Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing differential media time calculation and display are provided. A method includes determining a time of media origination, determining a current time, and calculating a differential media time as a difference between the current time and the time of media origination. The method also includes using the differential media time to determine information update data and outputting the information update data for display.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating device commands based upon spoken user commands are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment captures a series of images of a user of a media device, generates image information corresponding to the series of captured images, determines lip movement of the user from the generated image information, determines at least one spoken user command based upon the determined lip movement of the user, and determines a device command based upon the determined spoken user command. Then, the device command is communicated to, for example, a media presentation device, wherein an operation of the media presentation device is controlled in accordance with the determined spoken user command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for extracting digital content using an interactive television application. The interactive television application may allow the user to record programs on a set-top box. The interactive television application may also allow the user to extract the audio from one of the recorded programs and transfer the extracted audio to removable media (e.g., a CD-R). The interactive television application also be configured to perform a future transfer of digital content to removable media. The future transfer may occur without requiring any further user interaction.

Abstract: A system for providing content to a user, comprising a transmitter 502 for transmitting to a user's receiver/decoder 2000 guide data relating to a plurality of items of content, and each of said items of content to which said guide data relates. prior to commencement of a period of availability of said items of content to the user; and a receiver/decoder 2100 comprising means 2016 for receiving said guide data and said items of content, means 3120 for generating a display of said guide data to enable a user to select at least one of said items of content for storage, means 2100 for storing the selected at least one item of content upon receipt thereof, and means 3120 for enabling the user to access the stored at least one item of content upon request following commencement of said period.

Abstract: A broadcast method includes specifying an information holding device which holds recorder information for identifying a recorder that receives and records broadcast contents, attaching device information for identifying the information holding device specified by the specifying, to the broadcast contents, and broadcasting the broadcast contents to which the device information is attached.

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: Embodiments of a network-enabled mass storage dongle with networked media content aggregation are discussed. Embodiments provide for a dongle in a consumption mode is inserted into one or more source devices, where the one or more source devices are part of a network and store content to be aggregated for accessing on equipment. In embodiments the equipment has no intrinsic networking capabilities. The dongle allows a user to select one or more directory structures on each of the one or more source devices to be included in the aggregated content. The dongle then creates a file share for each of the selected directory structures. The dongle in an aggregation mode is inserted into the equipment and automatically connects to the network. The dongle aggregates content in the created file shares to present the aggregated content as a single mass storage device to the equipment. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system includes a content processing device in communication with a control device, the content processing device is configured to receive multi-media content from a network, and create a bookmark representing at least a portion of the multi-media content upon receiving a signal from the control device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a program storage medium. The user of a personal computer selects a television program to be preset recorded from a program guide stored in an EPG server and downloads the corresponding preset recording data. When, from the downloaded preset recording data, a recording start time is found reached, the personal computer selects commands for starting recording a channel to be recorded and transmits the selected commands from a video mouse as infrared signals. Receiving the recording start command, a VCR starts recording.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing apparatus which easily plays contents, a server and a control method of the same. The image processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which communicates with a server; a signal processor; and a controller which determines whether a received content is processed by the signal processor and controls the communication unit to transmit the received content to the server and receive a converted content from the server if it is determined that the received content is not processed by the signal processor.

Abstract: A method and system manages content delivery to a multi-modal client device. The system may include a session manager logically connected between a server and the client device. The session manager can maintain a record of the state of a user's session, and if the user or the client device switches from an initial presentation mode to a second presentation mode, the session manager can use the record to effect a seamless transfer from the initial presentation mode to the subsequent presentation mode. The session manager may also transcode content delivered to the client device so that the content is compatible with the presentation mode selected by the user.

Abstract: One embodiment takes the form of a method and apparatus for creating a customer-specific encryption key for encrypting digital information. The encryption key may be based on a customer number and may be associated with several devices such that the devices may encrypt and decrypt the digital information. Because each device may have the same encryption key, the encrypted data may be encrypted by a first device, transferred from the first device to a second device and decrypted and read by the second device. Thus, encrypted digital information may be shared between devices that generate a customer-specific encryption key from a common customer number. In one embodiment, the customer-specific encryption key may be utilized by a set-top box of a television system to encrypt and decrypt a digitally recorded television program.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus, a broadcast outputting apparatus, and a method for providing a time-shifted image are provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus transmits a received broadcast signal to at least one display apparatus, and time-shifts a stored broadcast signal and transmits the time-shifted broadcast signal to at least one of other display apparatuses. Accordingly, a user is allowed to watch the time-shifted broadcast through an external display apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects include methods, systems, and apparatuses for periodically providing a content item by broadcasting segments of the content item. The method may include identifying a plurality of successive time segments of the content item, wherein each of the time segments is of substantially the same duration; assigning each of the plurality of time segments to one of a plurality of channels, wherein the number of channels is less than the number of time segments; assigning each of the time segments to a periodic time slot of its respective channel; and periodically broadcasting each of the time segments of the content item on the respective assigned channel and in the respective assigned time slot, whereby the content item is made available for uninterrupted playback subsequent to receipt by a receiver of a first portion of the content item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an entertainment system and method for selectively storing broadcast channels by the entertainment system. To store a broadcast channel, the system first receives programming data associated with the channel. A show associated with the channel is displayed and a menu associated with the storing of the channel in memory may also be displayed. The viewer may then select to add to or remove from memory the programming data associated with the currently tuned channel via a one-step process, and the programming data is subsequently loaded into the memory.

Abstract: A home entertainment network transmits audio/video decrypted from a DVD over a network to a media receiver using a secure channel. The A/V data is re-encrypted in a second encryption format amenable to transmission over the network. The media stream is thereby compliant with copy protection and digital rights management requirements. The media server constructs an emulated user interface corresponding to an actual instantiation of a navigation menu on the media server to solicit user input at the media receiver. The media server alternatively constructs a unique identifier of the DVD based upon the file structure on the DVD to search for menu navigation commands over an external network for heuristic navigation control.

Abstract: A thin client device for use in a home network includes a network port by which the device connects to the home network and a data/memory port by which a data interface such as a memory card or communications port may be connected to the device. The device is configured such that data from the data interface is transferred to a server that is coupled to the home network. The transfer may be automatic or it may be controlled by a user. Where the thin client device includes signal processing hardware, the data from the data interface may be processed by the signal processing hardware and presented to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering content on a mobile equipment. The method includes rendering a content from a broadcasted stream. More specifically, embodiments of the invention include providing a mass memory in the mobile equipment and storing content from the broadcasted stream into the mass memory, where a remote broadcaster entity commands the mobile equipment to store the content from the broadcasted stream to the mass memory.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive television (ITV) includes presenting both TV channels and “virtual channels” on an ITV. A virtual channel can be a Web page stored in memory of the ITV (or remote therefrom) and accessed by a microprocessor in the ITV when a user selects the virtual channel number using a conventional TV remote control. The particular Web page can be established based on consumer data, such as demographic data supplied by the consumer or consumer responses to prompts displayed along with a channel. The Web page associated with the virtual channel can be updated or changed by sending data to the ITV through the VBI of a TV signal or via the Internet, through a modem on the ITV.

Abstract: Embodiments of keyframe analysis and distribution from broadcast television are disclosed. For example, embodiments include methods and systems of sharing video frame data over a data network to provide features that may include improved program guides, parental or other monitoring of televisions or other video receivers, and sharing of user identified frames or scenes of video programs.

Abstract: A method of generating a media file for display on a display device. The method includes the steps of (a) initializing the media file and an associated index file, the associated index file referencing the media file, and (b) inserting a plurality of video frames from a camera into the media file. The inserting step includes the steps of (i) determining if the media file is configured to accept the plurality of video frames, and (ii) configuring the media file, based on the determination step, such that the plurality of video frames is accepted by the media file.

Abstract: A technique for broadcasting a broadcast data service together with broadcast digital television data as part of a broadcast signal, the broadcast data service comprising a plurality of data portions including data portions having digital data in non-real time. The technique comprising, during normal broadcasting, only broadcasting portions of the broadcast data service required to replace previous respective portions which have been changed and broadcasting television data of the broadcast data service as non-real time data.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing video content includes a play means (100) for playing video content. The video content includes overlapping scenes (621, 622, 641, 642, 661, 662, 681, 682), with each scene having an associated scene signature. A scene hopping selector (44) is operative while the play means (100) is playing video content for selecting a hop. The selecting defines a current scene (102) which the play means (100) is playing at a time of the selection, and a current scene signature corresponding to the current scene (102). A similar scene hopping processor (104) operates responsive to a defining of a current scene (102). The similar scene hopping processor (104) compares the current scene signature with other scene signatures of the video content to identify a similar scene (106). The similar scene hopping processor (104) causes the play means (100) to transfer the playing to the similar scene (106).

Abstract: There is provided a recording apparatus which includes a recording medium having a data area with an address assigned to each cluster of a predetermined size; an interface for connection to a host apparatus; writing means for writing data in the data area; access order deciding means for dividing the data area of the recording medium into a plurality of areas each having an optional data capacity, and deciding an order of accessing the divided areas from the writing means; timing deciding means for deciding a timing when file information on written data is to be updated; control means for controlling the writing means to access a plurality of divided areas in accordance with the decided access order, search an empty cluster in the accessed area, and write data in the searched empty cluster and file information updating means for updating the file information on already written data.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for tuning a digital television channel. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising receiving a request to access a first digital television channel, downloading a first program map table associated with a frequency of the first digital television channel, storing the first program map table, receiving a request to access a second digital television channel, determining if the second digital television channel is associated with the frequency of the first digital television channel, and creating a conditional access program map table for the second digital television channel based on the stored program map table if the second digital television channel is associated with the frequency.

Abstract: A method for managing digital content is provided. The method includes accessing the digital content and applying at least one content management rule by a set-top box to the digital content. The content management rule operative to place the digital content in one of a first storage location and a second storage location, which are associated with the set-top box. The digital content may include programs or movies and the storage locations are generally operable to store multiple programs and/or movies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing frame rates during multimedia playback are described herein. The ideal playback timing associated with video data is determined. If an actual playback timing of the video data lags the ideal playback timing, a frame rate associated with the video data is varied using a smoothing function to recover toward the ideal playback timing. An iterative frame-dropping algorithm is applied to vary the frame rate in accordance with the smoothing function. The smoothing function incorporates as a variable an average delay associated with playback of frames in the video data.

Abstract: An EPG object of a program A to be broadcast from 19:00 to 20:49 is copied to generate a first clone EPG object and a second clone EPG object. 00 minute is set as the relative start time of the first clone EPG object, and 59 minutes is set as the relative end time. 00 minutes is set as the relative start time of the second clone EPG object, and 49 minutes is set as the relative end time. With reference to the relative times, the clone EPG object is allocated to each time zone with a range of one hour. The first clone EPG object of the program A is allocated to a time zone of 19:00 to 19:59, and the second clone EPG object is allocated to a time zone of 20:00 to 20:59. Retrieval is carried out for each time zone. Thus, a program of a predetermined broadcast time can be quickly retrieved.

Abstract: A dual mode file system in a subscriber network television system, comprising a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to use remote data to support the processor until the logic detects that local data is available.

Abstract: A set-top box may include a storage unit, input/output (I/O) unit configured to communicate with a network node of a service provider over a communications network, memory unit, and a processing unit in communication with the storage unit, I/O unit, and memory unit. A user control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to cause the processing unit to present a graphical user interface to a user to control access to one or more content stores of a content mall operating on the network node. A service provider control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and be configured to cause the processing unit to enable the communications service provider to control operation of the processing unit. A codec module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to enable the processing unit to display content downloaded from a content store of the content mall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an electronic program guide in a television receiver provided with a PVR function enhance user convenience by providing information of a program recorded and stored in the television receiver as well as information of programs currently broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast. The method of controlling a receiver includes steps of extracting electronic program guide (EPG) information from a received broadcast signal, the EPG information indicating a broadcasting schedule for a plurality of broadcast programs; searching at least one broadcast program of the plurality of broadcast programs, the searched at least one broadcast program corresponding to a temporary storage of the received broadcast signal in a storage device enabling a time-shift function; and constructing an EPG in which the searched at least one broadcast program is visually distinguishable from other broadcast programs of the plurality of broadcast programs.

Abstract: A method for feeding back failures of a set-top box (STB), includes: providing a Universal Serial Bus (USB) storage device with a diagnostic program and a reporting program; inserting the USB storage device into the STB; loading the diagnostic program from the USB storage device to the STB; running the diagnostic program to find failures within the STB; writing the failures of the STB to the USB storage device; inserting the USB storage device into a network device; and running the reporting program by the network device to feed back the failures of the STB to a remote server.

Abstract: The invention relates to video distribution systems and, more particularly, to a system that blanket transmits video/audio content such as movies (for example, via satellite downlink transmission) to each customer's recording, storage and playback system. Customers may preselect from a list of available movies or other content in advance using an interactive screen selector, and pay for the video/audio content that is actually viewed.

Abstract: Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.

Abstract: Memory is allocated to record a program being broadcast proportional to its remainder in a client device having a processor in communication with a receiver. The processor executes an application to allocate space in the memory to record the remainder of the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver that has a predetermined time length. The executing application obtains the predetermined time length from the broadcast received by the receiver and derives the remainder of the broadcast of the program from the present time and the predetermined time length obtained from the broadcast. The space can be logically erased prior to its allocation. A video recorder records the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver in the space in the memory. A video playback device plays back the recorded broadcast of the program from the space in the memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely scheduling tasks that are transmitted to a set top box and implemented on the set top box. A task service includes a website that provides program guide data to users. From the program guide data, a user selects a task. The website generates a notification that includes the task and certain identifiers, including a set top box identifier and a sequence number. The notification is sent to a notification service, that repeatedly sends the notification to a broadcast service. The broadcast service ensures that the notification is transmitted to the set top box. The set top box detects the notification from the set top box identifier and implements the task on the set top box unless the task has been previously handled.

Abstract: A method for recording a clean broadcast free of background, such as fade-ins and fade-outs on a receiver includes providing program data associated with an upcoming broadcast, the broadcast being selected by a broadcaster, on the receiver to describe the upcoming broadcast to a user. The receiver records the upcoming broadcast to an internal memory of the receiver in response to either the broadcast being automatically selected based on the user's preferences or the user manually selecting the upcoming broadcast. Start and stop commands, independent of any manual input, are received by the receiver to begin and end the recording of the clean broadcast.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for delivering enhanced programming information. In some non-limiting embodiments the method comprises obtaining channel grid information for identifying a programming event, the programming event being associated to an occurrence interval. The method further comprises receiving a dynamic program description associated with the programming event. Receiving of the dynamic program description is executed during the occurrence interval associated to the programming event. The channel grid information is then augmented with the dynamic program description. The disclosed method, system and apparatus enable the subscriber to ascertain the current status of the programming event occurring on one or more channels to potentially enable the subscriber to make a more informed decision as to which specific programming event to select for viewing.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus for successively decoding and reproducing a plurality of picture data, comprising a reproduction memory and a decoder for successively decoding the plurality of picture data in an order in accordance with a designated reproduction direction, writing the decoding results in the reproduction memory, and reproducing and outputting the decoding results read from the reproduction memory, the decoder holding the storage of the decoding results in the reproduction memory even after the decoding results stored in the reproduction memory are no longer used when continuing reproduction in the designated reproduction direction and, when receiving as input a reversal command of the reproduction direction, performing the reproduction and output using the decoding results already stored in the reproduction memory before the input of the reversal command.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for DVR searching, scheduling and recording for unscheduled programs and programs outside an electronic programming guide. Exemplary embodiments include an unscheduled program searching, scheduling, and recording method, including receiving program data related to a currently unscheduled program, receiving a recording request for scheduling recording of the currently unscheduled program at a date when the currently unscheduled program becomes available as a scheduled program, storing the recording request for the currently unscheduled program and in response to the currently unscheduled program becoming available as the scheduled program, scheduling the scheduled program for recording.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing selected content can include receiving a list of content separate from a video stream. The list of content can include content previously recorded according to a user-defined recording schedule. The method can further include sending a request for content selected from the list of content, receiving the content through a network, and displaying the content.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an electronic device that includes video storage memory, a video signal receiver, and a video storage controller. The video signal receiver is configured to receive a video stream containing advertising content and program/movie content from a broadcast source. The video storage controller is configured to identify locations of advertising content interspersed among program/movie content in the received video stream, and to record addressable chapter marks for the identified locations of the advertising content and a video stream that is based on the received video stream into the memory. The addressable chapter marks may be displayed on a display and used by a viewer to jump playback of the video stream between the chapter marks.

Abstract: In order to switch the transmission medium between the Internet and broadcast waves, reception/playback of communication data received via first media, such as via the Internet from an external device, and broadcast data received via second media, such as via a broadcast network from a broadcast station, is switched.

Abstract: A video buffer system and method for use with advertising display systems. Programming packets are stored at the video buffer and displayed in a continuous loop until the next programming packet has been received and stored. The video buffer system allows for displays to continuously display advertisements during data stream interruption or delay. The video buffer system also records the number of times an advertisement has been played to ensure accurate billing for the advertisement.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to conflict management resolution. Typically systems for resolving conflicts between television programs with coinciding broadcast schedules use preferences, a confusing and limited display, or a combination thereof. The present invention, on other hand, provides for determining time spans or time slices, that indicate the duration of the conflict, and uses these to determine the available recording options. These can then be displayed in a user friendly interface, that is easy to understand and simple to use. In addition, other example embodiments ensure that the various programs and/or available options are capable of being cycled through, regardless of preference settings.

Abstract: A favorites list of program channels which a cable TV user likely prefers is generated automatically from which the user may select a program channel to watch. Each program channel in the favorites list is identified based on a measure of the duration in which the program channel is continuously tuned to. In an embodiment, this measure varies nonlinearly with such a duration. The favorites list may further comprise sublists of program channels which may correspond to different periods of a day, week, etc. The favorites list may be generated from programs watched on multiple viewing devices.

Abstract: A set top box with a firewall is disclosed. The set top box uses two separate ports to communicate with two respective communications networks. The first port communicates with the first network to receive programming information and the second port communicates with the second network to receive information. A firewall, in communication with one of the ports, is capable of receiving and analyzing information from the port. The firewall helps to prevent harmful or unauthorized information from reaching other components of the set top box. The firewall can receive information before other components associated with the set top box and the firewall can include various different forms of filtering.

Abstract: A playback apparatus that communicates with a server and plays back data of a content item in accordance with a control file sent from the server includes a medium-information obtaining unit that obtains medium specifying information specifying a recording medium inserted into the medium-information obtaining unit; a playback-mode specifying unit that specifies a playback mode of a content item recorded on the recording medium; a sending unit that sends the medium specifying information and information specifying the playback mode to the server; and a playback control unit that receives a control file sent by the server in accordance with the sent medium specifying information and the sent information specifying the playback mode and controls playback of the content item recorded on the recording medium in accordance with the control file.

Abstract: A method for providing record information in a digital broadcast receiver and a digital broadcast receiver for providing record information are disclosed. A reception unit receives a broadcast signal including a data broadcast-associated application. A storage medium stores records. And a controller manages the application, receives an information request for requesting information related with a record from the application, finds provision information of the record from a list of the stored records, generates a thumbnail image of the record based on the found provision information, and transmits the generated thumbnail image to the application.

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.