Abstract: A system and method for utilizing data stored in an EPG database for modifying advertisement information. In this way, a service provider and/or an advertiser can transmit a single advertisement to all the television stations regardless of their geographic location and other user specific information, and need not re-transmit the advertisement even if there is a change in the show's program description. When the advertisement is displayed, the correct updated information is retrieved from the EPG database and inserted into the advertisement. In one aspect, the present invention describes a method for modifying an advertisement in an EPG comprising the steps of: storing television schedule information in a first database; storing advertisement information in a second database; incorporating a portion of the television schedule information into a portion of the advertisement information to form a modified advertisement; and displaying the modified advertisement on a screen.

Abstract: A video system has an input port to receive video data that includes a plurality of premium contents and has an output port to couple to a video display for displaying video data selected by a viewer. A preference engine is coupled to the input port and is configured to track viewer selections of the video data and to create a viewer profile representing viewing preferences of the viewer. A promotion module, which is coupled to the preference engine and the output port, is responsive to the viewer profile to select at least one preferred promotion content from the plurality of premium contents, to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be stored and to cause the selected preferred promotion content to be displayed to entice the viewer to watch a premium content associated with the selected preferred promotion content.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) providing apparatus and method to collectively manage broadcast content using stored EPG information are provided. The EPG providing apparatus includes a storing unit which stores broadcast content and EPG information, an EPG screen configuring unit which configures an EPG screen including information on past, current, and future broadcast content using the EPG information, and a control unit which collectively manages broadcast content provided on the EPG screen based on a user input signal.

Abstract: A broadcast apparatus broadcasts broadcast data. In the broadcast apparatus, an acquiring unit acquires broadcast data and a reproduction time period in which the broadcast data is to be reproduced by a reception apparatus, and a broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the broadcast data from a predetermined time period before a start of the reproduction time period to an end of the reproduction time period.

Abstract: A method for managing a user's preference option in a broadcast receiver receiving data broadcasting, a class/interface structure for controlling the same, and a broadcasting receiver for controlling the class/interface receiver can solve a problem encountered when a data broadcast-associated application partially overlaps with a Native application. A method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for setting a function, wherein the function is supported by at least one of a data broadcast-associated application and an application native to a broadcast receiver; accessing setting authority information in response to the request; and storing data associated with the function based on the setting authority information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a receiving and display system including, a receiving apparatus, and a display terminal, wherein, the receiving apparatus receiving data from outside and the display terminal displaying information by receiving data from the receiving apparatus, wherein, upon receipt of an upgraded program from outside, the receiving apparatus checks to determine whether the upgraded program is destined for the receiving apparatus or for the display terminal, the receiving apparatus further writing the upgraded program to a storage device of the receiving apparatus if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the receiving apparatus, the receiving apparatus further transferring the upgraded program to the display terminal if the upgraded program is found to be destined for the display terminal, and wherein the display terminal writes the upgraded program transferred from the receiving apparatus to a storage device of the display terminal.

Abstract: A personal video recorder (PVR) apparatus, in which an advertisement is provided, includes a broadcasting signal receiver to receive a broadcasting signal transmitted from a broadcasting station, an electronic program guide (EPG) analyzer to analyze EPG information included in the broadcasting signal, an editor to edit certain advertisement data according to the analysis result of the EPG analyzer, and an outputter to output the broadcasting signal received by the broadcasting signal receiver and the advertisement data edited by the editor. With such a PVR apparatus an advertisement can be provided that suits the characteristics of a user and is displayed to the user at a set time.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a plurality of recording media, an operation unit receiving an operation from a user, a communication unit outputting data stored on the recording media to an external device, and a controller displaying, on a display unit, a setting screen for setting a mode for outputting data via the communication unit and to control the apparatus on the basis of information input on the setting screen. The controller displays, as the setting screen, a function selection screen enabling the user to simultaneously select a recording medium serving as a source from which data is output via the communication unit and a function to be executed. On the basis of information input on the function selection screen using the operation unit, the controller performs a setting operation to output data recorded on the selected recording medium in accordance with a communication mode based on the selected function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information on broadcasting contents are provided. The method includes: storing received information on an electronic program guide (EPG); generating meta-data of recorded broadcasting contents based on the EPG information and storing the meta-data; and displaying the EPG information and information on the recorded broadcasting contents based on the meta-data on a screen.

Abstract: A method of displaying a user interface for a time shift function and a personal video recorder (PVR) using the same are provided. The method includes: displaying a user interface on a screen; displaying, on the user interface, a broadcasting time of a currently playing program; and displaying a status of broadcast recording on the user interface. The user interface is in the form of an analog watch.

Abstract: A method of displaying a progress bar and to a television receiver using the same, enables a plurality of stored broadcast programs to be identified according to broadcast channel or broadcast program. The method includes steps of pre-storing, in a memory of the television receiver, a plurality of display characterization indicators, the pre-stored indicators being arranged in a table of the memory to correspond to a plurality of broadcast program characteristics of at least one broadcast signal; storing, in a personal video recorder of the television receiver, a broadcast signal received by the television receiver in real time; periodically extracting broadcast program markers from the received broadcast signal, each marker being indicative of at least one of the plurality of broadcast program characteristics; and displaying the progress bar according to the extracted broadcast program markers, the displayed progress bar being superposed on a display of the broadcast signal.

Abstract: In a recording/reproducing apparatus using a hard disk drive (HDD), a connection confirmation/processing program (program for confirming connection with an external equipment and conducting processing required for that connection) which can be executed during starting time of the HDD is stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) of a microcomputer, and a recording/reproduction control program which cannot be executed until the HDD becomes accessible and is greatly affected by extension of the functions and modification of the specification is stored in the HDD.

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 workd. Viewer interaction is by way of a remote control unit.

Abstract: In a storage system that includes multiple disk drives, the disk drive packaging density is increased, and maintainability and serviceability, as well as cooling performance, are improved. The storage system includes multiple racks, multiple disk drives and multiple cooling devices. The multiple racks are arranged to form a substantially polygonal cylinder-shaped central space used to enable maintenance work to be carried out. Furthermore, an entrance area for a worker to enter the central space is formed between a first rack and a second rack among the multiple racks. The multiple disk drives are detachably mounted to one side of inside and outside of the multiple racks, and are arranged to form a first surface in each of the multiple racks. The multiple cooling devices are arranged to form a second surface in each of the multiple racks. The second surface is substantially parallel to the first surface.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for processing data according to data types. The data processing method is performed by a slave processor and a main processor, wherein the slave processor stores and reads data and the main processor is connected to the slave processor to process the data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating a description record from multimedia information including, e.g., video data. A multimedia information input interface is used to receive multimedia information. A computer processor receives the multimedia information, processes the video information by performing video object extraction processing to generate video object descriptions from the video information, processes the generated video object descriptions by object hierarchy construction and extraction processing to generate video object hierarchy descriptions, and processes the generated video object descriptions by entity relation graph descriptions.

Abstract: Broadcasting is received in a desk peripheral, to store coded video data in a memory card. A portable viewing apparatus decodes the coded video data stored in the memory card, to display video on a liquid crystal display panel. Channel selection information for receiving the broadcasting in the desk peripheral is fed from the memory card. The portable viewing apparatus stores the channel selection information in the memory card by user entry. The portable viewing apparatus is supplied with charging power from the desk peripheral.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

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 transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of providing broadcast informations, comprising: a receiving processing unit for receiving both program and advertisement informations broadcasted and for extracting only the advertisement information therefrom; a reproducing unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching both the program and advertisement informations from the receiving processing unit and for re-producing both the program and advertisement informations; an accumulating unit being connected to the receiving processing unit for fetching only the extracted advertisement information from the receiving processing unit and for accumulating the advertisement information; and a control unit being operable by an operator and being connected to both the accumulating unit and the reproducing unit for fetching at least operator-selected one of the accumulated advertisement informations from the accumulating unit and for transferring the at least operator-selected advertisement information to t

Abstract: Electronic television program guide information is downloaded, stored and searched by a local device. A plurality of linked lists are used to remove redundancy, increase search speed, and allow dynamic categories. When a new category is encountered a new head node for a link list data structure is created. When a first program guide object containing information related to that category is downloaded, a link is made (i.e., a pointer is stored) from the head node to the guide object. When subsequent program guide objects containing information related to that category are downloaded, links are added to the end of the list or inserted in alphabetical order. As guide objects expire the links are removed. When no links remain in a particular category the head node for that category is deleted.

Abstract: A real-time compensation apparatus and method for a digital TV that can update the present time without addition of a non-volatile memory or RTC. The apparatus includes a first control section for controlling a power supply of a system, updating a time by dividing a system clock, and outputting a reserved recording signal according to comparison result of the present time with a user's reserved recording time; and a second control section for transmitting the reserved recording information stored in a flash memory and the present time to the first control section if the power supply is off, and outputting a load control signal so that output of video and audio is performed according to the signal outputted from the first control section according to the user's reserved recording time.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A network component of an apparatus in one example determines one or more usage characteristics of a mobile communication device for a cellular communications network and one or more usage characteristics of the mobile communication device for a satellite communications network.

Abstract: A viewer can save content and context related to a transaction conducted via an interactive television system. The transaction can involve obtaining information or ordering goods/services available from the Internet via the interactive television system. As an example, while the viewer is watching a television commercial on a first screen, the viewer can defer a transaction, capable of being conducted on a second screen, related to a product advertised in the television commercial or defer the viewing of the television commercial itself. Information related to the television commercial may be saved in a shopping cart for subsequent processing. Later, when the viewer wishes to continue the transaction or view the television commercial, the viewer may retrieve the shopping cart information, replay the television commercial, and then complete of the previously deferred transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that provides rate controlled insertion of asynchronous data into a synchronous stream in a broadcast system. A calculation of the transmission time for an asynchronous data file is determined from the file size, available data transfer rate, redundancy transmission factor, bandwidth scale factor and connect time latency. Transmission time may be employed to schedule transmission of asynchronous data for use at a predetermined time. Transmission time for multiple files may be combined to determine a transmission start time for a first file such that a last asynchronous file is transmitted by a predetermined time.

Abstract: Method and system for audio synthesis of a digital data file representing an assembly of information-bearing sounds in digital form. One or more spaced apart data segments are designated as key blocks and are removed from the original data file. The remainder of the data file is encrypted or otherwise encoded and communicated to a selected recipient on a first channel. Locations, sizes and separation distances of key blocks from each other within the original data file and a selected portion of the encoding or encryption key are placed in a data supplement. The removed segments and data supplement (optional) are communicated to the selected recipient on a second channel and/or at another time. The original data file is recovered by using the data supplement information, or using already available information, decoding or decrypting the encoded or encrypted data file and replacing the removed segments within the data file remainder.

Abstract: The contents transmission scheduling unit 103 prepares a transmission schedule so that contents data of CM1, CM2, and CM3 as the cache target programs are transmitted prior to the starting time of the reproduction time periods of these programs. The contents transmission scheduling unit 103 prepares the transmission schedule so that the contents data of the cache target programs are transmitted using a narrow bandwidth in a time period a predetermined time period before the starting time of the reproduction time periods of these programs, and the bandwidth is widen after the time period.

Abstract: A method for efficiently transmitting several multimedia streams to one or more multimedia receivers is disclosed comprising: defining a minimum acceptable time for rendering a multimedia stream to a user when the user selects a particular stream; defining a packet size for packets containing data for each multimedia stream, the packet size defined based on one or more performance characteristics of mass storage devices on the one or more multimedia receivers; concurrently transmitting the packets for each multimedia stream to the one or more multimedia receivers; continually storing the multimedia streams on the mass storage devices; and playing back the multimedia content from the mass storage devices responsive to a user tuning to a particular multimedia stream when a delay greater than the minimum acceptable time would otherwise result waiting for a next packet containing data for the particular multimedia stream to arrive.

Abstract: Method for controlling a memory in a digital system, including the steps of (a) dividing the memory into a plurality of fixed sized memory blocks, (b) defining at least one of the memory blocks as a compression/decompression region, (c) assigning compression priorities to rest of the memory blocks except the memory blocks defined as the compression/decompression region, and (d) making the memory blocks to deal with an external data received according to an external command, and carrying out compression/decompression of data required in the dealing with the external data at the compression/decompression region according to the compression priorities.

Abstract: The invention which is the subject of this application relates to the ability to utilize a receiver and processing means for received data in the reception of multiple transport streams of data. Processing components which are included in receiver apparatus are provided with the ability to only receive one transport stream of data at any one time. In the current invention, in order to present to the processing components in the receiver, one single transport stream, but still allow the receiver apparatus to receive multiple transport streams of data, there is provided a means of initially processing the received multiple streams of data which involves the steps of demultiplexing the data from the multiple transport streams, re-mapping the data, selecting packets of data in accordance with user and receiver selection criteria and then multiplexing the said selected packets of data into a single stream of data which can then be presented to the processing components.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus suitable for accessing synchronized data in a broadcast system are disclosed. A synchronized data accessing system providing an interface that can be used by a data requester to access synchronized data is disclosed. The data requester can initiate a request to access synchronized data using the interface, and data can be made available and accessed by the data requester through the interface.

Abstract: A video apparatus having variable OSD (on-screen display) graphic data and a method therefor. The video apparatus receives or downloads OSD graphic data from an external OSD graphic data source, to enable a user to alter the OSD display data without having to store a large number of different types of OSD display data. The video apparatus may be a television receiver set, a web television receiver set, a web video camera or some other video appliance.

Abstract: In a digital receiver which can easily store broadcast information, a one-period amount of data is separated from a data broadcast signal. The one-period amount of data has an amount of data corresponding to plural frames which are periodically repetitively transmitted in the data broadcast signal. The one-period amount of data is stored in a data storage device, thereby simplifying the construction of the data storage device.

Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a tailored content stream to respective clients from a server. A client profile is generated for each of the respective clients. From a plurality of related streams, streams are selected to send to each respective client based on the respective client profile. Each respective client is sent only the respective selected streams for the client.

Abstract: A removable memory device is inserted into a channel information source computer, such as computer connected to the Internet, and channel map information is downloaded to it. The removable device is then removed from the source computer and engaged with a television to download the channel map into the television, thereby avoiding prolonged autoprogramming by the television's receiver.

Abstract: A reception apparatus records a content distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a hard disk. Following an instruction from a viewer, the reception apparatus reproduces the content. The reception apparatus transmits management information including identification information about the content recorded on the hard disk to a management apparatus. The management apparatus stores the information in a management information storage. When the hard disk of the reception apparatus fails, a replacement hard disk is attached to the management apparatus. The management apparatus retrieves, based on the stored management information, the same content as the content recorded on the hard disk of the reception apparatus from a content distribution apparatus, etc., and records the retrieved content on the replacement hard disk. The hard disk of the reception apparatus is then replaced with the replacement hard disk with the content recorded thereon.

Abstract: A system for providing a data broadcast service for digital television receivers. The system includes a data authoring system for creating a program description, a data service encoder for combining the description with other information and encoding it, and a multiplexer for using the encoded data service information into a transport data stream. A receiver at the client end receives the transport data stream and extracts the data and the audiovisual program and builds a summary for the viewer.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a digital broadcast system, and it is an object of the invention to record contents quickly in a broadcast system which implements interactivity by transmitting a set of data repeatedly, wherein a digital broadcast receiver separates a table corresponding to video images from streams in an arbitrary order and repeats the processing of memorizing the video image data to be identified in the order of obtaining the same by means of the table corresponding to the video images until all of the set of video images have been memorized. This allows for performing, in a short time, storage process of video image data broadcast for the purpose of efficient reproduction by a receiver having no storage function. Additionally, the data is available to viewers at any time after the completion of storage thereof.

Abstract: An audio-on-demand communication system provides real-time playback of audio data transferred via telephone lines or other communication links. One or more audio servers include memory banks which store compressed audio data. At the request of a user at a subscriber PC, an audio server transmits the compressed audio data over the communication link to the subscriber PC. The subscriber PC receives and decompresses the transmitted audio data in less than real-time using only the processing power of the CPU within the subscriber PC. According to one aspect of the present invention, high quality audio data compressed according to lossless compression techniques is transmitted together with normal quality audio data. According to another aspect of the present invention, metadata, or extra data, such as text, captions, still images, etc., is transmitted with audio data and is simultaneously displayed with corresponding audio data.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a programme for presentation as a sequence of programme elements from a set of pre-recorded programme elements which may be transmitted to a receiver. Programme elements each representing for example an event are classified on the basis of programme element content, that is the nature of the event to which the programme element relates. Each programme element is allocated to at least one of the predetermined set of classes and each programme element is stored with at least one associated programme classification code. The classification codes identify the class to which the associated programme element has been allocated. A programme element is generated by selecting at least one programme classification code and presenting programme elements associated with that selected at least one programme classification code. Users are able to generate programmes based on for example the perceived value of individual programme elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling display of content signals begins by receiving a content signal that includes video content and at least one associated content control indicator. The content signal may also include audio content associated with the video content. The processing continues by comparing the at least one associated content control indicator (e.g., a rating of mature subject matter of the content signal) with at least one content control setting (e.g., a parental setting based on allowable viewing of rated content signals). When the associated content indicator compares unfavorably to the content control setting, a video graphics processor scrambles the at least a portion of the video content. The scrambled video content is then provided to a video rendering device for subsequent display.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for accessing data that is periodically transmitted by a broadcaster. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a receiver capable of reception of data is disclosed. The data is transmitted by a broadcaster in a broadcasting system. The receiver reduces the delay conventionally encountered in accessing periodically transmitted data in a broadcasting system.

Abstract: A video and graphics system includes a data transport processor for receiving compressed data streams, a video transport processor for extracting video data, and an audio decode processor for extracting audio data. The data transport processor provides PCRs to the video transport processor and the audio decode processor. The video transport-processor stores the video data in external memory and generates a start code table to index the video data stored the external memory. In the start code table SLICEs of the video data are aligned to a suitable boundary. The compressed data streams may include MPEG Transport streams, and the video data may include SDTV or HDTV data. The video and graphics system may be implemented on an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing and accessing media content received via a plurality of display channels and stored in a plurality of buffers in a storage device. The system associates the plurality of buffers with a composite buffer file.