Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for gate crashing computer-based games. In one embodiment, a method for playing a console-based game on a host player gaming system can include receiving a request from a host player to allow gate crashing in the game. In response to the request, information related to the game can be transmitted to a server computer. The server computer can forward the information to a remote gate crasher gaming system. A gate crasher can then view the information and submit a request to crash the game and control one of the non-player characters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing a program to a user. A first program is provided to a user. A characteristic of the first program is identified. A second program having the same characteristic as the first program is identified. An input is received from the user while the user is viewing the first program. Upon receiving the input, the second program is provided to the user.

Abstract: An in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) records in a recording device a program which the user starts watching, and reads and reproduces the data when watching is permitted, such as, for example, when a vehicle is stopped. The in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) transmits recording information about recording, such as a program, a time, and the like, to an in-home recording/reproduction device (303). The in-home recording/reproduction device (303) records the same program as that recorded by the in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) based on the recording information. The in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121) transmits to the in-home recording/reproduction device (303) reproduction information indicating which scene was last reproduced in the in-vehicle recording/reproduction device (121). The in-home recording/reproduction device (303) performs reproduction based on the reproduction information.

Abstract: A television receiving system displays an advertisement for a future television program. If the future television program is identified as recordable, the system also displays an option to set a reminder for the advertised program and/or an option to record the advertised program on a video recorder. If a viewer of the advertisement selects the reminder option, then a reminder is programmed in the system. If the viewer selects the record option, then the system automatically programs the video recorder to record the advertised program. If the viewer has established an interactive session during a television advertisement, and has not completed the interactive session when the advertisement ends, then the current television program is paused until the interactive session is completed.

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 set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

Abstract: An audio/video monitoring system is disclosed, comprising a combination of one or more set-top boxes and application servers in a service provider's network. The set-top boxes and applications services are part of a multiple services operator's (MSO) network, such as that of a cable company. Cameras and/or microphones which are directly connected to a set-top box are the sources of media signals, which the set-top box transmits to an application server. The application server continually receives the media signals from one or more set-top boxes, and determines which subset of the received media signals to forward to a selected output device, such as a television connected to another set-top box or a cellular telephone. The application server then forwards media signals of interest to the output device, such as when motion or a loud noise is detected in a media signal received from the set-top box or boxes.

Abstract: A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive program guide (IPG) includes receiving from a user a request for an IPG, and providing the user with an IPG that includes listings that were received by a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) via a subscriber television network, as well as other listings that were not received by the DHCT via the subscriber television network.

Abstract: An approach is provided for creating a personalized programming guide. A guide manager receives input from a user for creating a personalized programming guide. The guide manager retrieves one or more search criteria associated with a community of other users to construct a query. The guide manager then performs the query and displays the results of the query in a personalized programming guide.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate voice control of a receiving device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, a voice enabled media presentation system (“VEMPS”) includes a receiving device and a remote-control device having an audio input device. The VEMPS is configured to obtain audio data via the audio input device, the audio data received from a user and representing a spoken command to control the receiving device. The VEMPS is further configured to determine the spoken command by performing speech recognition on the obtained audio data, and to control the receiving device based on the determined command. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A master device interactively distributes a television signal to a remote device for remote display with low latency between a user input and a television signal change.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiver configured to perform browsing of information relating to a broadcast program to be received and/or recorded by accessing to an Internet server being independent of the broadcast program, the receiver including: a browsing module configured to perform the browsing; a recording module configured to start, upon a start of the browsing, recording of the broadcast program being broadcasted and viewed; and a replying module configured to return, upon receiving of an acquisition request from the Internet server, identifying information relating to the broadcast program that has been viewed so far or being viewed to the server.

Abstract: A set top box that is placed in communication with a television is described herein and includes a receiver component that receives viewer-generated data from a portable electronic device, wherein the viewer-generated data is provided by a viewer responsive to display of interactive television content viewed by the viewer on the television. The set top box also includes a transmission component that transmits the viewer-generated data to a data repository managed by a third party service provider and a display component that causes interactive data pertaining to the viewer-generated data to be overlaid on the television content viewed by the viewer on the television.

Abstract: A computing device receives from a user, a request to simultaneously record two or more programs from a content server onto the computing device and initiates a streaming video session between the computing device and a video client. The computing device provides, to the video client, recording parameters for one of the programs and then receives, via the streaming video session, a video stream from the video client. The video stream includes the one of the programs from the content server based on the recording parameters that is then recorded by the computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a location of a set-top box. An indicator of an emergency is received through the set-top box. The location of the set-top box is determined utilizing global positioning information. A message indicating the emergency and the location is sent through a satellite in communication with the set-top box.

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: A system and method for displaying a simplified electronic program schedule guide on a user's television monitor is provided. In one embodiment, the program schedule guide is abbreviated to include only the programs currently available for viewing on a subset of the available channels. In another embodiment, the program guide screen visually distinguishes between programs for the convenience of the viewer.

Abstract: Apparatus for video gaming includes a box having a slot with an interface that connects to a game card providing a platform to run a software video game. The game card outputs video game data through the interface at a data rate of approximately 200 Mbps or greater. A unit processes the video game data for output to a display device. A wireless transceiver is included to receive the software video game via a wireless local area network (WLAN) and to transmit game information to a remote player having access to the WLAN during interactive play of the software video game. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An approach is provided for navigating media content by specifying a time to start playback of the media content.

Abstract: A particular method includes determining whether a recording at a set top box is in progress. When the recording is in progress, a program provided by a video stream transmitted to the set top box is recorded. After the recording is complete, a request is automatically sent to a content source to turn off the video stream. When the recording is not in progress, a warning is transmitted for display at a display device that the video stream will be turned off after a timeout period. After the timeout period has elapsed, the request is automatically sent to the content source to turn off the video stream.

Abstract: In a messaging system adapted to operate in a television environment, the invention teaches a method and apparatus for allowing a user to enter textual outgoing message, which is translated to speech by text to speech module. The speech is than delivered to a target server such as a voice mail or e-mail server, for listening by the message recipient.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for receiving a group of video channels at a client device, selecting a display set from the group of channels, and sending a communication to a display for displaying each channel in the display set in parallel wherein each one of the channels in the display set is displayed in one of a plurality of picture in picture (PIP) displays for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A multimedia system and associated control method is provided. The multimedia system includes a remote control, a display device and a multimedia signal generator. A control method of the multimedia system includes steps of transmitting a remote control signal to the display device by the remote control, transmitting a local control signal associated with the remote control signal to the multimedia signal generator, generating an operation command by the multimedia signal generator in response to the local control signal, and executing the operation command by the multimedia signal generator.

Abstract: A method of interactive broadcasting may include broadcasting audiovisual content for receipt by mobile electronic devices that are present within a communication range of a wireless access point. An information submission mechanism may be made available to the mobile electronic devices over the wireless access point. Users of the mobile electronic devices may submit information using the information submission mechanism to a server. The submitted information may be responsive to a request for user input related to the audiovisual content.

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

Abstract: An AV receiver 1 is connected to a DVD player AVP1 and a CD player AVP2 via an IEEE1394 bus. The AV receiver 1 stores a command receiving terminal 161 connected to a remote controller receiver RE1 as being associated with the DVD player AVP1, and a command receiving terminal 162 connected to a remote controller receiver RE2 as being associated with the CD player AVP2. The AV receiver 1 transmits a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE1 to the DVD player AVP1 and a control command that is received via the remote controller receiver RE2 to the CD player AVP2.

Abstract: A communication device may receive broadcast signals and personal communication signals and may interleave and/or combine the broadcast content and personal communication content. The interleaved and/or combined content may be displayed and/or played as a single stream of video and/or audio. The personal communication content may comprise directed advertisement and/or other specified content which may be determined based on a user's location and/or a user profile. Advertisements may be monitored. The broadcast signals may comprise radio and/or TV programs and may be received via terrestrial wireless, satellite, cable and/or Internet channels. The personal communication signals may be transmitted and/or received via cellular, personal cable, personal satellite and/or a personal Internet channels. The user may respond via the personal communication signals. Broadcast and/or personal communication signals may be deciphered.

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

Abstract: A method of transmitting image data from one node to another in a network includes obtaining image data in the node, transmitting the image data to the other node via an IEEE 1394 serial bus using one of isochronous transfer and asynchronous stream, and controlling the other node to form an image in accordance with the image data.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a media player and a control unit operable to selectively access any one of a plurality of different types of media sources, such as a local media file memory, and at least one signal input for media data received through a communication connection from an external source, such as a streaming media data or a real time FM radio signal. A user-operable key is carried on the device, which upon activation triggers the control unit to store data related to a currently accessed media source in a playlist. Both the storage and selection of a playlist, which are dependent on from which type of media source the media data is accessed, are performed automatically in the device.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to operate a reproduction apparatus (an apparatus from which video is inputted) using only a remote control of a video display apparatus. A video display apparatus which displays video includes: a first display unit which displays a menu screen of the video display apparatus; a switching unit which switches a current input to an input from an input source device from which video is inputted when the input source device is indicated in the menu screen displayed by the first display unit; and a second display unit which displays a menu screen of the input source device when the switching unit switches the current input.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating emergency communications from a set top box to emergency services may be provided, wherein the system and method include receiving a request to contact emergency services using a set top box. The request may come from a remote control or from the set top box itself. Emergency communications may further be communicated to emergency services.

Abstract: [Object] To increase the usability for users without decreasing the security level. [Solving Means] A personal computer (PC) 10 is connected to a television receiver (TV) 30 using an HDMI cable 1. When a video signal is transmitted from the PC 10 to the TV 30, a TMDS channel in the HDMI cable 1 is used. A high-speed data line that performs bi-directional communication using predetermined lines of the HDMI cable 1 (e.g., a reserve line and an HPD line) is provided. In PC 10, a firewall is set. When, for example, being connected to the PC 10, the TV 30 transmits a firewall turn-off command to the PC 10. Alternatively, when, for example, performing data transmission using the high-speed data line provided between the TV 30 and the PC 10, the TV 30 transmits a firewall turn-off command to the PC 10. The security level and connectivity can be maintained without troublesome setting performed by the user and, therefore, the usability for users can be increased.

Abstract: A video recording apparatus for continuously presenting a main program to a user without a break while presenting a commercial. A main program buffer records a main program of a video signal in accordance with a temporal position of at least the main program or commercials in the video signal, and a commercial buffer records the commercials. A controller determines whether a current time is in a period to display a commercial, on the basis of at least the temporal position of the main program or the commercials in the video signal. A mixer mixes the main program and the commercials such that the main program is temporally continuously displayed in a full screen area and such that a commercial is displayed in a small area in the bottom right corner of the screen during a period in which the commercial should be displayed.

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: Systems, methods and computer-readable media are described for the automated payment, download over a network, installation on a set-top box, and play of console and online video games by user interaction with a controller-adapted set-top box. Security measures inhibit video game piracy.

Abstract: A system for setting a price for delivering multimedia content to subscribers' devices. The novel system includes a first sub-system for obtaining data on subscribers' actions on their devices and a second sub-system for determining a price to charge a content provider to deliver multimedia content to the devices based on this data. In an illustrative embodiment, the first sub-system includes an applet stored in and executed by each device adapted to record the subscriber's actions on the device, including the subscriber's responses to content previously delivered to the device. The second sub-system includes a neural network artificial intelligence engine adapted to determine a responsiveness of each subscriber based on their responses to previously delivered content and adjust the price based on the responsiveness of the subscribers selected to receive new content.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to select a program for recording onto the digital storage device. The program guide may then provide the user a list of programs that includes at least one listing for a recorded program. The user may select a recorded program listing and the program guide will transfer the corresponding program from the digital storage device to a secondary storage device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to export tuning data collected in a receiving device are disclosed. An example method of collecting audience measurement data comprises collecting tuning data within a receiving device, and modulating an LED associated with the receiving device to export the collected tuning data from the receiving device.

Abstract: A video on request (“VOR”) system is disclosed. The VOR system includes a producer having a location device for providing location data and a video recording device. The VOR system also includes an information exchange having a producer database configured to store a producer profile having current location and status of the producer. The current location and status are continually updated based on the location data. The VOR system also includes a viewer having access to the information exchange to search the producer database for available producers within a predetermined range of a desired location. Upon finding the available producer at the desired location, the viewer requests an information segment to be produced by the producer from the desired location. The producer thereafter records the information segment and transmits the information segment to the viewer.

Abstract: A web-based subscription service PVR system. An Internet server maintains, for each subscriber, the subscriber's aggregated content including digital rights management (DRM) rules for each piece of content as defined by the content provider. Pointers to requested content are provided.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to operate the STB coupled to an interactive television network as an audio visual answering machine using a digital video recorder forming a part of the STB, use at least one camera coupled to the STB to capture video, use at least one microphone coupled to the STB to capture audio, present video from at least a calling party on a television set coupled to the STB, and present audio from at least the calling party on speakers coupled to the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically provide an audio sub-channel for a reading service to a visually impaired user. An audio service system includes a control module and a transmit module. The control module is operable to identify an audio sub-channel for a reading service available for reception within a broadcast area of a television content provider. The control module is further operable to identify a set of commands for a television tuner instructing the television tuner to tune to the audio sub-channel. The transmit module is operable to transmit the set of commands to the television tuner so the visually impaired user can listen to the audio sub-channel for the reading service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an integrated set-top box for recording a voice communication and/or a voicemail. In one embodiment, the integrated set-top box automatically detects communications associated with a monitored communication line and records and stores the voice communications in a data storage unit of the integrated set-top box. In another embodiment, the integrated set-top box may provide voicemail capabilities in addition to other features.

Abstract: In order to maintain continuity before and after interruption of a streaming broadcast, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reception unit which receives data on a stream broadcast; a memory which is capable of storing a predetermined amount of the received data on a stream broadcast; a data processing unit which processes the data on a stream broadcast to generate video data for the stream broadcast; a video output unit which outputs the video data to a display apparatus; and a detection unit which detects interruption point data indicating a position where the stream broadcast should be interrupted out of the received data on a stream broadcast; when an abnormality is detected, the output of the video data is stopped at a position instructed in the interruption point data detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a television having a controller to determine an access plan associated with a mobile communication device that is capable of wirelessly receiving broadcast video content, present one or more options for adjusting the access plan where the one or more options include wireless access for the television to the broadcast video content, and receive a selection of the one or more options, wherein the access plan is adjusted based on the selection. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: A system and method provides transition continuity for an event across a plurality of media representation device types. The system and method allow identification information for a media event such as a sports game, talk show, music, video, etc. to be handed-off between various media presentation devices such as radios, broadcast televisions, cable television set top boxes, an internet connected computer, satellite receivers, and multimedia cellular phones. A multi-representation media event hand-off method includes receiving (804) a first event identifier that corresponds to a first media representation of an event, correlating (808) the first event identifier to a second event identifier that corresponds to a second media representation of the event, and transmitting (810) data indicative of the second event identifier to a media device that facilitates presentation of the second media representation.