Abstract: The sharp price decrease of storage media enabled users to store more and faster content in contrary to the past. In the near future they will be overwhelmed by the amount of data stored on storage media. Because of the enormous amount of information, they will not be able to index the multimedia content stored manually for later retrieval. Tools to support the users are required. The disadvantage of these algorithms is that they are very expensive in terms of processing power and therefore not feasible for consumer storage devices. The invention proposes an apparatus for content indexing using processing parameters that come available while processing multimedia content. One embodiment of this processing is compression, processing which is performed with almost all multimedia content before it is stored.

Abstract: A method and system to provide digital content to a content destination (e.g., a media terminal) is described. The method comprises providing a plurality content provider identifiers to a content destination for display on an associated display device, wherein each content provider identifier is associated with a content provider. User selection of one of the plurality of content provider identifiers is then monitored and at least one available content identifier is communicated to the content destination in response to the user selection of a content provider identifier. The available content identifier may be associated with the content provider identifier. The content provider identifiers may for example identify content providers such as Disney, ESPN, NOOF or the like. Each content provider identifier may be associated with a plurality of available content identifiers arranged in a hierarchical fashion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a program information display on an electronic program guide (EPG) screen to supply perfect program information on the EPG screen to viewers by controlling length of the program information serviced through a set top box. A descriptor analysis is performed through SDT (service description table) and EIT (event information table) filtering processes for the corresponding channels by grouping channel IDs to be shown to the viewers on one screen. And, a display range of the program information is controlled by using length data of the program information obtained through the analysis processes, thereby showing the perfect program information to the viewers.

Abstract: TeleWeb services are currently being developed, in which HTML-encoded images are transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of a conventional analog television signal. For special applications, such as subtitling and targeted advertising, the relevant TeleWeb images must be displayed substantially in synchronism with given video frames of the television signal. This is achieved by transmitting the encoded images in advance and provide them with a time stamp (33) which specifies the display time in terms of a reference clock. The reference clock is preferably derived from the teletext clock time (31,32). A possible display time stamp format is hh:mm:ss′ff, where ff specifies a frame within a second. At the receiver end, the teletext clock is interpolated to reconstruct the reference clock, and the subtitles are buffered until the display time stamp matches the actual clock time.

Abstract: A broadcast signal is received that includes a data identifier that identifies data associated with the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal also includes the data associated with the broadcast signal encoded in the broadcast signal. The data associated with the broadcast signal includes an indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The system decodes the data encoded in the broadcast signal while ignoring the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal may include an associated time period during which the data identifier should be ignored. The data identifier is broadcast in scan line twenty-one of a broadcast image. The data associated with the broadcast signal is encoded in vertical blanking interval lines of a broadcast image.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for enabling the creation and/or control of interactive television content using declarative-like directives such as HTML, scripting languages, or other languages. A a centrally located proxy server is configured to receive, transcode and convey transcoded web based content to client devices. Upon detecting directives which indicate particular resources required for a presentation are prerequisites, the proxy server conveys signals to a client device that these particular resources are prerequisites. In response to receiving the conveyed signals, the client device may take actions to prefetch these resources. The client device is further configured to prohibit initiation of the presentation until the prerequisite resources are acquired.

Abstract: An enhancement menu including at least one selection associated with a predetermined identifier is provided to a receiving unit. Selection of at least one selection results in the receiving unit monitoring a broadcast and acquiring data associated with the identifier. A data structure is defined for data elements. Software associated with storage and display of the data structure may be transmitted to the receiving unit or may be broadcast to a plurality of receiving units and may be associated with the identifier. Data elements may be transmitted to individual receiving units. Broadcast data elements may provide new data structure entries or may replace existing entries. Data elements may be broadcast at a predetermined interval or in response to a change in the value of the data element. User selection of a displayed data element may provide execution of code associated with the data element, may provide a link, or may result in acquiring of data using a new identifier.

Abstract: The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.

Abstract: A browseable narrative having an architecture that enables browsing, so that a user may progress from a point to any other point in the narrative in a manner determined by the user. The browseable narrative includes a scene or scenes without any predefined beginning, middle, or end which can be displayed in a non-linear manner. The narrative also includes links which interrupt the display of one scene and initiate the display of another. Maps may also exist in the narrative.

Abstract: Automatically synchronizing any of a group of associated multimedia assets is described is described. A particular one of the set of distributed multimedia assets is modified and the others of the set of distributed multimedia assets are then synchronized based upon the modification. An update edit list corresponding to the modification is generated which is then automatically forwarded to the others of the set of distributed multimedia assets. The update edit list is then used to synchronize each of the distributed multimedia assets to the particular multimedia asset so modified.

Abstract: Physical objects, including still and moving images, sound/audio and text are transformed into more compact forms for identification and other purposes using a method unrelated to existing image-matching systems which rely on feature extraction. An auxiliary construct, preferably a warp grid, is associated with an object, and a series of transformations are imposed to generate a unique visual key for identification, comparisons, and other operations. Search methods are also disclosed for matching an unknown image to one previously represented in a visual key database. Broadly, a preferred search method sequentially examines candidate database images for their closeness of match in a sequential order determined by their a priori match probability. Thus, the most likely match candidate is examined first, the next most likely second, and so forth.

Abstract: An additional information inserting apparatus automatically generates additional information to be added to an audio video signal, to be recorded or-transmitted, on the basis of original additional information inserted in an original audio video signal. Then, the apparatus automatically generates additional information in the audio video signal, for recording.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user (100) (an auditor or a viewer) to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest (102) in a recorded program (103) previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player (104). The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for enabling a person (100) listening to or watching a recorded program (103), to select one or a plurality of topics (101) (102) drawing his or her attention and for immediately receiving further information related to these topics from the World Wide Web. The system is based on the synchronization of local times (204) (205) of transmitters (201) and recorders (203). The flow of information transmitted, received and recorded is always synchronized, independently of the relative positions of recorders and transmitters.

Abstract: An information stream with video (V), audio (A) and data (D) components assembled in access units (Vtn, Atn, Dtn) with associated respective meta-information is transmitted on a set of communication channels (Cj), such as different lines of a mobile communication network. The stream is arranged in packets each of which contains at least a segment of access unit and a header (H). The header (H) in question comprises a first set of fields (HS), which represents the meta-information associated to the related access unit(s), and a second set of fields (HG), comprising general validity fields, independent from the information stream. Typically, these are fields that convey the following information: number (PN) of the packet in the order of transmission, identifier (CH) of the channel that carries a particular stream, length (L) of the data packet as well as check, for instance of the checksum type (CK). Preferably, the latter field is related to all the data of the header (H), except the check field itself.

Abstract: An advertising content redelivery system for use with real-time broadcasting and time shift recording includes a confirmation component detecting skipping of advertising content by a user. An input is receptive of user preferences relating to redelivery of skipped advertising content, and a redelivery module redelivers skipped advertising content to the user in accordance with the user preferences. In another aspect, skipped advertising content is redelivered to the user in a non-intrusive manner that does not interfere with user enjoyment of primary media content.

Abstract: In order to eliminate viewer's waiting time for downloading metadata on a network when enjoying hypermedia by combining videos in viewer's possession and the metadata, a client device holds video data, metadata related to the video data is recorded in a server device; the server device sends the metadata to the client device through the network at the request from the client device; and the client device processes the sent metadata, thus realizing hypermedia together with local video data.

Abstract: In an implementation of a viewing selection management system, a first viewing selection is displayed as a primary display, such as on a display device. A task input corresponding to a new or pending task is received where the task input is an accept task input, a pause task input, a deny task input, or no input. If an accept task input is received, the new or pending task is displayed as a second viewing selection within the primary display, such as picture-in-picture display. If a deny task input is received, the new or pending task is deleted, and if a pause task input or no task input is received, a new task is stored on a stack memory and a pending task continues to be maintained with the stack memory.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which includes a broadcasting apparatus and a reception apparatus and which achieves interactiveness using a broadcast wave. The broadcasting apparatus includes a content storing unit for storing the plurality of contents, each content including a set of video data and a set of control information that indicates another content that is a link destination for a present content, and a transmitting unit for multiplexing a set of video data and a plurality of sets of the same control information included in a same content as the set of video data, and for transmitting the multiplexed sets of video data and control information.

Abstract: A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.

Abstract: A method for processing moving pictures in response to the user's actions. A variable moving picture creation module, variation moving picture reproduction module and variable moving picture transmission module are employed in the method. The variable moving picture creation module creates a variable moving picture to be created in response to the user's actions. The variable moving picture reproduction module reproduces the variable moving picture so that the variable moving picture is realistically reproduced. The variable moving picture transmission module transmits the variable moving picture to a receiver's E-mail server, personal data assistant (PDA), mobile communication terminal, computer or etc. over the Internet so that the variable moving picture is reproduced in response to the actions of the user being a receiver. Accordingly, an idea and intention of a transmitter user can be implemented in an enjoyable and interesting manner.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a broadcast server apparatus for transmitting data files to a large number of recipients over a wide area network comprising; a server for providing digital data files, the digital data files including a plurality of data packets; a packet identifier (ID) encapsulator unit for assigning PID values to each data packet such that a receiver may filter the data files in response to the PID values; a transmitter for transmitting the plurality of data packets over a transmission medium. Another embodiment teaches a method of encoding digital video broadcast (DVB) data files for broadcast comprising the acts of: parsing at least one data file into a sequence of data packets, the sequence being composed of a plurality of data packet containing digital data, wherein each data packet includes an identifier; and encoding each of the data packets with a PID value responsive to the identifier.

Abstract: In order to switch the transmission medium between the Internet and broadcast waves, reception/playback of communication data received via first media, such as via the Internet from an external device, and broadcast data received via second media, such as via a broadcast network from a broadcast station, is switched.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device, an apparatus and a method for selecting a programme from a plurality of programmes which may be in a plurality of different data streams, which is able to select a programme from the plurality of programmes within the network based on operations of a manually operable means so that the specific manual operations of a single manually operable member is able to cause a selection of the programme from a plurality of programmes within one data stream and a selection of the data stream from the plurality of different data streams. Accordingly, the user of the network can select a desired programme very naturally without being conscious of the different data streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing terminal that is capable of receiving television and other broadcasts and providing increased user-friendliness. The information processing terminal, which is capable of communicating with another device, comprising a broadcast receiver which receives a broadcast signal that contains program identification information for specifying a program and/or program scene identification information for specifying a scene of the program and the video information of the program; a display which outputs the broadcast signal that is received by the broadcast receiver; and a storage which extracts the program identification information and/or program scene identification information from the broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiver and stores the extracted information while the display outputs the video information.

Abstract: Converting operation information for converting and controlling contents and contents information extracted by the contents distinction section 3 from contents are inputted to the information conversion management section 4. Besides, contents are outputted to the information conversion section 5. The information conversion management section 4 controls the information conversion section 5 in accordance with the converting operation information and the contents information, and the information conversion section 5 converts the inputted contents under control of the information conversion management section 4. Following to the above conversion, the user terminal receives the converted contents provided with a desired quality of contents.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding control data into the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. Because the control data is concatenated with the video signal on a line-by-line basis, the control data is temporarily synchronized with the underlying video signal. This permits the controlled devices, such as wireless mechanical characters, behave as characters in a scene defined by the programming information of the video signal. A protocol is defined for the encoded data that is addressable, forwardly compatible, error tolerant, and feasible to deploy in connection with a system that is primarily intended to be a children's entertainment product. The bandwidth of the communication link defined by the encoded data is adjustable to meet the cost and performance needs of a wide variety of consumers.

Abstract: A system and method manages the provisioning of an client device connected to a service distribution network, such as an interactive television service-providing network. Provisioning is managed by a provisioning manager that knows the specific provisioning data to collect and where the data is located and is to be forwarded. The provisioning manager thus acts as an intelligent provisioning data traffic manager by performing as a central collection and dissemination point for the provisioning data and directing provisioning data flows between a billing system, IP data network, server complex and/or other network systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission-reception system comprising a transmitter (12) configured to transmit digital data including a plurality of useful data as well as first auxiliary data associated with the useful data, and a receiver (14) configured to receive the digital data, having an output (58), at which useful data are able to be provided, wherein the first auxiliary data includes at least one first location-specific characteristic parameter; and the receiver (14) further includes a location specification unit (40), in which at least a second location-specific characteristic parameter is specifiable, and a feature association unit (52) associating a feature with the useful data, which corresponds to the degree of correlation of the first location-specific characteristic parameter contained in the associated auxiliary data with the second location-specific characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A system and method manages the provisioning of an client device connected to a service distribution network, such as an interactive television service-providing network. Provisioning is managed by a provisioning manager that knows the specific provisioning data to collect and where the data is located and is to be forwarded. The client or subscriber can initiate the provisioning transaction through the client device.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which includes a broadcasting apparatus and a reception apparatus and which achieves interactiveness using a broadcast wave. The broadcasting apparatus includes a content storing unit for storing the plurality of contents, each content including a set of video data and a set of control information that indicates another content that is a link destination for a present content, and a transmitting unit for multiplexing a set of video data and a plurality of sets of the same control information included in a same content as the set of video data, and for transmitting the multiplexed sets of video data and control information.

Abstract: Four techniques which result in the visual improvement of transitions between video streams with a same packet identifier (PID). All four techniques are applicable in the situation where the stream transition is between two streams that utilize the same PID. Retaining the same PID reduces the delay between the time the user selects an action via the remote control to the time when the new stream is displayed on the TV.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver system is provided and a method of operating the system. The system includes a first broadcast data receiver (BDR) (2) located at a first location, typically in a premises. The BDR (2) receives video, audio and/or auxiliary digital data broadcast from a remote location via cable, satellite or terrestrial means. The BDR processes the data and displays the processed data on a display screen (10) and/or audio data via speakers connected thereto. At least a second broadcast data receiver (8) is provided at least a second location typically in the same premises. One of the first and second BDRs (2, 8) is made functional by a signal received from the other of the first and second BDRs, via a telecommunications line (4) provided in the premises and connecting the first and at least second BDRs together, thereby ensuring that both BDRs are connected before operation of the two BDRs can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a time reference for television services includes receiving a transport stream encoding a plurality of television services, and processing at least one of the television services by a first decoder, including receiving time reference data included in the transport stream, estimating a delay in receiving the time reference data, and maintaining the time reference according to the received time reference data and the estimated delay.

Abstract: A module-based ticker for an interactive television system comprises one or more modules of content that the user can select for presentation. Separate modules of the ticker are selected for sports, news, weather, email, traffic, interactive applications, movies, and so forth. A viewer or user can also customize the ticker by choosing the shape, location, size, appearance, and content of the modules. Three-dimensional modules can scroll ticker information on its surfaces by rotating in the ticker. The content from each of the modules concurrently scroll in the ticker, thereby giving somewhat of an appearance of “a ticker having many tickers.” The modules can be “skins” that have preset or customizable layouts, colors, fonts, borders, shapes, etc. An interactive television service provider or other party can build the skins, and then via upload, make the skins accessible to and selectable by viewers for customization and inclusion into their ticker.

Abstract: During an operation performed to obtain time information of a previously designated channel when an XDS scanning master detects from an interrupt that a user designates his/her favorite channel via a key the master cancels the operation performed for the previously designated channel to obtain time information, and a tuner setting master shifts from the previously designated channel to the favorite channel and starts to receive a broadcast signal corresponding to the favorite channel. The XDS scanning master performs an operation to obtain time information from the broadcast signal corresponding to the favorite channel received. Whenever a favorite channel is designated, a current operation to obtain time information is canceled and a favorite channel currently designated by a user is preferentially subjected to the operation to obtain time information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transmitting binary data in a video transmission system. The method comprises the steps of providing ATVEF announcements on a first predefined IP multicast address; providing ATVEF trigger and/or content transmission on a first range of IP multicast addresses; providing non-ATVEF announcements on a second predefined multicast address different from said first address; and providing non-ATVEF data transmission on a second range of IP multicast addresses, exclusive of the first range. The invention also concerns an emitter and a receiver for implementing the method.

Abstract: A resident application and a second application are provided in a set-top terminal to receive a TV broadcast service and network personal video recorder (NPVR) service, respectively. The resident application is suspended in favor of the second application when a user changes from a broadcast channel to an NPVR enabled channel, and vice versa. In an embodiment where a digital video recorder (DVR) set-top terminal is used, a DVR server therein provides trick mode functions (pause, rewind and fast-forward) before an NPVR session, e.g., a Look Back session, is established. In another embodiment, during an NPVR session the DVR server plays back recorded programming content downloaded from a communications network, and provides trick mode functions as well.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for handling transition errors is presented herein. The transition errors include handling unreported time base discontinuities during trick mode transition, miscalculated time stamps during trick mode transition, erroneous sequence end codes, and unreported broken group of picture transmission. Unreported time base discontinuities are detected by comparing the program clock reference (PCR) value of the data packet to the system time clock (STC). If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the STC is set to the PCR value. Miscalculated time stamps are detected by examining the difference in PTS values between temporally adjacent data packets. If the difference is not within a margin of error from predetermined value, the PTS is disabled. Unreported broken groups of pictures are handled by skipping the first two B-frames of the first group of pictures following a trick mode transition.

Abstract: A UI including a “Guide,” presenting a list of videos, having data fields relating to each entry, possibly including multiple data values for a single data field. When focusing on a single entry, the focused-upon entry is expanded and emphasized. The focused-upon entry is highlighted and centered, while other entries have lesser highlighting and centering. When a data field is selected, the focused-upon data field is emphasized (by highlighting, repositioning, or resizing), while other entries have lesser emphasis. Display changes might appear after a brief delay, or in response to further user command. When entries are sorted on selected data fields, entries with multiple data values for those fields are replicated, and the sorting letter is highlighted. The user can move individually down the list of entries, or skip to the next section with a different data value for a selected field.

Abstract: A system for detecting the time exceeding conditions of at least one application being executed by a processor, including: an element for storing time conditions, the conditions being sorted by increasing deadline order; a register for storing the condition closest to the current date; and a comparator of the deadline contained in the register with the current date of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving multimedia broadcasting in order to provide multimedia broadcasting services and interactive broadcasting services are provided. An apparatus for receiving multimedia broadcasting includes a reference clock receiver, which receives a reference clock value, i.e., a current time value, of real-time multimedia broadcasting; a multimedia document receiver/storage, which receives and stores a first multimedia document; a media data receiver/storage, which receives and stores first media data; and a multimedia document renderer, which when the first multimedia document is scheduled at the reference clock value and the first media data is a rendering material used to render the first multimedia document, renders the first multimedia document using the first media data.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for selectively controlling the verification of interactive television content delivered to a receiver wherein a notification is provided to the receiver to identify content which can be trusted and, when trusted content is delivered to the receiver, verification procedures on the trusted content are inhibited. The notification may be delivered prior to or with the trusted content, and it may be delivered via the same transmission means as the content or by some separate delivery means. The notification may identify the trusted content positively or negatively and may use wildcards in the identification. The trusted content may be identified by its source (e.g., a trusted channel) or by reference to the content itself. The notification may contain an expiration time beyond which is no longer valid.

Abstract: A supplemental television content application architecture, associated methods creating and executing a signed supplemental television content application, and media having instructions for executing associated the methods are described. The architecture includes a signature for a cluster of at least a portion of the application files detached from the application files, and a start file having either an expression or a link to an expression having a link to each signature. The architecture also includes a web page comprising at least a portion of the application files that is coded with an attached signature or a link to the signature.

Abstract: In a home network environment, a control device is provided for controlling the communication flow between devices over the network. The control device generates and transmits a first control command in response to a first user input. The first control command is received by a first device on the network and upon reception of the first control command, the first device broadcasts, to a plurality of devices over a network comprising at least the first device and a second device, information data representative of a pending content transfer over the network from the first device. Thereafter, the control device generates and transmits a second control command in response to a subsequent second user input. The second control command is received by the second device and in response to the second control command contacts the first device and enables the initiation of the content transfer from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: The present invention allows a broadcaster 300a to encode a plurality of data, a portion of which may be from databases 302a, including spatial content and tracking data into a signal, the signal is sent to an overlay construction module 304a. Augmentation layers 306a, provided by users 308a are conveyed to the overlay construction module 304, where the signals are separably merged with the broadcast signal to create an augmented signal, which is transmitted, optionally via satellite 310a, to users 308a. The users 308a receive the augmented signal and display only the layers of interest to them. Thus each user may select a unique overlay combination, and experience individualized programming that more closely comports with that user's tastes.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for choosing a reference information item in a television signal, which can be employed in particular for calling up an Internet and/or email address with a television set. A television signal comprises a video signal and a supplementary signal, the reference information item being contained in the supplementary signal. According to the invention, the reference information item is assigned to a sub-area of the picture content of the video signal, the reference information item being chosen by selecting the assigned sub-area and a reproduction of assigned information being enabled. The supplementary signal contains contour information items which are assigned to the sub-area of the picture content and represent an approximation of the outer contour of the sub-area The supplementary signal is preferably situated in the vertical blanking interval in the case of an analogue television signal and in the so-called user data in the case of a digital television signal.

Abstract: In an interactive television system, an interactive television receiver can receives a carousel over a broadcast path. The broadcast server may run a carousel manager, and the carousel manager may formulate a broadcast policy to be used in constructing the carousel. The interactive television receiver may run a interface module that can process resource requests from an application program. The interface module may obtain a requested resource from the broadcast path or from a point-to-point path.

Abstract: A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product is provided for the selective replacement of objectionable content in a program with less-objectionable material. The selective replacement of objectionable content in a program with less-objectionable material is accomplished by applying an encoding process and a decoding process to the audio and/or video signal of the program. The encoding process includes marking potentially objectionable material in the program with replacement information that identifies the type (e.g., audio, violent content, sexual content, etc.) and intensity level (e.g., mild, graphic, extreme, etc.) of the potentially objectionable material using replacement codes.