Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving, storing and displaying television program data. The method includes transmitting data including scheduled program data, program guide data, and cache program data. The method further includes receiving the transmitted data and storing the cache program data. Once a cache television program is selected, the cache program data corresponding to the selected cache television program is retrieved, and a display of the television program is generated for viewing.

Abstract: A device interface for use in a receiver/decoder for a broadcast digital television system in which received signals are passed through a receiver to the receiver/decoder and then to a television set. The receiver/decoder decodes a compressed MPEG-type signal, and is controlled by a remote controller handset, through an interface in the receiver/decoder. The operation of the receiver/decoder is controlled by a virtual machine (VM) which includes a run time engine (RTE). The receiver/decoder includes a plurality of interfaces to external units. The device interface enables an application run by the RTE to access an IEEE 1394 interface.

Abstract: A separating device and method and a signal receiving device and method are presented. The separating device and method receive plural data streams and then separate and extract at least a portion of data from the received data streams. The signal receiving device and method receive plural data streams and then select, separate and extract at least a portion of the data from the data streams. Then the signal receiving device and method apply signal processing to the portion of the data that has been selected, separated and extracted.

Abstract: Improved methods and arrangements are provided for use in selecting candidate television and multimedia programs for recording, recording the candidate programs, viewing the recorded programs, and archiving the recorded programs. At the center of this capability is a time-dependent content buffering arrangement that allows candidate programs to be selected by an intelligent content agent, with the assistance of a bubbling agent, an electronic program guide, a select library listing, and/or a personal profile associated with a particular user. The buffering arrangement selectively records candidate programs in a non-circular manner. Candidate programs may be dropped during recording based on certain information associated with the program. For example, examination of closed captioning information may reveal that the candidate program does not match the initial criteria for making it a candidate program.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.

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: In accordance with the present invention, a filtering process is based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator monitors the current play position of the multimedia content and compares that position with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start position, a stop position, and an filtering action to perform on the portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular navigation object, the navigator activates the filtering action that was assigned to the navigation object. Filtering actions include skipping, muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined by a navigation object. A variety of systems may be used to implement the present invention, such as computer systems (consumer and server), television systems, and audio systems.

Abstract: A circuit and method of interleaving a data stream (DATA) in which the data to be interleaved is contained in separate sections of the data stream. A buffer storage circuit (28) receives and stores the data stream. A first section (T1-T2) of the data stream is transferred to a first memory circuit (62) and a second section (T3-T5) of the data stream is transferred to a second memory circuit (64). A multiplexer circuit (68) receives data from the first and second memory circuits and selects between the first and second sections of the data stream in response to a selection signal to produce an interleaved output signal.

Abstract: A program guide data processing apparatus which can effectively use a frame_filter by effectively combining SCIDs of an SCID_filter (corresponding to the conventional PID_filter) and frame_headers of a frame_filter (correponding to the conventional section_filter), and which can reduce the size of a buffer for storing APG data by effectively using the buffer. The apparatus has the feature that the SCID_filter (PID_filter) and the frame_filter (section_filter) are in a multi-to-multi correspondence by providing at least one SCID corresponding to a respective header of the frame_filter, and the size of the buffer for storing the APG data is ‘(the number of APG_SCIDs)*(the size of the buffer set by a user: the minimum size whereby the buffer is not in full)’.

Abstract: There is provided information processing apparatus/method featured by selecting the desired packets from input stream data containing plural packets multiplexed on time-division basis, counting the number of packets other than the desired packets in the input stream data, and recording, on a recording medium, the data of the desired packets and the information data indicating the number of the counted packets.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiver for setting beforehand, a threshold of free disk space of a file system on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), detection of record termination of a specified program investigates the free disk space of the HDD. The present free disk space is compared with the threshold level of free disk space set up beforehand. If the present free disk space is smaller than the threshold level, a message indicating the free disk space has decreased is displayed automatically, and, if necessary, the present free disk space is displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for achieving quick startup of streaming video content. Streaming video content is provided in two parts generally comprising a static image and dynamic video content. A streaming media player is configured to buffer the static image and display it promptly while buffering the remaining video content in the background. Benefits of the disclosed systems and methods include a reduced waiting period between the selection of video content and the playback of content by a media player.

Abstract: A system and methods provide handling of variable rate playback in a multimedia computer architecture. The systems and methods provide data structures and interfaces that enable a computer architecture and components therein with the ability to playback data at speeds faster and slower than real-time, to playback data in reverse, and to change the rate of playback at any point during playback. One embodiment is a method for providing low-latency, glitch-free changes in a multimedia architecture. Other embodiments are directed to defining multimedia component responsibilities for making rate changes, allowing rate changes to work with standard playback types, coder-decoders, and renderers. The methods include determining a minimum of the maximum reported playback rates and determining minimum and maximum playback rates in a set of modes including: reverse skip mode, reverse key frame mode, reverse full mode, forward full mode, forward key frame mode, and forward skip mode.

Abstract: A video display device is connected to a video signal supply device. The video display device has a plurality of input terminals. The video signal supply device stores the input terminal # of the video display device, which is used to input an initial setting signal from the video signal supply device. Thereafter, when the video signal supply device supplies an analog video signal to the video display device, the video signal supply device informs the video display device of the input terminal # stored during the initial setting processing. The video display device then selects an input terminal based on the informed terminal # to capture the analog video signal from the video signal supply device. The exchange of information relating to the input terminal between the video signal supply device and video display device is executed by using a digital interface based on the IEEE1394 Standard, for example.

Abstract: A system for implementing a detailed and flexible searching function for programs to a data recording/playing device that records broadcast programs such as those delivered on TV. The system includes a search server 20 and a data recording/playing device 10 connected with each other over a network 30. The data recording/playing device 10 stores a data file of a given broadcast program and sends a search request specifying a program and a search condition to the search server 20. The search server 20 holds information on a given program, and at the same time, creates index information to be used for playing the program on the basis of information on the program, and sends the index information back to the data recording/playing device 10 in response to a search request from the data recording/playing device 10.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifting a live broadcast, and facilitating the purchase of live or time-shifted broadcast content. The device records broadcast content being listened to by user, which gives the user the option to replay content. The device and method also provides a preview service that allows the user to experience fresh media content on a regular basis, even where a live signal is not available. The broadcast source broadcasts new content on a regular basis to avoid providing users with stale content. The user identifies content using the device and data is stored that corresponds to the identified content. The broadcast source or a third-party content provider uses the corresponding data to provide the identified content to the user. In addition to audio content, the device also provides and facilitates the acquisition of video, graphics, text or any other media content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording a signal received by a home entertainment system that includes multiple consumer electronics devices interconnected to a central electronics device in a hub and spoke configuration. The configuration allows all signals in the home entertainment system to be accessible by the central electronics device. Accordingly, the central electronics device can process, route, or otherwise respond to any signal. By way of example, any signal can be routed to a recording system, where it can be recorded. The signal is coupled with information from an electronic programming guide that details specific programming. An automatic determination is made as to whether or not there exists enough free space on a recording medium to record a specific program. Upon recording the program on the recording medium, an index is updated on the recording medium from the electronic programming guide information and from the location of the program on the recording medium.

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 multi-volume compact disk player employs a high speed digital memory for storing the beginning portion of each program on each of a plurality of compact disks. When it is desired to play a specific program, the beginning portion in the high speed memory is used to begin the playback while the changer mounts the volume containing the program and then retrieves the remainder of the specific program for reproduction at the conclusion of the playback of the beginning from high speed storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect content skipping by a consumer of a recorded program are disclosed. In a disclosed method, a plurality of recording times of sections of a recorded program are stored in association with playback times of the recorded program. Playback intervals between sequential pairs of the playback times are compared with corresponding recording intervals between sequential pairs of the recording times to determine if any portion of the recorded program was not played back in real time.

Abstract: Identical copies of a streaming program are stored on multiple sources. A client sets up multiple connections with a subset of the sources, and obtains a portion of the streaming program from each source. Because each source supplies only a small portion of the program, upload demands on each source are minimised. The client assembles the received data into a single data stream, reproducing the original file for access.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for resuming reproduction of a program from a point at which the viewing was paused.

Abstract: A mobile entertainment and informational system includes cellular interconnectivity capability, a user interface for identifying music or video selections which can then be acquired through existing cellular networks. A CD/DVD player can be provided, along with a USB port for connection to a personal computer, for example to download selections therefrom. The unit can operate as a cellular telephone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), web browser, and music and video player.

Abstract: A first video receiver is controlled to interrupt live watching of a television broadcast program; and thereafter, a second video receiver installed in another location can be controlled to continue display of the program from the interrupted point in the program.

Abstract: A circulating memory apparatus and a data storage and distribution system using a circulating recording area effectively and having an improved access efficiency to the circulating recording area are disclosed. A memory area secured in a disk unit is used in circulation thereby to record the time series input data. The time series input data are edited into a data block of a predetermined size including a plurality of subblocks, and written into the disk unit by data block. In response to a request for outputting specific data, the data are read by subblock from the disk unit into a cache memory thereby to selectively output the specific data contained in the subblocks.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein include a system and method for delivering content within a network of interactive televisions. In accordance with one embodiment of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein, the system distributes media content, such as video and music, across a communications network comprising at least one server and at least one client device. Users of the system utilize a client device to access the media content, to view a preview or a description of the media content, and to purchase the media content. The client device receives the media content from the server, and the client device stores the media content within a storage device on the client device. The client device employs interface devices to facilitate user interaction with the system. The server records the purchase of media content and other activities and preferences of the user of the client device.

Abstract: A process (500) for storing video and text data samples, is disclosed. The process (500) may be implemented within a video surveillance system (100). The system (100) comprises video cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) connected to a communications network (2220), such as the Internet or an Intranet. Each of the cameras (110, 111, 112 and 113) is independently responsible for the capture of video data. The system (100) also comprises a viewer (2200) for processing and displaying captured video data.

Abstract: An HTTP based video streaming apparatus and method of a mobile communication system is disclosed. A memory, such as a storing disk, stores content files received from a server of a transmitting party, a random access searching unit searches the random access point in the memory and transmits a content file request message to the transmitting server if the random access point does not exist in the memory, and a display unit displays the files from the random access point. Therefore, HTTP streaming service from a random point required by a user can be provided when the streaming has begun, and the random access function can be supported by even if the part required by the user has not yet been transmitted to receiving party.

Abstract: An information storage medium on which a plurality of titles are recorded, and a reproducing apparatus and method thereof. The information storage medium includes a plurality of titles which are reproduced as motion pictures and a plurality of units of attribute information that correspond to the titles and indicate whether a user can control a title to be reproduced. Therefore, efficient navigation can be ensured and the titles can be reproduced as a manufacturer of the information storage medium has planned.

Abstract: A method of managing and playing a title of a medium, the medium playing a deleted video title set (VTS) even after finalization of recording of a medium. The medium includes a first area recording video title sets and a second area recording search information used to play a deleted video title set among video title sets that have been recorded to the first area before recording of the medium is finalized.

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: Motion picture distribution is performed by converting the motion pictures into digital video signals, combining the video signals with code elements or icons positioned in the active picture area of images formed by the video signals and sent via satellite to theaters or other receiving locations. The video signals are stored at the receiving locations and displayed repetitively to audiences by means of a projection television system. The coded areas in the pictures are used to transmit motion picture identification, theater authorization and other information which can be used to control the distribution and display of the motion pictures. Reports regarding playing of the motion picture are transmitted from each display site to the offices of the remote distributor. Motion pictures are edited by converting the film into video signals, inserting coded areas into the active picture areas of the video signals to provide time codes, edge codes and related information useful for editing.

Abstract: A data reception and playback apparatus that enables reception of data to be played back next to be performed to the fullest extent possible without degrading the playback quality of data being played back, allowing a plurality of data to be played back seamlessly. In this apparatus, a schedule control section decides the pre-read schedule (pre-read amount and pre-read time interval) of media data to be played back next based on a receive buffer decrease speed input from a receive buffer observation processing section, and outputs a data acquisition request command to a data request processing section in accordance with this pre-read schedule. Data request processing section converts the data acquisition request command for AV2 data input from a schedule control section to a data request signal, outputs this signal to a communication processing section, and executes AV2 data small-amount pre-read processing for a server.

Abstract: A method for a PPV referral that provides to a subscriber the time, date, and channel of the next showing of a PPV event if the subscriber tries to purchase the PPV event after the purchase window is closed for the current showing. The subscriber is provided information on the next showing of the PPV event regardless of when or on which channel the next showing occurs. In addition, a method and system for providing a single multipurpose PPV channel that a subscriber tunes for all PPV services. There can be a single multipurpose PPV channel for all PPV services or single PPV channels for groups of similar services, such as a Family PPV channel. Each represents a single multipurpose channel of similar programming. Once a subscriber purchases a PPV event, the HCT tunes to the MPEG transport stream and program information for the selected PPV event and displays the PPV event on the single multipurpose PPV channel at its associated start time. The subscriber does not have to select another channel.

Abstract: A stand-alone digital media player is provided in connection with a removable media storage device which includes an audio panel (start/stop, forward, reverse, eject buttons), audio control circuitry, audio output and power source. The removable media storage device may be used as an internal/external storage device and as a digital media player by virtue of audio playback functionality added to the removable media storage device and/or a portable adapter housing coupled to the removable media storage device. Where the power source is a rechargeable batter included in the removable media storage device, the battery will recharge when attached to the portable computer when running on AC Power and provide additional backup power to the portable computer when needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building and maintaining a database in a digital television receiver from information received in MPEG and PSIP tables uses the MPEG tables as a master to facilitate creating, updating, and deleting the database. Each database entry is encapsulated in a memory chain control structure such that freeing memory does not require consideration of the specific content of data in the database.

Abstract: A reception apparatus having its reception operation controlled based on initially recorded reserved information comprises an input section configured to receive reservation information as an input, a recording section configured to record the reservation information inputted by the input section, a deciding section configured to decide whether or not any of those reserved information recorded on the recording section conflicts with the reservation information inputted at the input section, and a display section configured to display a result of decision by the deciding section.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for sharing the capabilities of consumer electronic devices. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a task involving audio/video content from a user, identifying which device in an interconnected system of devices is operable to initiate the performance of the task, and assigning responsibility for the performance of the task to the identified device. The interconnected system includes two or more devices at remote locations.

Abstract: A system for capturing a video image of the scene and for correlating data relative to the scene is disclosed. The system comprises a collection device which uses as inputs environmental stimuli and video and audio stimuli which correlates the various data such that statistical analysis can be performed.

Abstract: The integrated circuit comprises: a shared memory connected to a bus; an audio/multiplex/de-multiplex processor accessing the shared memory via the bus; a video processor performing heavy processes accessing the shared memory via the bus; and a local memory accessed by the video processor without passing through the bus. Avoiding latency time caused by access contention, probability that the integrated circuit can complete processes to be done in real time increases. Image data is displayed on the display device smoothly without deterioration of quality of display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of control of the displaying of audiovisual transmissions by a receiver furnished with means of receiving and of recording audiovisual transmissions. The method comprises a step of recording a first transmission selected by the user; and following an action by the user to display the recorded transmission, a step of reading a transmission of a second type prerecorded in the recording means (this transmission being for example of advertising type), and a step of displaying the transmission of the second type before the end of the displaying of the first transmission for a duration stored in the receiver, the displaying of the transmission of the second type being a condition for displaying the first transmission.

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: The system of the present invention includes an output device for generating media representation of media content extracted from a media receiver. The system includes an extraction module for extracting of media content from the media receiver. The output device generates a representation of media content extracted. Additionally, a media transfer interface permits communication between the output device and the media receiver. The methods of the present invention include a extracting media content from a media receiver, generating a representation of media content, and communicating with the media receiver through a media transfer interface. Methods of the system further include scheduling actions of the media receiver to occur at predefined times, recording and playing media content, and generating a schedule display of media programs by performing optical character recognition on the schedule displayed on a schedule channel.

Abstract: An integrated telephony and video system allows a viewer of a program to selectively accept a telephone call based on caller identification information and automatically buffer the program upon acceptance of the call. When the call is terminated, the buffered program is played from the point of interruption until the buffered program is the same as the real-time program. The system may store data about the call, such as the caller identification information and length of the call. Such data may be used to determine a compression format for the buffered program. Such data may also be used to generate a list of callers for whom the user desires to be interrupted while viewing the program.

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 erasion level appending range of a file is instructed. According to this instruction, the erasion level is set. When this setting range does not agree with the cell unit of the current cell, the current cell is divided to set a sequence of divided cells. Playback management information of each of the divided cells and current cell is re-created, and erasion level information is appended to playback management information of the divided cell that belongs to the appending range.

Abstract: A multimedia optical disc for recording main video data which is composed of sets of frame data that is processed beforehand to allow compatibility with displays of a plurality of aspect ratios. The disc has a stream area storing streams made up of the main video data and a plurality of sets of sub-picture data, with each set of sub-picture data including a set of tel-op data and a set of coordinate information showing a display position of the set of tel-op data. The disc also includes a control area storing a plurality of pairings of a set of display mode information and a set of sub-picture indicating information. Each set of display mode information shows a species of display method according to which the frame data is to be processed for a case when the frame data decoded from the main video data is displayed at one of the plurality of aspect ratios.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game process of an RPG stored in an optical disk. The CPU refers to state data of a player possessing item (specific item) stored in a main memory, and when the state data of the specific item shows a predetermined state, an actionable time-period of a player character (leading character) in a game world is extended.

Abstract: A sub-picture category (SP_CAT) is added to a sub-picture unit header (SPUH) configuring a sub-picture unit, and a flag “Raw” indicating pixel data run length compression/non-compression is provided in the header. Original data with a 4-bit/1-pixel configuration is subjected to run length compression, and if the data after compression exceeds the size of the original data, flag “Raw”=1 (non-compression) is specified. If the data is slightly compressed, flag “Raw”=0 (compression) is specified, thereby enabling efficient recording of sub-picture information in a recording medium.