Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for allowing a user to search for specific content across many television channels in order to locate desirable television shows related to the searched content. Multiplexed cable signals flow thorough a logical unit which buffers text associated with the voice stream of each station via the pre-encoded closed-captioning signal or through the real-time voice translation within the logical unit. The user then enters search terms through one of a variety of different input devices. Upon entry of the search terms, the logical unit will compare the entered term with those available keywords stored in each buffer. Lexical parsing associates terms which may differ from plural to singular forms, or in tense. Additionally, synonym comparisons may be made. The logical unit will return a list of matches for the search criteria and allows the user the option of going directly to the television program.

Abstract: The method of storing a time based stream of information to generate a presentation is provided for in which a processing system is used. The methods provide for deleting a selected time based stream of information from the storage medium. In one embodiment, a process manager in the processing system deletes selected information in response to a user selection command. This process manager may further check for reference data to the information and only delete the information is no more than one reference to the selected information exists. A trash depository may be used as an intermediary holding area for the information prior to is deletion. Other aspect of the present invention relating to the processing system conserving storage for a time based stream of information for use in authoring a presentation are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus and a data reproducing method. The data reproducing apparatus and the data reproducing method receive data using a file transfer channel and assist a user reproduce the data at a desired time. The present invention includes at least one of receiving data transferred through a file transfer channel of a broadcasting network, storing the data, reproducing the data at a time desired by a user, i.e. according to selection through a menu or a list, and reproducing the data while displaying a broadcast, and reproducing the data while switching a channel.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, identification information identifying a specified broadcast content is converted into identification information identifying another broadcast content corresponding to the originally specified broadcast content, in accordance with table information indicating a correspondence among a plurality of pieces of identification information respectively identifying broadcast contents thereby indicating a correspondence among the broadcast contents.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus is disclosed that performs channel list switching without increasing the apparatus scale and power consumption. In this apparatus, schedule control section (125) acquires the current time from time information acquisition section (105), and reads channel list identification information corresponding to the current time stored in schedule storage section (108), and overall control section (121) reads a channel list stored in channel list storage section (107) in accordance with the channel list identification information read by schedule control section (125), and sets the read channel list as “current.” Frequency channel selection section (122) performs channel selection using the frequency channel indicated by the last channel of the channel list set as current, and service channel selection section (124) performs channel selection of the service channel indicated by the last channel.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a user may use the program guide to watch one program while simultaneously recording another program without interrupting the recording or viewing process. This interactive television program guide system also allows a user the to utilize all or some of the program guide features while in the watch and record mode depending on the embodiment that is being implemented. Further, this watch and record system may be implemented using a multiple tuner set-top box or a single tuner set-top box with a RF bypass or digital switch. In addition to a set-top box, the system may be implemented using a satellite receiver, an advanced television with a processor and memory, or a computer. The various implementations provide a very versatile watch and record environment for the user.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which a mobile media rendering device such as a video-enabled mobile phone utilizes a graphical user interface (“GUI”) to inform its user as to whether a remote recorder, such as a digital video recorder (“DVR”) disposed in a set top box (“STB”), is recording a media program, such as a television show or movie, that is being simulcast to both the mobile phone and the remote recorder. A service verifies that the mobile phone and STB are associated with a valid service subscription. If so verified, then the service sends a control signal over a network to the STB to activate the DVR to record the selected simulcast media program. Various icons on the GUI are provided to let the user know that the DVR is recording the selected simulcast media program to long term storage, for example, or to indicate that the DVR is recording the program to more temporary storage.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for managing content storage and selection activities. The method includes monitoring consumption of storage space with respect to storage capacity in at least one content device receiving content from a content provider, relocating content contained in the storage space of the content device when a predetermined condition is met, and providing access to relocated content. The relocation is operable for freeing up the storage space of the content device.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes a recording medium receiver to receive a recording medium whereon information may be recorded by the apparatus and a non-volatile memory to store management information about the recording medium provided in the recording medium receiver. The management information provides information about whether or not data can be recorded on the recording medium.

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: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: The buffer of a programmable video recorder includes a backing store having a plurality of discrete temporary files that are configured to store non-byte streamed data, such as ASF data. The data stream includes a number of data samples that are each assigned a time stamp upon receipt. Each data sample is then assigned and written to a temporary file based on a corresponding duration assigned to each of the temporary files. The backing store operates like a moving window as the oldest temporary files are replaced with the newest temporary files.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: A system and a method for recording digital broadcasting programs are disclosed. The system executes the clipping function that allows a user to select a portion of a recorded video signal, time-shifted video signal, or real-time broadcasting video signal through a guide bar in an OSD form, and stores only the video signal of the selected portion in an HDD. This prevents the HDD from being unnecessarily wasted and allows the user to easily perform the clipping function. Even a time-shifted program is stored in the HDD through the clipping function so that the user can reproduce the time-shifted program whenever he wants to watch it.

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: When TV images are inputted as video data through a channel selected by the first inputting means, the video information including audio information is compressively encoded at a specified compression coding ratio by a compression coding portion, provided with a compression coding ratio statement attached thereto by the compression definition data adding portion and recorded on a recording portion at the specified compression ratio specified by the compression coding control portion. An electronic program guide overlaid on TV signal, which includes genre information, is input to a second information inputting means, decoded by a second information decoding portion and stored as data. The compression coding ratio is set in a setting table with reference to the data by a compression coding ratio control portion.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for reducing channel switching time in a network environment. The user of a mobile terminal may receive a data stream containing numerous television programs or services. Each of the programs or services may have a Packet Identification (PID) and/or IP address. The invention reduces channel switching time by predicting channel changing behavior. Various procedures are presented in which data is received and cached. The cached data may then be used to reduce the channel switching time during synchronizing and decoding of the new channel.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring broadcast programs from the beginning of the programs is provided. The system includes a tuner configured to receive and decode broadcast signals and provide programming as an output. The system also includes a buffer coupled to the tuner that stores programming from the tuner and provides buffered programming as an output delayed in time from the programming provided by the tuner. The system further includes processing circuitry coupled to the tuner and buffer that determines if the tuner is selected as a source for programming, and if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected. The processing circuitry provides the tuner programming as an output of the system if a program is not in progress when the tuner is selected, and provides the buffered programming as an output of the system if a program is in progress when the tuner is selected.

Abstract: A system for processing video information, the system including a memory configured to store video information, a memory controller coupled to the memory and configured to receive memory requests for the video information, a first video signal processing client coupled to the memory controller. The first video signal processing client including a video signal processor, a buffer coupled to the video signal processor, and a memory request module coupled to the memory controller and to the buffer, the memory request module being configured to submit amortized memory requests to the memory controller.

Abstract: Synchronizing signals in a communication system may include determining the amount of data stored in a buffer, comparing the amount of data to a plurality of threshold levels and adjusting a speed of a clock used for decoding the data based on the comparing. The signals to be synchronized may correspond to a decoder clock in a set top box and to an encoder clock in a head end. The data in the buffer may correspond to packets of data corresponding to compressed audio and video information. The process may also include decoding information based on the clock and slew limited limiting the clock may. The process may further include setting at least one threshold to a calibration threshold during a calibration mode and a post-calibration threshold during a post-calibration.

Abstract: A streaming content management apparatus and method for recording and replaying video and audio data using a real time video indexing function are provided. A streaming content management apparatus of a multimedia broadcast receiver includes a recording unit for recording an incoming content stream in units of segment together with indexes and a player for replaying the content stream recorded by the recording unit in response to an index that is input to request playback from a segment corresponding to the input index. The streaming content management apparatus divides the streaming content incoming through a broadcast channel in units of segment and stores segments of the streaming content with storage index and chapter information such that it is possible to quickly retrieve a playback position using the storage index or chapter information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rearranging valid data within a block of data for transmission along a data path are described herein. By utilizing previously unused bits in data words, the valid data can be transmitted in fewer clock cycles, thereby increasing the availability of the data bus to other masters. An exemplary embodiment of a system for transmitting data along a data bus includes one or more masters, one or more slaves, and a data bus interconnecting the masters and slaves. One of the slaves is a memory controller configured to access data from an external memory device. The memory controller may be further configured to pack video data for transmission along the data bus. One of the masters is a video display controller configured to feed video data to an external video display. The video display controller may be further configured to receive the packed video data and unpack the packed video data for transmission to the video display.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) system includes a processing unit, a system memory coupled to the processing unit by a system memory bus, and an insertion module being coupled to the processing unit for inserting a packet into a PVR bit stream according to packet information. During a packet insertion operation, the processing unit is for reading data from the system memory, processing the data to generate the packet insertion information, and directly transferring the packet insertion information to the insertion module. By directly transferring the packet insertion information generated by the processing unit to the insertion module, memory bandwidth requirements of the system memory are reduced, and data access of the system memory is improved.

Abstract: Self-help or do-it-yourself productions of collegiate athletic contests are generated by the originating institution, and the recorded production is sent by overnight courier to a central digital clearing house. At the clearing house the contents of the recording are loaded onto a computer processor and the video and audio channels are digitally processing to prepare the program for digital storage and retransmission. A web transmitter processor transmits the video recordings of these events to subscribers on demand over wide-band, high-speed Internet connections. The content may be edited at the clearing house. The clearing house provides a custom video player or viewer for each recorded production. The games or meets can be selected by the subscriber, which are indexed in categories including originating institution, type of event, and date of event. The events may also be webcast live or near-real-time, as well as archived.

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 and system are provided in which one DVR device is able to coordinate scheduling of selected TV shows with other DVRs in an interconnected or network environment which includes additional remote recording resources. If one DVR is unable to perform the recording of a selected TV show, other interconnected DVR devices are accessed to record one or more portions of the selected TV program. When a user desires a playback of the recording, the recorded program is played-back from the various networked multiple storage resources, each of which may contain one or more portions of the recorded program.

Abstract: In a method for playing content on a multi-channel media device, the device receives content, which comprises one of cached and streamed content, and plays the content on a first channel of the multi-channel media device. The multi-channel media device detects a first user-interaction and plays content on a second channel in response to the detected first user-interaction, while simultaneously playing the content on the first channel.

Abstract: Most recorded data are necessary program data in the prior art. As the recording area of a recording medium such as a hard disk or an optical medium is increased, however, most recorded data become unnecessary data. Therefore, a demand of easily deleting such unnecessary data becomes stronger. To this end, there is provided a program deleting apparatus in which an unnecessary program extractor extracts specific program data or program data associated with program information and automatically deletes the specific program data and the extracted program data. The program deleting apparatus also can display a list of the extracted unnecessary program information on a monitor to prompt a user to specify unnecessary program or programs to be actually deleted on the basis of the displayed information.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and an information recording medium for storing and reproducing an interactive service capable of efficiently storing and processing interactive signaling information are provided. The information recording medium has recorded thereon interactive signaling information of a digital broadcast and includes a first region storing information on a time when the interactive signaling information occurs, a second region storing a type of the interactive signaling information and identification information; and a third region storing signaling items of the interactive signaling information. In the method and apparatus, filtering and monitoring using hardware or software to acquire interactive signaling information on a service stream for reproducing an interactive service is unnecessary because the signaling information is separately stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for streaming of data from a remote computer to a recordable media production system is described that utilizes a client computer based application that reduces or eliminates the need for caching of data at the production system, as well as increases security and reliability. This is accomplished in the various embodiments with a client computer application that is run at the user level reducing system complexity and the need for system administrator involvement and oversight. The application pushes data to a production system “on the fly” without requiring a cache or extra disk space.

Abstract: A TV-on-demand method comprising recording the broadcasted data stream in consecutive segments of information and using the recorded segments in TV-on-demand applications.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for testing functionality of a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes retrieving a test pattern from a storage device, the test pattern being configured to facilitate testing of at least one component of the STT, decoding the retrieved test pattern, and converting the decoded test pattern to at least one analog signal.

Abstract: A multiplexed display apparatus and method for a digital broadcast receiver are provided. A multi-screen display apparatus for a digital broadcast receiver of the present invention includes a broadcast reception unit for receiving broadcast data of a primary service channel and at least one secondary service channel; a decoding unit comprising a video decoder for decoding video data of all types of video frame of the primary service channel and a predetermined type of video frame of the secondary service channel and an audio decoder for decoding audio data of a predetermined service channel, by time frame; a multiplexed screen processing unit for multiplexing the video data of the primary service channel and the at least one secondary service channel output by the decoding unit; a display unit for displaying the multiplexed video data in the form of multiplexed screen image; and a speaker unit for outputting the decoded audio data in the form of an audible sound wave.

Abstract: A display system for automatically pausing/resuming a function and a control method thereof are provided, wherein the display system includes a photography module, a display module and a control module. The photography module is used to retrieve at least one characteristic of the user. The display module is used to display a video. The control module electrically connected to the display module and the photography module includes a characteristic identification unit and a control unit. The characteristic identification unit is used to identify the characteristics of the user. According to the result of identification, the control unit is used to control the display system to pause/resume a function.

Abstract: An editing device accesses a media program and a user of the editing device designates points of interest within the media program. Bookmarks are generated for the designated points of interest. The bookmarks are transmitted via a network from the editing device to a playback device. During presentation of the media program, the playback device uses the bookmarks to skip to one position of interest to another, as defined by the bookmarks, in response to user commands.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for providing an account identifier from a billing system to a controller that is disposed at the headend of a wide area network (“WAN”) that supports a media content distribution service. In illustrative examples, the WAN is a broadband network to which one or more terminal devices such as STBs are coupled. The billing generates a unique household handle (“HHH”), to identify a particular set of STBs that are associated with a subscriber to the service, which is transmitted to the controller. The controller uses the HHH to prepare a terminal association identifier (“TAI”) that is distributed to the associated STBs. An application programming interface (“API”) resident on each STB is arranged to accept input parameters from one or more applications that run on the STB. The input parameter is typically concatenated with the stored TAI and input to a hashing algorithm.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus for an interactive communication system using a broadcast wave, which includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a transmitting unit. The first storage unit stores a plurality of frames of image data. The second storage unit stores control information which shows links between said plurality of frames of image data stored in the first storage unit, and which indicates a combining of a supplementary design with the image data. These supplementary designs are stored by a receiving apparatus and are combined with the image represented by the image data. The transmitting unit repeatedly transmits a predetermined number of frames of image data together with corresponding control information.

Abstract: A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data.

Abstract: An Intelligent Network Peripheral (INP) is equipped with a recording control processor that is connected to at least one internal or external recording device (e.g., hard drive, disk array, CD-recorder, DVD recorder, and/or tape device). Using the INP, a user may be prompted to perform an activity, such as (1) start a new recording session, (2) playback a recorded session, (3) delete a recorded session, (4) edit recording parameters (e.g., the number of stored frames, the length of a session to record, the resolution of the image to record), and (5) re-run a recorded session. An INP may be incorporated into a Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch, a Rack Connection Manager (RCM) and/or a Pod Extension Module (PEM) for recording at least one of video from and user input to a computer for diagnostic and other purposes.

Abstract: A television menu system generates a television menu that is context sensitive based upon a service currently being provided to a user. In one implementation, a type of television service currently being viewed by a user determines whether particular menu items are presented to the user. In another implementations, determining which channel is being provided dictates whether particular menu options are included.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus has a battery portion which supplies power, a remaining capacity detecting portion which detects a remaining capacity of the battery portion, a remaining time computing portion which computes a remaining time during which processing of an application for information processing can be carried out by the power supplied from the battery portion, on the basis of the remaining capacity detected by the remaining capacity detecting portion, and a display portion which displays the remaining time computed by the remaining time computing portion. In this manner, a user can know a time of an application which can be used with a current remaining battery capacity from a screen.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a display unit which displays a list of information on a first program content stored in a storage unit and information on a second program content to be broadcast. In a case in which the first and second program contents are program contents of the same title broadcast in series and the second program content is broadcast after the first program content, when the necessary playback time of at least part of the first program content that has not been played back is longer than the time interval between the current time point and the broadcast start time point of the second program content, the information on the first program content is excluded from the list display.

Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to easily change between an image display application and the viewing of a program for a digital television, and to improve the usability of the television for operating an image display application. The display change list for a (channel) Up/Down key of a remote controller is dynamically altered so that, during the execution of an image display application, an application screen is displayed by using the Up/Down key. Further, when a memory card is loaded immediately after the television is powered on, a display application can be automatically activated. Furthermore, while a user is watching the television, the contents of a memory card is displayed on a small window in one part of the screen, and execution of the image application controlled by the user. In addition, no icons are displayed while an important program is on displaying.

Abstract: A method of processing video data in a receiver/decoder including at least one port (31) for receiving data and memory means (40) including a data buffer area (45A0, 45A1) for storing incoming data for display, and a graphics buffer area (45Ai) for storing graphics data, said method including passing graphics data stored in the graphics buffer area to the data buffer area for combination with display data stored therein.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed in which a tuning event is detected. Relative statistics are maintained on one or more items related to the tuning event. A list of favorites is created automatically based on the maintained relative statistics. By using relative statistics, ranking of favorites can be maintained efficiently within limited system resources. Furthermore, a viewer can be presented with a selection of favorites based on a number of items without having to program manually the list of favorites.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost. Output bandwidth of broadcast equipment may also be optimized.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending recording and/or downloading suggestions to a DVR user are provided. According to one technique, a list of suggestions is received from a recommending entity. Each of the suggestions identifies either to-be-broadcasted content or downloadable content. The entity is mapped to the list, thereby establishing an entity-to-list mapping. Data, which indicates a user's selection of a list, is received. The user's DVR is mapped to the selected list, thereby establishing a DVR-to-list mapping. Based on this mapping, one or more candidate items are automatically selected from among a set of items. Identities of the candidate items are sent to the DVR. The recommending entity does not own or operate the DVR.

Abstract: A method and system that implement a process for managing video information on a video recording device. The management process involves receiving a video input signal including a video stream, obtaining content information corresponding to the video stream, associating the content information with the video stream, and storing the video stream and associated content information in a database as a searchable index for the video stream. The searchable index includes location of the stored video stream and identifies the associated content information. Then, content information from an input signal corresponding to a video stream is captured for analysis and searching the index to identify stored video streams related to the video program for suggestion to the user.

Abstract: Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.