Abstract: A portable content reproducing device according to the present invention is characterized in that: in the case where the communication status is good, a low bit rate stream file is recorded in a temporary recording device by using a communication band other than a communication band used for high bit rate reproduction; in the case where the communication status is poor or interrupted, a switchover is performed to reproduce a file stored in the temporary storing device from a point at which the communication is interrupted; and, in the case where the communication status is retrieved, high bit rate streaming reproduction is carried out.

Abstract: A digital television autoprogramming and tuning method and apparatus. In a digital television which can tune both MPEG 2 and PSIP format signals, a method of tuning uses one or more tables of information populated during an autoprogramming process. For MPEG 2 channels, the physical channel equals the major channel number and can be directly tuned. For PSIP channels, the major channel indexes a TSID which is used to determine a physical channel. If the TSID does not correspond to the correct program, the correct TSID is determined from the Program Specific Information in the data transport stream 134 and the system re-tunes to the correct physical channel. The autoprogramming process sequentially steps through each physical channel and populates the autoprogramming tables with information about each channel it finds, saving only a single TSID for a given major PSIP channel.

Abstract: A network system includes a receiving apparatus for receiving contents, and a recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing the contents received by the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus and the recording and reproducing apparatus being interconnected via a network. The receiving apparatus includes a viewing age limit compliance information acquisition section, and a determination section. The recording and reproducing apparatus includes a storage section, and an address information delivery section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of receiving broadcast signals and an apparatus for receiving broadcast signals. The apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcast signal, a demodulator configured to demodulate the broadcast signal, a demultiplexer configured to demultiplex the broadcast signal, a storage device configured to store a replacement segment to replace a specific portion of a broadcast stream, and segment-related information describing a replaceable segment included in a broadcast stream, from the demultiplexed broadcast signal, a controller configured to control uploading the stored replacement segment or downloading the replacement segment and to insert the stored replacement segment into the broadcast stream according to the segment-related information; and a decoder configured to decode a broadcast stream.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to detect a portable media storage device (PMSD), present media content supplied by the PMSD, present a survey to appraise the media content; receive a survey response, and transmit the survey response to a survey collection system identified by the PMSD. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention reduces the user-perceived time of switching multimedia channels in a unicast communications system. This shortening of the switch procedure is obtained by reducing the buffering of the multimedia data in the data buffer of a user terminal. A reduced media buffering results in that multimedia data of the new channel will be rendered in the user terminal in a much shorter period of time. A multimedia provider communicating the multimedia data to the terminal determines a reduced transmission rate that will be temporarily employed for obtaining the buffering reduction. This reduced rate is lower than the normally employed transmission rate and lower than the rendering rate of the media player of the terminal. Consequently, the terminal buffer will be emptying in a faster rate than it is replenished and a buffer level reduction is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which supplies cached data in a house which does not require a large-space storage device, is a broadcast receiving apparatus that is connected to a network and that receives multimedia data including at least one of video and audio, from a device installed in a broadcast station. The apparatus includes a data receiving unit that receives the multimedia data from the device installed in the broadcast station, a selecting unit that selects one of the video storing apparatuses each of which stores multimedia data, an information communicating unit that transmits a request for storing multimedia data to the video storing apparatus selected by the selecting unit, and a data output unit that outputs the multimedia data received by the data receiving unit to the video storing apparatus selected by the selecting unit via the network.

Abstract: Admission of a new disk stream is based on the probability of overcommitting disk bandwidth based on parameters related to the disk. These fixed parameters are determined either by retrieval from the disk or by investigating the disk. Probability functions of the disk parameters may be obtained. Exemplary disk parameters may be average disk seek time, probabilistic determination of the amount of data exchange during a single exchange, and probabilistic information about reading versus writing.

Abstract: A system and method using hardware and software components enable a storage module to collect and maintain control transaction data (e.g., directives/events) when a storage device of the module is offline or in a low power configuration. The storage module contains a nonvolatile memory cache and a module controller, and also may include a separate power source, an output display and input mechanism so that when offline, the user may display and navigate among catalog information corresponding to stored content to set up deferred events related to the content. When reconnected to a general-computing host system, the host system obtains the control transaction data from the storage module, and processes the data into file-system related events and other events to perform actions to the storage device and/or to other resources coupled to the host computer system. The host system may also cache transaction control data on the storage module's cache.

Abstract: A system for bit-rate stream playout at preset speeds including a regular playout speed and other than the regular playout speed includes multiple streams encoded at a same bit-rate (R) but at a plurality of playout speeds. A selection mechanism is responsive to requests for playout speeds. The selection mechanism selects from among the plurality of streams to service a request.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a filtering process is based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator monitors the current play position of the multimedia content and compares that position with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start position, a stop position, and an filtering action to perform on the portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular navigation object, the navigator activates the filtering action that was assigned to the navigation object. Filtering actions include skipping, muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined by a navigation object. A variety of systems may be used to implement the present invention, such as computer systems (consumer and server), television systems, and audio systems.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a recommended program retrieval method includes receiving a broadcast signal and demodulating the broadcast signal to output a program signal, storing program data used for creating an electronic program guide, displaying content for which a display manner is specified by a markup language configured with a plurality of tags on a display device, extracting a word from the content displayed on the display device, executing priority calculation processing for providing priority to the extracted word in accordance with a tag that designates a display manner of the word and appearance frequencies of the word, executing recommended program retrieval processing for retrieving a program including the extracted word from the program data, and executing recommendation degree calculation processing for providing a degree of recommendation to the retrieved program in accordance with priority provided to the extracted word included in the retrieved program.

Abstract: A method of creating a collection (300) of relevant video segments (302-314) by selecting respective portions (202-214) from a video stream (200) which corresponds to a video program is disclosed. The collection (300) of relevant video segments (302-314) can be applied as video trailer or as video abstract. Hence the duration of the collection of relevant video segments is relatively short compared with the duration of the video program. The method comprises retrieving a further collection (201) of relevant images (222-234) corresponding to the video program; selecting a first video image from the video stream on basis of a comparison which is based on a first one of the relevant images (222) of the further collection (201) and the first video image; and creating a first one (302) of the relevant video segments (302-314) on basis of the selected first video image.

Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal having electronic mail capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity, and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide electronic mail capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports electronic mail through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g., 308), processing circuitry (e.g.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor communicatively coupled to a remote controller by way of a wireless interface. The media processor can have a controller to wirelessly transmit to the remote controller provisioning information stored in the media processor for restoring at least a portion of the provisioning information stored in the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A storing-reproducing unit 200 recognizes a free space of a contents storage area by a storage-area-administrating device, sets a recording timing duration based on the recognized free space of the contents storage area, and selects a schedule information of a contents to be recorded from recording schedule list information. Hence, frequency of storing the contents in the HDD 270 can be reduced, thereby avoiding that the contents which has not yet watched is erased by self-erasing, so that the contents can be effectively recorded. Therefore, a user can secure flexibility in time in watching the contents.

Abstract: An apparatus operable with taking an allowable number of copies information into consideration. Provided is a receiving apparatus including a receiving unit configured to receive programs in a plurality of broadcast networks and data including information of the programs, a program guide preparing unit configured to prepare a program guide based on the information of the programs, and a display controlling unit configured to control a program guide prepared by the program guide preparing unit to be displayed, wherein: the display controlling unit controls information relating to copy control according to the broadcast networks to be displayed on the program guide.

Abstract: A system and method automates a scheduled retrieval, storage, and access of media data. Media data is retrieved from an external source and downloaded to an end user media device storage for subsequent playback at the end user media device. Media data is accessible from the end user media device storage based upon criteria including a selection of the end user, rules regulating the media data, and whether a playback time of the media data is sufficient to retrieve additional media data. The system performs regularly scheduled dynamic controls to determine whether additional media data is required for continuous and uninterrupted access of the media data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing audio-visual broadcasts to display a summary thereof. The method comprises a prior step which consists in recording an audio-visual broadcast, and a step which consists in searching within the recorded broadcasts slow-motion sequences and a step which consists in displaying the sequences found. User controls enable to browse among the found sequences. The invention also a receiver set for audio-visual broadcasts provided with a storage unit for storing the slow-motion sequences of an audio-visual broadcast. The apparatus also includes controls enabling the user to display the stored sequences.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for discouraging unauthorized modifications to set top boxes and gateways. Resource information is received that describing the number of disk drives and/or the capacity of each disk drive. A processor communicates with a database that stores configuration information. The processor compares the resource information to the configuration information. When the resource information differs from the configuration information, then the processor detects unauthorized modifications to the set top box.

Abstract: A hard disk of a recording device is registered with in-advance setting data specifying a sports genre, a detection team/player and a detection period. A sports information service server accessible via a network N from the recording device includes a winning/losing outcome database recorded with information specifying a genre to which a game belongs and an outcome of wining or losing in each game with respect to the respective games held domestically and overseas. A CPU of the recording device, when reaching the detection time defined in the in-advance setting data, specifies the defined genre and the detection team/player, then receives the winning/losing data from the sports information service server, and determines whether the detection team/player defined in the in-advance setting data lost in the game or not. Then, when determining that the detection team/player lost in the game, a scheme is to prevent the already recorded data of the broadcast program of the game from remaining on the hard disk.

Abstract: A video/audio reproducing apparatus, to be connected via a first apparatus with a second apparatus, comprises: a first receiving portion, which is configured to receive video data, audio data, and first reproduction synchronization information for reproduction synchronization between the video data and the audio data; a second receiving portion, which is configured to receive second reproduction synchronization information for reproduction synchronization between the video data and the audio data from the first apparatus; and a controlling portion, which is configured to reproduce the video data and the audio data received by the first receiving portion, upon basis of the first reproduction synchronization information and the second reproduction synchronization information, which are received by the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred content. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The invention provides objects called a capture requests that are sent by the service to client systems. Capture requests reflect local storage management decisions about how the client system storage is partitioned.

Abstract: An interfacing system enables an application client to interface with a device driver in a client device with persistent storage. In some preferred embodiments, the interfacing system includes a memory with logic and a processor configured with the logic to use the normal play time locations to reference media content instances of a buffer file stored in clusters of a hard disk. In some preferred embodiments, the processor is configured with the logic to designate one of the referenced media content instances of the buffer file as a permanent file.

Abstract: For digital TVs, transmission parameter signaling (TPS) data are normally required to be decoded and checked in every signal frame. In the Chinese DTV-T standard, these TPS data are transmitted over subcarriers in a contiguous frequency band of width 72 kHz, with the result that the SNR for these subcarriers may drop to a very low value due to lack of frequency diversity. The TPS data decoding error rate may rise significantly, severely impacting the DTV performance. A reliability detector is used to provide a reliability indication of the decoded TPS data. If this indication indicates that the decoded TPS data are likely to be incorrect, the receiver may discard the presently decoded TPS data and use the previously decoded ones (obtained when the reliability measure was high) or may take other appropriate actions. The reliability detector may include an SNR estimator, a comparator, and possibly storage.

Abstract: A data providing system is capable of providing metadata or supplementary data generated in a predetermined area to a different area. Metadata related to broadcast programs are transmitted from a first broadcast receiver/recorder to a server via a network. The server registers the metadata transmitted from the first broadcast receiver/recorder in its program database, specifies a broadcast program on the basis of data for specifying the broadcast program transmitted from a second broadcast receiver/recorder, retrieves the metadata related to the specified broadcast program, and transmits the retrieved metadata to the second broadcast receiver/recorder, whereby the metadata are distributed from the server to the second broadcast receiver/recorder via the network.

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: Genre or theme assignment data (104) for a program in a digital television or other data transmission is recovered by a receiver (100) and mapped to a genre in a standardized genre assignment schedule (240). A country associated with the transmission is identified, such as by obtaining a country code (105) from the digital data transmission, or via a receiver setting. A genre assignment schedule is identified based on the country. Data, such as user nibbles (220) or standard content nibbles (230), is obtained from the transmission to identify the original genre and assign the program to a corresponding standardized genre.

Abstract: A mobile equipment having television function is capable of recording a television program being watched and of rendering the recorded television program to be watched later, even if an Web browser or an application program is started.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data receiver apparatus comprises input ports complying with a digital interface standard, wherein each input port comprises a voltage signal terminal receiving a prescribed voltage signal, a detection terminal outputting a connection detection signal, a data input terminal receiving a data signal, and an address terminal transmitting a physical address. A nonvolatile memory is connected to the address terminal. A connection detection signal output from the detection terminal is set to a detection-state voltage irrespective of whether the data input terminal is selected.

Abstract: An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing display of content and automatic pause of the display. The method and apparatus exists in a client device and/or ahead-end or network operator. Event are assigned a relative priority based on event type, originator and the type of current display so that a variable response level ranging from a required viewer action to the viewer completely ignoring an event is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a video distribution system including: a video server for transmitting a plurality of video streams; and a video gateway for transferring at least one of the plurality of the transmitted video streams to a video client. The video server adds a first identifier for identifying whether data of an independently decodable unit included in the video stream corresponds in time to the video stream; and transmits the video stream to which the first identifier has been added. The video gateway specifies, based on first identifiers added to the transmitted plurality of video streams, the data of the independently decodable unit of the video stream transferred after switching in a case where the video stream is switched to another video stream in the independently decodable unit; and transfers the video stream transferred after the switching from the specified data of the independently decodable unit.

Abstract: Controlling supplementary data channels using display state information involves processing, at a user device, a first broadcast signal having a content channel and a second signal having a supplementary data channel. The supplementary data channel is related to the content channel. The broadcast channel and supplementary channel are rendered to a user via the user device. The supplementary channel is at least partially rendered on a display of the user device. An event is determined that causes the display to be no longer viewable by the user. In response to determining the event, processing and rendering the supplementary data channel is ceased. The action of ceasing to process the supplementary data channel results in lowering power consumption of the user device.

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: A playback selection feature of an electronic device is disclosed. The playback selection feature enhances the ability of a user to control the manner in which audiovisual files are played back using the electronic device. In one implementation, the playback selection feature allows a user to scroll through a playlist and select a desired entry for playback. Playback of the selected entry may commence after playback of an entry that is currently being played back ends.

Abstract: A method and a terminal for recording a broadcast stream so that, when the recorded broadcast stream is reproduced, a viewing restriction is placed. The method includes receiving a broadcast stream transmitted in real time and a message containing viewer rating information, and storing the viewer rating information together with the broadcast stream as a media file of a particular file at a broadcast stream recording request. When the stored broadcast stream is reproduced, the same viewing restriction is placed as when the broadcast is watched in real time.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer software products are provided for backing up the recording of television events by a primary recording device when the primary recording device fails or is unavailable. One or more backup video recording devices is specified in a networked household entertainment system for backing up the primary recording device. If the primary recording device is powered down, fails, or is otherwise unavailable at the time the television event is aired, the controller of the networked household entertainment system instructs one of the backup recording devices to record the event.

Abstract: In the case when password data (PW1) added to a TV broadcasting signal and password data (PW2) transmitted from an Internet connection section (2) have a predetermined correlation with each other, the display section (3) is allowed to display the corresponding contents normally. Therefore, accounting processes are imposed on the transmission of the password data (PW2) so that a normal displaying operation is charged in an indirect manner for each of the contents.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a broadcast receiving section 11 for receiving a broadcast, an expansion service providing section 12 for providing an expansion service, an expansion service decision section 13 for making a valid/invalid decision about the expansion service, a channel alteration section 14 for adding the expansion service as one channel when it is decided as valid, an input section 15 for selecting one channel from channels receivable by the broadcast receiving section and from channels added, a channel control section 16 for starting, when the selected channel is a channel receivable by the broadcast receiving section, reception of the broadcast on the channel and for switching between the broadcast receiving section and the expansion service providing section to select one of their outputs, and an output section 17-20 for outputting information based on the output of the broadcast receiving section or the expansion service providing section switched.

Abstract: The TV box with digital photo display function includes a signal receiver for receiving a television signal, a video decoder connected with the signal receiver, a memory slot for receiving a removable memory, a photo decoder connected with memory slot, a processor, and a transmitting interface. The television signal received by the signal receiver is transmitted to the video decoder and is decoded. An image data stored in the removable memory is transmitted to the photo decoder through the memory slot. The processor may process the decoded television signal or the decoded image data, and the television signal or the image data can be transmitted to an external display through the transmitting interface.

Abstract: A program distribution system includes a plurality of set-top boxes that receive broadcast programming and segmentation data from content and information providers. The segmentation information indicates portions of programs that are to be included in skimmed or condensed versions of the received programming, and is produced using manual or automated methods. Automated methods include the use of ancillary production data to detect the most important parts of a program. A user interface allows a user to control time scale modification and skimming during playback, and also allows the user to easily browse to different points within the current program.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which communicates with another signal processing apparatus storing an encoded first certificate; and a controller which accesses the other signal processing apparatus through the communication unit, copies the first certificate stored in the other signal processing apparatus and decodes the copied first certificate.

Abstract: A network addressable appliance with digital multimedia recording capabilities has limited access including playback of stored multimedia content upon faulty connection with a service provider network. Upon a connectivity event, the network addressable appliance compares a retrieved hardware address for a connected residential gateway to a stored hardware address for an assigned residential gateway. If the two hardware addresses correspond, the network addressable appliance provides playback to stored multimedia content. The system helps prevent violations of digital rights management rules by restricting access to stored multimedia content while the network addressable appliance is connected to an unauthorized residential gateway. The system provides a user with limited access (i.e. playback) to multimedia content during service provider network outages.

Abstract: A targeted advertising system based on subgroups. Different subgroups are formed based one or more subscriber characteristics, and different targeted advertisements transmitted to the different subgroups. In the Internet-environment, the subgroups are formed by utilizing multicast addresses. In cable-based and satellite-based systems, the subgroups are formed by node configurations. The targeted advertisements may be transmitted simultaneously with programming and inserted locally, or may be inserted at a centralized distribution point such as a router 303 or a cable television local head-end 306. An apparatus is presented which receives n program streams and m advertisements, and creates p presentation streams containing targeted advertisements, where p is greater than n.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering digital content to user who have pre-selected the digital content before they arrive at a device for distributing the digital content are described. The systems contain a storage device where the digital content is stored, a device for distributing the digital content to a user, a receiving device for receiving the digital content that has been distributed, and means for communicating with the user who is not located at the distribution device. The communication means allows the user to browse and/or purchase the digital content prior to arriving at the distribution device. As well, by purchasing the content before arrival, if the digital content is not located at the distribution device, it can be transferred from the storage device to the distribution device before the arrival of the user. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A data transmission device transmits a data broadcast using a narrow unused broadcasting band in a digital broadcast, and to record the data broadcast, which has been received, on a receiving side so that the receiving side can play back the data broadcast after a data stream is totally recorded. The transmission device generates a first data stream, which is recorded on a recording medium on a receiving side, and a second data stream including audio and video data, which is transmitted as a broadcasting program. The transmission device multiplexes the first and the second data streams and then transmits the multiplexed data stream. The transmission of the multiplexed data stream is controlled so that a transmission rate for the multiplexed data stream does not exceed the maximum transmission rate, and so that a transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than that for the second data stream.

Abstract: An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to automatically construct a database of contents data which are distributed over plural reproducing apparatuses and search this database on the basis of user's fragmentary memory. A contents sharing management system practiced as one embodiment of the invention comprises an episode server installed at user's home and plural reproducing apparatuses including a component stereo set, portable player, portable wireless terminal, and MD player, which are interconnected in a wireless manner based on wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth. The episode server wirelessly connects to the portable player for example to get the episode information stored therein and organizes the retrieved episode information into a database. The episode server also searches the database upon request from the portable player to identify a source apparatus in which desired contents data are stored and supplies the retrieved contents data to the requesting portable player.

Abstract: A system for providing broadcast content includes at least one content source for broadcasting content, and at least one terminal. The terminal can receive and consume content for a selected channel x, which is one in a set of ordered channels of broadcast content. The terminal can also change channels from the selected channel x to an adjacent channel x±1 in the set of n ordered channels. In response to changing channels to the adjacent channel x±1, the terminal can receive and consume content for the adjacent channel x±1. The terminal can receive and store content for Y next adjacent channels (x±1)±y, y=1, . . . , Y in buffer memory. Content for the next adjacent channels is stored based upon the direction the channel is changed and in response to changing channels.