Abstract: A broadcasting program storing method of a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal using the same are disclosed. The method includes according to an embodiment allocating and storing a presently receiving broadcasting stream to and in at least one time section of a plurality of time sections while playing a broadcasting stream, and selecting at least one time section from the plural time sections to reproduce a broadcasting stream allocated to the selected time section. Thus, the broadcasting stream can be stored in real time while viewing the broadcasting program and the stored broadcasting stream can be easily searched for or reproduced.

Abstract: A method for transmitting service data of a handset TV is disclosed in the present invention, wherein, an audio part and a video part of a handset TV program are split into an audio sub-service and a video sub-service respectively, and when transmitting the service data of the handset TV program, a transmitting terminal splits the service data into audio sub-service data and video sub-service data; the transmitting terminal respectively transmits the audio sub-service data and the video sub-service data on different transmission resources, and transmits association relationship information of the audio sub-service and the video sub-service to a terminal.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-frequency boost circuitry for use with a computer management system. Detection circuitry at the receiving end of a video signal measures the amplitudes of various frequency components of the video signal. If the amplitudes of the high-frequency components of the video signal are substantially lower than the amplitudes of the low frequency components of the video signal, the detection circuitry sends the amplitude information to analysis circuitry located at the transmitting end of the video signal. The analysis circuitry utilizes this information to determine the appropriate level of amplification needed for the video signal. This results in improved signal to noise ratio at the receiver in the computer management system.

Abstract: Application gadget techniques are described. In an implementation, a remote control device includes a display device and one or more modules. The one or more modules are configured to initiate one or more control functions related to control of a display of content by a client. The one or more modules also provide an environment to execute one or more application gadgets such that an output of the one or more application gadgets is displayable on the display device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: A method for playing music includes displaying a list of playlists names, selecting one of the displayed playlists names, sending at least one attribute of a playlist corresponding to the selected playlist name to a playlist server, receiving a playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s), selecting at least one song from the received playlist, sending information representative of the selected song to a content server, receiving the selected song from the content server, and playing the selected song(s). Requesting a playlist on the first device based on attributes, sending the same attributes to a second device having the second device request the playlist and start playing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multimedia signals is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adjunct device coupled between a Set-Top Box (STB) and a media device. The adjunct device can have a controller element that receives a telephony signal from a communication system and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) multimedia signal supplied by the STB, monitors call origination activities in the telephony signal, and presents at the media device in whole or in part the telephony and the IPTV multimedia signal according to the call origination activities monitored. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system of delivering a personalized media item to a user of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The computing device further comprises a set top box. The computing device may be connected to a server through a communication network. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. The user's identity is determined after a user switches on the television. Personalized text messages for selected media items are displayed as scrolling tickers on the television display screen. The media items may include advertisement messages, headlines of news and selected stock prices. One of the tickers may be selected by the user employing the remote control device to display the next level of details using an enlarged display space or using the full television screen.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed to enable switched video service on a host media server using a component within the media server to relay messages between a set of one or more tuners coupled with the media server and an interpreter device connected to a network source node that allocates switched video channels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for media source identification and time shifted media consumption measurements are disclosed. A disclosed method identifies a time shift associated with one of a plurality of media sources local to a media delivery device by generating a library of first signature information local to the media delivery device, wherein the library of first signature information includes records, each of which contains a time stamp, a signature value and a source identifier associated with a respective one of the plurality of media sources, generating second signature information based on media presented via the media delivery device, generating a collection of matching signature information based on the first and second signature information, and performing a time shift analysis on the collection of matching signature information to identify the time shift associated with the one of the plurality of media sources local to the media delivery device.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary data detection. Data is received on a hand-held device from a display of a signal on a monitor. The signal is visually displayed on the monitor at a frequency. A modulated video signal is received on the hand-held device from a display device. The modulated video signal contains auxiliary data modulated within a video signal in a substantially invisible way. The modulated video signal is demodulated to obtain the auxiliary data. At least one of the data or the auxiliary data is processed to identify a promotional opportunity available through the hand-held device. The user of the hand-held device is notified of availability of the promotional opportunity through the hand-held device.

Abstract: A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A system for providing combined real-time data and live video of an enclosure. The real-time data may be overlayed on live video. Additionally, or instead, alarms and/or real-time control capabilities may be overlayed on the live video. An embedded server may be connected to sensors and cameras at the enclosure for providing the video with the overlaid information to a network. A user interface may obtain access to the overlaid video via the network.

Abstract: A method may include requesting aggregated index information relating to media content stored on a least two digital video recorder (DVR) devices. The aggregated index information is received in response to the request. The aggregated index information includes a number of content entries, each entry including location information identifying a DVR device on which the associated media content is stored. A listing of the media content is displayed based on the aggregated index information.

Abstract: An interactive computer game system (10) for one or more players includes a game server (12) that generates a first game piece (19A) controlled by a first player, and a second game piece (19B). The first game piece (19A) has a first adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the first player and a first fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the first player. The second game piece (19B) can have a second adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the second player and a second fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the second player. The game pieces (19A, 19B) engage in a battle having an outcome determined by an algorithm that is based at least partly upon one or more of the adjustable battle parameters and/or one or more of the fixed battle parameters. In another embodiment, the game server (12) generates a pool of game pieces from which the players select activated first game pieces and second game pieces, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control system including a remote commander and a main device having a capability to connect with a subordinate device. The main device includes: a display; a first storage device for storing a plurality of sets of remote control codes; a first signal reception circuit; a first signal transmission circuit for, e.g., transmitting to the remote commander a set of remote control codes corresponding to a subordinate device; and a control unit. The remote commander includes: a second signal reception circuit for receiving the set of remote control codes; a second storage device for storing the set of remote control codes; a second signal transmission circuit; and an operation section for transmitting a remote control code transmission control signal for causing the control unit to perform remote control code transmission control for selecting the set of remote control codes and transmitting the set of remote control codes.

Abstract: A cable television interface box for interconnecting a television display unit to a cable television connection. The cable television interface box includes a television accessory unit in communication with the television display unit and the cable television connection. The television accessory unit interfaces with a remote portion of a split personal computer system and outputs input data signals to the remote portion for performing input portions of personal computer tasks, and receives video signals from the remote portion indicative of video and output portions of personal computer tasks.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying a computer-based portable program module, automatically altering code in the portable program module to permit display of the module on a television-based display so that the displayed module has a substantially similar appearance on the television-based display as on a computer display, and providing the altered code for execution on a processor connected to a television-based display.

Abstract: A content delivery proxy system and method delivers content to an unsupported client device within a content delivery system by converting messages and data from the unsupported client device into content delivery system supported messages and data. Client log-in messages received from the unsupported client device are converted into a content delivery system supported format and sent to the content delivery system, and user entitlement information of a user of the unsupported client device is requested from the content delivery system. If the user is a subscriber of the content provider, an unsupported client device identifier is created for the client device. A user interface for selecting content from the content delivery system is displayed on the client device in a client device supported format, and selections on the user interface are sent to the content delivery system. Selected content is provided to the client device in the proper format for playback on the client device.

Abstract: A system manages the allocation and storage of media content instance files in a hard disk of a storage device of a media client device in a subscriber television system. In one embodiment among others, the system includes a memory for storing logic, a buffer space in the hard disk for buffering media content instances as buffered media content instance files, and a processor configured with the logic to track the size of permanent media content instance files and the buffered media content instance files to provide an indication of available free space, such that the indication is independent of the buffer space.

Abstract: In a system for viewing accumulated contents by using a cellular phone, if an error prevents the content to be viewed, a simple operation is performed to view the rest at home. In accordance with a viewing request from a cellular phone, a television receiver, while sequentially receiving data from D-VHS, converts the data into a format suitable for reception and play in a cellular phone by using an encoder. After this format conversion, the television receiver stores in a play position memory a time stamp indicating a position information of a content and a sequence number used for transmission in TCP/IP. The cellular phone notifies the television receiver of a decode error of a reception data. When receiving a confirmation response of a normal play from the cellular phone, the television receiver clears the data of the play position memory, and otherwise holds the data of the play position memory.

Abstract: A system and method for chatting between a set-top box and one or more social networks. One or more social networks is associated with a set-top box. User preferences are set for communications with one or more contacts included in the one or more social networks. A chat interface is displayed to a user on a display associated with the set-top box in response to the user preferences and activity trigger determined in response to activity detected by the set-top box. Communications occurs with the one or more contacts using the chat interface.

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: A wireless entertainment system includes a delivery station, a wireless telephone network, and a receiver. Entertainment, such as a motion picture, is ordered by a customer through a wireless telephone, and is delivered to the customer through the wireless telephone network. The entertainment is delivered in a non-permanent method (streaming) to the customer through the network, to a receiver, such as a television viewing set in the customer's home, or to an intermediate storage medium, such as a memory device, that is then communicated directly to a viewing device.

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 media distribution system is provided whereby devices on a network are provided with native-mode, optimized content viewers adapted to receive and present digital content provided elsewhere on the network. An agent is downloaded to a device, where it gathers information regarding the device environment and uses that information to identify the appropriate application for that device. The appropriate application for a particular device is then downloaded to the device to enable the device to present the content to a user.

Abstract: In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to capture an image, and transmit the image to a system. The system can be operable to determine that the image corresponds to a media program, identify metadata associated with the media program, and transmit the metadata to a set-top box operable to display program information according to the metadata. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In order to accurately display information on the format of different signals from respective different signal source apparatuses as an image, the output signals of analog signal sources are supplied through an interface, signal lines and other interfaces to an analog signal processing circuit. Also, output signals of digital signal sources and output signals of information generating circuits are synthesized by multiplexers and supplied to a demultiplexer through interfaces, buses and an interface. The signals from the separated signal sources are processed in a digital signal processing circuit. The signals from the separated generating circuits are supplied to an information processing circuit, so that an image corresponding to the information indicating the format of the apparatus and/or the output signal is formed, and is synthesized with the signals from the signal processing circuits to be supplied to a monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods to monitor a person in a residence are provided. A particular method includes receiving data from a set-top box (STB) device at a monitoring service. The data includes location information from a location system in a residence that monitors a location of a person in the residence. The data includes usage information regarding usage of a plurality of devices in the residence. The data also includes a time stamp associated with the location information and the usage information. The method includes analyzing the data based on a profile of the person to determine whether one or more alert conditions are satisfied. The method also includes sending a notification when the one or more alert conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A method and system for contacting emergency service providers may allow using a remote control (RC) at a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client location. An MCDN user may use the RC, which may be configured to control customer premises equipment at the MCDN client, to signal an emergency event. In response, an MCDN server may be queried for emergency user information associated with the MCDN client and/or the MCDN user. Based on the emergency user information, third parties, such as emergency service providers, medical service providers, or private persons, may be contacted via the MCDN. A communications channel, including audio and/or video, between an emergency service provider and the MCDN client may be initiated based on the emergency user information.

Abstract: A data transmitting and receiving method and a broadcasting receiver are disclosed. A CABLECARD transmits a new flow request message for requesting a connection of a data transmitting and receiving path to a host. The host receiving the new flow request message transmits a new flow response message to the CABLECARD. The new flow request message includes a control field for recording processing information on an error generated during communication.

Abstract: Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: An information signal transmission system and a remote control device for such a system for allowing a viewer to continuously watch, for example, in a bedroom a program the viewer has watched in a living room. A recipient of information is detected referring to identification information set in a remote command device, and monitor devices are alternately switched for continuously providing the viewer with an information signal.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system includes a selector module that selects a content item and sends a stream of the content item to a set-top box. The set-top box analyzes content information associated with the content item using a speech interpretation algorithm or a text interpretation algorithm to create an index of the content information and determines to record the content item based upon the index of the content information. A method includes sending a content item from an IPTV network to a set-top box, directing the set-top box to analyze content information associated with the content item using a speech interpretation algorithm or a text interpretation algorithm, and directing the set-top box to record the content item based upon the analysis of the content information.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system is disclosed. The system includes a selector module that is adapted to select a content item based upon metadata information associated with the content item and send the content item to a first set-top box. The content is recorded and video information associated with the content item is analyzed using a video interpretation algorithm, and credits information associated with the content item is obtained from the set-top-box.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system includes a selector module adapted to select content items based upon metadata information associated with the content items, send the content items to a respective set-top box, direct each respective set-top box to record the content item and analyze content information associated with the content item to create an index of the content information, and receive from the set-top boxes the indices of the content information. A method includes selecting a content item based upon metadata information associated with the content item, sending the content item to a set-top box on an IPTV network, directing the set-top box to record the content item, and directing the set-top box to analyze content information associated with the content item to create an index of the content information in response to recording the content item.

Abstract: A settop box for streaming a television program to a network device through a network includes a central processing unit, a network interface device, a direct memory access engine, a buffer, and a memory for storing computer-executable instructions. The stored instructions cause the direct memory access engine to route time-ordered digital media data packets encoding the television program into the buffer, cause the central processing unit to add a network header to the digital media data packets, and cause the network interface device to relay the digital media data packets to a network device through the network, wherein the packets are relayed substantially without latency and with a time-ordering based on the same time-ordering of the packets in the buffer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing downstream signals to a plurality of receiver networks. A receiver network (i.e., a networked multimedia system) includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM), a primary set-top terminal (STT), and at least one remote device. The remote devices communicate with the primary STT via the SIM over coaxial cable. Accordingly, the remote devices utilize some or all of the features including hardware and software that are included in the primary STT via the networked multimedia system.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: An interactive broadcast system comprising a plurality of user interfaces each comprising a local clock signal generator. Each user interface delivers interactive applications to a respective user with reference to its respective local clock signal. A central control system broadcasts data to the user interfaces. The CCS detects adjustment of the local clock signals to identify fraudulent users.