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: Synchronizing signals in a communication system may include determining the amount of data stored in a buffer, comparing the amount of data to a plurality of threshold levels and adjusting a speed of a clock used for decoding the data based on the comparing. The signals to be synchronized may correspond to a decoder clock in a set top box and to an encoder clock in a head end. The data in the buffer may correspond to packets of data corresponding to compressed audio and video information. The process may also include decoding information based on the clock and slew limited limiting the clock may. The process may further include setting at least one threshold to a calibration threshold during a calibration mode and a post-calibration threshold during a post-calibration.

Abstract: A system for displaying a graphical indication of a proximately located device is disclosed. When a mobile terminal (e.g., a mobile telephone) equipped with short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth or wi-fi) as well as conventional long-range communications capabilities comes within range of set top box (e.g., a digital broadcast receiver), the set top box (STB) overlays an icon over the broadcast screen image indicating that a mobile terminal is present that can be used as a back channel to the cable operator. The overlaid icon may be presented in differing colors to indicate various characteristics of the mobile terminal, e.g., a type of the mobile terminal (phone vs. PDA) or a capability of the mobile terminal (e.g., ability to establish a GPRS or other data connection). A user of the STB can then use interactive services offered by the cable operator, and deliver interactive selections and commands to the cable operator via the mobile terminal back channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing information about over-the-air (OTA) transmission is provided, which includes a communication interface connected with an external device for communication via an external communication network; and a controlling part which controls the communication interface such that the information about OTA transmission is transmitted to the external device via the external communication network. As a result, OTA information can be provided to the users more efficiently, by transmitting text message regarding the OTA information to the external devices of the users.

Abstract: Synchronized marking of videos with objects is provided. Users may select frames within a video and place text and non-text objects at desired spatial locations within each of the frames. Information associated with the objects, including information specifying the temporal and spatial placements of the objects within the video is stored. When users view a marked video, object information is accessed, and objects are presented in the video at the temporal and spatial locations at which the objects were added. Objects added to videos may also be indexed, providing a mechanism for searching videos and jumping to particular frames within videos. Objects may also be monetized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards enabling systems and methods for providing an identifier that displays which channels are not viewable according to a services package authorization. More specifically, a digital host communications terminal (DHCT) receives a package authorization and stores the authorization in memory. Upon display of an interactive program guide (IPG), a processor retrieves the authorization from memory and updates the IPG. The IPG then identifies which channels are not authorized, and subsequently not viewable, by placing an identifier next to each non-authorized, or non-viewable, channel. In this manner, the subscriber knows which channels are not viewable by the IPG as opposed to selecting a non-authorized channel and receiving a message displayed indicating the selected channel is not viewable.

Abstract: A video device is provided that reduces an original frame rate of video frames by grabbing only every nth video frame and substantially restoring the original video frame rate by reproducing a video frame up to n times or increasing the video frame rate by reproducing a video frame more than n times. In this way, the original frame rate is reduced without compression of the video data, and a higher frame rate may be restored without decompression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and displaying information about the capture and/or transfer of digital media is provided, wherein data is stored such that a visual representation indicating characteristics of video data, such as whether portions of the video data have been transferred to another device or captured to a storage device, may be generated and displayed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to assure storage of data in information delivery services using storage media and providing services that promises the viewer's convenience. Receiving/storage apparatus (11) according to the invention holds exclusive storage regions in one or more physical or logical units to allocate to storage channels. The receiving/storage apparatus (11) comprises a storage channel management section (101) for managing storage channels, a reservation processing section (102) for making reservation for receiving information on storage channels, a receiver (103) for receiving information, a storage management section (104) for managing the received information and holding the relationship between reference names and storage names, and a storage channel operation application section (105) for implementing features necessary for the store and forward broadcast service based on the information managed in said storage channel management section (101).

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive video display system and a method thereof for displaying video clips with a plurality of marks thereon. The present invention utilizes the sound, movements of a moving object, various movement directions or acting signals generated from a computer to produce a plurality of acting signals for controlling the display of the video clips incorporated with the sound effect to increase the reality of the image display. Marks are provided on the vide clip to indicates the movements or the exercising frequencies or the directions of the movements. The present invention provides a method and a system that can directly interact the user with the visual images in the video screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing real-time access to movie information to viewers in an interactive television viewing system. During select times when viewing a program on a television, the viewer is presented information, typically an advertisement, regarding a movie available for viewing in a movie theater. The viewer can opt to review supplemental information regarding the movie, including information directed to the actors, plot, rating, and where and when it is showing relative to the viewer's location. The viewer can opt to purchase tickets as well. The system can be controlled in one embodiment by the user interacting with a set top box sending signaling information to a processor in the network headend that retrieves the appropriate information for display to the viewer. The information can be provided to the set-top-box and displayed to the user using an overlapping window, or other techniques.

Abstract: A null packet insertion apparatus including a null packet remover for removing an irregularly inserted null packet from an externally received video/audio transport stream; a null packet bit rate calculator for calculating a bit rate of the removed null packet; a GUI for determining the transmission period of a periodic null packet to be newly inserted, based on the calculated bit rate, by an external user; a periodic null packet generator; a multiplexer for regularly inserting the periodic null packet preferentially and inserting the video/audio transport stream with the irregular null packet removed, and performing multiplexing; a non-periodic null packet generator; and a PCR corrector.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a requesting media content processing subsystem and a network entity. The requesting media content processing subsystem is configured to transmit to the network entity a request to access a snippet of a media content instance. The network entity is configured to augment the snippet with additional media content and provide a user with access to the augmented snippet via the requesting media content processing subsystem.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving terminal and method of reproducing a digital broadcast thereof are disclosed, by which synchronism between a digital broadcast reproduced by a receiving end and additional information associated with the digital broadcast can be controlled. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving the digital broadcast and additional information associated with the digital broadcast from a digital broadcast network, obtaining output speed adjustment information for the additional information, and outputting the additional information by considering the additional information output speed adjustment information when the digital broadcast is output.

Abstract: A method of providing an integrated file list and a video appliance using the same are provided. The video appliance includes a combining unit for combining a video signal to be displayed with desired information, and a control unit for creating an integrated file list enumerated with files stored in a plurality of recording media, and controlling the combining unit to combine the video signal to be displayed with the created integrated file list. According to the video appliance, a user can effectively manage the files dispersedly stored in several recording media.

Abstract: A system for creating and viewing customized multimedia segments allows a user to create event identification data from in-band data in a program stream. The in-band data is processed and compiled into event identification data associated with the content stream. The event identification data identifies patterns or sequences of in-band data associated with events in the content stream. Metadata are also included in the event identification data. The event identification data is provided to multimedia devices which receive multimedia content streams containing content streams with in-band data. The in-band data are parsed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to identify events or perform specified actions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing enhanced advertising media are described herein. In particular, interactive advertisements may be presented to a user through a display apparatus like a television. The user may be able to navigate the interactive media by selecting triggers and/or utilizing a navigation bar while continuing to view the live broadcast that is being shown to him/her.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing enhanced advertising media are described herein. In particular, interactive music and music videos can be provided to a viewer of a television (TV) upon the request of the viewer. Additionally, the viewer can choose which music and/or music videos he/she would like to view at a particular time as well as order such music and/or music videos.

Abstract: A system that facilitates interactions with a digital video feed. During operation, the system receives the digital video feed, which includes a corresponding content feed, wherein the corresponding content feed is synchronized with the digital video feed, and wherein the corresponding content feed contains information associated with moving objects within the digital video feed. Next, the system plays the digital video feed within a viewer and allows a user to select a moving object being displayed within the viewer. In response to the selection, the system obtains content associated with the moving object and displays the content to the user.

Abstract: A data separating device separates video data, audio data, and metadata from a multiplexed broadcasting signal. A metadata extracting device extracts program preview property information and original program property information from the metadata. A program preview extracting device extracts a program preview content of an original program preview at least from either the video data or the audio data based on the program preview property information, and records the extracted program preview content on a recording medium as content checking support data. A digest saving/managing device generates at least a single digest by relating the program preview property information, the original program property information, and the content checking support data, and saves/manages the digest.

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: An interactive game system includes a specially prepared DVD game disk with video images such as of a game show, and game data and instructions encoded within the VBI data on the disk. A game control unit receives all of the video signals recorded on from the DVD including both video images and the VBI data, extracts the VBI data, and uses the VBI data in conjunction with a plurality of handheld player inputs to allow users to select and answer game questions. The game control unit keeps track of whether the player inputs were correct or incorrect, the players' cumulative scores in accordance with their answers, and displays the players cumulative scores as video overlay on top of the recorded video images to be sent to a video display such as a standard television set.

Abstract: A production facility receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program contents. At the production facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real time based at least in part on the interaction of the production with the viewers.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a method for processing a broadcast signal including advertisement program information of a PSIP are disclosed. The broadcast receiver analyzes the advertisement program information contained in the broadcast signal, and provides a user with the analyzed result, such that it can provide the user with advertisement program information configured in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG). The broadcast receiver user can record or exclude only the advertisement program selected by the user, or can record only the main broadcast program other than the advertisement program inserted into the single main broadcast program (i.e., commercial in program or event), such that the user can freely manage the advertisement program according to his or her desired scheme.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating an electronic device comprises updating a channel map. The method further comprises prohibiting further updating of the channel map for a predetermined time, and permitting further updating of the channel map after expiration of the predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and system for partitioning television channels in a platform. A method involves creating partitions for a platform, associating each of one or more television channels with one of the partitions, determining a current television channel from the one or more television channels to display, and activating the partition associated with the current television channel.

Abstract: A method for processing a broadcast signal including current event information, and a broadcast receiver for processing the same are disclosed so that a user can correctly recognize information of a current broadcast event provided via a specific channel. The broadcast receiver analyzes each-channel current broadcast event information contained in the broadcast signal, and provides a user with the analyzed result. The user can correctly recognize the current broadcast event information of a specific channel, and the user can more quickly search for the current broadcast event information of the specific channel.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus for an interactive communication system using a broadcast wave, which includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a transmitting unit. The first storage unit stores a plurality of frames of image data. The second storage unit stores control information which shows links between said plurality of frames of image data stored in the first storage unit, and which indicates a combining of a supplementary design with the image data. These supplementary designs are stored by a receiving apparatus and are combined with the image represented by the image data. The transmitting unit repeatedly transmits a predetermined number of frames of image data together with corresponding control information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing a TV-viewer with interactive television program selections that relate both to the program content of the current selection and a pay-for-placement of program content selections by advertisers/owners of television programs. According to the method, when a TV-viewer initiates a programming choice, a window opens displaying alternative choices to the viewer in an ordered list. The choices may be related to the current choice by content, at least in part, and may be displayed in an order of prominence depending upon amounts bid by advertisers/owners of the TV programming.

Abstract: A method of reducing the channel selection transition delay from a first media data channel to a second media data channel includes the operations of accumulating an independent media data frame and any related dependent media data frames based on a first decoder decoding at least a first portion of a second channel to form a second channel current media state, receiving a channel change request from a second decoder to change decoding to the second media channel, identifying an insertion position for a current independent frame relative to a current second channel frame set, and generating the current independent frame based on the second channel current media state corresponding to the insertion position. The dependent media data frames are used to modify the second channel current media state based on the independent media data frame.

Abstract: A method for presenting multi-media contents on a specific communication device is disclosed. The method includes detecting a multi-media content channel currently tuned by the specific communication device; and in addition to a specific multi-media content corresponding to a specific channel number currently tuned by the specific communication device, presenting an information communication user interface.

Abstract: A user request processing method and apparatus, using an upstream channel, is provided, in which if a user request of predetermined processing for some predetermined nodes in interactive multimedia contents services, preferably, in an MPEG-4 binary format for a scene (BIFS) scene occurs, the user terminal forms an upstream channel message for the BIFS scene and transmits the message to the server through upstream channels, and the server processes and encodes the corresponding BIFS scene nodes and then transmits the nodes to the terminal. According to the methods and apparatuses, by properly handing events of user requests on partial elements in an arbitrary multimedia content provided for the user as interactive multimedia contents services, predetermined elements can be selectively processed. Therefore, information volume to be transmitted for restoration from an error can be minimized, and the terminal can quickly receive restored information.

Abstract: A portable communication terminal is provided with the viewing/listening information transmitting program for generating and transmitting viewing/listening information. The viewing/listening information generated according to the viewing/listening information transmitting program is collected from a portable communication terminal. The broadcast station is specified from the collected viewing/listening information. And viewing/listening rate information is generated from the viewing/listening information.

Abstract: A method for interactive Internet protocol television in which program channels and an announcement channel are received over the IP medium. Triggers contained in the announcement channel can be used to alter a viewer's viewing experience. The bandwidth required for the announcement channel is not fixed, rather it is a function of the triggers contained therein. The program channels and the announcement channel can be provided by independent sources. The method can provide for efficient use of the bandwidth in the IP medium and can provide greater flexibility to the viewer with regard to the source of program and announcement channels.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) receiver and a method for processing a broadcast signal are disclosed. The method for processing a digital broadcast signal includes: receiving a broadcast signal including at least one sub-event information for constructing an event in an Event Information Table (EIT); and displaying the at least one sub-event information of the event on a screen using the received broadcast signal. A broadcast receiver analyzes schedule information contained in the broadcast signal, and provides a user with event information and the schedule list of the event. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the schedule of a specific event, can precisely select his or her desired schedule, and can establish a viewing reservation function and a recording reservation function for each schedule.

Abstract: A device for displaying multiple image streams each comprising multiple image frames that entertains multiple viewers includes at least three image generators for generating at least three separate image streams that each include multiple image frames. At least one of the image generators is configured for at least one viewer input. An image multiplexer is provided for interleaving image frames of each image stream to produce an interleaved image stream and a display is provided for showing the interleaved image stream. A method of displaying multiple image streams is also presented.

Abstract: A digital television signal, a digital television receiver, and a method for processing a digital television signal are disclosed, which can solve problems encountered when only general broadcast programs are defined as events on a PSIP. The digital television receiver includes a tuner for receiving a digital television signal including an EIT carrying information for events on defined virtual channels, a demodulator arranged to demodulate the signal, a demultiplexer for demultiplexing the EIT from the signal demodulated by the demodulator, a decoder for parsing the EIT, the parsed EIT including an event type field defining an actual event, a dummy event, wherein the dummy event corresponds to an undecided domain on an EPG, and a controller arranged to store the parsed EIT in a database.

Abstract: A wireless communications network (100) includes various base stations (110) and subscriber-stations (114). The base stations each provide (602) broadcast content services to subscriber-stations over communication channels of one of the following types: 1) shared channels for use by multiple subscriber-stations, 2) individual channels each dedicated for use by an individual subscriber-station. In response to one or more prescribed condition changes (604), there is a switch (606) in the type of communications channel used to provide broadcast content services to one or more given subscriber-stations.

Abstract: In a method of enhancing a viewer's experience of a video program, a plurality of selectable alternative video program scenes are provided for a video program being viewed on a display. The selectable alternative program versions are pre-rendered video scenes. A user is prompted to select at least one of the selectable alternative video program scenes for viewing.

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 and system that implement a process for managing video information on a video recording device. The management process involves receiving a video input signal including a video stream, obtaining content information corresponding to the video stream, associating the content information with the video stream, and storing the video stream and associated content information in a database as a searchable index for the video stream. The searchable index includes location of the stored video stream and identifies the associated content information. Then, content information from an input signal corresponding to a video stream is captured for analysis and searching the index to identify stored video streams related to the video program for suggestion to the user.

Abstract: A television content provider can reserve and use a television channel can be used to provide interactive content to a user device. Unlike conventional broadcast channels, a user at the user device may view content to an extent (length, depth, or both) that the user desires. The user can pick and choose content to view, may drill down to whatever level of detail that the user desires, contact an originating source of the content, interact with the content in another manner, or the like. Unlike the Internet, the content can be customized for transmission over a television channel, which may allow higher quality and potentially a larger array of content than may otherwise be provided over the Internet. The transmission may be performed over a private network, so that security concerns are reduced.

Abstract: A communication system includes a HAVi-based in-home network 140 and a remote device 110 operative to communicate with an intermediate device 130 of the in-home network via Internet. The remote device loads a HAVi applet (Havlet) 238 for controlling at least one of the in-home devices using HAVi. The remote device also loads an HAVi API (HJA) emulator 310 which emulates HJA. The HJA emulator provides an interface for the Havlet and communicates with a module 330 in the intermediate device. The intermediate device includes the actual HJA 236 which provides the actual interface functionality for the HAVi functions used by the Havlet. The interface functionality is provided by controlling the intermediate device and/or communicating with other in-home device(s) according to application messages of the in-home application protocol.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method carried out in a digital television receiver device incapable of full two way communications, of receiving switched digital television programs involves storing a virtual channel table in the digital television receiver device, the virtual channel table having entries for each available channel and having a channel type indicator that identifies switched digital channels; receiving a command indicative of selection of a switched digital channel having the switched digital channel type indicator in the stored virtual channel table; sending a request from the television receiver device for the switched digital channel; responsive to the request, receiving a response that either grants the request or denies the request; and if the response grants the request, receiving an updated virtual channel table having updated table entries. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A content processing method and apparatus which can maximize user convenience by allocating content available in a home network to an empty TV channel are provided. The content processing method includes storing channel information regarding a plurality of broadcast channels to which a broadcast signal has been set, storing channel information regarding a plurality of empty channels to which no broadcast signal has been set, issuing a request for a content list to and receiving a content list from one of a plurality of server devices connected to a home network, mapping the content list to a plurality of empty channels, and selecting one of the channels to which the content list is mapped, and playing back content included in the selected channel.

Abstract: An analog broadcasting receiving device includes a receiving portion for receiving a television broadcasting wave, an EPG extracting portion for extracting EPG data from VBI of the television broadcasting wave, a ROM for storing a GCN table that is a list of GCN codes, and a control portion for controlling extracting and outputting the EPG of a broadcasting station stored in the GCN table. The received EPG data is analyzed, and if a new GCN code that is not included in the GCN table is detected, the detected new GCN code is added to the GCN table.

Abstract: A method and system for providing interactive media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an integrated video content. The integrated video content comprises an identification tag. The identification tag is extracted from the integrated video content. Content information associated with the integrated video content is accessed based on the identification tag. The content information and the integrated video content are then rendered to a user.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment a system and method for processing a tag carried by a video stream are disclosed. The method includes accessing the tag in the video stream, reading a time stamp associated with the tag and processing the tag based on a time indicated by the time stamp. The system accesses a tag in a video stream, reads a time stamp associated with the tag, and runs a script associated with the tag.

Abstract: By moving image analysis, acoustic/speech analysis, or text analysis for multimedia information in a database, feature data representing the type of information is acquired, and the feature data is stored into the database added to the multimedia information. A search engine extracts partial images of user's interest from the multimedia information on the basis of the feature data and a user profile data. A link section associates the representative images (still images) of the partial images with multimedia images and displays the list of representative images and feature data. Thus, only a portion of the user's concern is extracted from an enormous amount of multimedia information, and individual information is selectively provided in units of users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses in which two or more types of attributes from an information stream are identified. Each of the identified attributes from the information stream is encoded. A time ordered indication is assigned with each of the identified attributes. Each of the identified attributes shares a common time reference measurement. A time ordered index of the identified attributes is generated.