Abstract: A presence information sharing apparatus is provided which includes a video acquiring unit for acquiring predetermined video contents from a content distribution server, a status information notifying unit for transmitting presence information containing acquisition source information on video contents acquired from the content distribution server to a presence server via a communication network, a status information acquiring unit for acquiring presence information transmitted by at least one another user from the presence server, a presence video acquiring unit for acquiring a video of video contents being viewed by the another user as a presence video from the content distribution server based on the acquisition source information contained in the presence information received by the status information acquiring unit, and a display controlling unit for displaying the video contents being acquired by the video acquiring unit and the presence video being acquired by the presence video acquiring unit on a dis

Abstract: A remote control that includes buttons on the side or bottom may be used to control television viewing provided through a set-top box. In one particular implementation, a method may include receiving, by the set-top box, a signal from the remote control indicating entry to an interactive input mode and receiving another signal from the remote control indicating motion of the remote control. The set-top box may identify an intended command based on the second signal and control television programming in response to the command.

Abstract: A management apparatus for managing a content display change time on a display apparatus and content information to be transmitted to a terminal determines the content information to be transmitted to the terminal on the basis of a reception time of a content information request command transmitted from the terminal and the content display change time on the display apparatus.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a set-top box a broadcast signal including closed-captioning content. The closed-captioning content includes subtitles related to the broadcast signal and uniform resource locator (URL) data. The URL data is extracted from the closed-captioning content. The URL data is stored in a memory of the set-top box.

Abstract: A method for operating a data reproduction device enables users to resume reproduction of audio and/or video content across different devices of the same or different type. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of receiving first index data from a different data reproduction device wherein the first index data indicates a first position in content in a first format and the content includes at least one of audio and video data, determining a second position in the content in a second format using the first index data, and enabling reproduction of the content in the second format beginning from the second position.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that relate to providing interactive television by synchronizing content to live and/or recorded television shows. Content is synchronized without the use of in-band triggers. A broadcast stream is received, and search/action pairs are received from a transmission path, such as from the Internet or user. When the search criteria are found in the broadcast stream, the associated action is performed and the content is synchronized with the show. An application programming interface is used to facilitate synchronization, and includes a set search method, a search function template method, and a clear search method. The set search method initiates searching of the broadcast stream and registers one or more callback methods for performing the associated action when the match is found. The search function template serves as the template for registering the callback methods. The clear search method clears the system resources from the search.

Abstract: A display device switches a broadcast channel which is being received by a tuner unit based on a broadcast channel switching instruction input from a user operating unit and transmits broadcast channel switching information to a recording and reproduction device. The recording and reproduction device sets a channel of a tuner unit to the same channel as the display device based on the broadcast channel switching information. A content is recorded and reproduced by a recording and reproduction unit based on a time shift viewing/listening instruction, a switch unit of the display device is switched from the tuner unit to the recording and reproduction device, and the reproduction output from the recording and reproduction device is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for embedding and associating triggers within a promotion or other similar content element with the event being promoted are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a digital set-top box is used to interface between the user and an external network (such as an HFC cable network) and facilitate the user selecting and scheduling viewing or recording of a subsequent event (e.g., broadcast movie) via the promotion itself. The trigger(s) within the promotion allow the user to contemporaneously select the promoted event for viewing, recording, etc. without any further action. The trigger(s) then initiates tuning of the user's receiver to the scheduled event at the appropriate date and time. This approach obviates additional actions by the user (such as programming their DVR), and also permits the user to commit to viewing the event when their interest level is highest; i.e., contemporaneous with the promotion.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver includes an operation mode manager that switches an operation mode to a first mode in which a function is implemented by the downloaded application or a second mode in which a function is implemented by the pre-installed application, and a key delivery module that delivers the key code received from the remote control to the downloaded application or the pre-installed application. When the receiver is in the first mode, the key delivery module delivers the received key code to the downloaded application if the received key code is a key code for the first mode, and delivers the received key code to the pre-installed application if the received key code is a key code for the second mode. When the receiver is in the second mode, the key delivery module delivers the received key code to the pre-installed application.

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 switching module, system and method facilitate communications between one or more non-CEC enabled devices and a television of an audio/visual (A/V) system. The switching module is able to accommodate both Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) enabled and non-CEC enabled devices for communication with the television. In response to user control of a user interface of the switching module, when a non-CEC enabled device is coupled to the switching module, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) input port of the HDMI switching module is selected and a default HDMI device type and corresponding HDMI logic address is set for the non-CEC enabled device. This information is displayed for the user by the television.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal including a controller configured to access a web page for receiving a broadcast when the terminal enters a broadcast mode for receiving the broadcast, a display configured to display the accessed web page, and a receiving unit configured to receive channel information related to the broadcast and linked to a specific information entity selected on the web page.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for ordering a selection in advance, characterized in that it includes a step in which a menu is displayed followed by a selection in this menu, to make specific requests and particularly: a step displaying the event for which the advance order of a selection is made, and then selection of the event; a step displaying the identity of destination equipment on which the selection is to be played, and then selection of this equipment; a step displaying the date and time at which the selection is to be made on the destination equipment; a step in which particular requests are recorded and downloaded onto a file only after payment has been verified.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a content receiver, a concurrent streamer coupled to the content receiver, and a protocol engine coupled to the concurrent streamer. The content receiver receives an ingest stream of media content from a media source in response to a request for the media content from a local host. The concurrent streamer sends at least a portion of a local stream of the media content to the local host concurrent with the reception of the ingest stream of the media content by the content receiver. The protocol engine sends a protocol element from the network media server to the local host. The protocol element indicates an ingest status of the ingest stream at the content receiver.

Abstract: A method and device for storing an interactive television program for playback at a later point in time, wherein said interactive television program comprises at least one interactive television application. The applications are transmitted inside modules (11, 12) through a data carousel (2) within a transport stream (20). The method comprises receiving the transport stream, parsing the stream for application modules and storing them as a storage stream on a storage medium (31). The storage stream is stored separate from said transport stream (20). The data or object carousel is recorded outside the Transport Stream and recorded like a stream, preferably as a single file. This file is a sequence of modules with some header information preceding the modules making playback faster as the information needed to obtain the objects from a module is located directly in the header of that module. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention solution is platform independent.

Abstract: A transcribing method may include receiving an audio message from a customer via a telephone, determining whether one of the agent transcribers is available, storing the audio message when an agent transcriber is not available, continuing to determine whether a transcriber is available, streaming in real time a streamed portion of the audio message to a first available agent transcriber for facilitating the transcription of the streamed portion of the audio message into a first portion of a transcription text file, providing subsequently a pre-streamed recorded portion of the audio message to a subsequently available second agent transcriber for facilitating the transcription of the pre-streamed recorded portion of the audio message into a second portion of the transcription text file while the streaming in real time is continuing with the first agent transcriber, and combining the first and second portions of the transcription text file into a consolidated text file.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for retrieving information via a flexible and consistent targeted search model that employs interactive multi-prefix, multi-tier and dynamic menu information retrieval techniques that provide context-specific functionality tailored to particular information channels, as well as to records within or across such channels, and other known state information. Users are presented with a consistent search interface among multiple tiers across and within a large domain of information sources, and need not learn different or special search syntax. A thin-client server-controlled architecture enables users of resource-constrained mobile communications devices to locate targeted information more quickly by entering fewer keystrokes and performing fewer query iterations and web page refreshes, which in turn reduces required network bandwidth.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are systems and methods for delivering video programs to a video distribution center. An embodiment of the invention is a method for delivering video programming to a distribution center that provides broadcast programming and store-and-forward programming, such as video on demand based on video programming recorded at the distribution center. The method comprises sending a plurality of video programs to the distribution center. Wherein, the plurality of video programs is to be provided as broadcast programming by the distribution center. The method also comprises sending ancillary data to the distribution center. The ancillary data includes business rules that include permission for the distribution center to record one or more selected video programs of the plurality of video programs.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide personal video recording trick modes are provided. In one example, a method that provides a trick mode in a personal video recording system may include the steps of receiving a transport stream; storing data from the transport stream in a data storage; generating index table using the data from the transport stream; receiving a trick mode command; and accessing, based on the trick mode command, particular data in the data storage using the index table.

Abstract: Interacting with a television program includes beginning playback of the program for perception by a user, analyzing the program to detect a cue within the program, automatically pausing playback of the program when the cue is detected, accepting user input data in response to the cue, resuming playback of the program when the user input data is received, and comparing the user input data to a non-user response. Interactivity provided by the program analysis, pausing playback, accepting user input data, resuming playback, and comparing operations supports execution of at least one of an entertainment application and an educational application at a user's site without requiring modification of the television program by a program provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.

Abstract: A broadcast capable file system is disclosed. In a method, a server may receive a file request from a requesting client and prepare a broadcast response to the file request. The broadcast response may be directed to a group of clients of which the requesting client is a member. In another method, at least one of the clients of the group of clients may submit a file request to the server. Each of the clients of the group may receive a broadcast response to the file request. The broadcast capable file system may be implemented between a server computing device and multiple client computing devices. The server computing device and multiple client computing devices may be included in a network testing system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing channel change startup delays for multicast digital video streams are described. Packets of a multicast digital video transport stream having a plurality of normal Group of Pictures are received. Further, a channel change request is received and a speed-up Group of Pictures is inserted in the stream in response to the channel change request. In one embodiment, video stream specific information is also inserted in the stream. The packets are processed and transmitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced navigation of streaming video are disclosed. An exemplary method involves receiving a video as it is streamed from a server over a computer network. A first user request is received to display a first navigation video strip on the display device. The first navigation video strip includes a first plurality of video frames from the video. In response to the first user request, first instructions are obtained for displaying the first navigation video strip. The first navigation video strip is then displayed on the display device in accordance with the first instructions.

Abstract: Techniques for rules-based content management are provided. Video on demand (VOD) assets are collected in a repository from a variety of sources. Each asset is uniquely identified, organized, prioritized, managed, and distributed in response to metadata associated with each asset and business rules. Assets may be individually distributed to target subscribers or grouped in collections and distributed to target subscribers in response to the business rules.

Abstract: Techniques to monitor presentation timestamps for content are described, which may be used to render content at a client. In an implementation, content is received having timestamps that define expected timing for output of the content at a client. The timestamps may then be monitored and compared to a client clock to determine if the content rendered matches the content expected to be rendered. When a discrepancy is detected, one or more corrective actions may be undertaken to restore output of the content to the timing defined by the timestamps.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are described in which a plurality of mediums are selectively programmed with media content to provide an integrated entertainment experience to consumers. The content that is provided on different mediums is synchronized to provide different events, perspectives or experiences associated with a common storyline. Additional embodiments of the present invention are described in which commercial sponsorship of a program is provided within a storyline, such that sponsors are identified for purposes of brand recognition, or products and services from the sponsor are advertised/marketed or otherwise made directly available for purchase by consumers through synchronized programming of media content among a plurality of mediums.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to select a portion of content servers among a plurality of content servers for delivery of media content to the set top box, where the selection is based on server metrics associated with the plurality of content servers and received by the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of delivering a video stream. The method operates by determining a group of video streams to be provided to a particular destination over a particular communication link. Next, the band width of the link is allocated to the video streams based upon the particular properties of the various video streams to be transmitted. The video streams are processed so that they fit into the band width allocations. Next, the video streams are transmitted in separate channels, synchronized with respect to each other, to reach the subject destination.

Abstract: Streaming multimedia content from a content server to client, user multimedia devices (UMDs) connected to the content server through a network includes the steps of monitoring storage states, of UMDs connected to the network, for preset multimedia content, and automatically transmitting a starting block of the content to any UMD not yet storing the block. Tasks preparatory to streaming are advantageously off-loaded to the client side and distributed among UMDs, to realize reduced bandwidth and delay and to conserve on storage capacity of a UMD.

Abstract: In a contents distribution system for distributing contents from a distribution server to a display terminal through a transmission path, the distribution server detects a region in which a character is displayed from an image of video contents, generates an image of a high resolution of the detected region as character information for use in confirming a character displayed in the detected region and text data obtained by character read and distributes the generated character information with the video contents multiplexed to the display terminal, and the display terminal presents the character information received from the distribution server.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller operable to receive signaling information from a local resource manager (LRM) identifying a recipient media processor (RMP) and describing at least one media characteristic of media content selected by an initiating media processor (IMP) to be presented at the RMP, determine a location of the RMP and a media capability of the RMP, compare the media capability of the RMP to the at least one media characteristic of the media content, determine a media configuration of at least one network element in an interactive television network based on the comparison, configure at least one network element of a virtual private network (VPN) based on the media configuration, and transmit signaling information to the LRM to enable the IMP to present the media content at the RMP over the VPN. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-related and/or business type method is presented for embedding one or more media hotspots within a digital media file and, in response to interaction from a separate target entity, such as via an associating request, associating one or more resultant actions with the media hotspot(s). In exchange for associating the one or more resultant actions with the media hotspot(s), an interactive media service entity being affiliated with a web site displaying the digital media file and/or a user being affiliated with the digital media file itself is compensated based upon at least one compensation plan.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus that includes a communication interface for receiving broadband signals and for transmitting RF frequency signals to a diplexer located within a premises via cabling where the RF frequency signals are configured for distribution to signal radiation devices of the premises via the diplexer and where the RF frequency signals are configured for being radiated by the signal radiation devices to at least one wireless device; and a controller for generating packetized signals from the received broadband signals at a first frequency and for modulating the packetized signals at a second frequency, wherein the RF frequency signals comprise the modulated packetized signals at the second frequency. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A spatial marker specified in extensible mark-up language (XML) for use in connection with an XML-based synchronized multimedia presentation. The spatial marker specifies a visual cue for a multimedia element in the presentation, together with the visual appearance of the cue and spatial and temporal characteristics of the cue. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the cue synchronize the cue with the multimedia presentation. In operation, and upon encountering such a spatial marker, an XML-based multimedia browser displaying the multimedia presentation to a user would display the visual cue using the specified visual appearance, and in the spatial and temporal relationships with the multimedia element as specified by the spatial and temporal characteristics of the marker.

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: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a video disc player for offering a product shown in a video for purchase. The method comprises examining a disc containing the video to determine whether the disc contains trigger data associated with the video; requesting the trigger data associated with the video from a remote server if the examining determines that the disc does not contain the trigger data associated with the video; downloading the trigger data associated with the video from the remote server using a network connection; and storing the trigger data associated with the video in a memory of the video player, wherein at least one trigger data includes a time indicating when a trigger is to occur during the playing of the video on the disc, the at least one trigger corresponding to the display of a product shown in the video.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of items of enhanced content in an interactive television system comprising at least one distribution unit and a plurality of decoder units arranged to store items of enhanced content and cause them to be presented to a user on receipt of a trigger signal from the distribution unit, the method comprising: storing the items of enhanced content at the decoder units; storing at the distribution unit a schedule indicating a desired synchronisation between the items of enhanced content and a running program with which the enhanced content is associated, the running program comprising a timing stream and a series of periodic indications of the identity of the running program; transmitting the running program to the decoder units over a transmission channel via the distribution unit; and at the distribution unit analysing traffic passing over the transmission channel so as to determine whether the said periodic indications of the identity of the running program continue to be de

Abstract: A method for information retrieval includes extracting from a video document visual data items and textual data items that occur in the document at respective occurrence times. Indexing records, which index both the visual and the textual data items by their respective occurrence times, are constructed and stored in a memory.

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 and an apparatus f preventing transmitting message input error in a mobile communication terminal are provided. When another event is generated while the transmitting message is being inputted, character input keys are inactivated and an event window is displayed. It is checked whether an ENTER key is pressed while the event window is displayed. If the ENTER key is pressed, the event window and an icon notifying generation of the event are closed. Accordingly, a user of the mobile communication terminal can recognize the generation of the event and prevent transmitting message input error after identifying the generated event.

Abstract: A pair of processing modules and methods that enable low latency communications between a data processing system and devices located at a remote graphic user interface across a standard shared network in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for communicating a raster video signal comprises a receiver enabled to receive the raster video signal from a graphics processor and obtain display control parameters of the raster video signal, the display control parameters comprising frequency and resolution information for the raster video signal; a raster encoder, coupled to the receiver, enabled to encode a plurality of scan lines of the raster video signal to generate a plurality of encoded scan lines; and a network controller, coupled to the raster encoder, enabled to transmit the plurality of encoded scan lines and the display control parameters as packets via an IP/Ethernet network.

Abstract: A system and method may include receiving a non-linear content identifier request. The system and method may further include identifying linear content metadata associated with the non-linear content identifier request, the linear content metadata representing at least one metadata keyword. The system and method also may include identifying a relationship between the at least one metadata keyword and at least one non-linear content keyword.

Abstract: A method of transmitting programs from a source of programs to a user location divides a program into a plurality of program streams, wherein each program stream represents a temporal segment of the program. The method adds identification data to the plurality of program streams and multiplexes the plurality of program streams comprising the identification data into a transport stream. The transport stream is transmitted to a user location. The program represented by the plurality of program streams is transmitted in a reduced amount of time. The amount of time decreases with the number of program streams used.

Abstract: Methods for producing a digital video work to be presented in potentially viewable scenes with the ability to customize the scene sequences presented to individual viewers based upon expressed or imputed viewer preferences, and to the articles on which such work is stored and played. The content of the scene sequences may vary to match viewer preferences while maintaining the overall message of the digital video work.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, generating metadata files for delimiting a beginning and an end of summary segments and program segments, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: A method for organizing event content in the form of electronic signals is provided. In accordance with this method an event profile is determined. The event content is obtained and the event content is organized based upon the event profile.