Abstract: Systems and methods of performing on the fly transcoding of video on demand content for adaptive streaming are disclosed. For example, a media server has access to a single rendition of a video on demand item. The media server receives a request from a computing device. The request is for a portion of one of a plurality of renditions of the video on demand item that are available for adaptive streaming, where each of the renditions has a distinct bitrate. In response to the request, the media server generates, on the fly, the requested portion of the requested rendition by transcoding a corresponding portion of the accessible rendition. The media server sends the generated portion to the computing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing multiplexing of video or other content (e.g., programs) within a network using feed-back from a subsequent digital program insertion stage, and/or feed-forward information from a prior multiplexing stage. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network having headend and hub-based statistical multiplexing stages, and communication between the two stages is used to improve the visual quality performance and bandwidth utilization of the output multi-program stream during conditions where downstream content is inserted into the transport stream. Business methods associated with the various multiplexing features described above are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a operating a content distribution system includes a destination device and a requesting device that communicates a primary audio stream secondary audio stream and a video stream to the destination device. The destination device communicates the primary audio stream to a display. The destination device includes a secondary decoder configured to decode the secondary audio stream to form a decoded secondary audio stream. The destination device combines the secondary decoded audio stream and the primary audio stream.

Abstract: A video server apparatus includes an interface unit configured to receive a video data file, memory units configured to store data files received by the interface unit, a line concentrator configured to receive the data files retrieved from the memory units and packetized, decoders configured to decode a packetized data file transmitted from the line concentrator and to output video data, a switch configured to switch signal paths between the line concentrator and the decoders, a data transmission controller configured to control data transmission by packet transmission over a standardized general-purpose local area network among the interface unit, the memory units, the line concentrator, the switch, and the decoders, and a timing controller configured to generate time slots for the memory units and causes a packetized data file to be transmitted from at least one of the memory units within a corresponding time slot to the line concentrator.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a network media device including a processing unit configured to execute instructions stored on one or more storage media, and a first communication component coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive a video signal over an audio/video interface from a broadcast receiver. The video signal may include an image code including identifying information regarding the broadcast receiver. The processing unit may be configured to process the image code to extract the identifying information. A second communication component may be coupled to the processing unit and configured to transmit control signals based on the identifying information of the broadcast receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for micro-cloud computing is described. An application serving node, which is a specifically configured piece of customer premises equipment such as a set-top box, is the server for a micro-cloud network. Various user devices that form part of the micro-cloud network, such as television sets and smart phones, communicate with the application serving node. The application serving node is configured with software that allows various heterogeneous types of data to be obtained and streamed to the user devices in multiple ways. The application serving node performs much of the processing necessary for such content streaming itself and thus represents an edge-based network architecture.

Abstract: A personalized television viewing system includes a head-end subsystem. The head-end subsystem includes a personality server configured to store a user preference regarding a television viewing format and a rendering server configured to provide digital media content in the television format of the user's preference. The viewing system further includes a client-end subsystem. The client-end subsystem includes a client server configured to electronically communicate with the head-end subsystem and provide the personality server with the user preference regarding the television viewing format.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and an upgrading method thereof that can achieve an upgrade stabilization. The digital broadcast receiver includes a tuner to receive broadcast data of a selected channel, a demultiplexer to separate new middleware data and information data corresponding to the new middleware data from the broadcast data, a memory to pre-store previous middleware data and to store the new middleware data and the information data, and a controller to determine whether to store the new middleware data in the memory based on the information data. If storage of the new middleware data is completed, the controller checks whether an upgrade is successful by executing the new middleware data, and if the upgrade fails, the controller executes the previous middleware data pre-stored in the memory. Thus, the receiver upgrades the received middleware program in a stable manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the efficient and non-redundant transmission of a single video program in multiple frame rates, optionally employing a combination of video coding standards, in a way that is backwards-compatible with legacy receivers only supportive of some subsection of frame rates or of some subsection of video coding standards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a process for a user viewing a media item. The process comprises the user viewing the media item on a first device in a first format, and the user pausing the media item at a stop time. The stop time is saved in the first format and a second format. The process further comprises the user choosing to view the media item on a second device requiring the second format. The media item is resumed in the second format from the saved stop time.

Abstract: Techniques are described for a server to decompose a source video data stream to generate a plurality of video data streams. The video data streams may be combinable with one another. In particular, the frames of each plurality of video data streams may be combinable with the frames of the other plurality of video data streams. The plurality of video data streams may be available for download by a client device. The client device may combine and recompose two or more of the plurality of video data streams for presentment. In particular, the client device may combine frames from two or more of the plurality of video data streams to generate combined frames for presentment.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for delivering CATV content over a fiber optic network to a receiver.

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: A trigger manager and related processes and systems for managing triggers for a plurality of subscribing set-top boxes in an interactive television environment are provided. In response to receipt of a configuration update request originating from a specific set-top box, the trigger manager accesses a database of subscribing set-top box profiles associating subscribing set-top boxes with respective sets of triggers. The database is processed based on the configuration update request to identify a profile associated with the specific set-top box from which the configuration update request originated. Trigger update information associated with the identified profile is transmitted over a network to the specific set-top box from which the configuration update request originated. In response to receipt at the specific set-top box of the trigger update information, the set of current triggers in the memory unit is updated at least in part based on the information received.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for estimating demographic compositions of television audiences from audience similarities. In an aspect, pairwise cosine similarities of segment of viewers of rated and unrated television programs are determined, demographic information of rated programs is attributed to the unrated programs from the cosine similarity measures and demographic information for the rated programs.

Abstract: A cellular communication system comprises a Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) transmitter and receiver. The MIMO transmitter comprises a message generator for generating MIMO messages comprising selected training sequences and transceivers transmitting the messages on a plurality of antennas. The training sequences are selected by a midamble selector from a set of training sequences in response to an associated antenna on which the message is to be transmitted. The set of training sequences is associated with the cell of the MIMO transmitter and comprises disjoint subsets of training sequences for each of the plurality of antennas. The receiver comprises a transmit antenna detector which determines which antenna of the MIMO transmitter the message is transmitted from in response to the training sequence of the received message.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a selected video segment to customer premises equipment. A request is received from the customer premises equipment for transmission of the selected video segment. A copy of the selected video segment is transferred to one of a plurality of buffers. One of the plurality of buffers is mapped through a routing network to a port interfaced with the customer premises equipment. The selected video segment is transmitted from the one of the plurality of buffers through the routing network and port to the customer premises equipment.

Abstract: Information provisioning includes acquiring a plurality of audio and video elementary streams of which content is composed, and metadata related to the content comprising a plurality of segments. The metadata is divided into metadata processing units, wherein a metadata processing unit (MPU) indicates a unit of the metadata and corresponds to a segment of the content, the MPU and the segment are configured to be processed for partial execution of the metadata in synchronization with the segment of the content. A transport stream of a MPEG-2 system is generated by multiplexing an audio packetized elementary stream (PES), a video PES, and a metadata PES. The audio PES and the video PES are acquired by packetizing the plurality of audio and video elementary streams. The metadata PES is acquired by packetizing the metadata processing units.

Abstract: In embodiments of media asset voting, a voting application is executed at a controllable device to interface the controllable device with portable devices via a wireless network. The voting application may be initiated at the controllable device by one of the portable devices. A request can be communicated from the controllable device to the portable devices to initiate each of the portable devices sending a user-selected vote for media asset selection at the controllable device. The controllable device receives the user-selected votes from one or more of the portable devices, and the voting application can aggregate each received vote to determine voting results. A media asset can then be selected at the controllable device based on the voting results. Alternatively or in addition, the voting results can be displayed for viewing on a display device that corresponds to the controllable device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system to communicate primary and secondary content streams to at least one remote unit, for example, via a television channel in a targeted television environment. The secondary content stream comprises a plurality of tertiary content streams (e.g., video streams) providing commercials, advertisements or any other content. The tertiary content streams are included in the secondary content stream as a mosaic so that each tertiary content stream is a subset or portion of an active display area or frame provided by the single secondary content stream. In on exemplary embodiment, the method and system provide targeted or specific commercial advertisements to demographically selected audiences.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing interactive content. The method may include sending, from a media device, a request for one or more interactive applications to a first content source that is distinct from a second content source that provides video content to the media device. The request may indicate one or more locations to be polled for the one or more interactive applications. The method may include generating, at the media device, a menu of selectable interactive applications displayable at a display device. The selectable interactive applications may include one or more available interactive applications identified by the first content source in response to the request.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least one of the received media content and the received information regarding the media content, a display device for visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media content.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to playback of video/audio streaming media data. The media stream is available from the network at multiple bit rates. When a seek operation is performed, a playback device requests a lower bit rate media stream in order to quickly fill a playback buffer so that playback can commence more readily. After a seek start-up period is complete, the playback device can return to downloading the media stream associated with higher bit rates in order to increase the quality of the playback.

Abstract: Disclosed is related to an interactive multimedia service system and method thereof using mobile station that is enable to see a broadcasting with real time/non-real time. A broadcasting station broadcasts a multimedia contents composed of the broadcasting contents being broadcasted and the other multimedia contents generated by the mobile station, and transmits the composed multimedia contents to the mobile station. Therefore, the user of the mobile station can see the broadcasting, which the user of mobile station participates in the interactive broadcasting with real time/non-real time.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating distribution of content are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method of facilitating demand-driven population and management of online content within a video-on-demand (VOD) service includes receiving trend information and a link reference at one or more input ports, the reference being at least indirectly indicative of a location at which the content is available, and obtaining and normalizing, by way of one or more processing devices, metadata pertaining to the content. The method further includes determining business rule information pertaining to the content based at least indirectly upon the trend information, content provider policy information, and the normalized metadata, via the processing device(s), and outputting via one or more output ports the business rule information for receipt by the VOD service, whereby availability and prioritization of the content at the VOD service is based at least in part upon the output business rule information.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating text descriptive data has a receiving device that receives a data signal having text description data corresponding to a description of a video signal. A text-to-speech converter associated with the receiving device converts the text description data to a first audio signal. A display device in communication with the text-to-speech converter converts the first audio signal associated with the receiving device to an audible signal.

Abstract: A central server having a computer readable storage media for storing multimedia material, such as motion pictures and television programming, in digital format is connected to a communications network such as the Internet. Exhibitors, such as theaters and television stations, can access the central server, preview available programming, verifying the ownership of such material, review contract provisions for obtaining and paying for the desired programming, and download the programming along with marketing materials for the program or movie. The central server loads material onto the storage media as its received from producers and owners of such material. In addition, central server retains data retains data regarding requests for material, such as titles requested, who requested such, and where the requestors are located geographically. This information can be used to help producers market their material more economically.

Abstract: A method and system for micro-cloud computing is described. An application serving node, which is a specifically configured piece of customer premises equipment such as a set-top box, is the server for a micro-cloud network. Various user devices that form part of the micro-cloud network, such as television sets and smart phones, communicate with the application serving node. The application serving node is configured with software that allows various heterogeneous types of data to be obtained and streamed to the user devices in multiple ways. The application serving node performs much of the processing necessary for such content streaming itself and thus represents an edge-based network architecture.

Abstract: A configuration as discussed herein includes a content management system. The content management system can reside in a central location or be distributed amongst multiple different locations in a network environment. In general, the content management system keeps track of configuration information for the retrieval of content. For example, the content management system identifies a presence of one or more content delivery sources in the network environment. The content management system utilizes the contact information to communicate with content delivery sources for discovery of configuration information. The configuration information can indicate: i) a respective address of the content delivery source, ii) a type of content outputted by the respective address, iii) a format of the content such as streaming data outputted by the respective address. The configuration information can be used to identify an address in which to retrieve requested content according to a desired format.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus, including: an application data transmission section adapted to transmit data of an application for HbbTV; and an table transmission section adapted to transmit an table including an application profile which represents one or more additional functions to the application and is configured from a first bit region of high-order n bits and a second bit region of lower-order (16-n) bits which represent presence or absence of functions allocated to bit positions thereof with a bitmap structure and wherein, in the first bit region, values for changing over the functions to be allocated to the bit positions in the second bit region are set.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for multicast broadcast multimedia service (MBMS)-assisted content distribution in a wireless communication network. A proxy terminal may include an MBMS access client configured to receive and cache an MBMS transmission including media data and metadata. The proxy terminal may further include a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) server module configured to transmit at least a portion of the media data to a user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network via an HTTP transmission. The media data and metadata may be in a dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH) format. The proxy terminal may be included in an evolved Node B (eNB), the UE, or another UE of the wireless communication network.

Abstract: Information on content supplied in various forms is monitored for a long period, and a user is notified of the information with a method with which the user can easily remember the information. A content notification system includes: a search key storage server configured to receive image data on content, and store the image data; an information collection server configured to read out the image data from the search key storage server, perform a search through a network based on the image data to find a new form in which the content is supplied, and collect information on the content supplied in the new form; and one or more user terminal devices each configured to receive the image data used for the search from the information collection server and the information, and display the information together with the image data.

Abstract: Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing content from a server computer to a number of client computers is disclosed. A file to be distributed to a requesting client computer is identified. If another client computer of the plurality of client computers can distribute the file to the requesting client computer, the requesting client computer requests the file from the other client computer. If no client computer can distribute the file to the requesting client computer, the requesting client computer requests the first file from the server computer. Then the requesting client computer receives the first file from either the other client computer or the server computer. Each client computer can act both as a client and a server to the other client computers, providing content that would otherwise be provided by the server computer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for a universal collaboration adapter for web editors are described herein. In one aspect, the method executed by one or more computers in a network of computers includes analyzing a document object model (DOM) representing a document in a tree structure and identifying an event or manipulation associated with the DOM. Typically, the DOM manipulations correspond to the document manipulations. An operation corresponding to the identified event is selected. The operation is sent to a generic collaboration engine for transmission to a server. The server transmits the operation to various participants for collaborative editing. The identification of the DOM manipulations (instead of editor-specific manipulations) provides a universal collaboration adapter for various editors. Further, recording or identifying local DOM manipulations and replaying remote DOM manipulations enable transforming a single-user web editor into the multi-user or collaborative web editor.

Abstract: A scaling engine, blending mechanism, memory controller, frame buffer and video driver are included within a semiconductor, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), to provide broadcasting of signals at a high resolution format by combining two or more low resolution video signals to create a high resolution signal in real-time High Definition format, such as 1080 p. The high resolution signals can be concurrently displayed as one or more image areas on a display device in any contemplated size, number and arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an interactive media system includes generating, by a first communication system, an information signal and a display signal for display by an electronic medium, transferring the information signal by a wireless signal transfer network, receiving and processing the information signal by a server, providing, by the server, data included in the information signal to a functional network, wherein the server retrieves return data from the functional network and provides the return data to a second communication system, generating, by the second communication system, a return information signal and providing the return information signal to the wireless signal transfer network, and transferring, by the wireless signal transfer network, the return information signal to the first communication system, which generates the display signal for display on the electronic medium.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a content delivery subsystem configured to receive media content from a content provider and transmit the media content over a network to a content processing subsystem configured to process and provide the media content for presentation to an end user. The content delivery subsystem is further configured to maintain resource data associated with at least one of the media content and the content provider, make at least a subset of the resource data available to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in an end user interface, provide a content customization portal for access by the content provider, authenticate the content provider accessing the content customization portal, receive custom content from the authenticated content provider via the content customization portal, validate the custom content, and provide the custom content to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in the end user interface.

Abstract: A mesh network sensor and video surveillance system and method for providing communication between a base system having at least one wireless sensor capture device SCD and other SCD(s) and at least one input capture device ICD and other ICD(s), wherein the SCD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and with the ICD(s) and where the where the ICD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and offer remote access to their inputs and the SCD(s) inputs via a server computer, including the steps of providing this base system; at least one user accessing the ICD and SCD inputs remotely via a user interface through a remote server computer and/or electronic device communicating with it, for providing a secure sensor surveillance system with extended inputs range and wireless smart cross-communication for monitoring a target environment.

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 system is configured to receive a request to establish a session with a set top box device executing an application; obtaining a profile that identifies usage patterns of resources associated with the device; obtain another profile that identifies a first quantity of the resources to be used by the application; identify a second quantity of the resources to be allocated for executing the application based on the profile and other profile; receive information that identifies a third quantity of the resources used, by the application, during the session; transmit a notification indicating that a condition is associated with the application when the third quantity of the resources is greater than the second quantity of the resources; and transmit another notification indicating that a condition is not associated with the application when the third quantity of the resources is not greater than the second quantity of the resources.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a television configuration technique includes determining a location, from a web service, of a television set using an internet protocol address of the television set or a zip code corresponding to a physical location of the television. Electronic programming guide, interactive programming guide or the like data for a plurality of service providers in the determined location are downloaded. The electronic programming guide data, interactive programming guide data, or the like for one or more channels that are unique between the plurality of service providers are checked against transmitting station identifier data or system information protocol data to identify the specific service provider that the television set is connected to. A channel list for the specific service provider is then determined from the electronic programming guide or interactive programming guide corresponding to the specific service provider.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices. One claim recites a method employing a portable device including a processor, microphone and an interface to receive user inputs, the portable device also including a display screen. The method comprises: receiving a first user request, through the interface, for processing audio content captured with the microphone; processing the audio to yield fingerprint data; communicating the fingerprint data and portable device location information to a remote computer system; in response to said communicating, receiving information including a title associated with the audio content; presenting the title on the display screen; in response to a second user request, through the interface, displaying information associated with audio content captured by other portable devices in an area associated with the portable device location information. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for displaying advertisements transmitted to a user unit, the method includes receiving, at the user unit, at least one advertisement tagged with a delay tag indicating whether display of the at least one advertisement can be delayed and only if the delay tag allows delaying display of the at least one advertisement, storing the at least one advertisement at the user unit, retrieving the at least one advertisement and displaying the at least one advertisement. A billing system for reporting a commercial broadcast to a multiplicity of users is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic summarization so as to recognize entire contents of multimedia data. A method of generating summarized information according to the present invention includes: generating index information on a specific audio signal or a specific video signal among input signals; synchronizing text information extracted from the input signal or received for the input signal with the index information; and generating first summarized information by using the synchronized text information and index information.