Abstract: A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite.

Abstract: A recording control apparatus for controlling execution of recording in a recording apparatus, comprising, a channel selection acceptance unit configured to accept a channel selection from a user, a display controller to control a display unit to display program data which is selected among received program data via broadcast signal and is corresponding to the accepted channel selection, an obtaining unit configured to obtain reserve-recording information to be executed, and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, wherein when the determination unit determines that the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, the display controller controls the display unit to display a query screen to inquire of the user whether to erase recorded data corresponding to the reserve-recording information in the recording appar

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing personal media using a digital recorder transfers multimedia content via email to a digital video recorder.

Abstract: A name and a URL of a specific link destination are stored in a specific link destination information storing section. A microcomputer changes a process to be performed on a link destination depending on whether or not a link destination targeted for the process is a specific link destination. The specific link destination is highlighted when displaying link destinations as icons, and the specific link destination is displayed first when displaying a list of the link destinations. An access history about the specific link destination is stored in an access history storing section. An information server collects the access history from a television receiver and counts the number of accesses to the specific link destination. When the advertisement site is selected as the specific link destination, the number of accesses to the specific link destination is used as an index for indicating an advertising effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.

Abstract: An integrated receiving device (IRD) and a method for preventing the IRD from having insufficient memory are provided. The IRD connects to a headend via a CATV network. The IRD acquires attributes of an application from the headend, and analyzes the attributes to obtain a memory-usage descriptor of the application. The IRD determines whether the IRD has sufficient memory to store the application according to the memory-usage descriptor. If the IRD have insufficient memory, a bound application or an unbound application which has a lower priority will be killed till the IRD has sufficient memory to store the application. After the application is downloaded, the downloaded application may be saved in a storage system of the IRD.

Abstract: A system for preparing a first multimedia stream, for use with an environment comprising a repository for storing a plurality of tracks. Each track may be associated with at least one second multimedia stream. A track may comprise a single type of data (e.g., audio, video, etc.). The method may comprise receiving a request comprising an associated parameter (e.g., a position parameter) and determining at least two of the plurality of tracks associated with the parameter. The at least two tracks may have associated information that matches the position parameter. Responsive to determining the at least two tracks, the determined at least two tracks may be collated in order to generate the first multimedia stream.

Abstract: A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: An interactive television system is operable to receive television signals and data for implementing interactive television services. At least some of the interactive television data received is stored on a removable, non-volatile memory, such as a memory card or stick. To allow a user to access services, the system is operable to generate a user interface. Services that are available via information stored on a memory card are marked.

Abstract: A method for providing adaptive video compression includes encoding a video stream in a first compressed format, storing the video stream in a storage device, retrieving the video stream from the storage device, decoding the video stream, encoding the video stream in a second compressed format, and storing the video stream in the storage device. Systems and other methods for providing adaptive video compression are also disclosed.

Abstract: Broadcast services and other transmissions may conform to multiple types of protocols. Accordingly, a broadcast system may tunnel broadcasts or transmissions of a first protocol in a transport stream conforming to a second protocol. Each of the tunneled streams may be multicast together and may correspond to a separate and different physical layer pipe. The types of protocols and physical layer pipes carried in the transport stream may be defined in a pre-signaling section and/or post-signaling section of the transport stream. Common physical layer pipes may be generated and included in the transport stream to carry information and data common to multiple broadcast services or transmissions such as program specific information or service information.

Abstract: Program data for use in electronic program guides is fragmented in advance of delivery to a low resource client. In the described implementation, the program data is fragmented into equal size fragments. The size of each fragment is selected to guarantee that the data fragments will fit in pre-allocated memory segments at the client. When the program data is delivered to the client, the client stores the data packets in the memory segments without making system calls to the memory.

Abstract: Automated context-sensitive updating of content in an audiovisual (AV) storage system is disclosed. A media storage device for storing a multimedia signal includes a storage medium, such as a dedicated hard drive, a processor, and memory. The storage medium is coupled to the processor and the memory. The memory contains instructions that, when implemented, enable a method of off-site management of data stored on the storage medium. The method includes a step of receiving a media signal with content data and context data at the media storage device. The method also includes a step of receiving storage management instructions from a storage management provider, remotely located from the media storage device. Lastly, the media signal is stored on the media storage device in accordance with the storage management instructions.

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 broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a predetermined start and end broadcast time. An on screen program guide is displayed to the viewer via a monitor or television and lists the predetermined scheduled broadcast times and channels of a plurality of broadcast programs. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The invention schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The invention allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: A transmitting party adds reproduction time information to each transport packet to form an extended transport packet, encapsulates the extended transport packet, adds capsule counter information, and transmits the capsule. A receiving party has a storage means, and transmits a re-send request including the capsule count information to the transmitting party when a packet loss occurs. At the receiving party, the re-sent data received overwrites data in its original storage region. At reproduction, the receiving party decodes the data after compensating for jitter referring to reproduction time information. Accordingly, a packet loss or jitter is compensated for at both transmitting and receiving parties in a communications network such as the Internet so as to prevent the occurrence of a decoding error at the receiving party.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to enable information accessibility on digital panels such as television panel. In particular, the invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to enable multiple sources of information to be displayed independently onto one or more graphics planes of multimedia devices and, where and when necessary, for securing access to information revealed on one or more graphics planes of multimedia devices such as convergent television and digital displays.

Abstract: A smart broadcast program recording padding and scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a predetermined start and end broadcast time and resolving any conflicts arising from conflicting scheduled program recordings. An on screen program guide is displayed to the viewer via a monitor or television that lists the predetermined scheduled broadcast times and channels of a plurality of broadcast programs. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record and the invention schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database.

Abstract: A list of video programs downloadable via a digital subscriber line, including a presently-unavailable video program and its associated date of download availability, is presented to a user. A user selection of the video program is received. Based on the user selection, an entry is added to a download schedule to schedule downloading the video program on or after its associated date of download availability. The video program is downloaded via the digital subscriber line based on the download schedule.

Abstract: A video receiver apparatus, for receiving video from a video transmitter apparatus, comprises: a memory portion for memorizing receiver apparatus information of the video receiver apparatus; and a transmitter/receiver portion for receiving a request for obtaining the receiver apparatus information transmitted from the video transmitter apparatus, and also for transmitting the receiver apparatus information memorized in the memory portion responding to the obtaining request, and wherein, further within the memory portion is memorized history information, changing depending on alternation of the receiver apparatus information, and wherein the receiver portion is able to receive the history information, which the video transmitter apparatus holds therein, as well as, the obtaining request from the video transmitter, and when the received history information from the video transmitter apparatus and the history information, which the video transmitter apparatus holds therein, are inconsistent with each other, then

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a demultiplexing unit which extracts program clock reference (PCR) information for synchronizing image information and voice information of a received image signal; a syntax analyzing unit which identifies a first and a second packet identification number of a packet having the PCR information so that the demultiplexing unit can extract the PCR information; and a controlling unit which, if the first packet identification number and the second packet identification number are different therebetween, controls the syntax analyzing unit to set one of the first packet identification number and the second packet identification number that corresponds to the packet having the PCR information, in the demultiplexing unit.

Abstract: An application information table (AIT) includes a set of application information which is associated with a particular broadcast application. The set of application information includes a first data field indicating whether the data broadcast application is a program-bound application. A digital broadcast transmitter transmits a digital broadcast signal including the application information table (AIT) to a digital broadcast receiver, which then reads the first data field included in the set of application information to determine a program binding status of the data broadcast application.

Abstract: Presented herein are system(s), method(s), and apparatus for managing timeshift and permanent recording in a storage device on a video broadcast receiver. In one embodiment, there is presented a system for recording programs. The system comprises memory, another memory, and a processor. The memory buffers recently displayed programs on a channel that said system is tuned. The another memory stores a plurality of instructions. The processor executes the plurality of instructions. Execution of the plurality of instructions causes writing the recently displayed programs on the channel that said system is tuned; writing a first list comprising at least one element, wherein each of the at least one elements indicate particular ones of the recently displayed programs; receiving an input indication a selection of presently displaying program for recording; and removing an element indicating the presently displaying program from the first list and adding the element to a second list.

Abstract: Media broadcast emulator. A media processing device is operative to create a live program type experience for a user. Various types of media are combined to emulate a live media broadcast. Different portions of various media types (e.g., real-time media, stored media, etc.) may be combined to generate a program that emulates a live program. First media can be analyzed to identify characteristics thereof (e.g., meta data associated therewith: (1) music media: song title, rating, artist name, album name, year, track number, genre, author, publisher, etc., (2) disk jockey/talk radio commentary media: speaker, date of first broadcast, station affiliate, broadcast locale, etc.). Based on these identified characteristics, second media related to the first media may be combined with the first media to generate an emulation of a live media broadcast. Alternatively, it is noted that any desired playlist may also be constructed by combining user-selected and/or related media as well.

Abstract: For integration of televising advertising with Internet shopping, a link to a web page intended for ordering of advertised product is multiplexed with a stream of video data. At the receiving side, a processor embedded in a set-top box with a USB port detects the link and when the commercial is in progress displays a message prompting a user to save the link. If the user responds, the processor saves the link in a flash drive plugged into the USB port. As a result, the user can watch TV without interruption and shop online at a time of his or her choice by simply pulling the flash drive from the set-top, plugging it into a USB port of a computer with Internet connection and using the link to access the web page for additional information and ordering the product. Optionally, the commercial itself could be recorded on the flash drive and replayed in the computer at the time of online shopping.

Abstract: A broadcasting system comprises a transmission apparatus, which multiplexes stream-format data based on a stream transmission protocol and file-format data based on a file transmission protocol with each other and sends them as a single stream, and receiving apparatuses which receive and temporarily accumulate stream-format data and file-format data which are sent as they are multiplexed with each other, and stream-format data and file-format data are temporarily accumulated as they directly are in the form of a single stream, all or some of file-format data are reproduced later at predetermined timing and accumulated once again as a file.

Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to easily change between an image display application and the viewing of a program for a digital television, and to improve the usability of the television for operating an image display application. The display change list for a (channel) Up/Down key of a remote controller is dynamically altered so that, during the execution of an image display application, an application screen is displayed by using the Up/Down key. Further, when a memory card is loaded immediately after the television is powered on, a display application can be automatically activated. Furthermore, while a user is watching the television, the contents of a memory card is displayed on a small window in one part of the screen, and execution of the image application controlled by the user. In addition, no icons are displayed while an important program is on displaying.

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: The present invention is an integrated set-top box having daisy-chaining capability. The set-top box includes a down-stream path having a tuner and a digital receiver portion and an up-stream path having a power amplifier. In one embodiment, the tuner, digital receiver, and power amplifier can all be disposed on a common substrate. In another embodiment, the tuner can be disposed on a first substrate, and the digital receiver and the power amplifier can be disposed on a second substrate. The set-top box includes a daisy-chain buffer having an input coupled to an input of the tuner and having an output coupled to an input of another receiving entity such as another set-top box, tuner, cable, etc., where the daisy-chain buffer is configured to provide a signal to drive the receiving entity.

Abstract: A system and method for managing video content through a set-top box. User input is received to record the video content to a set-top box. Digital rights management parameters associated with the set-top box are determined. The video content is recorded directly to the set-top box in response to the DRM parameters. The video content is edited based on selections by a user in response to receiving a selection to edit the video content. Preferences for distributing the video content are determined. The video content is distributed from the set-top box to a number of addresses in response to the preferences.

Abstract: Systems having a user interface comprising a filtered view of media available for consumption are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a first user with a view that enables consumption of only the available media that matches characteristics of a media filter. The characteristics of the media filter may be specified by a second user, and the second user may define the characteristics of the media filter remotely, via a communication network. The user interface may support separate media filters for each of a number of different users. Filter characteristics such as type of media channel, the language of any dialogue, an industry rating, an overall viewer rating, and the media format may be supported. The media filter characteristics may be applied not only to what is displayed on the user interface, but also the media available for selection via a remote control.

Abstract: A method of combining data with other material comprises the step of repetitively distributing the data in the other material. The data is for example metadata associated with the other material. The other material may be one or more of video, audio and data material preferably in a defined file format e.g. MXF. The material and data from the file are preferably mapped to one of several signal interfaces such as SDI, SDTI and AES3, where the file metadata is repetitively distributed through the stream signal interface by one of several multiplexing methods.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time.

Abstract: A method may include capturing descriptive information associated with viewed television content as it is being viewed. The captured information may be stored. A request to display viewing history information may be received. At least some of the captured information may be retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Provided is a receiving apparatus for receiving streaming contents which is capable of receiving contents at a higher speed. The receiving apparatus receives and accumulates the streaming contents periodically during a power off state or while other contents are being audiovisually enjoyed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the performance of the running of a stored interactive application on a de-coding apparatus is disclosed. The recorded program which is associated with the stored interactive application is run, wherein the program and interactive application are stored in a storage device. The running of the stored interactive application is controlled using a second application.

Abstract: 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. The system coordinates the operation of the interactive television program guides so that the program guide settings that were adjusted with the given interactive television program guide are used by the other 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. The operation of applications such as web browser applications; home shopping applications, home banking applications, game applications, etc. may also be coordinated.

Abstract: A content detecting device for a digital broadcast signal receiver or a recording apparatus that records the digital broadcast signal. When information in program specific information and information in an electronic program guide information in the memory contradict each other concerning presence or absence of one of a closed captioning broadcast and a data broadcast, a detecting unit causes the memory to store information indicating the detection of the commercial.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is disclosed which includes first through n-th recording means for recording input broadcast contents to a recording medium. When a user designates a reservation of a broadcast content recording, the apparatus automatically selects one of the recording means so as to make the recording reservation to the selected recording means. If any such recording means cannot be selected automatically, i.e., if recording reservations have already been made to all recording means for a time slot corresponding to the reservation desired to be made anew, then the user is asked to select particular recording means for the reservation. A recording reservation made to one recording means may be switched automatically to another recording means as needed. That is, any recording reservation after being made may be switched from one recording means to another before actual execution of the recording, in order to reflect the status of other recording reservations that have been made since.

Abstract: Systems and methods of utilizing hyperlinks in connection with video services are disclosed. One such method includes receiving a video program having a start time. This method also includes receiving, before the start time, a media object associated with the video program. This method also includes storing the media object, and displaying the media object and the video program on a screen.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A home server including a contents storage unit storing contents, a control unit acquiring first section information from an information supply apparatus, a generating unit generating second section information, and a section information storage unit storing pieces of first and second section information by correlating them with contents. The information supply apparatus including a storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of first section information corresponding to a plurality of contents, and an extracting unit extracting pieces of first section information corresponding to the contents stored in the contents storage unit from the storage unit and supplying the extracted pieces of first section information to the home server.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a customer will login to a secure computer infrastructure and initially be polled and/or provide some input relating to an integrated IT solution that is desired. The customer can then make selections for hardware and/or software components desired for the integrated IT solution. The present invention will analyze the selections and verify whether each of the selected components is of similar quality to one another. If not, the customer can be alerted. The present invention will also make recommendations for services that best match the selected components. The integrated IT solution will then be finalized based on the components and services selected by the customer. Once the solution has been finalized, a corresponding contract(s) can be developed/generated, approved and executed within the secure computer infrastructure.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: This document describes tools capable of enabling a media device to assign available resources to media content prior to receiving a request to display that media content. In one embodiment, the tools determine a next media content to be requested and available resources on a media device to display that next content. The tools may assign the available resources to the next page of media content prior to receiving a request to display the next page of media content.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes an image receiver configured to receive video. The apparatus also include a first channel buffer configured to store first bit rate video data and a second channel buffer configured to y store video data when a network transmission speed corresponds to a preset condition. The apparatus further includes a decoder configured to receive and decode the video data stored in the first or second channel buffer. In addition, the apparatus includes a controller configured to transmit the video data stored in the first channel buffer to the decoder while the data is stored in the second to channel buffer, and configured to transmit the video data stored in the second channel buffer to the decoder when a predetermined amount of video data is stored in the second channel buffer.

Abstract: A digital television broadcast receiver includes a memory section, a reception section and a control section. The memory section stores a channel list associating selected channel numbers with broadcast signals, respectively. Each of the broadcast signals includes a country identifier indicative of a country from which the broadcast signal is transmitted. The memory section stores reception country information indicative of a country that is preset as a reception country, and compliance information indicative of countries that have a rule to transmit a broadcast signal with a logical channel number for high-resolution broadcast. The control section registers the logical channel number for the high-resolution broadcast of a first broadcast signal if the reception country matches both the country of the country identifier and one of the countries of the compliance information, and if the first broadcast signal includes the logical channel number for the high-resolution broadcast.