Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for managing digital video recorder storage for one or more users. Each user in the multi-user environment is assigned an amount of program storage in the digital video recorder. Responsive to receiving a request to record a new program from a user in the multi-user environment, an associated amount of program storage assigned to the use is determined. Responsive to a determination that addition of the new program will not exceed the associated amount of program storage assigned to the user, the new program is recorded to the program storage.

Abstract: A digital tuner equipped with a recording media reproduction device outputs digital content to an externally connected monitor device. The digital content includes digital content obtained by receiving a digital broadcast signal via a tuner and digital content previously recorded in a HD device and read therefrom. Whenever a user operates a remote controller to performs a common operation via a key to select and switch digital content to be output to the monitor device, digital content provided by a digital broadcast signal or that recorded in the HD device is sequentially selected. The selected digital content is obtained by the tuner or the HD device and provided to a decoder. The decoder receives and decodes the digital content and outputs it to the monitor device.

Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

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 reservation recording module registers program information in a reserved program EPG database and a restriction period in a restriction period setting information. A reserved program keyword extracting module extracts an associative keyword from the program information registered in the reserved program EPG database and registers the associative keyword in an associative keyword database. An information content analyzing module extracts a keyword group from the program information about a now-broadcasting program in electronic program guide (EPG) data. An associated information restriction period determining module specifies as a restriction target program, only a not-yet-viewed program satisfying the restriction period in the respective programs registered in the reserved program EPG database.

Abstract: A system and methods for acquiring scheduled television programs with coinciding program times. One method includes initially identifying that a conflict exists to acquire the scheduled television programs. Once the conflict is identified, the method identifies one or more alternate sources that contain the scheduled television programs. Acquisition schedules are generated and optimized. Then, at least one of the scheduled television programs are recorded from one of the alternate sources. A user may set user preferences to customize how the system will generate potential acquisition schedules.

Abstract: Video data and audio data corresponding to a predetermined attribute is retrieved from the video data and the audio data, each of which is stored in association with an attribute, and the retrieved items of the video data and the audio data are listed in a form showing a correlation between the video data and the audio data. In a case that items of the video data and audio data are selected, wherein said items of the video data and audio data are displayed and correlated with each other, the selected video data and audio data can be synchronized with each other and played-back.

Abstract: A method and device for storing an interactive television program for playback at a later point in time, wherein said interactive television program comprises at least one interactive television application. The applications are transmitted inside modules (11, 12) through a data carousel (2) within a transport stream (20). The method comprises receiving the transport stream, parsing the stream for application modules and storing them as a storage stream on a storage medium (31). The storage stream is stored separate from said transport stream (20). The data or object carousel is recorded outside the Transport Stream and recorded like a stream, preferably as a single file. This file is a sequence of modules with some header information preceding the modules making playback faster as the information needed to obtain the objects from a module is located directly in the header of that module. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention solution is platform independent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multicasting multimedia content distribution system. A content server creates a schedule of transmission times for data streams and assigns the streams to multicast groups. DVRs receive the schedule from content server that contains content descriptions for each data stream along with the transmission times of each particular content description. The content server transmits the content across the Internet according to the published schedule via a multicast transmission designated for a particular multicast group. Each DVR determines the content for which it has an interest, finds the scheduled time for transmission for the content, schedules a recording time in its recording schedule, and joins the associated multicast group at the scheduled time. The DVR receives the multicast stream for the group and stores the stream on its local storage device for use by the DVR or for viewing by a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are systems and methods for delivering video programs to a video distribution center. An embodiment of the invention is a method for delivering video programming to a distribution center that provides broadcast programming and store-and-forward programming, such as video on demand based on video programming recorded at the distribution center. The method comprises sending a plurality of video programs to the distribution center. Wherein, the plurality of video programs is to be provided as broadcast programming by the distribution center. The method also comprises sending ancillary data to the distribution center. The ancillary data includes business rules that include permission for the distribution center to record one or more selected video programs of the plurality of video programs.

Abstract: User occupancy is monitored within a space in which a video display of a content rendering system is viewable. The user occupancy can be monitored based on physical user attributes. At least one of audio rendering and video rendering by the content rendering system is adjusted based on the monitored user occupancy.

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: A system and method is provided for providing subscribers with conditional access to data receivable across a communications medium in an MHP or OCAP broadcast system (100, 300). The invention can be implemented for use with standard MHP or OCAP receivers, without the need for a backchannel or specialized hardware.

Abstract: Techniques are given for determining the data transmission or sending rates in a router or switch of two or more input queues in one or more input ports sharing an output port, which may optionally include an output queue. The output port receives desired or requested data from each input queue sharing the output port. The output port analyzes this data and sends feedback to each input port so that, if needed, the input port can adjust its transmission or sending rate.

Abstract: A method of retrieving data from broadcast programming on a communication device, the method comprising: mixing a data stream with media to be broadcast; broadcasting the media including the data stream; and processing the data stream on an electronic card.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated methodology is provided to select and run an image of an executable software, the method including the steps of: starting a self executable boot and load software stored in the apparatus configured to run an executable software image; reading a table stored internally in the apparatus by the self executable boot and load software, referencing an executable software images that are stored in the apparatus; selecting an uncorrupted executable software image from one of the executable software images that are referenced in the table; and starting the image chosen by said selecting.

Abstract: A method for real-time bookmarking of streaming media assets is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes dynamically changing a presentation segment of a plurality of segments based one or more bookmark signals from a viewer.

Abstract: A method (1) of transmitting interactive television, whereby interactive television applications are transmitted inside application-modules. These modules are transmitted in a broadcast stream. Recording systems cannot decide which modules are to be recorded. Therefore storage related information of said modules is signalled in the broadcast stream. Module identification information related is implemented in the Application Information Table (AIT) and/or in the Download Information Indication (DII) message. Thus information is included in the broadcast stream concerning categories stating whether application modules are mandatory, optional or forbidden to record. Alternatively properties of a module are chosen from Code/Data/Both and/or Fixed/Variable. Recording systems use this information do decide if application modules are to be recorded or disregarded. Alternatively, application module identification information is transmitted in said broadcast stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in program viewing apparatus and methods, some of which are now commonly referred to as personal video recorder (PVR) and program guide features in television sets, set top boxes and other video devices. The invention provides for a user display such as a flat panel program display device, a user remote for the user to control operations and features, program data storage for storing programs and related information, removable data storage for storing programs and related information on removable storage media. Also included is a data manager which functions include response to the user's desires via the user remote to control receiving and storing programs and select received or stored programs to be displayed on the user display device. The data manager may also be responsive to receive, store and display other services such as programming guide services to provide enhanced program viewing and storage management as directed by the user.

Abstract: A set top terminal equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a cable television delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program. The set top terminal also includes features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls, such as picture in picture.

Abstract: In an interactive network-based personal video recording system, a user interface is provided that allows viewers to search a database of program guide information according to program title, indexed program attributes such as actor and director, and key word. Viewer interaction is by way of a remote control unit.

Abstract: A communication terminal according to the invention aims at improving convenience by proper reflection of a user's intention changing in accordance with a status of the terminal. A portable phone terminal provided with a broadcast program reception function, including: a program reservation unit 31 for reserving a process for a broadcast program; a terminal status detection unit 42 for detecting a status of the terminal; and a terminal operation control unit 43 for performing control to correct the reserved process in accordance with the terminal status up to a predetermined point of time.

Abstract: A method for enhancing digital video recorder television advertising viewership provides a method wherein the first or last number of seconds of a commercial break are carefully authored to provide a “teaser” to entice the viewer to watch multiple commercials during the commercial break instead of skipping the commercial break using the fast forward or jump functions of the DVR. A bookending function displays an advertisement before and/or after a program that has been recorded on the DVR's storage device is played to the viewer. The viewer selects a recorded program from the DVR's storage device to playback. Before the program is played back, an advertisement is retrieved from the storage device and is displayed before the program is run. Another advertisement is retrieved and then played after the program is over.

Abstract: A receiving device receives broadcast, information, etc. in response to a user selection by manipulation, in order to present the broadcast, information, etc. to the user. The device includes a channel set managing section (30) which collectively handles multiple channels corresponding to broadcast and content on the Internet or another network received by a receiving device (100) as channel groups which are preset handling units according to certain rules. The user can readily handle large numbers of channels when compared with cases where increasing channels are all handled equally without being grouped.

Abstract: A system for delivering content to users from a content provider, the system comprising a transmission system for transmitting content in a series of segments and a plurality of receivers for receiving the series of segments transmitted from the transmission system, each of the receivers comprising a memory, a processor, and an output driver.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: A method of producing an audio/video format recording in a venue includes correlating multiple unique viewing position in the venue to viewers. An event is then recorded the venue that viewers are attending. Multiple custom versions of recordings or productions are created corresponding to the viewers. Such custom versions are then made available to corresponding viewers.

Abstract: A method is provided for recording a switched digital video (SDV) program received over a content delivery system. The method includes receiving a single program digital transport stream on a first SDV channel. The single program digital transport stream includes at least one program elementary stream and associated program specific information. The program elementary stream and the associated program specific information are stored. In response to a force tune request, a second SDV channel is tuned to on which a subsequent portion of the single program digital transport stream will be provided. After tuning to the second SDV channel, subsequent portions of the program elementary stream are stored in a content file in which previous portions of the program elementary stream are stored.

Abstract: A method of operation of a network storage system includes: receiving a host command for displaying a video stream; performing a forced read ahead of the video stream beyond the host command including: identifying a high definition video stream, dynamically setting a block count and a loop count for the forced read ahead, and transferring data from hard disk drives to a cache for anticipating a host next command; and transferring cached data from the cache for responding to the host next command for displaying the video stream.

Abstract: A method for performing an action relating to the scheduling of an event includes sending a message regarding an event from a remote site to a user device. Additionally, the method includes receiving a response to the message from the user device. Furthermore, the method includes performing one or more actions based on the response, where the actions are selected from a group consisting of purchasing a pay-per-view show, scheduling a recording of a user-selected show, and sending a reminder of the event to the user device. A method for scheduling events includes sending a message to a client regarding an event from a remote site, receiving a response at the remote site from the client. Further, the method includes sending a scheduling request or command to the client. Further still, a reminder for the event appears on the client. Additional systems, methods and products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method may include receiving a non-linear content identifier request. The system and method may further include identifying linear content metadata associated with the non-linear content identifier request, the linear content metadata representing at least one metadata keyword. The system and method also may include identifying a relationship between the at least one metadata keyword and at least one non-linear content keyword.

Abstract: In order to avoid a collision of a reserved viewing of television broadcasting with a different operation mode and also to realize the avoidance by simple and easy operation, a television-equipped mobile terminal device of the present invention is composed of: a reservation storage unit 111 which holds a start time at which a television reproduction for a reserved viewing is to be started; and a control unit 122 which performs a control so that the television reproduction is started at the start time and which determines the current operation mode of the mobile terminal device. The control unit further controls the determined operation mode and the television reproduction for the reserved viewing.

Abstract: A media reproducing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving primary content, memory for storing replay content from an identified portion of the primary content for time-shifted display of the primary content, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to cause a display to display at a first display rate the primary content on a first region of a display, and further cause the display to display the replay content at a second display rate, which is different than the first display rates on a second region of the display. The replay content being displayed simultaneously with the primary content. The control unit is further configured to terminate the display of the replay content upon an occurrence of a timing event. The terminating operation causes the primary content to be displayed on both the first region and the second region of the display.

Abstract: A method to index locally recorded content at a media device includes extracting, at a remote service provider, event index data from an event being locally recorded at a media device and associating the event index data with locator code data of the event. The method further includes storing, at the remote service provider, the extracted event index data and the associated locator code data; searching the extracted event index data for a plurality of segments associated with the event, the search being associated with a search request; determining index display data for a presentation of the plurality of segments based on the search request; and transmitting, to the media device, the locator code data associated with the plurality of segments, and the index display data.

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: Information such as audio/visual signals, books, video games, etc. are broadcast via satellite and received in a set top box. When requested by a hand held computing device (HHCD), the information is transmitted by the set top box to the HHCD and stored in the HHCD. The HHCD may be configured to display the information on the HHCD's display screen, play back the audio, read a book on the display screen, play a video game on the hand held device, etc. The HHCD may also be configured to transmit the information to a set top box that is connected to an output device (e.g., a television, stereo, etc.). The information is played back or utilized by the output device.

Abstract: To provide an AV data recording and reproducing apparatus capable of easily carrying out real-time recording and reproducing via a 1394 interface, and method thereof. Input time information relating to one or a plurality of transport packets are stored in the different transport packet; the transport packets and the different transport packet having input time information relating to the transport packets are recorded; and at the same time the transport packet recorded in the recording medium and the different transport packet are read; the different transport packet corresponding to one of a plurality of the recorded transport packets are extracted and the input time is specified; and based on the input time information, the corresponding transport packet is output.

Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of displaying a targeted advertisement on a display in conjunction with displaying of a broadcast stream on the display. The method defines a viewer profile of a viewer of the display based on signals received by a controller indicating usage of a viewer control interface by the viewer, for example based on viewer reactions to a broadcast stream or to an advertisement. A targeted advertisement is selected from stored advertisements based on the viewer profile of the viewer of the display. The targeted advertisement is displayed on the display. The viewer profile is updated based on subsequent signals received by the controller indicating usage of the viewer control interface. The signals indicate viewer reactions, for example, a viewer reaction to a broadcast stream or a viewer reaction to an advertisement or a viewer purchase.

Abstract: A data transmission device transmits a data broadcast using a narrow unused broadcasting band in a digital broadcast, and to record the data broadcast, which has been received, on a receiving side so that the receiving side can play back the data broadcast after a data stream is totally recorded. The transmission device generates a first data stream, which is recorded on a recording medium on a receiving side, and a second data stream including audio and video data, which is transmitted as a broadcasting program. The transmission device multiplexes the first and the second data streams and then transmits the multiplexed data stream. The transmission of the multiplexed data stream is controlled so that a transmission rate for the multiplexed data stream does not exceed the maximum transmission rate, and so that a transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than that for the second data stream.

Abstract: If there are program-related associated Web pages, a TV receiver 1000 acquires the content information of the associated Web pages from a Web server 2000 and stores it in a Web page storage unit 1006. The correspondence between the stored content information and recorded program is stored in a correspondence information holding unit 1005. The data of the program is outputted to a TV program recorder 3000, where it is recorded. The user can configure the timing, at which the storage of the associated Web pages is carried out.

Abstract: A system for displaying electronic program guide information about a plurality of video items on a screen, the system including a display module to display a plurality of pages layering into the screen, each of the pages including a plurality of graphical panels associated with the video items, and a user input module to receive a user input to turn at least one of the pages such that the at least one page is peeled away from other ones of the pages in order to bring the graphical panels of the at least one page in or out of view, wherein the display module is operative to show the turning of the at least one page bringing the at least one page in or out of view. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A content reproducing method and a content reproducing apparatus capable of continuously reproducing content by searching for an apparatus having optimal capabilities for reproducing the content, when a plurality of content reproducing apparatuses with similar functions are located within a short range of each other.

Abstract: The system for receiving broadcast digital data (in particular pay television services) comprises a master digital terminal (1), and at least one slave digital terminal (2) connected to the master terminal by a link (3) and able to receive protected digital data. The slave digital terminal can access the protected data only if information necessary for accessing the data and received by the master digital terminal is sent by way of link (3) to the slave digital terminal within a predetermined deadline. This information is in particular access entitlements to television services or keys for descrambling the service.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of retrieving video frames over a network for subsequent display. A user interaction (303) with a timeline (202) represented by a client (103) coupled to the network (105) is detected. From the detected interaction, a request (304) for video to be retrieved from a server (101) across the network is formed. A series of non-contiguous (scattered) sample frames (FIGS. 13-16) received in response to the request are then cached (104) for subsequent display. This method permits efficient handling of video scrubbing requests for streamlining video as only selected ones of the cached sample frames close to a GUI play head position (203) need be reproduced. Since the frames are non-contiguous, the scope of the source video is quickly sampled permitting improved user response and, where desired, adjustment of the play head position.

Abstract: A synchronization mechanism embeds synchronization triggers into a television signal or stream at regular intervals. The triggers include an accurate representation of the time in which the triggers were embedded. A receiving device decodes the triggers and synchronizes its internal timer based on the triggers. In this regard, the receiving device obtains a reference time from the internal timer and computes an offset between the reference time and the trigger time. The computed offset is then applied to the reference time. With the receipt of each new trigger, the application compares the trigger time to a new reference time with the most recently computed offset value applied. If there is any variance between these two values, the application creates a new smoothed offset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive medium and a method for managing additional contents synchronously outputted with audio/video (A/V) data in an interactive digital versatile disk (I-DVD). A player in which an interactive disk is seated accesses a server providing the additional contents of the A/V data recorded on the interactive disk before the interactive disk is reproduced, and receives updated information of the additional contents from the server. The player refers to the received updated information and determines whether an arbitrary file contained in an additional content list associated with the A/V data has been updated. The player makes a request for an original file contained in the list or an updated file designated in the updated information, and receives the requested original or updated file. Therefore, the player can always receive additional contents containing the updated file. According to this operation, the server enables the additional contents to be conveniently updated.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of caching a part of digital content data from a content source (202), comprising the step of: acquiring the digital content data from the content source (202), wherein said part of the digital content data comprises interleaved segments (130; 131) of the acquired digital content data, and said interleaved segments (130; 131) of the acquired digital content data are stored on first storage means (203), thereby allowing for fast access to said digital content data. The disclosure moreover relates to a device for carrying out such a method. The content sources can be DVD, CD, CD-ROM, hard disk, RAM, Flash memory or remote sources accessible over a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for recording of repeated programs. Exemplary embodiments include a recording of a repeated program method, including receiving a recording request for a first program from a communications device, the recording request having a specified recording time, determining that the specified recording time is during a peak time, determining an alternate recording time for the recording request, sending a message to the communications device that there is the alternate recording time to record the first program, delivering the first program to the communications device for the specified recording time in response to receiving a rejection of the alternate recording time and delivering the first program to the communications device for the alternate recording time in response to receiving an acceptance of the alternate recording time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.