Abstract: There is provided a method device and system for streaming media content to a media presentation appliance. There may be provided an appliance specific media stream generator adapted to derive an appliance specific stream from a multicast media stream. The generator may convert a multicast media stream addressed to a set of media presentation appliances into either (1) one or more unicast media streams, wherein each unicast media stream is addressed to a separate media presentation appliance; or (2) a multicast media stream addressed to a subset of the set of media presentation appliances. In both cases, the media content within the derived media stream may be substantially identical to the media content of the original multicast media stream. The generator may also introduce content (e.g. advertising) into the derived media stream(s).

Abstract: A television and remote control system, where the television receives data over a channel and produces outputs that create a television display. The television also receives notifications over a data connection indicating events that are other than the television display, like emails, alerts and the like. The television displays visual and audible notifications and mutes those notifications based on commands from a remote control.

Abstract: A gateway (e.g., a broadband gateway), which enables communication with a plurality of devices and handles at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider, may be operable to receive one or more programs in preview formats from one or more program sources. Each of the one or more programs may be specified in a list. The programs specified in the list may be from different program sources. The broadband gateway may process the received one or more programs in the preview formats for presentation to one or more of the plurality of devices. The processed one or more programs in the preview formats may be communicated by the broadband gateway to the one or more of the plurality of devices, via a programming guide, for program preview by one or more users during program selections from the list.

Abstract: A cue message detection synchronizer that provides an out-of-band cue message to downstream content insertion devices. The cue message detection synchronizer receives a first data stream corresponding to a network feed, receives a second data stream corresponding to a provider feed, receives at least one cue message associated with the first data stream, compares the first data stream to the second data stream to determine a data stream offset, and generates cue message comprising one or more of: (i) the determined data stream offset, and (ii) a timestamp associated with the generated cue message and modified by the determined data stream offset. In this way, a location within a synchronized provider stream can be provided to downstream content insertion devices.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems for providing access to content during the presentation of a media content instance are disclosed herein. As described in more detail below, a content presentation system may detect a predefined motion of a mobile device during a presentation of a media content instance by a media content access device, identify the media content instance, and provide access to the identified media content instance by way of the mobile device in response to the predefined motion. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Caching related technology, in which a time needed to begin rendering network-based video content without caching a decoded version of the content is determined and, the determined time to begin rendering the network-based video content is compared to a threshold time. When the determined time to begin rendering the network-based video content exceeds the threshold time, an initial portion of the network-based video content is pre-transcoded to a faster video codec format, and the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content is stored in electronic storage associated with a media system of a user.

Abstract: A method for monetizing third-party recommended content is provided. The method includes receiving a programming feed from a recommender, receiving information regarding one or more items of advertising content from one or more advertising publishers, scheduling recording of video content identified in the programming feed for a user that follows the programming feed, sending the information regarding the one or more items of advertising content to a client device of the user, and receiving information regarding user playback actions that occurred during presentation of the video content identified in the programming feed and the advertising content.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to wireless communications are described. A described technique includes receiving, at a wireless communication device, a signal that is based on produced signals, the produced signals being produced via different respective constellations; detecting a first signal from the received signal based on a combined constellation of the respective constellations; removing a signal contribution of the first detected signal from the received signal to produce a modified received signal; and detecting a second signal from the modified received signal. Removing the signal contribution can include using a constituent constellation of the respective constellations, the constituent constellation being associated with the first detected signal.

Abstract: A system and method for printing relevant content via a cloud print service upon completion of an entertainment event in media from an associated one of one or more entertainment devices are disclosed. In one example, the relevant content is obtained from an associated one of one or more entertainment device cloud services by the cloud print service upon completion of the entertainment event in the media. Further, the obtained relevant content is printed on a web connected printer by the cloud print service.

Abstract: A transport control interface may be provided by an interactive television program guide application to provide information, control or both for live and recorded video programming. The transport control interface may indicate to the user the time duration of a live or recorded program and any time segments of the program that have been recorded. The transport control interface may automatically adjust the start and end time shown to accommodate various factors such as continuous viewing on a particular channel, multiple recorded segments, buffer size, etc. Various information associated with the live or recorded video programming may be displayed in the transport control interface.

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: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing instant messaging in conjunction with an audiovisual, video, or audio program are provided. The methods include providing an audiovisual, video, or audio program to a user. Viewer/listener input is received requesting activation of a program-based instant messaging function. A viewer/listener identifier corresponding to the viewer/listener is associated with a program identifier that uniquely identifies the audiovisual, video, or audio program being provided to the user to thereby generate a program viewer/listener record. The program viewer/listener record is transmitted to an electronic database. A list of other users who are viewing or listening to the program in addition to the viewer/listener is acquired from the electronic database. The list of other users is transmitted to the viewer/listener.

Abstract: The present application provides transferring channel allocation tables for receiving radio frequency services. Automatic updating channel allocation tables is provided by storing within at least one central database at least one channel allocation table, storing within each of a plurality of distributed consumer electronic devices at channel allocation table for receiving the radio frequency services, and transferring the channel allocation tables between the central database, and the distributed consumer electronic device via a bidirectional communication link.

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 method includes enabling accessing of content via a first device. The access of the content may be suspended in response to receiving a suspending signal associated with a second device coupled to the first device in a communication session. The access of the content may be resumed via at least one of the first device or a third device coupled to the first device in the communication session.

Abstract: A method comprising running a web browser on one or more servers of a service center, and hosting files for a web page on a storage unit associated with the one or more servers. Upon receiving user input from a client device to the web browser at the service center, streaming interactive video web page is transmitted to the client device with substantially no detectable latency.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods related to content management in a cloud-enabled network-based digital video recorder. In some embodiments, a request to view a listing of content assets associated with a user account may be received from a user device. One or more content assets associated with the user account may be identified. The listing of content assets may be generated based at least in part on the identified one or more content assets. The listing of assets may be transmitted to the user device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display, a speaker, a connector to output a video signal and audio signal, a display driving module to control outputting of the video signal with respect to the display and connector, a sound driving module to control outputting of the audio signal with respect to the speaker and connector, and an output control module to instruct the sound driving module to output the audio signal from the connector when an event of instructing the display driving module to output a video signal to the connector occurs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for making a playlist available to the public. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for creating a playlist comprising user-defined descriptor information. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for searching for such public playlists.

Abstract: A method may include receiving an enhanced television (ETV) application in a video client over a first data path and executing the ETV application in the video client. In one embodiment, the ETV application may include an enhanced television binary interchange format (EBIF) resource. The method may also include extracting, from the EBIF resource, an identifier of an extension application and requesting the identified extension application. The method may include receiving the extension application, over a second data path different than the first data path and executing the extension application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronizing an action in a piece of Rich Media® content with a change in a piece of audiovisual content, said Rich Media® and audiovisual content being part of a Rich Media® presentation. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: obtaining a piece of information representative of said change in said piece of audiovisual content, or change information; synchronizing an action in said piece of Rich Media® content with said change, said synchronization step including the following substeps: converting said change information into a Rich Media® event; detecting said event by at least one Rich Media® object of said presentation; triggering said action in said presentation on the basis of said detected event.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include analyzing an image, identifying one or more faces in the image using a face recognition technique, designating at least one of the identified faces collectively as a first area of interest, and determining whether an insertion area exists in the image where additional content can be inserted without obstructing the first area of interest. Another computer program is adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include determining whether the insertion area can be divided into two or more regions based on color. Methods and processor based apparatuses that perform one or more of these steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including: a broadcast reception block; a network connection block; an operation input block; a display block; a broadcast content display block; a network content processing block; a pseudo-data broadcast content processing block configured to process pseudo-data broadcast content having a first designation part and a second designation part, and a data broadcast content processing block.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for playing a plurality of moving images as one moving image are provided. The apparatus at a terminal includes a display unit for playing the plurality of moving images as one moving image and a controller for connecting the plurality of moving images through connection information for a respective one of the plurality of moving images to play the plurality of moving images as one moving image. The apparatus at a server includes a controller for connecting or converting the plurality of moving images as or into one moving image through connection information for a respective one of the plurality of moving images, and for performing a control operation to sequentially transmit the plurality of moving images according to the connection information in a streaming manner to a terminal, and a transmitter for sequentially transmitting the plurality of moving images to the terminal.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving video content at a mobile device via a network from a video server wherein a single version of the video content is provided by the video server to a group of mobile devices that includes the mobile device, utilizing the mobile device for adjusting dimensions of an area of attention in an image of the video content based on a desired display resolution to generate an adjusted area of attention, utilizing the mobile device for adjusting dimensions of a peripheral portion that surrounds the area of attention in at least one of a horizontal or vertical direction based on the adjusted area of attention to generate an adjusted peripheral portion of an adjusted image, and replacing the image with the adjusted image during presentation of the video content at a display of the mobile device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Various arrangements for descrambling multiple television channels concurrently are presented. A set-top box may receive a first plurality of television channels as scrambled data packets. A previously-received locally-stored networking information table may be accessed that associates each of the multiple television channels with the same entitlement control message, as indicated by a packet identifier. An entitlement control message having the same packet identifier may be received. A smartcard may be used to decrypt the entitlement control message having the same packet identifier to obtain a first control word and a second control word. Scrambled data packets corresponding to the multiple television channels may be descrambled using the first control word and the second control word. These television channels may be stored and/or output for presentation by the set-top box.

Abstract: A method and system for integrated personal content access have been disclosed. The system includes a gateway which is able to communicate across devices, coordinating media content distribution among the devices and users. The gateway can seamlessly switch or copy content streams from one device to another, even if the devices use different formats or protocols. Tags can be used for adding embellishments to content on the fly for viewing by the user or by others. Tokens for indicating the identity and source of content, along with a location within the content, can also be used when sharing content or when switching content viewing between devices. Additionally, a network of gateways is possible, where content may be shared between devices connected to different gateways.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that transforms a set of still/motion media (i.e., a series of related or unrelated still frames, web-pages rendered as images, or video clips) or other multimedia, into a video stream that is suitable for delivery over a display medium, such as TV, cable TV, computer displays, wireless display devices, etc. The video data stream may be presented and displayed in real time or stored and later presented through a set-top box, for example. Because these media are transformed into coded video streams (e.g. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.), a user can watch them on a display screen without the need to connect to the Internet through a service provider. The user may request and interact with the desired media through a simple telephone interface, for example. Moreover, several wireless and cable-based services can be developed on the top of this system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums for providing and/or processing non-closed caption data. The reception apparatus includes a receiver, a parser, and a processor. The receiver receives closed caption service data. The closed caption service data includes closed caption data within a first service block having a service number in the range of 1-6, and non-closed caption data within a second service block having a different service number in the range of 1-6. The closed caption data includes closed caption text. The parser parses the non-closed caption data within the second service block having the different service number in the range of 1-6. The processor performs a function based on the parsed non-closed caption data.

Abstract: A method, comprising: providing a first client of an instant messaging service, the first client enabling a data service; receiving a request for the data service from a second client of the instant messaging service; and rendering client-controlled information regarding the first client available for persistent conveyance to the second client, the client-controlled information regarding the first client including data related to the data service. This allows a user associated with the second client to become aware of the data in a non-intrusive manner.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer readable medium is disclosed for receiving in a client node a timing command indicating a time at which to display a presentation portion comprising a first stream content and a second stream content and synchronizing display of the first stream content with the second stream content to the client node using a stream delay parameter, wherein the delay parameter accounts for the propagation time difference between the first stream content and the second stream content, wherein the first stream content and the second stream content are synchronously rendered at the client node at a time derived from the time indicated by the timing command and the stream delay parameter.

Abstract: A game apparatus as one example of an information processing apparatus includes an LCD, a touch panel provided to the LCD, and a CPU core. The CPU core displays a “Yes” button to which a command of allowing save of temporarily-stored sound data is assigned, on the LCD. When a designating operation of an arbitrary position within the displayed button is performed with a stick or the like, which position within the button is designated is specified through a touch panel, a condition is set to the command on the basis of the specified position, and information processing in relation to the command is executed according to the set condition.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving device includes a profile management module that manages user profile information indicating whether to execute a data broadcasting application received via a channel, an application filtering module that filters data composing a data broadcasting application from data signals of broadcast signals, and an application management module that executes a data broadcasting application composed of the filtered data and according to the user profile information.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which receives a video content and property information of the video content from an external supply source; a video processor which processes the video content; and a controller which controls the video processor to adjust a property of the video content based on the property information of the video content received through the communication unit.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and apparatus for providing broadband television service (BTS) are provided. The method includes receiving a channel selection at a receiver located at a service location. The channel selection is correlated to an Internet address. Data is requested from the Internet address. The request is made to a digital subscriber line (DSL) network via a modem. Video data packets containing live streaming video content are received from the Internet address in response to the requesting. The video data packets are received from the DSL network via the modem. The video data packets are assembled into video signals for display on a television and the video signals are transmitted to the television.

Abstract: A method of controlling a display device, and which includes receiving, via a receiving device, video data and meta data corresponding to the video data from an external source device; displaying, on a display of the display device, the received video data; receiving, via a controller, a motion command signal from a remote controller associated with the display device; and selectively displaying metadata corresponding to at least one object included in the displayed video data on the display in accordance with a particular motion of the remote controller identified by the motion command signal.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the performance of feedback-based weighted content recommendation. According to various embodiments, input data for performing media content recommendation analysis may be identified. The input data may describe the presentation of a plurality of media content items in association with a plurality of content management accounts. The input data may comprise a plurality of data points. Each of the data points may identify respective feedback data for a respective one of the media content items previously recommended for presentation in association with a respective one of the content management accounts. The feedback data may identify a viewer reaction to the recommended media content item. For each or selected ones of the data points, a respective weighting factor based on the feedback data for the respective media content item presented in association with the respective content management account may be applied.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a test system for testing set-top boxes which provide a video output to a televisión. The test system records the execution of a test script, inputs to the set-top box and video output, each separately with a time stamp. The test system has a graphical user interface for playing back the video, inputs and scripts in a synchronised fashion.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for mosaics of live views of traffic via Internet Protocol Television. Exemplary embodiments include a network-based method for providing traffic views, the method including receiving a request to display a traffic views mosaic on a communications device, retrieving traffic views data and providing the traffic views data to the communications device.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio-visual (AV) system that includes: (a) one or more AV devices (such as a TV) operable to provide audio and/or visual information; (b) a set-top box (STB) associated with each AV device; (c) a router; (d) an Ethernet connection between each STB and the router; and (e) a control server which operates to receive and record data from the router, the data including data indicative of the operating status (e.g., on or off) of the or each AV device, the operating configuration (e.g., TV channel) and the time of each change of status and/or configuration of the or each AV. The system comprises at least two remote AV control devices (Human Interface Devices, “HIDs”) for each AV device. The HIDs associated with each AV device operate to be automatically synchronized to the same status and configuration. The system may include a web server and a content server.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and coupon managing method thereof are disclosed, by which coupon information may be received using broadcast related information and by which a specific coupon may be received using the received coupon information. The present invention includes receiving broadcast related information, extracting at least one coupon information from the received broadcast related information, displaying the extracted at least one coupon information, and receiving a coupon corresponding to a selected coupon information if the coupon information is selected from the displayed at least one coupon information.

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: 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: A method for rendering text onto moving image content. The method comprises receiving a request to translate dialog associated with moving image content, transmitting an interface, transmitting a time-stamped transcription, and receiving a translation of the dialog.

Abstract: A system for constructing seamlessly viewable multimedia content from selectably presentable multimedia content blocks includes a block definition module for facilitating creation and modification of the content blocks. The block definition module includes a media assignment submodule for associating a synchronized audio and video segment with a content block. Also included is a block linking submodule for creating seamless connections between content blocks, whereby a transition between the connected blocks occurs substantially without interruption upon viewing the multimedia content. The block definition module further includes a layer submodule for associating an interactive layer having interactive controls with the content block.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes determining the presence of pre-existing metadata associated with at least one local media content file. The method of this embodiment may also include determining at least one data field contained within the pre-existing metadata and generating a homogeneous metadata file for the at least one local media content file by mapping data contained within the at least one data field of the pre-existing metadata into at least one defined data field of the homogeneous metadata file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing, receiving, and playing a video in multiple rating formats are disclosed herein. A storage component stores video segments of a video, wherein different rating formats of at least one of the video segments are available for streaming to a streaming component. An identification component determines a desired rating format for the at least one of the video segments and a selection component selects and requests a subset of the video segments to be streamed based in part on the desired rating format. The streaming component then receives the subset of the video segments of the video.

Abstract: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: A system for delivering advertisements based on a digital television system and a mobile communication device is disclosed. The television system and the mobile device are connected in ad hoc manner when a program is broadcasted by the television system. When a user is attracted by an item in the program, an instruction is sent from a remote control device of the television system or from the mobile device to send a data file including a product identifier to the mobile device. The user may use a cursor controlled by the remote control device or by the mobile device to locate the item. An icon is displayed on a display screen of the mobile device to represent the received data file. When the icon is selected, the mobile device is connected to a data manager in the Internet to deliver more product information to the user.

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.