Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing, implementing and using interactive applications and content that are digitally recorded and viewed in real-time and/or a time-shifted moded are provided. The interactive applications may be associated with television programs or may be unrelated thereto, and may be transmitted together with television programs or separately therefrom. Interactive applications that are employed in a time-shifted mode can be matched to current conditions and interactive content may be updated to include current data. Users may view and manipulate highlights of television programs and receive alerts of occurrence of real-time events during viewing of recorded material. Additional manipulations of interactive applications and content are also enabled. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A downloading apparatus and method for a digital broadcast receiver which updates a control program of an associated microcontroller with a control program received in a broadcast signal. The downloading apparatus examines the control program prior to initializing the microcontroller, and a new control program is downloaded if the examined control program is incomplete. The downloading apparatus also has a backup memory for abnormal events when downloading. A control program stored in the backup memory enables completion of the downloading.

Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal having electronic mail capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity, and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide electronic mail capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports electronic mail through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g., 308), processing circuitry (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interactive service and a method and apparatus for performing communication are provided. An Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) application may be directly executed in at least one broadcasting receiving apparatus by determining whether an application for providing the interactive service is independently executable using middleware installed in the broadcasting receiving apparatus and selectively requesting a set-top box to provide data needed for executing the application based on the determination result.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for discouraging unauthorized modifications to set top boxes and gateways. Resource information is received that describing the number of disk drives and/or the capacity of each disk drive. A processor communicates with a database that stores configuration information. The processor compares the resource information to the configuration information. When the resource information differs from the configuration information, then the processor detects unauthorized modifications to the set top box.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device having a controller to create metadata corresponding to an identity of an entity, incorporate in a media file the metadata that identifies the entity with metadata that describes media content in the media file, and present a graphical user interface depicting a media file directory structure generated according to the metadata that identifies the entity and the metadata that describes media content in the media file. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to updating a resident application (RA) and replacing an updated resident application with a previous version of a resident application are described. The methods and apparatus may be used for updating and replacing resident applications in set-top terminals (STTs) of a cable system including a cable network headend.

Abstract: A program processing apparatus and system is disclosed by which an electronic program guide can be used to confirm a condition of each program readily and perform various operations for a program. The program management apparatus is formed from a personal computer having functions for performing recording and playback of a program, a video tape recorder having a function for acquiring an electronic program guide, or a like apparatus. The program management apparatus includes a program recording section, a program playback section, a program guide displaying section which issues an instruction to perform a suitable program process in response to an operation of an electronic program guide displayed thereon, a recording reservation management section, and a program guide preparation section for preparing an electronic program guide. The program management apparatus further includes a program guide database, a program recording reservation database and a recorded program database.

Abstract: A system and method for downloading a code image at a set-top gateway host that includes an embedded set-top box and an embedded cable modem. The embedded set-top box and the embedded cable modem interact so that each leverages the resources of the other, thereby minimizing the functionality that must be built into each.

Abstract: A multi-stream processing apparatus of a set top box in a Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS), the apparatus including: a cable modem (CM) to allocate at least one communication channel with respect to a headend of a broadcasting company connected with a cable network; a demodulator to receive broadcasting information from the cable network using the at least one allocated communication channel and to demodulate the received broadcasting information; a security module to descramble the demodulated broadcasting information using an application downloaded from the headend of the broadcasting company; a decoder to restore the descrambled broadcasting information into an Audio/Video (A/V) signal and to transmit the A/V signal to a connected apparatus; and a software module to control the CM, the security module, the demodulator, and the decoder, and to perform routing of information.

Abstract: An approach is provided for establishing, by a first user (e.g., parent), a user profile on a set-top box that is configured to present a selectable image corresponding to the user profile to a display for selection by a second user (e.g., child). The user profile specifies content that is available to the second user.

Abstract: A context-based search system (3800) for control of a digital personal media stream manager (102), for example, to control the programming of a video recording device (114). Such a system may be maintained by a service provider and can identify a program and date and time without receiving complete details thereof; the DPVSM (102) can then control the recording of the program using IM or e-mail based-techniques. The context-based search system (3800) includes a message receiver (3902) for receiving the DPVSM message; one or more databases (3808, 3816) for storing keywords and program information; a confirmation message generator (3818) for informing the user of identified programming; and a DPVSM control (3820) for causing the DPVSM (102) to supervise the media recording once one of the identified results have been selected by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating data-source consumer-preference data and internet-medium consumer-preference data for use in targeted advertising and ranking content. Consumer-preference data is determined based on user-interactions with a data source, such as a set-top-box. The data source is classified based on a monitoring taxonomy that specifies content categories and relationships between the categories. The consumer-preference data and the data source classification are aggregated with other preference and classification data, which is used to rank the data source classification data. Journaled internet data sources are analyzed using the monitoring taxonomy to determine internet-medium consumer-preference data. The journaled internet data sources are ranked based interest level, direction level, or authority level.

Abstract: A method and system of presenting a continuous programming sequence at a client terminal, e.g., a set top box. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: defining a programming sequence at a server; and the server instructing the client terminal associated with the programming sequence to retrieve a first program item specified in the programming sequence from a specified location.

Abstract: A recording medium, method, and apparatus for reproducing text subtitle streams are disclosed. A microcomputer initially reads a set of PlayItems and a SubPlayItem included in a PlayList which is recorded on a recording medium, and it further reads synchronization information included in the SubPlayItem. Each PlayItem is configured to reproduce at least one main AV stream, and the SubPlayItem is configured to reproduce a text subtitle stream. The synchronization information indicates a presentation start time of the SubPlayItem on a global time axis of the PlayList. When the PlayList is randomly accessed at a random access time on the global time axis, the microcomputer calculates a corresponding access time on a time axis of the SubPlayItem. Then a text subtitle decoder decodes for presentation a dialog presentation segment with the closest dialog start time after the corresponding access time on the axis of the SubPlayItem.

Abstract: A set-back box (SBB) includes a digital TV signal receiver. The SBB can be connected via a HDMI cable to a TV having only an analog TV signal receiver so that digital TV signals from the SUB can be displayed on the TV screen. The TV processor recognizes the SUB and in effect treats the digital receiver of the SBB as its own, such that a single remote control can be used to control both analog channel selection within the TV and digital channel selection within the SBB.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) for managing resources in a Digital Television (DTV) Receiver/Terminal. The API provides a uniform mechanism for gaining/controlling access to resources, managing multiple resources of the same type, and accessing the individual resource's management state and status. The resources may include, for example, a tuner, a modem, a database, a plug-in module, a cable, a software module, a network interface card, or a conditional access module. The resources are monitored and controlled either locally at the terminal, or remotely, e.g., from a head-end or an uplink. The API provides a resource package (40) for registering the available resources at the terminal, a resource state management package (30) for managing states of the resources, and a registry package (20) for storing objects that represent the resources. Resources of the same type are managed as a group.

Abstract: A modular interface allows new functionalities to be added to a television receiver. A module can be added to the television receiver through the interface that will enable additional functionalities on the television. The interface allows copy protection of digital video and audio content by incorporating HDCP technology, thereby also allowing the manufacturer of the interface to control the access to the interface.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium are disclosed that allow a set top box to receive control messages transmitted using multicasting. The set top box is programmed with either an address or a URL that it uses to obtain the control messages directly, or obtain other messages that carry the multicast address. In other implementations, a specialized offer message is transmitted to the set top box in response to a discover message. Embedded within the specialized offer message is the multicast address being used to multicast the control messages.

Abstract: The invention involves an interactive system and method for selection and display of advertisements, product information and other information in programming that can be updated at any time by advertisers and accessed at any time by television viewers without requiring any more functionality from the user terminal than is currently required for interactive services. The invention preferably utilizes insertion of a large number of interactivity points into video programs associated with certain times or frames of a program that can be compared to supplemental information locations in a program to obtain supplemental information links.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus connectable to a TV receiver via a digital image interface, including: a display device; a plurality of image output terminals including a digital image output terminal associated with the digital image interface; an image output selection section configured to select an image output terminal for output to the TV receiver from the plurality of image output terminals; and an image output section configured to output image data of an image being displayed on the display device and control data for control of the TV receiver to the TV receiver through the selected digital image output terminal, the image output section configured to generate the control data based on an operation state of the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A software interface (26) is provided to enable television settop middleware (14) and operating system (OS) software (16) to control and interact with core settop system software (20) in a subscriber television terminal to facilitate the provision of desirable digital television services, including service acquisition (e.g., acquisition of a pay-per-view movie), system information management, settop configuration and control, return path for polling, download capability, and non-volatile memory management.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for receiving broadcast data in a system where broadcast data is transmitted on a plurality of frequencies. A user device monitors (302) a first frequency (108) for broadcast data to be transmitted on the first frequency. The device receives on the first frequency a notification of a broadcast data session which is to be sent on a second frequency (114) that is different from the first frequency. The device then determines a configuration associated with the second frequency and in accordance with receiving the broadcast data session and then configures (310) to receive the broadcast data session in accordance with the determined configuration. After receiving the broadcast data session, the device returns to monitoring the first frequency.

Abstract: A system and method enables a set-top box to share the processing, communications, and storage resources of another local device, such as a personal computer, other set-top box, or an electronic appliance. The set-top box is interconnected with the other local devices using a “transmission medium such as wire, concentric cable, or a wireless medium. The interconnected devices form a resource sharing group that includes a control member. The control member receives a request for a resource from a requesting member, and then determines whether the resource is available from a set-top box that is a member of the resource sharing group. If the resource is available, the set-top box shares the resource, and uses the shared resource to perform a task. The system and method also enables members of the resource sharing group to share video, audio, and related content.

Abstract: An information monitoring and updating method and system for a transport stream is provided. First, a transport stream is received. The transport stream includes a program specific information (PSI) table, and the PSI table is divided into a plurality of sections. Next, by setting a first filtering parameter of a monitor-section filter, the header of each section of the PSI table is filtered out and is then checked whether to be a latest version or not. When all the section headers of the PSI table are of the latest version, each section of the PSI table is filtered by setting a second filtering parameter of a table-section filter.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently allowing a controller device to receive information from a tuner device regarding the content of a digital television bit-stream. The present invention first receives a digital television bit-stream at a tuner device. The digital television bit-stream comprises video, audio, and data information, as well as tables that describe the content of the bit-stream. Next, to obtain a table, a controller device sets a value specifying a desired table in an attribute field of a command. Next, the controller sets at least one flag in a flag field of the command. The setting of the flag indicates the table which is being requested. Additionally, because a single attribute field may hold different types of information, the flags indicate which type of information is in the attribute field for this issuance of the command. The controller, then issues the command to the tuner, which determines what table is being requested, based upon the flags set.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus and a method for upgrading software thereof are provided. The digital broadcasting receiving apparatus includes a memory interface unit which supports an interface with an external memory device; a platform unit which requests a headend whether an upgrade of software is acceptable, when the external memory device is connected to the memory interface unit; and a function execution unit which upgrades previously installed software using software in the external memory device, when notified from the headend that the upgrade of software is acceptable.

Abstract: Pre-recorded video library (PVL) is much more difficult to realize than other pre-recorded multimedia library (PML). Among the existing, mature mobile mass storages, portable HDD (with 1?<disk diameter<3.5?) is the only one that can store a PVL. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a portable video hard-disk drive (pVHDD). It should be removable from the mobile video device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reservation recording in a digital broadcasting receiver are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit which receives first time information and channel information for reservation recording; a tuner unit which tunes a reservation recording channel corresponding to the channel information; and a controller which compares the second time information provided from the reservation recording channel with the first time information and controls recording of a broadcast signal received based on a time difference between the first time information and the second time information. Accordingly, the apparatus may correctly record an entire amount of a desired reservation-recorded broadcasting program in consideration of different time information from broadcasting station to broadcasting station and can record a desired broadcasting program even when a broadcasting station modifies a broadcasting schedule of programs.

Abstract: A method of expansion of a television receiver's functionality consistent with certain embodiments involves connecting an accessory device to the television receiver, wherein the accessory device adds functionality to the television receiver; sending a menu legend and an associated function command to the television receiver from the accessory device for display on the television's display; populating a television menu selection with the legend; upon selection of the menu selection populated with the legend, the television receiver sending the function command to the accessory; and at the accessory device, upon receipt of the function command; running an application at the accessory. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a mobile communications device with a digital audio broadcast (DAB) application configured to run on the mobile communications device, the method comprising: generating a request for at least one component of the DAB application using a communications application of said mobile communications device; communicating the request over a bi-directional wireless communications network to a remote server; receiving the request at the remote server; processing the request to identify one or more DAB application components suitable for download to the mobile communications device; downloading said one or more DAB application components to the mobile communications device over said bi-directional wireless communications network; and installing said one or more DAB application components onto said mobile communications devices.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media are disclosed for enabling a user of data services over a network to automatically register for such services by plugging in a set-top box, such as an advanced set-top box, or other IP clients such as a Web pad, and entering certain information through a member services screen. The invention also allows a user to have several accounts distributed over several set-top boxes or IP clients and have all accounts map to a single network identity. That is, it allows a user to have multiple viewer identities for different purposes yet have all of them map back to a single network identity for that user.

Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) component networking system, comprising a presentation device and a sink component configured to simultaneously present on the presentation device A/V program data received from at least two different source components.

Abstract: A method of playing back audiovisual content with an electronic device that has a keypad with a plurality of user operable keys includes associating respective items of audiovisual content with one or more of the keys. Operation of a key that has an associated item of audiovisual content is detected and, in response, the associated item of audiovisual content is played back.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rendering a frame or image of a selected video program. The method begins by receiving a single user command specifying an operational mode of a video rendering device that displays and pauses a first frame or image of the program. A control signal is generated in response to the received user command. The first frame or image of the program is displayed and paused in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A set top box (“STB”) apparatus configurable for handling broadcast, cable television and Internet protocol television (“IPTV”) formats by multiple operators via a single flexible operating system is provided. The set top box is enabled to receive and run different operating systems from multiple providers or operators. In another aspect, a dual mode display feature enables viewing of digital content via a first display device while enabling browsing and e-commerce functionality via an associated remote device.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for receiving, storing, and executing a data broadcast application. The apparatus includes an application controller that determines whether receiving of application data needed to execute an application is completed before storing of a data broadcast is completed, allows the received application data to be stored when receiving of the application is completed, and determines whether the application will be executed together with audio/video data when the stored data broadcast is reproduced; and a storage unit that stores the completely received application data together with the audio/video data. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of errors in executing an application.

Abstract: Communication networks and methods are disclosed that provide a supplemental content service. The supplemental content service provides synchronized supplemental content, such as media clips, to a user over a communication network (e.g., a mobile wireless network). A content provider offering a primary content stream (e.g., a television program) broadcasts the primary content stream to a content receiving device (e.g., a television) of the user. The content provider also generates supplemental content that is an enhancement to the primary content stream. If the user subscribes to the supplemental content service, then the communication network provides the supplemental content to the user through a communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) that is synchronized with the primary content stream. The user can then experience the supplemental content over the communication device at the same time as experiencing the primary content stream over the content receiving device.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for reducing channel switching time in a network environment. The user of a mobile terminal may receive a data stream containing numerous television programs or services. Each of the programs or services may have a Packet Identification (PID) and/or IP address. The invention reduces channel switching time by predicting channel changing behavior. Various procedures are presented in which data is received and cached. The cached data may then be used to reduce the channel switching time during synchronizing and decoding of the new channel.

Abstract: Provided are a method of upgrading software by using a common module shared by a plurality of models, and a digital broadcast receiver therefor. The method includes receiving a digital broadcast signal which contains a common module shared by a plurality of models of the digital broadcast receiver, separately from a unique module of the digital broadcast receiver; determining whether to upgrade each module of the digital broadcast receiver, when it is determined that software upgrading is needed, according to predetermined update information; and collecting DownloadDataBlocks (DDBs) for a module, which is to be upgraded, from the received digital broadcast signal, in order to form a module. The common module is transmitted in the form of a group different than a group to which the common module belongs or in the form of another group, thereby saving bandwidth for software upgrading.

Abstract: A terminal device, includes: a device driver section for controlling an interface section that is connected to a network; a protocol stack section that is connected to the network via the device driver section based on a communication protocol at higher than or equal to layer3 of OSI; and a middleware section that is interposed between the protocol stack section and the device driver section. If a send request for a frame to be sent is issued from the protocol stack section, the middleware section determines a priority of the send request based on header information at layer2 to layer4 of OSI within the send frame, and outputs the send request to the device driver section according to the priority determined.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method can include: (i) receiving a contact center interaction request via a device coupled to a display screen; (ii) accessing information about the device or a user of the device from a customer database of a content provider; and (iii) establishing an interaction path between the contact center and a viewer. The method can further include providing information to the user via the interaction path in response to a request by the user for the information. The device can be a set-top box (STB) or a cable card and the display screen can be a television, for example. Also, the content provider can be a cable or satellite television provider, for example.

Abstract: A device for rapidly instituting an active mode of a digital-television enabled system, the system including a first, volatile memory configured to load and store software instructions, includes: an input configured to receive first digital audio and video information; a first output configured to convey second audio and information toward a display regarding the first audio and video information; at least one second output configured to convey commands to, and receive information from, the first memory; and a processor configured to perform functions in accordance with software instructions stored in first and second memories and to cause the first memory to load software instructions for provision to the processor such that first instructions for processing at least one of the first audio information and the first video information are loaded and stored by the first memory with a higher priority than second instructions for performing other functionality.

Abstract: iWiTTY TV Concept, iWiTTY method of making TV entertainment and -Radio-TV programming are ground breaking new ways to put viewers in charge of producing TV- and Radio-programs. When viewer can become TV-producer at home it opens countless new ways to make interactions between TV-screen and viewer and creates millions of new program makers. Recycling old video footage is like recycling garbage. In order to get most out of it, it is way better to be put in a new useful use and save the nature. By editing, sending and reviewing the iWiTTY program clips people get to be in charge of what comes out of TV. Upgrading footage to broadcast quality from mainframe and only sending video in and -out points are clever way of playing down internet traffic. Viewers can truly participate in dozens of new iWiTTY TV-formats week on and don't have to queue up in rain or snow. Sex, race, physical disabilities or looks don't matter when people take part in iWiTTY entertainment formats.

Abstract: Viewers of video programming are provided with a low effort mechanism to access product or service information related to a program being viewed. This benefits the viewers by providing them with only desired information, and advertisers of the products and services, by focusing their messages on their target market. The availability of advertising or other supplemental information is provided to the viewer within the programming, at places that are time-marked when the programming is being developed or in real time. In response to receiving a request from the viewer for this information, any information associated with the time marker is delivered to the viewer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing a set-top box application. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a request from a set-top box device to launch a set-top box application. The method also includes determining whether a processing system of the set-top box device supports execution of the set-top box application. The method also includes sending the set-top box application to the set-top box device after determining that the processing system of the set-top box device can support execution of the set-top box application.

Abstract: A method of controlling a data broadcast application and broadcast receiver processing the same are disclosed. According to one general implementation, a method of processing a data broadcast signal, which is supported by a data broadcasting platform, includes receiving an application information table supported by a data broadcasting platform, extracting an application upgrade information by parsing the application information table, tuning a channel carrying upgrade data according to the extracted application upgrade information and executing an application upgrade by receiving the upgrade data via the tuned channel.

Abstract: A subscriber or other user is provided with access to a subscription service of a signal distribution system at a roaming location remote from a home location of the user. The subscription service comprises a plurality of selectable channels available to the user at the home location. In one aspect of the invention, a request for initiation of a roaming session is received, and responsive to initiation of the roaming session, at least one user interface is generated for presentation on a device at the remote location. The generated user interface is configured to provide access at the remote location to one or more of the channels available to the user at the home location, and represents an at least partial alteration of a normal user interface that would otherwise be presented on the device at the remote location in the absence of the roaming session.

Abstract: A method of providing an integrated file list and a video appliance using the same are provided. The video appliance includes a combining unit for combining a video signal to be displayed with desired information, and a control unit for creating an integrated file list enumerated with files stored in a plurality of recording media, and controlling the combining unit to combine the video signal to be displayed with the created integrated file list. According to the video appliance, a user can effectively manage the files dispersedly stored in several recording media.