Abstract: A data stream may be processed using a computer system by receiving the data stream using a browser application, detecting a content type of data in the data stream, temporarily overriding a default rendering process otherwise associated with the content type detected for the data in the data stream by associating a particular rendering process with the data stream based on the type of data in the data stream, and routing the data stream to the particular rendering process. The default rendering process may be identified in a registry of the computer system. It may be temporarily overridden by discriminating among internal and external instances of the browser application used to receive the data stream, and temporarily overriding the default rendering process only if the browser application is an internal instance.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a message in compressed content comprising at least one key frame and at least one non-key frame, the method comprising embedding a message in the at least one key frame. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Random access reproduction in prompt response to user commands is realized. A stream analyzing block analyzes sequentially inputted transport streams to get entry point data. Discontinuity point data are obtained in correspondence to a discontinuity occurrence flag inputted from a PLL block. Sequentially inputted transport packets are analyzed to get mark point data. A stream database creating block creates a stream database by use of the discontinuity point data and the mark point data. The stream database is recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: A method for enhancing digital video recorder television advertising viewership provides a method wherein the first or last number of seconds of a commercial break are carefully authored to provide a “teaser” to entice the viewer to watch multiple commercials during the commercial break instead of skipping the commercial break using the fast forward or jump functions of the DVR. A bookending function displays an advertisement before and/or after a program that has been recorded on the DVR's storage device is played to the viewer. The viewer selects a recorded program from the DVR's storage device to playback. Before the program is played back, an advertisement is retrieved from the storage device and is displayed before the program is run. Another advertisement is retrieved and then played after the program is over.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for processing message-related events generated in a portable terminal. The method for processing message-related events in a portable terminal comprises the steps of storing message-related events generated in the portable terminal, confirming specialists set in advance, so that the message-related events can be processed by the specialists, respectively, calling the confirmed specialists and processing the message-related events, and displaying the processing results set in advance with respect to the specialists with a text/avatar, according to the processing results which are processed by the specialists.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

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: An antenna (8), mounted to a roof (3) of a building (1), receives digital broadcast transmissions and feeds a signal through a cable (9) to a desk stand (2). The desk stand has an amplifier and a loop antenna. A mobile telephone handset (6) capable of receiving digital broadcast transmissions also includes a loop antenna. Using inductive coupling, the signal is transmitted from the desk stand to the mobile telephone handset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system controllers and larger systems incorporating such that can dynamically prioritize critical digital video data streams traveling across a network backbone over other non-priority video data and make the selection of which video streams are to be connected and prioritized through real-time use of video control panel equipment. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A sports spectating method is composed of input means (score maker system) such as a mobile terminal capable of electronically inputting states of a sports event successively, the step of successively inputting motions of players and the other information using the input terminal and transmitting their real-time data, filming means for filming the states of the sports event, the step of encoding and transmitting the states of the sports event, means for digitizing the input data and recorded image and sound data, a recording medium such as a data server for storing the digitized real-time data therein, a recording medium such as an image server for storing the digitized image therein, a recording medium such as a sound server for storing the digitized sounds therein, a mobile network system such as PDC or/and PHS and gateway and internet for converting protocol, and a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone with high function and high performance.

Abstract: An interactive method includes receiving, at a display device, background video including a multiplicity of video frames, at least one of the multiplicity of video frames including a plurality of sub-pictures, each of the plurality of sub-pictures representing an alternative background, and switching, at the display device, between a first sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures and a second sub-picture of the plurality of sub-pictures. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chat system for a digital television network comprises a digital operator head end system for broadcasting to subscriber decoders. The head end system comprises a chat room creation device which communicates with a chat server to create, cancel and/or join an event related chat room, a trigger device which may be programmed to activate itself at the occurrence of an event and automatically sends a request for creation of a chat room to the chat room creation device, a broadcast device used for preparing a transmission of information to the subscriber decoders, and a notification server to generate a notification message to be transmitted by the broadcast device, the notification message being related to the creation of an event related chat room.

Abstract: A method of providing a broadcast, method of reproducing the same, terminal for the same, and system thereof are disclosed, by which recorded broadcast data can be summarized and reproduced according to contents or priority of the broadcast. The present invention includes a broadcasting station inserting a summary reproduction information in broadcast data, transmitting the broadcast data; and a broadcast terminal storing the broadcast data received from the broadcasting station, reproducing a summary of the broadcast data using the summary reproduction information.

Abstract: A method for video sharing, which realizes video sharing between an originating UE and a terminating UE when the terminating UE is not IMS core network registered. The method includes the following steps: an originating UE sends a video sharing request containing a URI of callee to an application server; the application server determines that the terminating UE of the callee is not IMS core network registered and notifies the terminating UE to register; the terminating UE activates a GPRS connection and registers with the IMS core network; the originating UE and the registered terminating UE set up a sharing session via the application server; the originating UE and the terminating UE share video information. A system and apparatus for practicing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of transmission of digital information in a digital communication network, the network comprising at least one transport stream carrying one or more bouquet related tables such as BAT tables (53, 54) containing information regarding the services provided in a commercial bouquet and characterised in transmitting at least one table (51) comprising a list of bouquet identity values of some or all of the bouquet association tables together with an indication of the or each transport stream carrying that table or tables. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the table (51) containing a list of bouquet identity values may correspond to the Network Information Table of a network. The present invention also extends to the identification of any fixed PID, TID tables that may only be distinguished by their TID extension values. The present invention is particularly applicable to digital television systems conforming to the MPEG-2 and DVB proposed standards.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for accelerating channel change time is provided. The method comprises determining when a channel change occurs. A video stream of pictures is then determined. For example, the video stream may be for a channel that is tuned to by a user. Picture discardability information transmitted with the video stream of pictures is determined. For example, the picture discardability information may be transmitted in a data field outside of the video stream. The method then determines which pictures in the video stream are considered nondiscardable pictures and which ones are discardable pictures based on the picture discardability information transmitted with the video stream of pictures. A non-discardable picture stream may then be determined and transmitted to a video processing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or an operation for providing a personalized TV-Anytime metadata service. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of transmitting non-anonymous user metadata to a TV-Anytime service agent using a SOAP operation, comprising the steps of a) defining a SOAP operation which transmits user metadata and is capable of identifying transmission of non-anonymous user metadata, b) the service agent identifying a user, c) a client loading user metadata about the identified user on an element of the SOAP operation defined at step a) and transmitting the element with the user metadata to the service agent, and d) the service agent identifying the element of the SOAP operation transmitted at step c) and extracting the user metadata included in the element of the SOAP operation therefrom.

Abstract: A television receiver includes: broadcast wave receiving means for receiving a broadcast wave; obtaining means for obtaining information for specifying a program being a common program of programs received in accordance with first program information related to a receivable broadcast and programs received in accordance with second program information different from the first program information, said program having starting time of broadcast earlier in said first program information than in said second program information; and recording means for recording said program specified by said information.

Abstract: Replay counter cache reduction mechanisms are described herein.

Abstract: A communication terminal comprising a video reproduction device configured to carry out a video reproduction, a communication device configured to carry out a communication; and a reproduction-end-time acquisition device configured to acquire an end time of the video reproduction carried out by said video reproduction device. When an incoming communication arrives from a communication partner terminal in the course of the video reproduction carried out by said video reproduction device, the communication partner terminal is informed of the end time of said video reproduction. The communication partner terminal is external to the communication terminal.

Abstract: A premises, connected to receive broadband service(s) and also connected to a cable system, is provided with a broadband interface which connects to in-premises cabling which is coupled to consumer receivers such as a television sets, PDAs, laptops. Connected to the broadband interface is an adjunct device which channels broadband, data and voice signals supplied to an in-premises wireless system as distinguished from the signals supplied to the cable connected consumer receivers. The adjunct device formats the broadband and voice signals or any broadband service into packet format suitable for signal radiation and couples them to the in-premises coax cabling, via a diplexer, at a first selected location. At a second cable location a second diplexer, connected to the cable, separates the broadband, data and voice signals and couples them to a signal radiation device (i.e., an RF antenna or leaky coaxial cable) which radiates the signal to the immediate surrounding location.

Abstract: Techniques for fragmenting a file or a collection of media data are disclosed. According one aspect of the techniques, a file pertaining to a title is fragmented into a header and several tails or segments. The header is a continuous portion of the file while the segments are respective parts of the remaining portion of the file. The header is seeded substantially in all boxes, and none, one or more of the segments are distributed in each of the boxes in service. When a title is ordered, the header is instantly played back while the segments, if not locally available, are continuously fetched respectively from other boxes that have the segments.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data flows, such as streaming video or audio signals, between end devices that are members of the same end device group is provided. A network examining module identifies end devices having an active data flow. A data session populating module populates a data store for an end device group identifying end devices having active data flows. A managing module determines which end devices are compatible for a data flow to be transferred. The data flow transferring module transfers the active data flow from one group member end device to another group member end device.

Abstract: A media device, a network element and a method of enhancing use of a media device are provided. The media device is configured to receive a broadcast media stream transmitted by a broadcast system at a given frequency and a service transmission over a radio interface of a cellular telecommunication system, the transmission being associated with the media stream and comprising information about frequencies used to transmit the media stream in different locations. The media device measures signal strength of the media transmission at the frequency the transmission is received and at least at one other frequency used for transmission of the transmission, compares the measured signal strengths and switches the reception of the media transmission to another frequency if the signal strength at said frequency is greater than the signal strength at the current frequency.

Abstract: An event display device or panel (108) wirelessly receives, for display in real time (220), content that a television or set-top box has parsed (210) from a program of interest embodied in digital broadcast signal (112). In another embodiment, notification is formed by parsed out content that it represents a current event or current development of the program (212), and the notification is wirelessly transmitted for display on the device.

Abstract: In the transmission of a moving picture, when the user switches video sources (for example, switches channels or starts reproducing a recorded program), the selected video source can be swiftly started to display. Immediately after a delivery apparatus makes a video source be selected by switching, a receiving apparatus causes a selector to select the video packets transmitted not through an error corrector and to supply them to a decoder and it controls the decoder to generate a frozen frame from the video packets and to supply it to a display where it is displayed. The selector is controlled to produce the error-corrected video data after a counter counts a delay time that the video packets undergo in the error corrector. Thus, the moving picture can be seamlessly displayed, and the delay in the error corrector can be apparently eliminated.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes: a video processing unit which processes a first video; a display unit which displays the first video; a connecting unit which receives a second video of an image communication from a mobile communication terminal which enables the image communication; and a control unit which controls the video processing unit to process the second video of the image communication to display the second video in the display unit, and controls the mobile communication terminal based on a control command of a user.

Abstract: An integrated and interactive real-time media creation system and method are disclosed that visually link the order and execution of media events to a scrolling on-screen text script that is spoken. As the user speaks, the on-screen text script scrolls under user control. Adjacent to the script text are visual images which represent associated media events. The visual images maintain a constant relative spatial relationship with the text. When the text reaches a predetermined region of the screen it is spoken out loud by the user and the media events are caused to occur at that time. The invention allows a single user with a single personal computer to easily self-produce a multimedia presentation of undetermined and variable length, featuring media events appropriately inserted in real-time without the assistance of a director or other operator.

Abstract: Multiple video streams can be transmitted over a high speed link. A connection with a receiver can be detected by a transmitter. The transmitter can then establish a link with the receiver. Multiple streams of video data can be packed into a transfer unit. The transmitter can then transmit the transfer unit with the multiple stream video data over one or more lanes of the link to the receiver. A high speed communications link between a receiver and a transmitter can transmit data for multiple video streams over a single lane within a data link. The high speed communication link is scalable in bandwidth and video/audio streams transmitted, and backward compatible with other types of video data communication connections. The high speed link may support up to eight video/audio streams simultaneously, thereby enabling full use of data link bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and synchronizing to in-band data at a multimedia device is provided. A content stream includes in-band data. The in-band data is processed and in-band data pattern data associated with the content stream are created. Metadata are attached to the event identification data. The event identification data are provided to multimedia devices which receive broadcasted multimedia content streams containing video programs with in-band data. The in-band data are processed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to perform specified actions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for displaying advertisements transmitted to a user unit, the method includes receiving, at the user unit, at least one advertisement tagged with a delay tag indicating whether display of the at least one advertisement can be delayed and only if the delay tag allows delaying display of the at least one advertisement, storing the at least one advertisement at the user unit, retrieving the at least one advertisement and displaying the at least one advertisement. A billing system for reporting a commercial broadcast to a multiplicity of users is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing content delivery at a processing element in a dynamic content delivery architecture, the method having the steps of: receiving a content and metadata envelope at the processing element; checking the content and metadata envelope to determine whether the content and metadata envelope includes metadata for the processing element; if the content envelope contains metadata for the processing element, extracting and caching the metadata; if the content envelope does not contain metadata for the processing element, retrieving metadata for a content provider associated with the content from a cache on the processing element; and applying the extracted or retrieved metadata to the content and metadata envelope.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a system for providing content including: a controller in operable communication with a first display device and a second display device that provides first interactive content to the first display device and second interactive content to the second display device and an interface for receiving a command from a user or application. The controller selectively controls the first and second content displayed by the first and second display devices, respectively, in response to the command.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a commemorative presentation. The subject of the commemoration can take a variety of forms, including living or deceased individuals, organizations, entities, companies, cities, and the like. A plurality of images are compiled related to the subject. Configuration data is created relating to the display of the plurality of images. The plurality of images and configuration data are stored in a datastore. A video is dynamically created by accessing the plurality of images and configuration data stored in the datastore and sequentially displaying the plurality of images stored in the datastore in conformance with the configuration data stored in the datastore. While the invention has utility in a number of different applications, one particularly well suited application is in the death care industry for creating commemorative videos for the recently deceased.

Abstract: A wireless device, such as a mobile phone, and a method for operating the wireless device to access a media option in a media player, comprising the steps of: providing a list of different media options, where each option includes a media channel or item; selecting a media channel or item to present; scanning a plurality of different types of radio signal bearers for detecting access of the selected media channel or item; selecting one of said different types of bearers in accordance with stored selection criteria; presenting the media channel or item as received over the selected bearer.

Abstract: To communicate between terminal devices, a time period of overlap between a first time slot of first advertisement content provided to a first terminal device and a second time slot of second advertisement content provided to a second terminal device is determined. An indication is sent for establishment of a call session between the first terminal device and second terminal device during the time period of overlap.

Abstract: A method and system of mass multimedia messaging in a system having a service provider and a plurality of subscriber communication terminals supported by the service provider, wherein at least some of the subscriber terminals have different messaging capabilities and different message format requirements. The method includes adaptation and handling of a mass multimedia message, and mass multimedia message notification. The system uses a retrieval platform and a processing platform. The retrieval platform generates a unique message identifier for the mass multimedia message, and pre-adapts the message into adapted content messages for the terminal types supported by the service provider. The processing platform formats message notifications for the subscriber terminals based on each terminal's messaging capabilities, with each notification containing the unique message identifier.

Abstract: The invention provides an image storage and display system including: an image storage server that includes an image file storing unit for storing image data; and image display terminals that are connected to the image storage server via a network and display an image sent from the image storage server. In the image storage and display system, the image storage server includes: an information managing unit that acquires and manages information on a system including at least one of environmental information and operation information of the system; and an image file compressing unit that sets an optimum compression ratio on the basis of the information to compress the image and stores the image in the image file storing unit. According to the constitution, it is possible to reduce time for, for example, adjustment of a compression ratio of an image by a user or a service person by automatically optimizing the compression ratio.

Abstract: A method of exchanging user messages among interactive disk players through an external server is disclosed. The external server receives a user message from a first interactive disk player and stores the user message in an internal memory. Receiving a message request from a second interactive disk player, the external server compares playback time included in the message request and playback time included in the stored user message and sends the stored user message to the second interactive disk player if the two playback times are almost the same. The method allows users of individual interactive disk players to exchange opinions about the same DVD title irrespective of their individual playing positions.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: A hard-disk recorder receives a broadcasting content distributed from a satellite broadcasting service system and records it. The satellite broadcasting service system generates degree-of-exposure control data for the broadcasting content, and sends it to the hard-disk recorder through a server system. The hard-disk recorder receives the degree-of-exposure control data, and controls the degree of exposure of the recorded content according to degree-of-exposure designation included in the received degree-of-exposure control data.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing video calls includes receiving a plurality of incoming video calls originating from a corresponding plurality of calling endpoints over a data network. A corresponding plurality of first connections is formed with each of the plurality calling endpoints. Data is streamed over the plurality of first connections while the plurality of calling endpoints awaits availability of one answering endpoint. A second connection is then formed between one of the plurality of calling endpoints and the one answering endpoint to replace one of the plurality of first connections when the one answering endpoint is available.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a multiplicity of devices in a multimedia environment is described. The system has at least one central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, and photographic information including content information and content management information, relating to at least one user, are stored in digital form. The system further has a plurality of zones each having a zone specific storage and interface device being capable of storing or interfacing with information stored in the central storage and interface device, wherein audio, video, or photographic information, relating to at least one user, contained within each one of the plurality of zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device, are updated in relation with other zone specific storage and interface devices and the central storage and interface device.

Abstract: A system for converting TV content to an interactive TV game program uses viewer input pointing to “hot spot” objects in TV programs to enter answers in the game program. Viewers can point to hot spot objects whose locations are mapped in the image display frames of a TV program using a standard remote control and TV set-top box. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive TV game program is a crossword puzzle game offered through the TV's electronic program guide (EPG). Correct answers to the crossword puzzle clues can be entered by linkages from corresponding hot spot objects found in TV movies, ads, video spots, and other types of TV programs on the TV channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movie channel to a user on a mobile device. Movie based content associated with a movie channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly and efficiently access movie information without having to type in information, or specifically request the movie information to be downloaded to the device. The movie channel includes several different modes for categorically displaying different types of movie information. Some example modes include: a movies mode; a theaters mode; and a current top movies mode. The movies mode is organized to display information relating to particular movies on the electronic device. The theaters mode is arranged to display information relating to particular theaters on the electronic device. The current top movies mode displays information relating to the current “hot” movies.

Abstract: There is provided a digital broadcasting receiver capable of making channel selection without making a user conscious of the difference between a physical channel number and a virtual channel number. A CPU uses an OSD display circuit, for example, to display a menu screen, and causes a user to select either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode for making channel selection by the physical channel number in which a frequency is assigned to a channel by the physical channel number in accordance with a rule, and a second mode is a mode for making channel selection by the virtual channel number in which a frequency corresponds to a channel on the side of the receiver. The CPU automatically makes, when no channel selection can be made by the entered channel number in the selected mode, an attempt to make channel selection corresponding to the other mode.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes “connected” receiver units capable of establishing bi-directional connections to remote information stores, such as Web servers, and “disconnected” receiver units unequipped to make such connections. The system supports the use of broadcast triggers that include connectivity values indicating whether an information resource identified by a trigger refers to “connected content” or “disconnected content.” The term “connected content” refers to information resources that require bi-directional connections to remote information stores; the term “disconnected content” refers to information resources, such as a locally stored program guide, that do not require such bi-directional connections. Disconnected receiver units identify and reject connected-content triggers by examining connectivity values broadcast as part of triggers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service, which is capable of always displaying a dynamic label service (DLS) of a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) signal in a ticker form in a digital multimedia broadcasting receiver. A method of displaying a digital multimedia broadcasting service includes determining whether additional data carried in a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) signal is received while any application is being executed; and displaying the executed application and the received additional data together on one screen when the additional data is received. Accordingly, since news information or traffic information can be always received in the DMB receiver even during the execution of any application, it is possible to make the DMB receiver more convenient for a user.

Abstract: A set top terminal equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a cable television delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program. The set top terminal also includes features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls, such as picture in picture.