Abstract: A system and apparatus for encouraging viewing of broadcast contents. When a mail receiving terminal receives e-mail including a message that a CM by an advertiser will be broadcasted from a mail server, a program record button (64), a program view button (65), a CM record button (66) and a CM view button (67) as well as the message that the CM by the advertiser will be broadcasted are displayed on a mailer screen (50). The mail also includes program information such as the program start date and time, the program finish date and time, the CM start date and time, the CM finish date and time and the broadcast channel. When the CM record button (66) is clicked, a CM recording reservation signal is transmitted to a VCR in accordance with the program information through the infrared interface of the mail receiving terminal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus (i.e. a Personal Video Recorder) comprising a memory (i.e. firmware), a storage device (i.e. a hard drive), and a network interface (i.e. a Local Area Network interface). The memory is configured to substantially exclusively store the operating system of the apparatus. The storage device is configured to substantially exclusively store video content (i.e. television programs). The network interface is coupled to the memory and the storage device.

Abstract: In a digital video recording system (DVR), a method of identifying the MPEG picture coding type of individual pictures of a GOP that is contained within a DSS transport packet, without parsing and evaluating each DSS transport packet. The picture coding type identifies whether a picture is an intra-coded (I) picture, predictive-coded (P) picture or bi-directionally predictive-coded (B) picture. The method facilitates implementation of DVR system playback modes, and especially trick modes by indentifying and indexing the transport packet payload containing the I-picture (frame or field).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an advanced set top box device comprises an integrated removable digital storage system coupled to a digital tuner that receives and demodulates signals received from a video casting network. In another embodiment, the removable digital storage device is integrated into an advanced television device. This invention overcomes the finite storage limitations of conventional systems and provides a user with much greater flexibility in managing the increasingly massive amount of content and data being received by way of interactive TV services. It also enables a user to view digital content on devices other than the one TV in a home that may be capable of receiving the content.

Abstract: A delivery server comprises image contents and informational data about the image contents in its storage device. From a video recorder being a client, a request to deliver image contents that a user of the video recorder desires is issued to the delivery server. At this time, the user transmits informational data about the image contents to the delivery server. The delivery server searches for the image contents of the server itself based on the informational data transmitted from the video recorder, and delivers the image contents that the user of the video recorder desires to the video recorder.

Abstract: There is provided a system, method and software application that receives a data stream via a data network such as the Internet. The received data is recorded in a data storage device. The system stores various transcoding algorithms for a variety of playback devices and transfer networks. The recorded data is then transcoded into a format compatible with other devices or data transfer constraints. A user can interface with the system to input information particular to the other devices and transfers. This information is stored by the system and used to determine the transcoding algorithm best suited to the needs of the user based on the user input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically delivering data files, (e.g. television and movies) via a personalized channel to a user, that are based on a user's profile and viewing habits, are provided. A client receives meta-data broadcasts from a server system that includes descriptions of a plurality of data files currently being broadcasted or to be broadcast by the server system. In response to a content rating table that is based on a user's profile and viewing habits, a data file is automatically selected. The selected data file is displayed on a personalized channel on a display device to the user. The selected data file can be, for example, a currently broadcasting data file or a data file stored in a cache memory of the client. Thus, the user only needs to tune to his or her personalized channel to view personalized content.

Abstract: A consumer set-top terminal and method that receives and stores digital programming services such as television programs for subsequent playback by the user in a manner analogous to a conventional video cassette recorder (VCR). An interface allows the terminal's user to control a transcoding proces based on the desired quality level for the transcoded data, e.g., high, medium or low. The transcoding is provided without the expense and complexity of a full encoder. By performing transcoding at the terminal, the bit rate of the data can be reduced sufficiently to allow economical storage at the terminal. Moreover, the user can set the quality level to be different for different programs, different parts of the same program, or for different channels. The user input can be received via an interface, such as an on-screen display, which is optionally integrated with electronic program guide data. The user input can be established beforehand as well.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of delivery and storage of real-time data in communications networks. More particularly, the present invention provides a method, apparatus, system, and machine-readable medium to store an encoded audio or video stream.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed which includes: a storing element for storing content data corresponding to an image associated with a distributed storage medium; a retrieving element for retrieving address information on a network from the distributed storage medium; an accessing element for accessing the storing element based on the address information retrieved by the retrieving element; and a recording element for recording to the distributed storage medium the content data acquired by the accessing element from the storing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for managing television programs and their related web simulcasts. Accordingly, the present invention monitors incoming television signals to detect tag information, which identifies the source of the web simulcasts. Thereafter, a number of enhanced web contents is retrieved for storage in a memory medium for subsequent retrieval. The retrieved web contents are formatted according to predetermined criteria so that the TV viewer can participate selectively in one of the enhanced features linked to a particular television program and is of interest to the viewer.

Abstract: A software appliance and method of operation are disclosed that enable distribution of software applications through consumer-electronic appliances, such as set-top boxes. The appliance and method enable the tracking of the software usage for billing purposes. The usage information is sent to the provider of the software so proper accounting may be accomplished. The software applications may be embedded within the software appliance, such as in a datastore or be accessed via a disk reader or other memory devices, such as a memory stick. Each software application is packaged in a signal format that is compatible with the Advanced Television System Committee (“ATSC”) standard 17, also known as the Digital Television Application Software Environment (“DASE”) format. The electronic appliance, or the software appliance, receives a broadcast stream of content information and unpacks the software application carried within the broadcast stream.

Abstract: A player device for generating audio visual signals representative of entertainment content with advertisements includes a reader mechanism for reading entertainment content pre-recorded on a first medium and reading advertisements pre-recorded on a second medium, and a processor generating command signals inserting advertisements read by the reader mechanism from the second medium into entertainment content read by the reader mechanism from the first medium.

Abstract: In a recording system for digital broadcasting are provided a log data generation unit for generating log data (a log) based on information about TS packets outputted from a packet separation unit, a data filter unit and a data search unit. The log is comprised of, for example, the first to fourth 4-byte words. The log is generated with respect to each TS packet that has passed through the packet separation unit and temporarily stored in a register within the log data generation unit. Thereafter, when the content of the stored log satisfies previously determined conditions, the log data generation unit outputs the log to a memory access unit (control unit).

Abstract: A system and method automatically plays programming selections corresponding to the user's preferences as specified in a playlist. The user can create a playlist and transfer the playlist to a receiver. The receiver scans the content in all of the channels that are being broadcast to the receiver to determine if any of the programming matches the selections on the playlist. If there is a match, the receiver automatically tunes the receiver to the matching program.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is related to wireless communication devices with a reduced-noise recording receiver. The recording receiver receives a transmitted signal, converts the received signal to a digital base-band signal and stores the digitized base-band signal in a buffer for subsequent processing. The stored digital signals are subsequently processed to recover the transmitted data signal. The overall signal integrity in the receiver is improved by performing signal processing after reception is complete. The IF processing section of the receiver includes a frequency band translation section. The frequency band translation section translates the frequency band of the IF signal into a non-harmonically related frequency band. Since the IF signal is in an unrelated frequency band, data can be recovered from the-transmission signal with improved signal-to-noise characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is implemented in one embodiment in a tuning decoder device, such as an Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) of a digital satellite system. The IRD is coupled to a satellite system, the remote controller and a monitor, such as a TV set. The present invention allows a user to store up to five stations in a JUMP Loop sequence during a single viewing period by depressing a single key in a remote controller.

Abstract: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver (10) containing an embedded computer (26) receives digital content such as news, sports, weather and stocks. The broadcast receiver personalizes, i.e. filters and processes, the content received according to the user-chosen configuration software (82) loaded from a removable storage device (80), such as a compact flash card. The broadcast receiver displays, announces or writes to the same removable storage device the desired content. Without needing any user interaction, this broadcast receiver is well suited for the mobile environment. An interactive computer (70), as instructed by its user, writes the configurable software, including parameters, software and firmware updates to the removable storage device. The interactive computer optionally downloads the configurable software, for example, the personal stock portfolio of its user, from Internet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the storage and display of video data and other digital content in a set-top box or other television environment so that such data is securely stored and displayed are provided. Example embodiments provide an enhanced display controller (EDC) that executes in an electronic device, such as a set-top box, to provide secure storage and playback of streamed digital content. The EDC creates or identifies a secure storage location and stores the data stream in that secure location in a secure manner, thereby minimizing unauthorized access. In addition, the EDC supports the secure display of the data stream using standard (or proprietary) encryption techniques, and/or obfuscation techniques. The EDC also optionally supports various requirements for complying with the usage limitations typically associated with DRM data content. In one embodiment, the enhanced display controller is a modified set-top display (device) driver that includes a VBI decoder, mechanisms (e.g.

Abstract: A summary reproducing apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting silent and noise sections based on information on sound waveforms of inputted audio/video information, and a control unit for deciding digest segments to be extracted while controlling a reproduction unit based on the digest segments. The control unit sets the digest segments and the importance of each of the digest segments based on the time-base position and/or section length of each of the silent and noise sections in the audio/video information. Based on the set importance of each of the digest segments, the control unit then controls the reproduction unit to play a digest of the audio/video information.

Abstract: A set top box includes a designation function that provides a user with the ability to designate and store music video clips that the user is currently viewing while watching a video music channel. The user can instantly select a viewed video for storage in its entirety even after it has begun. The videos may be stored on a hard disk drive of the set top box, and may be indexed or organized by titles, artists, genre, or the like. Additionally, a user may be listening to an audio program on an audio cable channel, a radio channel, a digital or analog stereo (e.g., playback from a CD), and upon selection of a particular song, a corresponding video is downloaded to the user's designated set top box.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus using a hard disk drive (HDD), a connection confirmation/processing program (program for confirming connection with an external equipment and conducting processing required for that connection) which can be executed during starting time of the HDD is stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) of a microcomputer, and a recording/reproduction control program which cannot be executed until the HDD becomes accessible and is greatly affected by extension of the functions and modification of the specification is stored in the HDD.

Abstract: A method and system which temporally sorts data such as program guide data for example, to ensure that near-term data (i.e. most likely to be used, or “now data”) is always available for rapid access from a physical memory location such as a high-speed temporal cache. The method incorporates two low-priority background processes or algorithms, termed “event horizons” into the storage and manipulation of the data so that applications using the data may be run without having to always access a mass storage device. The method and system are highly applicable to all set top boxes (STBs) used in various communication systems such as satellite communication, Cable-TV and DVB systems. The method and system are economical in that superior STB and/or system performance may be obtained with the inclusion of lesser amounts of expensive high-speed RAM.

Abstract: There is disclosed a video playback device comprising: 1) a disk storage device for storing television programs received from an external source; 2) a first controller for receiving a first program recording command, wherein the first program recording command is operable to cause the first controller to store a first television program on the disk storage device during a first time slot; and 3) a second controller for determining if sufficient space is available on the disk storage device to store the first television program. The disk storage device, in response to a determination that sufficient space is not available on the disk storage device, identifies in an external communication network a second remote video playback device capable of recording the first television program and transmits a recording task request to the second remote video playback device. The recording task request causes the second remote video playback device to record the first television program during the first time slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the generation of Video on Demand programs or items via a television broadcast system. The broadcast system typically comprises a means for receiving broadcast data, a receiver for processing the data and a television or other display apparatus for displaying the selected program. Video on Demand programs can be selected for display at any or any of a range of times by the system user. In the current invention, to avoid the delay experienced between a VoD program being selected and the same actually being displayed, initial portions of data for the selectable VoD programs are stored in memory in the system such that upon selection of the particular program, the initial portion of the data is immediately displayed and as this occurs the remaining data for the selected program is transmitted to the receiver for display after the display of the initial portion.

Abstract: A central control system is provided for broadband communication terminals. A message source generates control information adapted to provide different functionality to different broadband communication terminals or populations of such terminals. At least one transmitter is adapted to transmit control information generated by the message source to the terminals on different control channels. The message source provides control channel configuration messages targeted to different terminal populations or to individual terminals. The control channel configuration messages designate a particular control channel from which the targeted terminal population or individual terminal should thereafter acquire the control information required to control the functionality of the respective terminal(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing time-shifted television within a video-on-demand system.

Abstract: There is disclosed for use in a video playback device containing a disk storage device, an apparatus for retrieving from remote data servers in an external network supplemental data files related to a first television program stored on the disk storage device. The apparatus comprises: 1) a recording controller capable of recording on the disk storage device the first television program and link data associated with the first television program; and 2) an update controller capable of identifying the link data associated with the first television program, wherein the update controller is further capable of using the link data to access the supplemental data files on the remote data servers and to retrieve the supplemental data files.

Abstract: The present invention is a data formatting method for data in a digital communication network. The first step in the method is to identify a predetermined number of blocks in the data stream, each block including several data values. The blocks are shuffled by skipping a number of blocks of the input data between consecutive blocks of transmitted data and periodically resetting the skip pointer to transmit the skipped blocks as a part of a later skip operation. The shuffled blocks are then transmitted through the network and reordered again at the other side to recreate the original data stream. Others blocks are similarly reordered and transmitted. The shuffling of the blocks of data reduces long-term dependency in the data while maintaining local order.

Abstract: A system is provided that resources media content of multiple display channels. The system includes a memory with logic, tuning resources to receive media content of a plurality of display channels, buffering resources for buffering the media content, display resources for displaying the media content from at least one of the display channels, and a processor configured with the logic to determine when the resources are unavailable to receive media content of a newly requested display channel. The processor is further configured with the logic to, responsive to a determination of insufficient resources, determine the lowest priority display channel using at least one user configurable rule, wherein the processor is further configured with the logic to effect discontinuing the receipt of media content of a display channel designated as having the lowest priority among a plurality of received display channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system or architecture that integrates a set top box with a digital transmission receiver such as a satellite receiver. The architecture includes a processor that is capable of controlling and operating the components of the satellite receiver while also providing the ability to process interactive content and access the Internet or other network. The architecture provides a unified memory that is used by all the components of the system that require memory. The architecture allows many functions previously performed in hardware to be performed by software. The architecture further ensures that the conditional access is protected and implemented such that consumers are only able to access the channels that they are authorized to access. In addition, the architecture allows for multiple channels to be simultaneously processed to provide additional features and functionality to the consumer.

Abstract: A transmission system, comprising a transmitter (10) and at least one receiver (14) is configured to receive signals (12) transmitted therefrom. Broadcast data in the transmitted stream is accompanied by one or more applications defined in one or more data carousels formed of data file and directory objects sent in cycles with predetermined groups of file and directory objects being formed into respective modules at the transmitter and with each module being transmitted as a whole. For each object carousel defining the root hierarchy of the data objects there is transmitted in the stream a list of identifiers for the component data carousels respectively defining all or a part of the data objects associated with an application. The receiver (14) is arranged, on identification of a particular application to be recorded, to use the list of identifiers to identify and subsequently store the received file data and directory objects for that application.

Abstract: A data communication system includes a transmitting device having a unit for storing a plurality of data, a unit for receiving a request to transmit first data from the communication terminal, and for transmitting the first data to the communication terminal in response to the request for transmission; and a communication terminal having a unit for transmitting the request to transmit the first data to the transmitting device, a data receiving unit for receiving the first data, a first storage for storing the first data, a second storage for storing second data different from the first data, a reading unit for reading data storage, a display unit for stored in the first storage or second displaying the data read out by the reading unit, and a control unit for performing control for the reading unit.

Abstract: For use in connection with a communication network that communicates with a plurality of video content servers storing a plurality of video files for download to a subscriber, a network video player for downloading a first selected one of the plurality of video files. The network video player comprises: 1) a browser program stored on a computer-readable storage medium capable of being executed by a processing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory; and 2) a video download control program stored on the computer-readable storage medium capable of being executed by the processing system. The browser program and the video download control program transmit video outputs and audio outputs to a television set via a wireless transceiver system coupled to the processing system and receive via the wireless transceiver system user commands and user data transmitted by a viewer control device operated by a viewer of the television set.

Abstract: A sharp-image commercial suited to each viewer is provided. TV programs (a program R and a program S) are previously accumulated in a hard disk 11. A TV commercial (a commercial a, a commercial b, . . . ) suited to the viewer is selected from among plural categories of TV commercials transmitted from respective enterprises, corresponding to pre-registered information on the viewer, and is accumulated in the hard disk memory 11. The TV commercial accumulated as a TV commercial televised in an interval of a TV program is inserted to edit a program 20. The viewer is able to watch the TV commercial suited to the viewer himself or herself together with the TV program by selecting the favorite program 20 by operating a remote controller 13 etc.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for managing modules of interactive television applications. The system transmits modules from a broadcast station to a plurality of receiving stations through various paths, such as broadcast channels and modem channels. The receiving stations have module managers which store module requests and which monitor the various channels for modules corresponding to the requests. When modules are transmitted on the monitored channels, they are matched with the corresponding stored requests. If a module matches one of the requests, or if is an auto-loading module, it is stored in the receiving station. If a module has not been requested and is not an auto-loading module, it is ignored. The stored modules are added to a list of modules available for execution or for use by an executing application, and the corresponding requests are deleted.

Abstract: Coordination of favorites, such as web favorites, among disparate devices is performed via use of a user model for an interactive video casting system. The user model organizes access devices into households, with each access device in a household being logical extensions of each other. Each household can have multiple user objects, with each user object having its own independent configuration of attributes and data (such as web favorites). Other access devices (if any) in the household automatically receive the information of a new or reconfigured user object (such as revised favorites settings) without any further action by the user. When a user adds a new access device to the household, the new access device automatically receives the user object information of user objects, including favorites settings, already existing in the household, without any further action by the user.

Abstract: A flash memory initialization sequence in a DTV set-top box of the type having a program-controlled microprocessor associated with a front panel board and a DTV board for processing at least part of an audio/visual television signal in which the sequence, upon application of start-up power, determines whether or not a selected file exists indicative of at least a partial formatting of the flash memory and causes the main DTV application to execute in the event the selected file exists. Conversely, where the selected file is not detected, the initialization sequence runs an initialization routine that at least formats a portion of the flash memory, thereafter creates the selected file indicative of the desired formating of the flash memory, and returns control to re-determine whether or not the selected file exists to cause the main DTV application to then execute.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficient storage of data for use by an application, including a set top box. The set top box including a physical memory, a bulk storage device, and a memory management unit (MMU) coupled between the application and the physical memory and the bulk storage device. The physical memory and the bulk storage device are configured to store the data. The MMU is configured to translate a virtual address provided by the application to a physical address used by one of the physical memory and the bulk storage device.

Abstract: A software application that filters specific messages from an e-mail server is disclosed. A user specifies filtering criteria within the application, which then detects the arrival of an e-mail fulfilling the specified criteria, and notifies the user accordingly. The notification can consist of blinking an icon on a Set Top Box (STB) TV screen, making an audible sound, or activating a pager. The subject of the filter criteria can be an Instant Message or telephone call using Caller ID, instead of an e-mail message.

Abstract: A novel multiple channel architecture is designed to allow targeted advertising directed to television terminals connected to an operations center or a cable headend. Program channels carry television programs. During commercial breaks in the television programs, advertisements, which are also broadcast on the program channel, are displayed. However, additional feeder channels carry alternate advertising that may be better suited for certain viewing audiences. The operations center or the cable headend generate a group assignment plan that assigns the television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A switching plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to remain with the program channel or to switch to one of the alternate feeder channels during the program breaks. The television terminals record which channels were viewed during the program breaks, and report this information to the cable headends and the operations center.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a set-top box 50 that provides programs broadcasted from a broadcast station 40 to users, a monitor 60, and mobile stations 10a through 10c accommodated in a mobile data communication network 20 and store mobile station IDs (identification information) for identifying a user. The mobile stations 10a through 10c transmit control signals including the mobile station IDs for the set-top box 50 to the set-top box 50. The set-top box 50 stores the mobile station IDs and viewing histories of the user and transmits the mobile station IDs and the viewing histories to an audience rating calculating server 70. The audience rating calculating server 70 generates user's attribute-specific audience rating data on the basis of the mobile station IDs and the viewing histories received.

Abstract: The content playback method comprises inputting scene descriptive information to specify a time based order regarding playback of a piece of content data, receiving and playing back the content data according to the scene descriptive information, measuring an available bandwidth of a network, and requesting a content distribution device to transfer a subsequent piece of the content data based on the scene descriptive information when the available bandwidth exists.

Abstract: An information network, such an interactive set-top box, is provided to enable user to receive targeted information through use of a personal information database. Through interaction with the set-top box, the user may establish a personal profile database that specifies his or her interests, preferences and other information. This information is communicated to a service provider. Based on this information, the service provider builds a personal information database and creates customized and directed advertising targeted to that user. The customized advertising may be download to the user's multimedia storage device (either within the set-top box or external to it). The user information may also be passed to vendors, but the user's identity is withheld, thereby ensuring the privacy of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a media terminal adaptor having an internal logical interface to permit communication connections to be established between ports of the MTA.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit or module and ENTERTAINMENT, COACH, and INTERNET modes of operation. Operation of the system may be controlled with a dedicated remote unit. The ENTERTAINMENT mode of operation allows a user to watch television or play an audio or video disk, and the COACH mode gives a user access to user-selected information stored on a disk of the character just described. In the INTERNET mode, the user can log onto and surf the Internet.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for accessing data that is periodically transmitted by a broadcaster. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a receiver capable of reception of data is disclosed. The data is transmitted by a broadcaster in a broadcasting system. The receiver reduces the delay conventionally encountered in accessing periodically transmitted data in a broadcasting system.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting additional movie/DVD content listings of the same genre as a DVD movie, after a viewer has watched the DVD movie. A personalized bulletin board screen can be presented on a TV, with the screen listing additional content likely to be of interest to the viewer, based on the movie just watched. The bulletin board screen can be updated periodically over the Internet, such that an older DVD can be played and an updated bulletin board screen displayed with content that might, for example, star an actor in the just-watched DVD movie, or otherwise be of interest to a person who just watched the DVD movie.