Abstract: A system for placing a telephone call on hold and presenting video to the user that has been placed on hold comprises video on hold arbiter that either is a part of the server or the switch of an IP telephony system. The video on hold arbiter comprises a hold monitoring module, a switch interface module and a media source interface module. The video on hold arbiter monitors calls between parties for the selection of a hold signal indicating that a first caller is placing a second caller on hold. The video on hold arbiter then determines the capabilities of the first caller and the second caller, a source video signal and switches the call to a video-on-hold status. In the video-on-hold status, the video on hold arbiter provides a video signal to the caller on hold from the determined source video and matching the capabilities of the party on hold. Video on hold arbiter and monitors for an off hold signal.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving, at a user device, a resource referenced by a resource address, wherein the resource defines a resource page; determining, at the user device, that a television device can display transcoded video content; in response to determining that the television device can display transcoded video content: rendering, by the user device, the resource page according to the dimensions of the television device, transcoding, by the user device, the rendered resource page into transcoded video content for which the television has the processing capability to display, and providing, by the user device, the transcoded video content to the television device for display on the television device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a network-enabled mass storage dongle with networked media content aggregation are discussed. Embodiments provide for a dongle in a consumption mode is inserted into one or more source devices, where the one or more source devices are part of a network and store content to be aggregated for accessing on equipment. In embodiments the equipment has no intrinsic networking capabilities. The dongle allows a user to select one or more directory structures on each of the one or more source devices to be included in the aggregated content. The dongle then creates a file share for each of the selected directory structures. The dongle in an aggregation mode is inserted into the equipment and automatically connects to the network. The dongle aggregates content in the created file shares to present the aggregated content as a single mass storage device to the equipment. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: A system and method for controlling the transmission of contents among a plurality of audio/video (AV) devices by using a general purpose network In case of transmitting the contents held in a first device (source) to a second device (sink) by way of a designated transmission path, information relating to the transfer protocol for transmitting the contents is added to each content when the contents information held in the first device is disclosed to a controller on the network. Transmission management is performed based on the information on the transfer protocol added to each content when starting transmission of the contents between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: Provided herein are techniques for displaying power usage information on a television receiver. A television receiver receives power usage information regarding electrical devices and outputs the power usage information and status information regarding the electrical device for presentation by a presentation device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a display device having a controller to wirelessly receive media; wirelessly receive control signals for presentation of the media from a mobile communication device; and selectively disable control by the display device over presentation of the media on the display device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A communication system where an input port on a transmitter or receiver is configured to receive input data that is either audio data or video data. A processor in the transmitter or the receiver is configured to detect if the input data is either audio data or video data. The processor selects an audio path if the input data is audio data. If the input data is video data, the processor selects a video path. The selected audio path or video path sends audio output data or video output data to an output port. The output port is configured to send the audio output data or video output data.

Abstract: This video signal processing apparatus includes a first resolution conversion portion, a first analog video output portion, a digital video output portion and a control portion. The control portion is so formed as to make the first resolution conversion portion convert a video signal to a digital video signal of high definition and make the digital video output portion output the digital video signal of the high definition when recognizing that connection between the digital video output portion and a display is in an on-state, also in a case where a broadcast signal includes a signal for restricting output of the video signal of the high definition.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for use in providing input to a system that includes the steps of determining position information for a controller for the system, comparing the determined position information for the controller with predetermined position information associated with commands, and providing a command to the system if the determined position information matches predetermined position information for the command.

Abstract: A recording system includes: a receiving apparatus that receives a content; and a recording apparatus that records the content received by the receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes reception means for receiving the content, acceptance means for accepting a user's operation instructing to record the received content, generation means for generating a control signal for controlling a recording operation of the recording apparatus according to the accepted operation, and supply means for supplying the received content and the generated control signal to the recording apparatus, and the recording apparatus includes acquisition means for acquiring the content and the control signal supplied from the receiving apparatus, recording means for recording the acquired content, and control means for controlling the recording means according to the acquired control signal.

Abstract: A method for operating conflicting source devices communicating over the same self-configurable asymmetric link, comprising: transmitting uncompressed video from a first source device to a first sink device over a first direction of a self-configurable asymmetric link; receiving a request to transmit uncompressed video from a second source device to a second sink device over the opposite direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; locating an accessible rendering device able to receive compressed video from the second source device and to transmit uncompressed video to the second sink device without flipping the direction of the self-configurable asymmetric link; and transmitting compressed video from the second source device to the rendering device, whereby the rendering device renders and transmits the video to the second sink device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED.

Abstract: A method for playing music includes displaying a list of playlists names, selecting one of the displayed playlists names, sending at least one attribute of a playlist corresponding to the selected playlist name to a playlist server, receiving a playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s), selecting at least one song from the received playlist, sending information representative of the selected song to a content server, receiving the selected song from the content server, and playing the selected song(s). Requesting a playlist on the first device based on attributes, sending the same attributes to a second device having the second device request the playlist and start playing.

Abstract: Protocol conversion based on a communication protocol and data modulation based on a communication method are performed, in advance, on desired transmission data by a host device, which is an external device. Then, the converted data will be written to a memory in a transmitting device. According to a transmission command from an input section, a logical device reads out the converted data stored in the memory, and then outputs the read data from a transmitting section.

Abstract: A remote control device is presented which includes a user interface, control logic, a memory and a transmitter. The user interface is configured to accept an input from a user. The control logic is configured to generate a random number as an address for the remote control device, and to generate a command for an electronic device based on the input from the user. The command comprises the address. The memory is configured to store the address for the remote control device. The transmitter is configured to transmit the command to the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing DVD content through a home network are provided. The method includes transmitting item information indicating DVD content in response to a request for a content list, and receiving a request for the DVD content in units of a sector from a client having acquired the item information, and extracting and transmitting data of the requested sector to the client. Various functions provided by the DVD video can be utilized similar to reproducing DVD content through a local DVD player while reproducing DVD content stored in a remote server through devices of a home network. Therefore, it is possible to reduce concerns of the DVD copyrighter about illegal copying of the content since encoded data is transmitted as it is, without being decoded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a media data stream complying with a broadcast encryption standard is disclosed. A dongle is removably coupleable to a rendering device, with the dongle performing transcoding so as to allow presentation of the media in a secure manner without modification of the rendering device software or hardware.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video content between a computing device and display device. The method includes establishing a data connection between a receiver unit and the display device, where the receiver unit includes a first wireless transceiver and an output port, establishing a data connection between a transmitter unit and the computing device, where the transmitter unit includes a second wireless transceiver and a memory and is configured to perform two-way wireless communications with only the receiver unit and is configured to not perform two-way wireless communications with any other devices, and transmitting the video content from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit.

Abstract: A content receiver determines that a communication connection recipient identifier is associated with content received from a content provider. An associated communication device is identified by the content receiver. The content receiver then signals the communication device to initiate a communication connections utilizing the communication identifier. In some implementations, the content receiver may provide a user with a notification and may signal the communication device after receiving a responses to the notification. In one or more implementations, the communication connection recipient identifiers may be telephone numbers, the communication devices may be telecommunication devices, and the communication connections may be telephone connections.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distributed recording of content in a client system having a home network connecting a content broker and a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) with digital video recording capability. In a requesting STB, a command is received from a user to begin recording a content item. A query is sent from the requesting STB to the content broker to determine whether the content item is being recorded by any other STB of the plurality of STBs. A response is received from the content broker. If the response indicates that none of the plurality of STBs is then currently recording the content item, the content item is recorded in the requesting STB. If the response identifies a recording STB that is then currently recording the requested content, an internal content list is updated in the requesting STB to identify the recording STB.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device equipped with radio communicating portions capable of holding a radio communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, and a standard signal outputting portion for outputting a signal in a format based on a predetermined signaling system to any display device prepared on an outside, includes a communication standard detecting means for detecting a type of the communication standard selected based on operating conditions of radio communicating portions, when one of the radio communicating portions conforms to plural types of communication standards or when a plurality of radio communicating portions conform to plural types of communication standards respectively, and a signaling system selecting means for selecting automatically a signaling system of the signal that the standard signal outputting portion outputs, in response to the type of the communication standard that the communication standard detecting means detects.

Abstract: An information processing device that transmits and receives data to and from a device to which external devices are connected and that processes a signal transmitted from a remote control including buttons to which codes are allocated, the codes being different for each of the external devices, includes a storing unit configured to store, for each of the external devices, a table representing a relationship between the codes and the buttons; a generating unit configured to generate data of a graphical user interface in which a picture of the remote control and button names corresponding to the codes are located; and a control unit configured to perform, if a button included in the remote control to be used for issuing a command to change the button names has been operated, control such that the codes are changed while the table is referred to and that the button names are changed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and products for administering a time-shifting cache in a media playback device are disclosed, where the media playback device receives from a digital media provider a digital media stream of digital media content and administering the time-shifting cache includes caching the digital media content of the digital media stream in the time-shifting cache; dynamically identifying one or more non-preferred segments of the cached digital media content; and managing the time-shifting cache in dependence upon the identified non-preferred segments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.

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

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for transferring content authorization information between television receivers. Authorization information for content and features associated with a television receiver is securely stored on a portable storage device. The portable storage device may be moved and connected to a different television receiver in order to transfer the authorization information to the different television receiver. The other television receiver accesses information on the portable storage device and allows the user to access the content and features that are authorized on the home television receiver.

Abstract: Wireless network base stations capable of receiving video signals are provided. A wireless network base station includes a video signal receiver, a video decoding unit, a first Ethernet port, and a processor. The video signal receiver receives a video signal. The video decoding unit connected to the video signal receiver decodes the video signal. The first Ethernet port connected to a network receives first data packets therefrom and transmits second data packets thereto. The processor, connected to the video decoding unit and the first Ethernet port, converts the decoded video signal to video packets and controls reception and transmission of the video packets, the first data packets, and the second data packets. The processor transmits the video packets and the first data packets to a computer and receives the second data packets from the computer wirelessly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for receiving digital broadcasts by using a mobile communication terminal. The system includes a digital broadcast receiving device for receiving digital data from a contents provision unit by using a wired/wireless communication network and transmitting the digital data; and a mobile communication terminal for receiving the digital data from the digital broadcast receiving device, decoding the digital data, creating video and audio signals, and outputting the video and audio signals. The mobile communication terminal replaces circuits of the digital broadcast receiving device, which are in charge of predetermined functions. This simplifies the construction of the digital broadcast receiving device and reduces the cost for implementing the device.

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

Abstract: A method for the aggregation and the transmission of multimedia data is proposed, in which multimedia data (52) is analyzed according to its content and corresponding metadata (51) is generated and a user profile (21) is established. The user stipulates and/or modifies at least parts of the user data (211) of the user profile (21) in advance of a purchase of multimedia data from the central unit (20) by means of a communication device (10). Multimedia data (52) are selected utilizing the metadata (51) and based upon the user profile, and content oriented and user specific optimized multimedia data are produced out of the selected multimedia data by means of a repackaging module (30). The content oriented and user specific optimized multimedia data are stored and made available to the user via a database (41) of a content module (40) of the central unit (29).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cataloging and recognizing gestures are disclosed. A gesture may be detected using sample motion data. An energy value and a baseline value may be computed. The baseline value may be updated if the energy value is below a calm energy threshold. The sample motion data may be adjusted based on the updated baseline value. A local variance may be calculated over a predetermined number of samples. Sample motion data values may be recorded if the local variance exceeds a threshold. Sample motion data recording may stop if a local variance scalar value falls below a drop threshold. Input Gestures may be recognized by computing a total variance for sample values in an Input Gesture; calculating a figure of merit using sample values from the Input Gesture and one or more Catalog Gestures; and determining whether the Input Gesture matches a Catalog Gesture from the figure of merit.

Abstract: A method for displaying broadcast channel information in a mobile terminal is presented. The method includes entering a broadcast reception mode, and displaying channel information indicating whether each channel available for reception is a general channel or an integrated channel, wherein a general channel comprises one broadcast channel mapped onto a single broadcast path, and an integrated channel comprises at least two virtual channels mapped onto a single broadcast path.

Abstract: A method for operating a home digital audiovisual information recording and playback apparatus. The method includes: displaying menus with user-selectable system operation options; enabling a selection of desired audiovisual information for reproduction; effecting payment for the desired audiovisual information; inputting a user personal identification number; and downloading, from a main server, the desired audiovisual information after payment has been effected and a valid personal identification has been received.

Abstract: A first sound volume calculation unit (251) obtains a length of a straight line connecting a sound emitting object and a sound detection object, and calculates a first sound volume attenuated from a predetermined reference sound volume in accordance with the length. A second volume calculation unit (252), in a case where on the straight line there is an other object that is an obstacle, calculates a second sound volume attenuated from the first sound volume by a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which detect a change in the status of a multimedia asset in a multimedia delivery system, and take steps to make the multimedia asset available after the status change. The multimedia asset can then be locally recorded on the user's digital video recorder (DVR) before the status changes. Alternatively, the user can be directed to an equivalent asset, for example, video-on-demand (VOD). The user may also receive a notification, which can be displayed on a TV or computer monitor or send to a remote device, for example to a mobile phone as an email or a short message. The user may be able to purchase the asset and/or initiate recording the asset. The status can be, for example, an expiration date of an asset, or a change of the source or format of an asset.

Abstract: A method for playing music includes displaying a list of playlists names, selecting one of the displayed playlists names, sending at least one attribute of a playlist corresponding to the selected playlist name to a playlist server, receiving a playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s), selecting at least one song from the received playlist, sending information representative of the selected song to a content server, receiving the selected song from the content server, and playing the selected song(s). Requesting a playlist on the first device based on attributes, sending the same attributes to a second device having the second device request the playlist and start playing.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of controlling a consumer product includes the step of connecting an input device to the consumer product. Also, an input event of the input device is translated into at least one key code, where the key code is recognized by a middleware of the consumer product. Furthermore, the at least one key code is transmitted to the consumer product. In addition, the at least one key code is executed by an application program of the middleware so as to control the consumer product.

Abstract: Methods for managing digital television (TV) signals are disclosed. An embodiment of a method for managing digital TV signals, performed by an electronic device, comprises the following steps. Multiple first digital TV signals and multiple second digital TV signals are selectively received, thereby enabling a display device thereof or an external display to present a series of frames corresponding to the selected digital TV signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recording system including a receiving apparatus and a recording apparatus, wherein the receiving apparatus includes, a creation section, and a reservation control section, the recording apparatus includes, a recording section, and a recording control section.

Abstract: A signal from a tuner is outputted to a primary display. An analog signal from another tuner is digitally compressed, subjected to an encrypting process, transmitted to a secondary display by a wireless LAN, and displayed by an LCD of the secondary display. An output of a digital tuner is displayed by the primary display. A video signal of 480I is transmitted to the secondary display. A signal inputted through the Internet is decoded and sent to the primary display. The signal is sent to the secondary display in the compressed state without being decoded and the decoding process is executed in the secondary display.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box (STB) having a controller to manage power distribution in the STB from power supplied by a port of a presentation device, decode audio-visual information into a presentation format, and transmit a signal to the presentation device containing decoded audio-visual information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a display unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays video data. The communication unit communicates with an external apparatus. The control unit controls the communication apparatus in accordance with a command received by the communication unit. If the display unit is in a mute state and the communication unit is sending the external apparatus the data for placing the external apparatus in a mute state, the control unit determines not to control the communication apparatus in accordance with the command.

Abstract: A system and method for review of news content (audio, video and/or textual news content), such that an overview of the news content can be quickly ascertained and flexibility in the manner in which it is presented are provided. News programs (e.g. television news programs) and news stories (e.g., on-line news) are acquired and the system enables the user to easily move among and randomly access the segments of news programs and quickly locate the segments of a particular subject. News stories related to the segment of news program being viewed can be identified and displayed. Flexible playback allows speeding-up the display of the news program while displaying summary of one or more program segments and accelerating playback of a paused program after resuming from the pause. The system can additionally indicate to the user which news story is currently being viewed, and which news stories have already been viewed.

Abstract: A favorite channel list for a media system is generated by observing the viewing, surfing, and recording habits of a user. The viewing habits may include the duration and frequency of viewing a channel. A user's surfing habits, including navigation habits of a guide, the method used for navigation to a channel, and information queries made during a surfing session may be used to determine which channels may be added to a favorites list. When the user has an ability to record a program and view the program later, the user's behavior in selecting programs for recording, and the behaviors of playing back and archiving recorded shows may also be used to identify favorite channels. In some embodiments, the favorites list may be customized for a user or node of a playback system, as well as time of day.

Abstract: A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV.

Abstract: A television entertainment system that combines the visual imagery of television entertainment and transmission with the audio of radio entertainment and transmission to create a new synthesis system for therapeutic benefit designated as Hybrid Radio Television. Each segment (video/audio) of the system can be viewed or heard/listened to on its own, however, it is designed to be viewed and heard/listened to as an integrated whole, as selected by a viewer.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive television broadcasting to generate an output signal, a signal processing unit configured to generate image data of a broadcast program using the output signal, a display unit configured to display an image represented by the image data of the broadcast program on a display apparatus, a reservation information obtaining unit configured to obtain program reservation information for reserving reception of a scheduled broadcast program, and a control unit configured to, responsive to the receiving unit receiving a program preview of a scheduled broadcast program associated with the program reservation information, control the display unit to display the program reservation information on the display apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a computer and a TV is disclosed. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a TV coding unit for encoding various control signals such as a TV signal, etc.