Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: A reduced-memory vectored DSL system includes methods and apparatus for reducing the bandwidth and memory storage demands on a vectored DSL system in which FEXT data is transmitted and stored. An upstream-end device such as a DSLAM communicates with a plurality of downstream-end devices such as CPE modems. When test signal data, such as training and/or tracking data, is sent to determine FEXT characteristics of the DSL system, error signals are available for all or substantially all of the upstream and/or downstream frequency band DSL tones used in the system. Dividing a frequency band into sub-bands, only a subset of tones in each sub-band is used for deriving FEXT data, such as a FEXT channel response, FEXT channel coefficients and/or FEXT cancellation coefficients. For tones in the sub-band subsets, full-precision FEXT data values can be derived. For other tones, approximations of the FEXT data can be derived.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for automating user input in an interactive television system. An interactive application is conveyed concurrently with a broadcast programming stream in an interactive television system to a receiver. The interactive application is configured to provide added content to a television viewer upon a request by the viewer. In order to request the display of the available added content, a viewer may provide an indication that the use of a script is desired. Subsequently, a script corresponding to the interactive application is utilized to provide input to the interactive application in lieu of the viewer actively providing the input necessary to display the added content. In addition, a viewer may configure the receiver to indicate default preferences for the use of scripts. The receiver may then utilize a standardized script to provide input to interactive applications having added content available for viewing.

Abstract: Streaming content customization techniques are described. In an implementation, metadata, that is associated with an element, is synchronized with a stream of content that includes the element. The element is configured to accept an input to access related content that provides context for a scene that includes the element. After the related content is output, playback of the stream of content is resumed from the point at which the input was accepted to access the related content.

Abstract: A method and system for providing selected content displays to users of mobile electronic devices and more specifically to a method and system for broadcasters to provide a marketing portal presented in the form of displayed customized broadcaster content.

Abstract: The dynamic probability admission control policy for distributed video provides a method that decides in a Video on Demand (VOD) system which content requests can be admitted and which requests should be rejected to maintain Quality of Service (QoS). Requests for popular and expensive movies should not be rejected on the behalf of unpopular movies to generate more revenue. The dynamic probability admission control policy combines a shared resource admission control and a class-based admission control. Moreover, dynamic probability is used to access shared resources, such as ports and bandwidth. A nonlinear dynamic probability function is used for allocation of ports/bandwidth. The dynamic probability admission control policy improves performance of all the request classes, as well as overall system performance.

Abstract: An Internet gateway video server transmits selection information to a set top box connected to a television. The set top box displays the selection information on the television. A user views the selection information, and inputs user selection requests to the set top box. The Internet gateway video server receives user the requests for information and retrieves the information. The server then converts the network information from a network format to a television format. The conversion includes scanning the network information for selection elements, and adding selection elements for transmission in the television format. The converted network information is then transmitted to the set top box for display on the television. The user may then make further selections based on the displayed network information.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions for providing real-time content in an on-demand environment. In a novel aspect of some embodiments, a real-time on demand server may be configured to integrate real-time content with on-demand content. This can allow a subscriber to enjoy the benefits of on-demand programming without having to forego access to real-time news, sports, weather information and/or the like.

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 reception processor converts an MXF file to internal content data pieces, and converts replacement caption data to internal caption data pieces and then stores the internal content data pieces and the internal caption data pieces in a memory. A separator separates a video data piece, an audio data piece and an ANC data piece from the internal content data piece received from the memory. When a caption replacer receives synchronously the internal caption data piece outputted from the memory and the ANC data piece outputted from the separator, the caption replacer replaces a caption data piece included in the ANC data piece with a replacement data piece in the internal caption data piece. Subsequently, the multiplexer multiplexes the video data piece and the audio data piece outputted from the separator, and the ANC data piece outputted from the caption replacer, and thus outputs an SDI signal.

Abstract: A method for replacing audio data within a recorded audio/video stream is presented. In the method, a first audio/video stream including audio data, video data, and supplemental data is stored. Location information is received which references the supplemental data to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location information is received in a data file separately from the first audio/video stream. Also received is an audio data segment. At least a portion of the audio data of the first audio/video stream is replaced at the identified location with the audio data segment to produce a second audio/video stream. At least a portion of the second audio/video stream is then transferred for presentation.

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: Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving broadcasting data and supplementary data. The method includes: generating broadcasting data and supplementary data for a plurality of predetermined 3D broadcasting services to be provided to users; multiplexing the generated broadcasting data for broadcasting channels respectively allocated to the plurality of predetermined 3D broadcasting services, and multiplexing the generated supplementary data for one commonly broadcasting channel commonly allocated to the plurality of predetermined 3D broadcasting services; encoding the multiplexed supplementary data corresponding to a conditional access system; and transmitting the encoded supplementary data to the one common broadcasting channel, and transmitting the multiplexed broadcasting data to the allocated broadcasting channels.

Abstract: There is provided a stream transmitter for generating and transmitting a digest stream that is a single stream into which digests, each having a predetermined time length, cut out from the respective plurality of video contents stored in a contents storage are combined. This configuration allows a user to view the digest stream, which collects the digests of the respective contents, and select a desirable program by viewing each digest.

Abstract: A method of processing broadcast data in a broadcast transmitting system is presented. The method includes performing Reed-Solomon (RS) encoding and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) encoding on mobile service data bytes to generate an RS frame, wherein the RS frame comprises an RS frame payload including the mobile service data bytes, RS parity data bytes added at bottom ends of columns of the RS frame payload and CRC data bytes added at right ends of rows of the RS frame payload having the RS parity data bytes, dividing the RS frame into a plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions has an equal size of data bytes, converting the data bytes of the plurality of portions into data bit, and encoding each of the data bits at a code rate of 1/H to output data symbols, wherein H is greater than 1.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning television viewing behavior data collected from set top boxes by detecting and correcting various problems that can occur in the viewing data. Three problems that may be detected and corrected by the system include: overflows of memory buffers; inclusion of non-human generated tuning events; and presence of clock offsets. After cleaning the television viewing behavior data, the cleaned data may be used to analyze audience viewing behavior in a manner that achieves a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved by using uncleaned television viewing behavior data.

Abstract: A personal display system with which a user may adjust the configuration of displayed media is provided. The personal display system may include an electronic device operative to provide media to a personal display device operative to display the received media. Using one or more optical and digital components, the personal display device may adjust displayed media to overlay features of a theater, thus giving the user of the personal display device the impression of being in the theater. In some embodiments, the personal display device may detect the user's movements using one or more sensors and may adjust the displayed image based on the user's movements. For example, the device may detect a user's head movement and cause the portion of media displayed to reflect the head movement.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information.

Abstract: A method for connecting a media player to a remote server is provided. The method comprises processing a request for connecting to an remote server while reproducing data recorded on an enhanced navigation medium, processing connection information recorded on the enhanced navigation medium to determine whether connection to the remote server is permitted, and requesting connection to the remote server, if connection to the remote server is permitted in accordance with the connection information.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multiple live video broadcasts via a public data network on a single viewing channel is disclosed.

Abstract: A content delivery system headend is provided. The headend includes a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend also includes an input unit such as a server for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. Additionally, the headend includes a subscriber control unit for comparing channel change requests received by the SDV manager from subscribers to subscriber-established rules. Tuning information for accessing programming specified in the channel change requests is only supplied if the channel change requests do not conform to any of the subscriber-established rules for blocking the programming.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a video data over a grid infrastructure network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from at least one user for viewing the video data and identifying a plurality of attributes from a plurality primary grid enabled mini servers (GEMS), wherein the plurality of primary GEMS together form the grid network. The method further includes partitioning video data into a plurality of discrete fragments using a shard creator indicative of the plurality of attributes in each of the plurality of primary GEMS and allocating the plurality of discrete fragments among the plurality of primary GEMS based on the plurality of attributes of each of the plurality of primary GEMS. The method also includes decoding the plurality of discrete fragments of the video data using a streaming server for transmitting the video data to the at least one user.

Abstract: A set top terminal is provided that includes a receiver having at least one tuner for receiving programming content over a content delivery system and a processor operatively associated with the receiver. The set top terminal also includes a switched digital video (SDV) application module operatively associated with the processor. The SDV application module is configured to perform an autodiscovery process by tuning to prescribed autodiscovery frequencies received by the tuner while the SDV application module is being initialized.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and/or system are described for providing complete Internet anywhere with partial server processing in which a request may be sent from a set-top-box (STB) to a server communicatively coupled with the STB to process a portion of a web page that is unsupported by a web browser running on the STB. The STB may receive a data stream from the server, wherein the server generates the data stream by processing the unsupported portion of the web page. The web page may be composited in the web browser based on the received data stream. The server may be located in a server computing cloud or may be a local server. The unsupported portion of the web page may comprise a binary plug-in. A supported portion of the web page may be rendered before or concurrently with the overlaying of the data stream during compositing.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

Abstract: An input switching apparatus includes a plurality of AV signal input units; a communication unit that communicates with another AV device; an input selection unit that selects one of the plurality of AV signal input units; and a selection control unit that switches selection of the input selection unit in accordance with a switching request message for requesting switching of the input selection unit from an origin position to a destination position when the communication unit receives the switching request message. While the input position holding mode is activated, the selection control unit holds the selection of the input selection unit even when the switching request message is received, and transmits a message for causing another device to perform a switching from the destination position to the origin position.

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 content distribution system includes a node to which content is distributed via a network and a distribution management server for managing a content distribution status. The node receives content, detects an information amount of received content, and, on the basis of the detected information amount, outputs a distribution completion notification indicative of a reception status of corresponding content. On the other hand, the distribution management server receives the distribution completion notification for each node, and stores the received distribution completion information for each node.

Abstract: The invention applies to the transmission of a multimedia content from a server to a client terminal. The multimedia content is available from the server as one or more sets of files. Upon reception of an initial request from the client, the server sends a document back to the client, said document causing the client to repetitively send fetching request. Upon reception of a fetching request, the server selects the file to download.

Abstract: A portable MP3 player, which includes radio capability therein. The device includes a radio part which enables receiving radio, either over the airwaves, or via a network. The radio information can be time shared for later use, and sequences within the radio information can be identified for storage within the memory. The memory can store compressed information, such as MP3 information, indicative of songs which are stored. The memory can also store information that is received over the radio.

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: A system for preparing data and video sequences to enable a viewer to scroll content in a plurality of directions including a first and second direction, the content including at least one element in motion, the system including a video sequence preparation module to prepare the video sequences including a first and second video sequence, each video sequence including still images, each still image including at least part of the content, at least some of the still images including the at least one element, the video sequences being prepared such that playing the first and second video sequence effects scrolling the content in the first and second direction, respectively, and a switchover determination module to prepare the data including corresponding switchover points in the video sequences for switching between the video sequences and therefore for switching the direction of scrolling by the viewer. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and/or displaying personalized video content are provided. In some embodiments, a video asset made up of a set of frames, including a preliminary frame with an object region, is received at user equipment. A media element is identified and transmitted to a remote server, where it is processed to produce a modified version of the media element and then transmitted back to the user equipment. The video asset is displayed at the user equipment, except that a modified frame incorporating the modified version of the media element is displayed in place of the preliminary frame. The modified version of the media element is incorporated in an area of the modified frame corresponding to the object region of the preliminary frame.

Abstract: A method of generating a program signal stream comprises creating a sequence of serial programs that include a first event and a second, later occurring event and inserting a plurality of messages in the sequence of serial programs, between the first event and the 5 second event. The messages may be indicative of a time to the second event, as measured from each respective message of an elapsed time since the first event, to each respective message. Alternatively or in addition, the messages may be at equal time intervals between the first event and second events. The first and second events may be the start and end of a program or a program portion, such as a chapter, an advertisement, unscheduled content or an 10 entire program, for example. At least one message indicative of the time to the second event may be inserted in the sequence of serial programs prior to the first event.

Abstract: A data carousel exists as an out-of-band carousel (OOBC), and accessed as a hidden background service from the channel map, and that discriminates against metadata that is never (or is rarely) accessed, and that is acquired in the background, filling a cache even when the subscriber is not accessing Video on Demand.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format and communicating the plurality of signals simultaneously through a primary path and a secondary path. A digital video effects module 240 inserting a digital video effect into at least a first signal of the plurality of signals in a primary path. An encoder 182 encoding the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer to form a combined signal. A modulator 210 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal and a system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.

Abstract: A method and system for rating programs, the method including, receiving a sample of viewing logs from a plurality of set top boxes (STBs), determining, from the sample of viewing logs, at least groups of viewers sharing similar interests, and groups of programs sharing similar audience, computing time dynamics of rating distribution for the groups of viewers and the groups of programs, and incorporating at least one of the following into broadcast metadata the time dynamics of rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs marginalized by time, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each program marginalized by time, relative sizes of each group of viewers, and a mapping of each program to groups of programs, thereby making the broadcast metadata available to the plurality of STBs for use in computing ratings. Related systems and methods are described.

Abstract: An advanced multiplexer designed and optimized for next generation on-demand video distribution is described. Features and capabilities include low-latency client interactions, quality of service management, session based encryption management, support for multiple video formats, and support for multiple video decoding standards. Indicators are embedded in new video segments to identify start-of-segment transition points, enabling rapid transitions from one video segment to another. Low-latency operation is achieved by rapid switching, and by coordinating flushing of video buffers and buffer restoration.

Abstract: A data delivering system comprises a video server receiving and processing oilfield data into a video delivery, and a network delivering the video delivery from the video server to at least one client device, where the video delivery including a plurality of sections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting video asset information to a viewer to assist the view in selecting a video asset for viewing is described. The video assets can be available from a plurality of different video asset sources, such as VOD (video on demand), PVR (personal video recorders) and broadcast (including over the air, cable, and satellite). Images from the video assets are displayed in a uniform manner, along with information about the video assets. The information includes data in a metadata category, wherein metadata can be received from the video asset, external sources, or manually input by a user. The view can select one of the video assets for viewing, but also can navigate using metadata categories such as genre, actors, director, and the like. This allows a much easier and natural navigating and selection process for viewers.

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 method is disclosed that includes receiving a command to blackout a full screen version of content at a component of a multimedia content distribution system. The method includes updating a first entry within a control matrix to reflect that the full screen version of the content is to be blacked out. The method also includes automatically updating a second entry within the control matrix to reflect that a picture-in-picture (PIP) version of the content is to be blacked out.

Abstract: A portable MP3 player, which includes radio capability therein. The device includes a radio part which enables receiving radio, either over the airwaves, or via a network. The radio information can be time shared for later use, and sequences within the radio information can be identified for storage within the memory. The memory can store compressed information, such as MP3 information, indicative of songs which are stored. The memory can also store information that is received over the radio.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing sports-related video sharing services to subscribers to such services are disclosed. The systems and methods enable the capture and storage of video data corresponding to sporting events held at sports venues, and the communication of captured video data to subscribers or others for viewing. The systems and methods also enable subscribers to create video highlight reels, with or without annotations and/or music, from the captured video data, to post the video highlight reels on web pages hosted by the system, and to communicate the video highlight reels for viewing by others.

Abstract: A method of creating an audio-video stream comprises multiplexing a video component, an audio component, a content reference identifier, and a semantic data packet containing information on the relationship between the video component and the content reference identifier. Apparatus for receiving the audio-video stream, and apparatus for transmitting the audio/video stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of managing auxiliary programs broadcast with main programs in a digital data stream, wherein the method is implemented by a receiver, involving receiving several digital data streams including the aforementioned digital data stream, detecting data identifying all the auxiliary programs contained in said digital data stream, extracting all the auxiliary programs identified in the stream, and storing all of the auxiliary programs identified and extracted from the digital data stream, wherein the extraction is followed by analyzing execution commands associated with the extracted auxiliary programs.

Abstract: The present invention is suitable for use in a multi-encrypted system that dynamically allocates stream identifiers in a secondary overlay stream depending upon the identifiers in a primary encrypted stream. The primary encrypted input stream is monitored to determine the presence of all identifier values. Once the identifier values are determined, the values are stored in an allocation table and marked as ‘in-use’ to ensure that these identifier values are not allocated to any of the secondary overlay streams. The primary encrypted stream is monitored and the allocation table is updated continuously to detect any changes or conflicts to the identifier values, and the secondary overlay streams are dynamically updated accordingly.

Abstract: A multi video generation apparatus is provided to transmit partial videos to a multivision. The multi video generation apparatus generates partial videos from a video, and transmits the generated partial videos to displays connected thereto. In the multi video generation apparatus, the number of video transmission modules for transmitting the video to the connected display may be changed according to a content of a multi video to be displayed on the display. Therefore, it is possible to generate more diverse types of multi video which a user desires to display on a multivision.

Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.