Abstract: Some aspects of the disclosure relate to automated quality control of a media asset. The quality control can comprise testing automatically various facets of content reproduction. In one embodiment, three facets can be tested: (1) access to a rendering unit configured to reproduce content of the media asset; (2) rendering of at least a portion of visual content of the media asset; and (3) rendering at least a portion of the aural content of the media asset. In one aspect, testing the rendering of the visual content can be differential in that features of the rendering can be monitored at a plurality of instants during content reproduction and can be compared for two or more instants of the plurality of instants. In another aspect, based on the comparison, the media asset can be deemed to pass the quality control and thus be accepted for consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting service in a digital broadcasting system are provided. The method includes receiving a TS through a transport channel, determining whether or not the TS includes information about an association relation with other TSs, analyzing the information about the association relation from the TS, determining whether or not the TS includes information about a program provided in association with the other TSs based on the information about the association relation, extracting the information about the program from the TS, and obtaining the program based on the information about the program. In accordance with the present invention, high definition broadcasting service can be provided because a broadcasting program having a great transmission bandwidth can be transmitted and received in a digital broadcasting system.

Abstract: An entertainment device is used to notify a user of a change in an audio visual entertainment system configuration in which at least one of a plurality devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual source and at least one of the plurality of devices is connected to the entertainment device as an audio and/or visual output destination for the entertainment device and/or to notify a user of a perceived problem in a configuration of a controlling device used to control functional operations of the audio visual entertainment system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a signal quality between an entertainment device and a remote control. The entertainment device, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a signal receiver, a memory configured to store a predetermined data sequence, and a controller coupled to the signal receiver and the memory. The controller may be configured to receive a data sequence from the signal receiver, compare the received data sequence to the predetermined data sequence, and generate signal quality data on the received data sequence based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for processing information may include broadcasting information, which indicates program content for each of a plurality of channels communicated via a plurality of transport streams, to a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors identify which of the program content is associated with a particular one of the plurality of channels in each of the plurality of transport streams. The broadcasted information may be stored in a table in memory. The broadcasted information may include a packet identifier (PID) and/or a processor identifier associated with the PID that identifies at least one of the plurality of processors, such as parsers. The information may be stored in a table in memory prior to the broadcasting. The table may be indexed according to the plurality of channels.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to the generation and provision of media metadata are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a computing device having a logic subsystem configured to execute instructions, and a data holding subsystem comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to receive an input of a video and/or audio content item, and to compare the content item to one or more object descriptors each representing an object for locating within the content item to locate instances of one or more of the objects in the content item. The instructions are further executable to generate metadata for each object located in the video content item, and to receive a validating user input related to whether the metadata generated for a selected object is correct.

Abstract: An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes an image receiver configured to receive video. The apparatus also include a first channel buffer configured to store first bit rate video data and a second channel buffer configured to y store video data when a network transmission speed corresponds to a preset condition. The apparatus further includes a decoder configured to receive and decode the video data stored in the first or second channel buffer. In addition, the apparatus includes a controller configured to transmit the video data stored in the first channel buffer to the decoder while the data is stored in the second channel buffer, and configured to transmit the video data stored in the second channel buffer to the decoder when a predetermined amount of video data is stored in the second channel buffer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for informing of the occurrence of an event of a communication terminal in a digital Television (TV) are provided. A method of a TV output generator of informing a digital TV of the occurrence of an event of a communication terminal is provided. The method includes receiving an input of event information from any one of a landline and a mobile terminal, generating a control signal including output information corresponding to the event information, and transmitting the control signal to the TV.

Abstract: A television receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcasting program, a program information obtaining unit configured to obtain program information about the broadcasting program, a language setting unit configured to set a language used to display an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), a selection unit configured to select a program to be broadcasted in a language set by the language setting unit using the program information, and a program guide generating unit configured to generate the EPG using the program information, wherein the program guide generating unit is configured to generate the EPG that displays and identifies a program selected by the selection unit while not displaying a program that is not selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving the visual quality of low-resolution video displayed on large-screen displays. A video format converter may be used to process a low-resolution video signal from a media providing device before the video is displayed. The video format converter may detect the true resolution of the video and deinterlace the video signal accordingly. For low-resolution videos that are also low in quality, the video format converter may reduce compression artifacts and apply techniques to enhance the appearance of the video.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes an input unit receiving an input; a data storage unit storing data; a communication unit communicating signals; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a selection input of a video data, the selection input being processed to select the video data among a plurality of video data stored in the data storage unit; temporarily store a selected portion of the video data for transmission based on a start position and a stop position specifying the selected portion in the video data; automatically attach the selected portion of the video data for transmission to a message without receiving any further user input when the selected portion of the video data is specified; transmit the message with the selected portion of the video data; and delete the selected portion of the video data from the data storage unit when the transmission of the message is completed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a selection of a television program to record may be received by a television receiver. The television program may be broadcast on a first television channel and as part of a first transponder stream. A plurality of television channels that are transmitted as part of the first transponder stream may be determined. A user interface may be presented that permits a user to select from the plurality of television channels transmitted on the first transponder stream. A selection of a second television channel from the plurality of television channels may be received. In response to the selection of the first television program to record and the selection of the second television channel from the plurality of television channels, record the first television channel and the second television channel via a single tuner.

Abstract: A method and computing device for determining the location of a point of interest in a media stream. The method receives an order of duplication for a media stream and a sequence of caption data strings associated with the media stream. The method computes a hash value for a selected string in the sequence. The hash value representing the selected string, and a number of strings in the sequence that immediately precede the selected string, where the order of duplication determines the number of strings. The method receives a media stream time for the selected string based on the hash value, and determines a time at a point of interest in the media stream relative to the media stream time for the selected string.

Abstract: An advanced wireless IP STB is provided with multiple built-in antennas capable of capturing plural downstream transmissions simultaneously on dedicated receivers using different modem technologies without the use of wires to the home. The proposed solution facilitates the advanced wireless IP STB being able to receive multiply sourced data traffic, including, for example, IPTV, digital TV, web TV, radio web, internet chat: written, voice and video, GPS tracking locator signals, media player web support, web based video gaming, You Tube and the like video streaming, TV surveillance, video intercom surveillance, and much more. The advanced wireless IP STB is configured to be able to establish a broadband (internet) session through previously assigned or negotiated channel assignments between one or more modems and plural remote wireless infrastructures widely deployed in a municipality, such as WIMAX, LTE, WCDMA, CDMA 1×, TDSCMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 5G or the like.

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

Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for generation and playback of supplemented videos which include interactive features. The supplemented video includes hotspots that allow a video viewer to interact with the video when the video viewer sees an object. The hotspots can be manually defined. Information regarding the object and the hotspot can be stored in a separate XML file. Furthermore, the present invention can be a marketplace where a desired object can be found by searching the XML file. The search results can list the supplemented videos which contain hotspots corresponding to the object and also the time in the supplemented video in which the object is found. The present invention can also aggregate data about the objects based on the playback of the supplemented videos and the video viewer's interaction with the supplemented videos.

Abstract: When a request for a content item is received from a device, the resolution parameters of the device are identified. Based on the resolution parameters of the device, a selection is made as to a version of the content item to recommend from a plurality of versions of the content item. Each version of the content item has a different resolution. A recommendation is provided to the user of the device that the selected version of the content item be displayed on the device.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

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: The on-train information providing device, which is provided with a controlling unit that transmits to the display device video data that is transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, includes a storage unit that stores therein a program listing in which a valid period of video is stored in accordance with each advertisement, audio data transmitted from the ground transmitting and receiving device to the on-train transmitting and receiving device, and video data including audio data; and a sound recognizing unit that attaches a value of 1 or greater as an audio flag to the program listing when the video data does not include any audio data, and attaches 0 as the audio flag to the program listing when the video data includes audio data. The controlling unit sends the audio data corresponding to the audio flag to the radio radiating device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving input from a remote control device at a set-top box device. The input identifies media content that includes audio content and video content. The input also indicates that the audio content is to be output via an audio output device coupled to the set-top box device without sending the video output from the set-top box device to an external display device coupled to the set-top box device. The method includes determining whether the media content is stored at a local memory device of the set-top box device. When the media content is stored at the local memory device, the method includes retrieving the media content from the local memory, sending a first audio signal corresponding to the audio content of the media content to the audio output device and blocking output of the video content to the external display device.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: Probabilistic methods and apparatus to determine the state of a media device are described. An example method to determine the state of a media device includes processing a first output signal from a first sensor measuring a first property of the media device to generate a first parameter value and processing a second output signal from a second sensor measuring a second property of the media device to generate a second parameter value. Next, the example method includes combining first conditional probabilities of the first parameter value and the second parameter value to determine a first state probability for the first state of the media device and combining second conditional probabilities of the first parameter value and the second parameter value to determine a second state probability for the second state of the media device. Then, determining the state of the media device by selecting the greater of the first state probability or the second state probability.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device including a controller programmed to receive security video content associated with a premises where the security video content has been captured by one or more cameras located within or in proximity to the premises and where the premises have one or more Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), and transmit the security video content to the DVR for forwarding to a communication device that is remote from the premises, where the security video content is wirelessly transmitted over a wireless television (TV) channel dynamically selected from available wireless TV channels associated with the premises. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: A method for rendering one or more user interface objects on a television screen is disclosed. The method is performed at a computer system coupled with the television screen. The method includes receiving a request for rendering a user interface object, and identifying a variable scaling factor. The variable scaling factor is determined in accordance with a distance parameter corresponding to a distance between a respective user and the television screen. The method also includes rendering the user interface object on the television screen in accordance with the variable scaling factor while maintaining a display of a television program on the television screen based on a fixed scaling factor.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and device for handling of audio/video signals originating from a mix of analog and digital sources of audio/video signals. In particular, the present invention relates to optimization of hardware resources and of wiring needed for the interconnection of various analog and digital sources of audio/video signals.

Abstract: A method of controlling devices, and which includes converting, via a transmitting apparatus, a signal including at least one of the video/audio and data into a first definition wireless signal, transmitting, via the transmitting apparatus, the converted first definition wireless signal to a receiving apparatus, receiving, via the receiving apparatus, the first definition wireless signal, extracting, via the receiving apparatus, the at least one of the video/audio and data included in the first definition wireless signal, detecting, via a detector on the receiving apparatus, a quality of the received first definition wireless signal, and comparing, via a processor on the receiving apparatus, the detected quality of the received first definition wireless signal with a predetermined value, and transmitting a first command to the transmitting apparatus to transmit a second definition wireless signal including the at least one of the video/audio and data to the receiving apparatus, when the detected quality of th

Abstract: An analog television signal data delivery system provides a television program, called a data show, that is transmitted across standard television broadcast methods to data needy client systems, such as settop boxes, at certain times of the day. When the data show is recorded and specially demodulated it provides the client system with raw digital data to perform required or enhanced functions. Binary digital data is modulated into each frame of the data show. Each of the 480 scan lines in a frame have data modulated into it. Each scan line in the frame contains two bytes which yields 28800 bytes/sec. This high transfer rate results in an efficient data transfer method that is cost effective and easily broadcast. Another preferred embodiment of the invention designates some regions of the active video picture to contain visible images and other regions of the active picture to contain data. The non-data portions can be placed anywhere on the viewable frame.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to the generation and provision of media metadata are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a computing device having a logic subsystem configured to execute instructions, and a data holding subsystem comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to receive an input of a video and/or audio content item, and to compare the content item to one or more object descriptors each representing an object for locating within the content item to locate instances of one or more of the objects in the content item. The instructions are further executable to generate metadata for each object located in the video content item, and to receive a validating user input related to whether the metadata generated for a selected object is correct.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing information to a first client device (e.g., a tablet computer) for presentation on that device. The information may be related to multimedia content (e.g., a television program) that may be presented using a second client device (e.g., a television). Firstly, an activity level for a portion of the multimedia content is determined. Using the activity level, an amount of the information is assigned to that portion of the multimedia content. The amount of the information assigned is dependent on that determined activity level. The assigned information is then provided for use by (e.g., for display on) the first client device.

Abstract: A remote control device comprising a display, a receiver module, and a detection module. The receiver module is configured to receive, from a set-top box device, information about content currently displayed on a screen connected to the set-top box device, and configured to display the information on the display. The detection module is in communication with the display. The detection module is configured to determine a button that is pressed on the remote control device, and configured to display an output on the display corresponding to the button and indicating that the button has been pressed.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus receives a plurality of transport streams and uses conditional access provided by an external adapter. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus includes a pre-processor operable to extract a part of information, by elementary stream unit, from each of the plurality of transport streams by receiving a filtering condition from the external adapter and performing filtering on the plurality of transport streams according to the filtering condition. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus also includes a multiplexer, an output interface, an input interface, and a demultiplexer. The external adapter is detachable from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and includes a conditional access descrambler that descrambles transport stream packets in the multiplexed data that are protected by conditional access with a packet identifier specified by the controller in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Under a resource manager, unexpected blocking is prevented without calling a handler for resolving a resource contention, by assigning a priority level depending on the program that has requested for a reservation of a resource as well as by assigning a special priority level which permits a reservation of a resource without any conditions in the case of a program which is urgently needed such as an EAS module.

Abstract: A method and system for digital closed caption transport are provided. In one example, the method involves receiving closed caption data and a program feed having video content, embedding the closed caption data into a standard video syntax, and encoding the video content into the standard video syntax as a background, wherein the closed caption data and the video content are encoded into a closed caption program feed.

Abstract: Auditing systems and methods detect access authorization of a media device for a service during an audit. An exemplary embodiment receives an audit trigger at a media device communicating the service to a media presentation device, determines whether the media device is authorized to communicate the service to the media presentation device, and communicates a security watermark from the media device to the media presentation device. The security watermark is displayed on a display of the media presentation device and indicates authorization to access the service to an auditor performing the audit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Under a resource manager, unexpected blocking is prevented without calling a handler for resolving a resource contention, by assigning a priority level depending on the program that has requested for a reservation of a resource as well as by assigning a special priority level which permits a reservation of a resource without any conditions in the case of a program which is urgently needed such as an EAS module.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing augmented broadcast content, and the method includes receiving, from a broadcast content provider, broadcast content and augmentation region information required to composite augmented content to an augmentation region in the broadcast content; receiving, from a user input device, selection information necessary to select one out of a plurality of augmented content providers; generating an augmented content request message based on the augmentation region information, and transmitting the augmentation content request message to an augmented content provider selected based on the selection information; receiving the augmented content from the augmented content provider; and compositing the augmented content to the augmentation region in the broadcast content by using the augmentation region information.

Abstract: A wireless television system includes a transmitting device that transmits by wireless transmission a digital broadcast signal obtained by receiving a digital broadcast of a plurality of channels, and a wireless television receiver. The wireless television receiver can directly receive the digital broadcast, and can receive a digital broadcast signal carried in a LAN signal transmitted by the transmitting device. The wireless television receiver compares received levels and error rates of a digital broadcast signal received directly, and digital broadcast signals of a same channel as that of the digital broadcast signal received directly. based on a result of the comparison, the wireless television receiver selects and outputs a digital broadcast signal with a highest received level or a lowest error rate from among the plurality of digital broadcast signals of the same channel.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.