data for an interactive sequence may be delivered out-of-band, such that the application data is not embedded in an interactivity event. Interactivity sequence application data may be sent out-of-band from the associated interactivity event signaling message. Application data may be sent on a different transport channels in advance of the interactivity event. The system may determine when data should be sent out-of-band and when it should be sent in-band.

Abstract: System for remote management of at least one audiovisual information reproduction device comprising a host server (10) connected to each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), the host server (10) comprising a database (11) containing management information for each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), characterized in that the host server (10) also comprises an “Internet” site manager (12) communicating with the database (11), and comprising a number of screens (200 to 1010), at least one first screen (200) comprising a popup menu displaying the list of audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n), validating the choice of each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) causing the display of a first series of screens (900, 1010) that the operator can use to modify the operating parameters of at least one selected audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.

Abstract: A system and a method for secure distribution of digital media content through a packet-based network such as the Internet. The security of the present invention does not require one-to-one key exchange, but rather enables keys, and/or information required in order to build the key, to be broadcast through the packet-based network. The digital media content is then also preferably broadcast, but cannot be accessed without the proper key. However, preferably only authorized end-user devices are able to access the digital media content, by receiving and/or being able to access the proper key. Thus, the present invention is useful for other types of networks in which digital media content is more easily broadcast rather than unicast, in addition to packet-based networks.

Abstract: Information provisioning includes acquiring a data stream of content that is composed of a plurality of segments, and actual data of metadata that includes information related to the content and information related to the plurality of segments. The metadata is divided into metadata processing units (MPU) corresponding to segments subjected to processing in the plurality of segments. A capsulized stream is generated that includes packetized elementary stream (PES) packets acquired by packetizing the segments subjected to processing of the data stream and metadata PES packets acquired by packetizing at least one MPU, the metadata PES packets including control information of the metadata. The control information includes an overwrite_flag which indicates whether previous metadata is to be overwritten.

Abstract: A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.

Abstract: A method of effectively setting and changing a Receive Channel Set (RCS) of a cable modem (CM) is provided. The method includes: receiving, by a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), a Receive Channel Profile (RCP) with respect to a downstream physical layer of a CM; composing, by the CMTS, a plurality of channel configuration information required for setting the RCS of the CM with reference to the RCP; encoding, by the CMTS, the plurality of channel configuration information, and transmitting the encoded plurality of channel configuration information to the CM; transmitting, by the CM, an RCP with respect to a downstream physical layer to a CMTS; receiving, by the CM, a plurality of channel configuration information being composed with reference to the RCP and being required for setting the RCS; and setting, by the CM, the RCS using the plurality of channel configuration information.

Abstract: A method for providing network access to a shared access communications medium for a plurality of users includes the steps of conducting predictive admission control by arbitrating user requests for access to the shared medium based on predicted aggregate demands, conducting lookahead scheduling for use in making user channel assignments by forecasting schedule transmission opportunities one or more channels of the shared medium, and balancing load by making channel assignments such that a plurality users are each assigned a respective channel of the shared medium based upon a predicted need. Congestion parameters can predicted for each channel of the shared medium and mapped to a congestion measure using a mathematical function that takes into account packet loss rate, packet delay, packet delay jitter, and available capacity.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for providing a stored program to a user for playback is disclosed. In one step, a program selection is received from the user. The stored program corresponding to the program selection is requested. The stored program is provided to the user whereby viewing may occur. It is determined if the user is authorized to view the stored program after the stored program is provided to the user whereby the user may view the stored program before authorization is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing signaling information using inband transmission in a digital video broadcasting system where a frame for transmitting broadcasting data according to a ground-wave broadcasting service and broadcasting data according to a mobile broadcasting service is generated, and the generated frame is transmitted with an additional area for recording recognition information that indicates whether signaling information to be transmitted in the generated frame or the frame to be transmitted next time has been changed is allocated to a signaling information field of the generated frame.

Abstract: A broadcasting system where user's participation is allowed, additional information personalized for each of users/local areas/time is inserted into an AV and the AV including the additional information provides a user and a method of providing a personalized broadcasting service in the same are disclosed. The method of providing a personalized broadcasting service in a broadcasting system includes inserting additional information registered by a first user into an AV, and displaying the AV into which the additional information is inserted for a second user.

Abstract: A computer-controlled video entertainment system providing user-related input data to said system. The invention provides an rich input sensor device having direct access to an IP-based network, in particular to the Internet, for transmitting sensor signals or data derived thereof as user-related input data via the IP-based network to a remote computing device or server, preferably to a cloud of servers, which then process these input data for controlling the running entertainment program. The sensor device can be made simple, since it is mainly designed to detect user activities and to generate sensor signals which are directly transmitted as input data to the remote computer(s) or server(s). The sensor device can directly communicate with any IP-based computing device (gaming server or the like) being installed remotely and having powerful hardware and software to process the received input data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the dynamic adjustments of video streams sent from a server to a client is provided. Using both short term and long term thinning mechanisms, the server reduces its data transfer rate when bandwidth is reduced and increases its data transfer rate when bandwidth is available. In the short term mechanism, the server will dynamically adjust the transmission rate of the video or the quality of the video based on parameters returned by the client. These parameters include currently-buffered data-size, buffered-data duration, and packet loss rate. In the long term mechanism, the server will adjust the current maximum quality level allowed depending upon the round trip times of data packets transmitted. This invention decreases client rebuffering and packet loss and increases the efficiency of available bandwidth.

Abstract: A video content system and method that includes a video server connected to a public communication network and a video content network, and a computing device connected to the video content network and a video display device. The computing device establishes a communication channel between the computing device and the video server. The computing device receives a digital video stream on the communication channel, where the digital video stream includes video data and message data, and the message data includes at least one request to perform a service. The computing device performs the service and sends data on the communication channel, where the data is a response to each request to perform the service. The computing device processes the video data to prepare it for transmission to the video display device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing a video source with a secondary audio source. For example, in one embodiment, a content provider receives a broadcast signal that includes a video component and an audio component from a content producer. The content provider receives a second audio component that provides audio corresponding to the video component of the broadcast signal. The second audio component is received from a second source, such as, but not limited to, a radio broadcast and/or an internet source. The content producer transmits the video component and the second audio component to a consumer device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information providing system, information processing apparatus and method, and information providing apparatus and method, adapted to suppress broadcast contents from being utilized unduly. A digital broadcast receiver receives network contents from a contents server. The network contents may make reference to broadcast contents sent on the air by one or more broadcast stations. The broadcast contents broadcast by the broadcast stations includes a broadcast wave BIT (Broadcaster Information Table) containing the address information of an authentication information server. The digital broadcast receiver accesses the authentication information server based on the address information, and requests for an authentication of whether a reference to broadcast contents based on the network contents is allowed. According to the authentication result, the digital broadcast receiver controls a reference to broadcast contents based on the network contents.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Abstract: A networked digital security system is disclosed that preferably includes a centralized administrator web server coupled via a communication network such as the Internet to a plurality of customer servers and-a plurality of customer work stations. The centralized web server advantageously provides a point of control and management of the networked digital security system. The customer servers and customer work stations are preferably located at the customer's monitored sites. The customer servers are coupled to one or more intelligent camera units, which are preferably fully integrated intelligent units that gather, analyze, and transmit video, audio, and associated detected alarm event information to their associated customer server and the administrator web server. The camera units also include an intelligent automatic gain controller, an encoder buffer controller, and a network bandwidth priority controller. The system supports several compression algorithm standards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing channel change time of an IPTV and an IPTV service provision server for implementing the same, which comprise: determining the type of each of individual channels to be provided to a user and the number of additional intraframes required to be inserted into video data to be provided via the channels; inserting the additional intraframes corresponding to the determined number into the video data; encoding the video data; and transmitting the encoded video data to a first router or a second router according to the determined channel type, before receiving a channel request signal from the user.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate commentary with the media content received at the media device; and conduct searches for one of consumer products or consumer services associated with the media content based on the commentary regarding the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more user-generated comments from each of a plurality of computing devices, detect a correlation in the one or more user-generated comments collected from the plurality of computing devices, and establish a social network between the plurality of computing devices according to the detected correlation. The one or more user-generated comments can be temporally associated with media content presented at the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems simplify discovery and handoff for multi-frequency broadcast receiver devices, such as mobile TV devices, by providing a virtual home channel that is not dependent on a single frequency network upper layer. The methods and systems may be used in conjunction with a single frequency network upper layer to support areas without upper layer available, or to off load some portion of the common data bandwidth in the single frequency network. For example, the single frequency network may only carry frequency data for the multiple frequency network or only the frequency data for networks with comprehensive market metadata.

Abstract: A method in a server for providing various Internet Protocol television signal qualities involves an IPTV signal having a first signal quality that is transmitted over a first network connection to a first device. A request to receive the IPTV signal over a second network connection at a second device with the IPTV signal having a second signal quality is received. A determination is made that the second network connection has sufficient bandwidth to transmit the IPTV signal at the second signal quality, and that the second device is capable of receiving IPTV signal. The transmission of the IPTV signal over the first network connection to the first device is ended. An endpoint for the transmission of the IPTV signal to the first device is determined. The IPTV signal is transmitted over the second network connection to the second device at the second signal quality beginning at the determined endpoint.

Abstract: A broadcast system includes a transmitting unit configured for: receiving a web page as input; converting the web page into video image data; and providing a link to the video image data on a basis of a link provided to the web page; an encoder for compressing the video image data; and a receiving unit for receiving the compressed video data; decoding the compressed video data; and directly transmitting the decoded video data to a video display device, without requiring a browser application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to compress a DVB-ASI bit stream including accepting the stream containing packets of compressed media, sync words, and stuffing words, identifying starts of packets, identifying and discarding stuffing words; and adding information to form a compressed stream, added information sufficient to reconstruct a reconstructed stream from the compressed stream, with the relative locations of starts of packets in the reconstructed bit stream matching the relative locations of starts of corresponding packets in the accepted stream. Also a method recover the timing of MPEG packets including accepting a serial bit stream containing packets of compressed media streams, and ascertaining if the stream includes information indicating that the bit stream has a DVB-ASI form with stuffing words discarded and with indicating information added.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate commentary with the media content received at the media device; and present the commentary by symbolic representations in a carrousel format within a window of the presentation of the symbolic overlay and in a vicinity of the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.