Abstract: A computer-readable medium is disclosed and includes processor-readable instructions executable by a processor to perform a method. The method includes sending a request for television content from a first device that is not equipped with a television tuner to a second device that is equipped with at least one television tuner via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method also includes receiving the television content at the first device directly from the second device via the WLAN. The television content is received at the second device via the at least one television tuner. Further, the method includes outputting the television content at the first device.

Abstract: A system and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest set top box associated with a closest television. The closest set top box does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any set top box that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A method for displaying two different content items on a main display device and a remote device includes displaying content in a first display mode, generating a content switch event to switch from the first display mode to a second display mode, and displaying content in the second display mode. In the first display mode, a first content item is displayed on the main display device. In the second display mode, a second content item is displayed on the main display device, and the first content item is displayed on the remote device.

Abstract: A digital media distribution device that includes an encoder, a decoder coupled to the encoder, and a transcoder coupled to the decoder. The encoder is configured to encode input data that is received by the digital media distribution device into a first data format. The decoder is configured to decode output data to be output by the digital media distribution device. The transcoder is configured to convert the encoded input data from the first data format into a second data format. The digital media distribution device is configured to be coupled to a computer network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-frequency boost circuitry for use with a computer management system. Detection circuitry at the receiving end of a video signal measures the amplitudes of various frequency components of the video signal. If the amplitudes of the high-frequency components of the video signal are substantially lower than the amplitudes of the low frequency components of the video signal, the detection circuitry sends the amplitude information to analysis circuitry located at the transmitting end of the video signal. The analysis circuitry utilizes this information to determine the appropriate level of amplification needed for the video signal. This results in improved signal to noise ratio at the receiver in the computer management system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor that includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller can be programmed to receive media content from a set top box where the set top box is a separate device from the media processor and where the media content includes video content. The controller can also be programmed to receive supplemental content from a mobile communication device where the supplemental content is based on reading of a two dimensional bar code by the mobile communication device, and where the supplemental content comprises an image. The controller can further be programmed to generate augmented content by overlaying the supplemental content with the media content and to provide the augmented content to a display device for presentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing audiovisual content on a network, and methods of transferring the audiovisual content between devices attached to the network. The methods involve accepting user input, at a first output device that is outputting audiovisual content, to select a second output device from the output devices associated with the network and subsequently outputting the audiovisual content on the second output device that is selected.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for managing the reception and/or recording of video content on a wireless digital video recorder. In certain embodiments, the wireless digital video recorder comprises a wireless phone with video reception and video recording capabilities. One set of embodiments provides a reception manager for managing the reception of video content by the wireless digital video recorder. Merely by way of example, embodiments of the present invention may provide for monitoring of the signal strength of broadcast video content, and certain embodiments may provide for receiving and displaying information concerning video content available to the wireless digital video recorder. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide for the management of recording and/or storing video content on the wireless digital video recorder e.

Abstract: A method of presenting program data in a multiple zones of a home entertainment system using a wireless home entertainment hub includes obtaining a registration of a plurality of source device and sink devices at the wireless home entertainment hub. An assignment of a zone corresponding to each sink device of the plurality of sink devices is stored. A first selection of a first source device and a first zone for presentation of a first set of program data from the first source device is received. A first instruction to the first source device to transmit the first set of program data is transmitted, and a second instruction to a first subset of sink devices in the first zone to receive program data from the first source device is transmitted.

Abstract: A method of outputting video content from a digital media server to a digital media renderer includes providing a digital media controller to select a digital media renderer for video playback, sending a playback request from the digital media controller to the selected digital media renderer, the selected digital media renderer requesting data from the digital media server in response to receiving the playback request from the digital media controller, and the digital media server capturing video and capturing audio. The method further includes the digital media server encoding the captured video and the captured audio to respectively produce encoded video and encoded audio, outputting the encoded video and the encoded audio from the digital media server to the selected digital media renderer, and playing the encoded video and the encoded audio on the selected digital media renderer.

Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) component networking system comprising a sink component configured to control presentation of A/V program data received from a source component on a presentation device and a sink interface configured to receive an input command from an input device and determine whether to direct the input command for processing to either the sink component or the presentation device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box operating from an interactive television (iTV) communication system having a controller to receive from the iTV communication system media content with metadata, record the media content, detect in the metadata a description of the media content correlating with one or more preferences in a preference profile, present at a media presentation device a first prompt requesting an acceptance or rejection of the media content, present at the media presentation device a second prompt requesting a selection of one or more communication devices to direct in whole or in part the media content thereto, detect the selection of at least one of the one or more communication devices, and transmit in whole or in part the media content to the at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: To facilitate selection of broadcast data which was multiplexed on broadcast programs and was broadcast. A mobile terminal device has a digital broadcast receiving means for receiving broadcast data which was multiplexed on broadcast programs and was broadcast further has a controlling means for setting the mobile terminal device to a state so as to utilize the usable data when selecting, then instructing execution of viewing history data linked with usable data by an operating means.

Abstract: The MEDIA CONTENT SYNCHRONIZED ADVERTISING PLATFORM METHODS (“AD-SYNCH”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via AD-SYNCH components, into TV audience viewing data and ad effects data. A method is disclosed, comprising: obtaining TV program schedule listing data; providing the obtained TV program schedule listing data to a user mobile device; receiving an indication of user channel selection; determining a media program associated with the received indication of user channel selection; determining an ad associated with the determined media program; providing a survey question related to the determined ad to the user mobile device; and receiving a user response to the survey question.

Abstract: The wireless communication device includes a terminal communication transition unit for sending a transition instruction for transitioning to a state in which communication with a communication terminal is possible, a terminal communication unit that transitions to a state in which the communication with the communication terminal is possible in response to the transition instruction sent by the terminal communication transition unit, a signal generating unit for generating a transition instruction signal corresponding to the transition instruction, a transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting the transition instruction signal generated by the signal generating unit to an information processing device, a reception unit for wirelessly receiving a response from the information processing device to the transition instruction signal transmitted from the transmission unit, and a terminal communication control unit for starting to control information transmission/reception between the communication terminal and

Abstract: A method for reestablishing presentation of a paused media program is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) located in a building can have a controller element that presents a media program to a media device operable only in the building, pauses presentation of the media program responsive to a pause request, generates a departure mark that identifies a presentation point in the media program associated with the pause request, receives a request to resume presentation of the media program from the departure mark at a portable communication device capable of maintaining communications with the STB outside the building, and transmits to the portable communication device a presentation of the media program from the departure mark. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of accessing digital video broadcasts within an information handling system is disclosed. In one form, a digital video broadcast processing system can include a digital video broadcast receiver module operable to process a first digital video broadcast data received within a multiple channel digital video broadcast signal and to output the first digital video broadcast data to an interconnect bus of a computer system. The digital video broadcast processing system can also include a communication interface operable to be removeably coupled to an interconnect bus interface of the computer system. The communication interface can be operable to communicate the first digital video broadcast data, including an interconnect dependent data format, from the digital video broadcast receiver module to a digital video processing application of the computer system.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to receive a media program signal from a set-top box (STB), monitor ambient sound, and suppress a portion of the ambient sound according to the media program signal. The media program signal can correspond to a media program presentable at least audibly by the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless computer that pairs with a remote audio-video presentation device, such as a television. As a result of the pairing, a communication channel is established for the computer to transmit audio-video content for presentation through that device. Additionally, as part of the pairing, the computer and remote device select a side channel for communication of user commands. The wireless computer may display a user interface through which a user may input commands that control the manner in which the remote audio-video device presents the content. As a result, a user may use the wireless computer as a remote control for the audio-video device, controlling both the content presented and the manner in which it is presented. The side channel may use different frequencies than the channel used to communicate audio-video content, and may use very low power at frequencies in the digital TV spectrum.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for receiving and recording video content on a wireless phone. Merely by way of example, one set of embodiments provides a wireless phone with the capability to receive a broadcast video signal and to decode, digitize and record the broadcast video signal. In other embodiments, the wireless phone has the capability to receive broadcast video signals and/or video signals streamed over a network and to record these signals. In still further embodiments, the wireless phone may receive video content transmitted over a wireless network and may format and/or encode the video content and record the video content. In some embodiments the wireless phone comprises a video player for playing video content.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus performing the method. In the method a change to a background download enabled state is detected at a mobile node. The mobile node retrieves at least one content package from a remote node and detects a change to a browsing mode. The mobile node indicates the existence of at least one content package on a display to the user and receiving an indication via a remote control unit of a selection of a content package by the user. In response, the mobile node presents content from at least one file in the content package on the display, receives an indication via the remote control unit of a selection of a hyperlink in the content package and downloads a content item corresponding to the hyperlink.

Abstract: A networked Conditional Access Module provided on an IEEE 1394 network, by defining a Conditional Access Module as a Conditional Access Subunit of the IEEE 1394 network. There is provided an AV/C Conditional Access Commands to allow communication between the Conditional Access Subunit and other Subunits on the network. The Conditional Access Subunit is configured to receive AV/C Conditional Access Commands over the IEEE 1394 network from another subunit, and means to is also configured to transmit AV/C responses over the IEEE 1394 network in response to the received AV/C Conditional Access Commands.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating recording of media content events by media devices on remote storage devices are described. Some embodiments provide a remote storage manager as part of a media device, such as a set-top box. In one embodiment, the remote storage manager causes a media content event to be recorded on a remote persistent storage device by receiving the media content event from a program distributor, and then transmitting the media content event to the remote persistent storage device. In another embodiment, the remote storage manager instructs the remote persistent storage device to obtain the media content event from the program distributor, so that the remote persistent storage device can record the media content event without the media content event first being received by the remote storage manager.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a transcoder module having a controller to manage power distribution in the transcoder module from power supplied to an HDMI port of the transcoder module, transcode audio-visual information into a digital compatible format used on an external device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information output apparatus has a first interface to receive an equipment operational signal from a short-range wireless communication apparatus, a second interface to receive broadcast wave data based on the equipment operational signal, a third interface to transmit the equipment operational signal to an information generating apparatus, a fourth interface to receive video data transmitted from the information generating apparatus, a fifth interface to receive a control command transmitted from the information generating apparatus in response to the equipment operational signal transmitted from the third interface part, an information superimposing part to transmit the equipment operational signal from the third interface part to the information generating apparatus and then to superimpose video data updated by the information generating apparatus and received from the fourth interface part with the broadcast wave data to display the superimposed data on a display part.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: System actions such as presentation of information to a user via a remote control device are carried out in accordance with user preferences based on, e.g., observed user behavior over time. The preferences may be learned by observation of user actions and corresponding system state information, and the preferences may be verified by the user. Particular actions may then be repeated under the control of the system, when appropriate conditions are met. Repetition may be automatic, semi-automatic or user initiated. In an illustrative embodiment, information is presented to a user via a remote control device based at least in part on the determined preference. The information presented to the user via the remote control device may include, e.g.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus includes a conversion unit and a transmission unit, and an external device includes a reception unit and a restoration unit. The conversion unit converts one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999 into one data stream. The data stream includes a plurality of multiplexed packets, each multiplexed packet including both a Synchronization Layer (SL) packet and an elementary stream identifier of the SL packet. The transmission unit transmits the data stream to the external device using an isochronous or bulk transfer. The reception unit receives, from the external device, the data stream that is transmitted using the isochronous or bulk transfer. The restoration unit restores the data stream to one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting signal processing method for processing a multimedia stream by a set-top box is disclosed. A USB request command set is pre-defined in a digital signal receiving unit to support the set-top box. The digital signal receiving unit transmits data with the set-top box and controls the signal quality of the data transmission according to the USB request commands transmitted by the set-top box while the digital signal receiving unit connected with the set-top box via USB.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling a broadcast displays information on an interactive service associated with a broadcast program, the information provided prior to displaying the associated broadcast program. The present invention includes a wireless communication unit receiving interactive service information, an input unit selecting an interactive service using the received interactive service information, and a controller scheduling the execution of the selected interactive service.

Abstract: A method of managing a distributed storage system (1) comprising a plurality of storage devices (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) on a network (N), wherein an autonomous function can be assigned to any storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (N), which autonomous function comprises collecting content according to a configurable profile (3) for the storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) to which the autonomous function is assigned, and wherein a first storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), before leaving the network (N), delegates the responsibility for an autonomous function of that first storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) to a second storage device (D1, D2, . . . , Dn) of the distributed storage system (1), and wherein the second storage device assumes responsibility for the autonomous function of the first storage device (D1, D2, . . .

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive a call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer the call at any of a plurality of terminal devices including a mobile cellular phone coupled to the media processor via a femtocell. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the call through a speaker of a presentation device operatively coupled to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a secondary computing device, a request for enhanced content for a media program, the request comprising information indicative of a communication channel through which the media program is being displayed on a primary computing device; receiving broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for a plurality of communication channels; extracting, from the broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for the plurality of communication channels, broadcast information indicative of enhanced content for the communication channel through which the media program is being displayed on the primary computing device; obtaining, based on the extracted broadcast information, a link to enhanced content for the media program; and sending, to the secondary computing device, the link to enhanced content for the media program.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Media Content Processor (MCP) having a controller to detect a communication device roaming into a personal area network, receive a communication identifier from the communication device, authenticate the communication device responsive to validating the communication identifier, and enable the communication device to manage operations of the MCP according to a profile of a subscriber of said communication device responsive to a successful authentication of said communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information and content on a handheld wireless or other mobile device that is related to video content being presented on a nearby video device. The video content presented on the video device is delivered over a first communication channel and the related information and content displayed on the mobile device is delivered over a separate second communication channel from a remote server. The information and content received over the second communication channel is synchronized with the first primary video content so as to change automatically to correspond as the primary video content is presented on the video device.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing pairing between a remote device and a plurality of devices including establishing a list of pairing-capable devices, the list comprising a portion of the plurality of devices, measuring a plurality of link qualities between the remote device and the pairing-capable devices, comparing, with a processor, the plurality of link qualities with one another and determining a highest link quality, selecting, by a computing device, an available pairing-capable device having the highest link quality, pairing with the selected device, and controlling a presentation device, the controlling including checking if the selected device is the associated device and where the selected device is not the associated device, relaying commands via the network to the associated device.

Abstract: A remote control device and method is provided. The remote control device and method provide a more intuitive and convenient user interface to a user. The remote control device and method allow a user to browse a plurality of contents provided by a target device and execute desired contents in the target device more intuitively and conveniently. The remote control device and method also allow a user to select an external device connected to a target device and execute contents, provided by the external device, in the target device more intuitively and conveniently.

Abstract: A video transmitter can adaptively alter its transmission rate to plural receivers which receive video via multicast transmission. While the transmitter is initially in the “no tuning state”, the need for a video tune-up state change can be determined. If so, then the state can be set to “tuning up” and the retransmission rate can be increased. However, if “tuning-up” is no longer required, the state returns to the “no tuning” state” Likewise, the need for a video tune down slate change can be determined and the retransmission rate can be decreased. However, if the state is set to “tuning down” and “tuning down” is no longer required, the state is set such that “tuning down” is no longer true and the state returns to the “no tuning” state.

Abstract: A cable backend and a method are described herein for enabling a user with a location-aware mobile device to have at least partial control of a closest cable device (e.g., set top box, cable application) associated with a closest television. The closest cable device does not need to be associated with the user's home television but instead can be any cable device that is associated with a television located for instance at a stranger's house, an airport, a bar, or wherever.

Abstract: A method of delivering personal video content via a video head-end office is provided that includes receiving a personal video content upload request at a notification server from a first set-top box device. The personal video content upload request relates to personal video content to be uploaded from the first set-top box device. The method also includes receiving a personal video content sharing request at the notification server from the first set-top box device. The personal video content sharing request identifies a second set-top box device designated to receive the uploaded personal video content. In addition, the method includes sending notification information from the notification server to the second set-top box device. The notification information indicates a first option to store the uploaded personal video content at a data storage device and a second option to stream the uploaded personal video content to the second set-top box device upon selection of the second option.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling operation of one or more electronic devices of an audio-video system with a separate remote controller via a feedback mode of operation are provided. A command code signal is received with a receiver of a signal processing electronic device which interprets the command code signal to determine a particular action being requested. Thereafter, a request for feedback is generated in at least one of a visual form or an audible form for purposes of confirming the particular action being requested before the action is actually executed. If appropriate feedback via a further communication is received with the receiver of the signal processing electronic device within a predetermined time period following the request for feedback, the action is performed and executed by the signal processing electronic device. Otherwise, no action is executed by the signal processing electronic device.

Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial for new movie preview, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and the detail action information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys to navigate web.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other multimedia receiver suitable for use in a multimedia distribution network includes a remote control interface operable to receive a signal from a remote control device and extract a remote control command from the signal, a processor coupled to the remote control interface and operable to detect the remote control command, and a machine readable storage resource containing computer executable instructions operable to: invoke an aural indication application that returns an audio stream suitable for processing by an audio output device, wherein the audio stream, when processed by the audio output device, causes the audio output device to produce an audibly detectable signal indicative of a function corresponding to the remote control command. The application may generate the audio stream by invoking a speech synthesis module or by retrieving an audio file.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to receive a media program signal from a set-top box (STB), monitor ambient sound, and suppress a portion of the ambient sound according to the media program signal. The media program signal can correspond to a media program presentable at least audibly by the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for information sharing between a portable computing device and a television system includes receiving a spoken input from a user of the portable computing device, by the portable computing device, submitting a digital recording of the spoken query from the portable computing device to a remote server system, receiving from the remote server system a textual representation of the spoken query, and automatically transmitting the textual representation from the portable computing device to the television system. The television system is programmed to submit the textual representation as a search query and to present to the user media-related results that are determined to be responsive to the spoken query.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that manages media content. The disclosed system includes a component that synchronizes with a multimedia player that is in communication with the component. The component upon synchronization automatically determines an amount of storage space available on the handheld device and based at least in part on this available space, the component substitutes a first media presentation persisted on the storage space with a second media presentation retrieved from a media storage farm.