Abstract: A system may receive a video asset from a content provider. The system may process the video asset to allow a video provisioning system to distribute the video asset to a set top box and another device that is a different type of device than the set top box. Processing the video asset may include verifying that the video asset conforms to one or more predetermined formats, decrypting the video asset, verifying that the video asset complies with a particular standard of quality, or transcoding the video asset in a manner that is supported by the set top box and the other device. The system may store the transcoded video asset.

Abstract: There is disclosed in aspects of the invention a method of evaluating the profit of a substream of encoded video data, a method of operating servers, a network and an apparatus. In the method, a data portion is identified comprising at least some of the data in the substream being evaluated; comparing a decoded version of the video with the data portion present and a decoded version of the video with the data portion removed and calculating an error metric indicative of the distortion between the two versions; and, calculating a profit for the substream dependent upon the error metric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and distributing video information in an interactive information distribution system by storing video information on either a centralized or de-centralized secondary storage partition in a network of provider and subscriber equipment, and therein distributing the video information to a subscriber having made a request for such video information.

Abstract: A method for performing a service action on a particular set top box based on a particular private identifier associated with the particular set top box is disclosed. At a database associated with a service provider, a user record is created. The user record includes a public identifier and a private identifier for each set top box that is available to the user. The public identifier for a particular set top box is accessible by the user and may be used to determine the private identifier for the particular set top box.

Abstract: For interactive television subscribers, a system (10) and method for persistent storage of common information relating to a user (25) required by multiple disparate iTV applications to be shared among said applications to ease the burden of data entry off the user. Subscribers do not have to repeatedly enter the same common user information required by multiple applications. The registration information inputted by a user (25) is logged, temporarily stored in the STB (35), and its contents transmitted to a remote central repository (100) at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing broadcast programs for future transmission to subscribers comprising means for receiving a broadcast channel data stream which comprises a plurality of sequential programs and, a data storage means, wherein, video and audio data relating to each program are extracted from a received broadcast channel data stream and stored on the data storage means at a known position, service information relating to each program is extracted from the data stream and stored at a known position on the data storage means with data identifying the position on the storage means at which the corresponding video and audio data for the program are stored.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device and an information processing program, which may provide a user with information about functions of the electronic device without stress to the user. The electronic device includes: a holding section holding plural pieces of function-introductory information each concerning a plurality of functions of the electronic device; a determination section selecting one out of the plural pieces of function-introductory information, and determining the selected piece of function-introductory information as transmission information to be transmitted to an external display device; and an output section outputting the transmission information.

Abstract: A Headend system including a video codec to encode a video sequence yielding an encoded video sequence having video packets, a multiplexer, a signal generator to receive a notification of a splice point, analyze at least some of the encoded video packets based on the notification in order to find a random-access-point-packet, the random-access-point being a point from which to start decoding the encoded video sequence by the rendering device so that the video sequence may be rendered for output from the splice point, create a timing signal estimating a location of the random-access-point-packet in the encoded video sequence, and output the timing signal to the multiplexer or transmission equipment. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the storage of content on a network and the delivery of content to subscriber locations. According to one system and method, content is delivered to a set-top box from a content source in the process of transmitting the same content to another set-top box. The content source instructs a shared router to duplicate the content such that the content is transmitted to the requesting set-top boxes substantially simultaneously. According to another system and method, a server and cache provide dynamic caching of content such that requests for content are satisfied from the cache if possible. If the requested content is not found in the cache, the content is requested from alternate source and added to the cache. Weight values associated with the stored files are updated such that the more frequently requested files are maintained in the cache.

Abstract: An approach is provided for video monitoring. A video server records an event to output a video master and to generate a video proxy of the master. A monitoring server transmits the video proxy to a central monitoring system that is configured to correlate the video proxy with other video proxies from a plurality of sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A processor is configured to receive a digital video stream, calculate a hash of an I-Frame within the digital video stream, and submit the hash to a server. The processor is further configured to receive location information in response to submitting the hash to the server.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for managing the reception and/or recording of video content on a wireless digital video recorder. In certain embodiments, the wireless digital video recorder comprises a wireless phone with video reception and video recording capabilities. One set of embodiments provides a reception manager for managing the reception of video content by the wireless digital video recorder. Merely by way of example, embodiments of the present invention may provide for monitoring of the signal strength of broadcast video content, and certain embodiments may provide for receiving and displaying information concerning video content available to the wireless digital video recorder. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide for the management of recording and/or storing video content on the wireless digital video recorder e.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for receiving and recording video content on a wireless phone. Merely by way of example, one set of embodiments provides a wireless phone with the capability to receive a broadcast video signal and to decode, digitize and record the broadcast video signal. In other embodiments, the wireless phone has the capability to receive broadcast video signals and/or video signals streamed over a network and to record these signals. In still further embodiments, the wireless phone may receive video content transmitted over a wireless network and may format and/or encode the video content and record the video content. In some embodiments the wireless phone comprises a video player for playing video content.

Abstract: A system and method for associating and controlling multimedia supporting events with a primary event. The events are translated into tasks and sent to media servers for execution at a predetermined time by being further translated into media specific tasks to control a bit-pump.

Abstract: A system for managing storage accesses for rate guaranteed continuous data streams and non-rate-guaranteed storage requests may include a plurality of rate guaranteed requestors for data streams and one or more non-rate guaranteed requestors. A disk scheduler for the system may have a guaranteed rate queue for queuing storage requests from the rate guaranteed requestors and a non-rate-guaranteed queue for queuing requests from the non-rate-guaranteed requesters. The disk scheduler may include a bandwidth allocator coupled to the guaranteed rate queue and the non-rate-guaranteed queue. The bandwidth allocator may be configured to allocate bandwidth of a storage system between the guaranteed rate queue and the non-rate-guaranteed queue according to a predetermined ratio. The rate guaranteed requestors may be limited so that an aggregate of maximum stream rates guaranteed for each rate guaranteed requestor does not exceed the portion of the bandwidth allocated to the guaranteed rate queue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting packets over a network of communication channels are provide. A system according to the invention may include first and second nodes in communication with a coax backbone. The first node may further include a retransmission buffer. The system may also include a network access coordinator operative to coordinate access of the nodes to the coax backbone. In a time period at least one first packet is transmitted by the first node to the second node. The first packet may include an indication that retransmission service is applied. The first packet may also include a indication of the length corresponding to the packet. If, during the first time period the packet is not received by the second node, the second node is operative to send a retransmission request to the network access coordinator.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning television viewing behavior data collected from set top boxes by detecting and correcting various problems that can occur in the viewing data. Three problems that may be detected and corrected by the system include: overflows of memory buffers; inclusion of non-human generated tuning events; and presence of clock offsets. After cleaning the television viewing behavior data, the cleaned data may be used to analyze audience viewing behavior in a manner that achieves a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved by using uncleaned television viewing behavior data.

Abstract: A cache server control device selects cache servers necessary for storing contents to be reproduced, and allows the selected cache servers 300 store the contents to be reproduced; the cache server control device herein uses a first threshold value when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing the content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is increased; and uses a second threshold value, being smaller than the first threshold value, when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing said content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is decreased.

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for information sharing between a portable computing device and a television system includes receiving a spoken input from a user of the portable computing device, by the portable computing device, submitting a digital recording of the spoken query from the portable computing device to a remote server system, receiving from the remote server system a textual representation of the spoken query, and automatically transmitting the textual representation from the portable computing device to the television system. The television system is programmed to submit the textual representation as a search query and to present to the user media-related results that are determined to be responsive to the spoken query.

Abstract: An audio context object gathers multiple channels of audio data from an audio device and stores each channel of data separately in a ring buffer. Clients of the audio context can request any number of channels of data at any interval from the audio context. Multiple clients can share the same audio device. The ring buffer used by the audio context object stores the channels of audio data in a two-dimensional array such that each channel of audio data is stored in contiguous memory.

Abstract: A set top terminal is provided that includes a receiver having at least one tuner for receiving programming content over a content delivery system and a processor operatively associated with the receiver. The set top terminal also includes a switched digital video (SDV) application module operatively associated with the processor. The SDV application module is configured to perform an autodiscovery process by tuning to prescribed autodiscovery frequencies received by the tuner while the SDV application module is being initialized.

Abstract: A method of intelligently degrading the quality of content, such as video clips and music, stored on a mobile device over time. The method takes into account the probability of a user watching each item of content and either encodes the content at a lower bit-rate, or under certain circumstances, restores the content to its original quality by side-loading the content from a network content store. The bit-rate at which the content is to be encoded is linked to the probability of a piece of content being watched. If the probability of an item of content being watched is high, then the item is stored at a high bit-rate, and conversely, for low probabilities of watching, a low bit-rate is used. If required, in order to restore an item to a higher bit rate, the original high bit rate item can be requested from a network content store. The aim being to store as much content as possible in a given finite memory, but to ensure that content which is likely to be watched is not degraded.

Abstract: A distributed content analysis network uses the processing capabilities of customer-premises equipment as subordinate nodes for analyzing multimedia programs. A master node selects a program and identifies subordinate nodes that are available for analysis, which may include both nodes tuned to the program and idle nodes. The master node divides the program into segments for analysis and instructs each subordinate node to analyze a segment. The subordinate nodes then provide analysis results back to the master node, which may build a metadata profile for the program based on the analysis.

Abstract: A device which accesses a video capturing equipment into a next generation network is disclosed in the present invention. The device includes a setting module for reading image formats supported by a video capturing equipment, setting a captured image format of the video capturing equipment according to the image formats and storing the captured image format; a receiving module for receiving an image; a format determining module for reading the stored captured image format; and a converting module for converting the received image from the corresponding image format to an image format supported by the next generation network and outputting the converted image to the next generation network. A method for accessing a video capturing equipment into a next generation network is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: The inventions concerns a network data storage system comprising a storage unit, at least one network client and an intermediate network switch. The storage unit contains at least two data storage servers each comprises a local storage component containing digital file segments of at least one digital file and is adapted to execute a local digital file management method organizing the physical location of the digital file segments. Each data storage server is adapted to communicate with the other data storage servers and to execute a distributed digital file management method. The distributed digital file management method maintains a record of operations and communicates internally with the other data storage servers to obtain information concerning the digital file segments contained on the other data storage servers and an overview of all information concerning all digital files stored on the storage unit.

Abstract: A method performed by a user device connected to a content server, via a public network, that includes sending, to a digital video recorder (DVR) server and via the public network, a request to display images on a display device associated with a local server; receiving, from the DVR server and via the public network, a notification to upload the images, the notification including an address for the content server; selecting a group of images stored on the user device; sending, to the content server and based on the address, the group of images; and sending, to the local server and via a local network, a notification to retrieve the group of images from the content server for display on the display device.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an audiovisual program content preparation method. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a user group (5) is selected, sequences are selected from a chosen audiovisual program content feed, by identifying them using markers, the sequences are extracted using the markets for the chosen audiovisual program content feed, the extracted sequences are saved in a database (9) accessible to the users of said group (5).

Abstract: In an IPTV network, one or more caches may be provided at the network nodes for storing video content in order to reduce bandwidth requirements. Video content titles may be stored in the cache in accordance with a calculated cache arrangement that minimizes the total incremental transport cost of the content traffic.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content provider and a media content processing subsystem communicatively coupled to the media content provider by a network. The media content processing subsystem is configured to receive a first media content instance from the media content provider, and receive a second media content instance from at least one other media content processing subsystem connected to the network. At least a portion of the second media content instance is received concurrently with the receipt of the first media content instance. In certain embodiments, the media content processing subsystem is configured to receive the second media content instance without using a tuner.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless multimedia brokerage service supports sharing of real-time multimedia content whereby a mobile device user can perceive real-time content from a device in visual proximity, such as a nearby display device, and share the content of the display device with another mobile terminal user without the need to download or otherwise directly access the real-time content. The brokerage service can handle the transactional details of obtaining rights to the real-time content and also manage establishing and terminating a real-time multimedia session with the device(s) of the recipient user(s). In some embodiments, the wireless multimedia content brokerage service can proactively obtain subscriptions to content providers based on the location of one or more users. The brokerage service can also proactively obtain and buffer real-time content after receiving a request to share the content, with the buffering allowing for content to be preserved while the recipient user or users are contacted.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: A set top box includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive a digital video stream, calculate a hash of an I-Frame within the digital video stream, and submit the hash to a server. The processor is further configured to receive location information in response to submitting the hash to the server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating advertisements using a media guidance application are provided. In some embodiments, an advertisement database is searched to identify a stored advertisement for display in an advertisement display region of a media guidance application display screen. Upon determining that the advertisement database does not include a suitable stored advertisement, a new advertisement may be generated for display in the advertisement display region.

Abstract: This application describes a method of referencing content in an application. The method comprises, for a content element, creating a reference to the content element and associating that reference with the content element. This enables the content element (for example, text or images) to be dissociated from other features related to content; for example, its presentation on the screen. In this way, control over presentation may be achieved separately from control of the content itself. In an example, a Content Provider provides referenced content to an Operator. A Program Provider sends referenced scenarios to the Operator. The Operator resolves the reference and sends data for broadcast by the Broadcaster.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus detecting a characteristic amount of a group of contents of a series configured of contents corresponding to episodes, the information processing apparatus including: a first generating means for detecting a characteristic amount in a time series of the contents corresponding to the episodes and generate a characteristic amount in the episode based on a detected result; a computing means for computing a representative value of the generated characteristic amount in the episode; a second generating means for arranging the computed representative values corresponding to the episodes in a time series and generate a characteristic amount in the series indicating a characteristic amount in a time series of the group of the contents of the series; and a database means for storing the generated characteristic amount in the series in a database in association with the group of the contents of the series.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of providing a personal broadcasting service according to scheduling are provided. The system for providing a personal broadcasting service includes a producer client which produces and transmits a broadcasting schedule, a broadcasting server which establishes a broadcasting channel according to the broadcasting schedule and provides broadcasting content produced by the producer client through the broadcasting channel, and a viewer client which receives the broadcasting content through the broadcasting channel.

Abstract: A content display-playback system includes a content providing apparatus, a content display-playback apparatus, and an operation control apparatus for controlling the apparatuses. On the basis of operation control by the control apparatus, content is transmitted from the providing apparatus to the display-playback apparatus for display and playback through a network. The control apparatus includes an input operation receiving unit for receiving an operation input, a control signal generating unit for generating a control signal for transmitting and receiving the content among the providing, display-playback, and control apparatuses in response to the operation input, and a storage unit for storing selection-history information.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method to provide a signal using a communication link. The method disposes a passive transponder on the communication link, where that passive transponder includes a memory. The method reads information relating to the communication link from the memory, and then, based upon that information, adjusts certain characteristics of a signal provided using the communication link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a playback apparatus, a method, and a program which can appropriately perform jump playback when content transmitted through a network is played back in real time. A terminal 3 receives stream data transmitted from a server 1, buffers the stream data, and plays back the buffered data. The terminal 3 has multiple buffers to allow content data of the positions of jump destinations that can be specified as a jump destination during jump playback to be pre-buffered in the multiple buffers. As a result, upon receiving a request for jump playback, the terminal 3 can start playback from a jump destination without delay, since the data of the jump destination has already been buffered. The present invention is applied to, for example, television receivers.

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

Abstract: A data providing system in which program deliverers store programs and deliver the stored programs to requesting subscriber terminals has a program allocation control unit that allocates new programs or qualified programs to multiple program deliverers, then selectively deletes the programs from the program deliverers. This allocation scheme assures that even newly added programs can be transmitted efficiently to the subscriber terminals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing distribution of media with a scheduled media event. According to one aspect of the invention, a producer transfers selected content at a server in synchronization with a scheduled media event. Consumer sessions poll the server via a network and retrieve the selected content from the server for presentation thereby, whereby the information being presented at the consumers provides a user experience that is also in synchronization with the media event.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video server apparatus includes a memory, a recorder, a decoder, a controller, a synchronizer, a sync signal transmitter and a time manager. The synchronizer generates sync signals in frame unit. The sync signal transmitter distributes the sync signals generated by the synchronizer in frame unit, to the memory, the recorder, the decoder and the controller. Each of the memory, recorder, decoder and controller includes a time manager. The time manager manages the sync signals distributed.

Abstract: Computer media, systems, and computer-implemented methods for enhancing SMS messaging sessions with user data are provided. A data sharing agreement between a service provider and a receiving entity, such as broadcaster or a consumer goods manufacturer, is established. A user with a wireless device sends an SMS message to the receiving entity. Data associated with the user is retrieved by the service provider in accordance with the data sharing agreement and is transmitted to the receiving entity along with the SMS message.