Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing a first and second media stream are describe, wherein said first and second media stream are being transmitted by at least one media source in a network via a first and second media path to one or more terminals. The method comprises: measuring timing information associated with arrival times of media packets in said first and second media stream using a measuring module positioned at a first location in said first and second media paths; in said network generating buffer instructions for at least one buffer on the basis of said timing information, said buffer being positioned at a second location in at least one of said first or second media path; and, delaying one or more media packets transmitted over said media path to said one or more terminals such that arrival times of media packets at said one or more terminals are substantially synchronized.

Abstract: On a recording medium, stereoscopic and monoscopic specific areas are located one after another next to a stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area. The stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area is a contiguous area to be accessed both in stereoscopic video playback and monoscopic video playback. The stereoscopic specific area is a contiguous area to be accessed immediately before a long jump occurring in stereoscopic video playback. In both the stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area and the stereoscopic specific area, extents of base-view and dependent-view stream files are arranged in an interleaved manner. The extents on the stereoscopic specific area are next in order after the extents on the stereoscopic/monoscopic shared area. The monoscopic specific area is a contiguous area to be accessed immediately before a long jump occurring in monoscopic video playback. The monoscopic specific area has a copy of the entirety of the extents of the base-view stream file recorded on the stereoscopic specific area.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for outputting video and allowing a user to switch between different audio steams in a synchronous manner without impacting the timeline of the audio presentation. The audio and video streams may be directed to a single sporting event. For example, a user can view video associated with a national television broadcast of a baseball game, and switch between the audio from the national broadcast and the audio from the radio broadcast. Similarly, the user can view video associated with a local television broadcast, and switch between the audio from the national, regional, and/or radio broadcast. As any sport fan would appreciate, such flexibility enables users to watch the video with, e.g., the best quality and camera angle, while at the same time listening to the audio or broadcaster they find the most appealing.

Abstract: A media playout system for playing out media to receiver units, the system comprising: a broadcast data channel; a playout arrangement for broadcasting over the broadcast data channel enhanced content data associated with video data; a distribution unit for receiving the broadcast data and distributing it to the receiver units, and comprising a buffer for storing enhanced content data, and a transmission controller responsive to signalling from the playout arrangement to retrieve enhanced content data from the buffer and make it available to the receiver units.

Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating distribution of content are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method of facilitating demand-driven population and management of online content within a video-on-demand (VOD) service includes receiving trend information and a link reference at one or more input ports, the reference being at least indirectly indicative of a location at which the content is available, and obtaining and normalizing, by way of one or more processing devices, metadata pertaining to the content. The method further includes determining business rule information pertaining to the content based at least indirectly upon the trend information, content provider policy information, and the normalized metadata, via the processing device(s), and outputting via one or more output ports the business rule information for receipt by the VOD service, whereby availability and prioritization of the content at the VOD service is based at least in part upon the output business rule information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus, including: an application data transmission section adapted to transmit data of an application for HbbTV; and an table transmission section adapted to transmit an table including an application profile which represents one or more additional functions to the application and is configured from a first bit region of high-order n bits and a second bit region of lower-order (16-n) bits which represent presence or absence of functions allocated to bit positions thereof with a bitmap structure and wherein, in the first bit region, values for changing over the functions to be allocated to the bit positions in the second bit region are set.

Abstract: Reproduction of digital data using a fallback mechanism is disclosed. The digital data can be reproduced in a first mode and in an at least second mode, the operability of a selected mode is monitored and in a situation of failure, a switching between the mode in which a failure is detected to a mode which is operable can be made, so that least some functionality is ensured. An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus being operable in a first mode where the digital data is accessed in a first format, and the apparatus being operable in an at least second mode where the digital data is accessed in at least a second format. Also a system, a method, a computer readable code and a data stream are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method of multicast includes assigning a pilot sequence to each program from among a plurality of programs such that each program has a unique pilot sequence. The method further includes broadcasting the unique pilot sequences for the plurality of programs.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a content delivery subsystem configured to receive media content from a content provider and transmit the media content over a network to a content processing subsystem configured to process and provide the media content for presentation to an end user. The content delivery subsystem is further configured to maintain resource data associated with at least one of the media content and the content provider, make at least a subset of the resource data available to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in an end user interface, provide a content customization portal for access by the content provider, authenticate the content provider accessing the content customization portal, receive custom content from the authenticated content provider via the content customization portal, validate the custom content, and provide the custom content to the content processing subsystem for inclusion in the end user interface.

Abstract: iTV content is created and deployed using a server component adapted to allow content developers to create applications according to an authoring specification that describes a framework for same; a transport component configured to optimize and deliver the applications to one or more clients; and a client component adapted to render the applications through a television so as to permit user interaction therewith. The authoring specification provides for the presentation of content through one or more templates defined therein, allowing application definition and behavior to remain common across multiple client device types, middleware platforms, and/or iTV operating environments.

Abstract: A method, executed by a processor, for selecting content segments to serve to a viewer based on time-delayed television content viewed by the viewer includes receiving by the processor, a notification for a visit by the viewer to the resource; accessing by the processor, a time-delayed content viewing history; and in response to the notification, identifying by the processor, based on the history, one or more content segments to serve at the resource.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: A viewer viewing audio-visual content on an audio-visual display (12) advantageously can receive information as to potential sources of alternative audio (241-24n) via a set-top box (14). The set-top-box collects metadata identifying the audio-visual content viewed by the viewer and provides that metadata to a database (26) that searches for and identifies to the set-top-box the source(s) of alternative audio-if any. The set-top box will alert the viewer who can then select one of the identified sources of alternative audio in place of the audio embedded in the currently viewed audio-visual content.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A multimedia information receiving apparatus receives multimedia information which is transmitted by a broadcast system and receives multimedia information which is simultaneously transmitted by another transmission system such as IP communications, and generates one received information by selecting elements having a few errors from elements of demodulated broadcast system information and elements of demodulated other transmission system information and then arranging the selected elements.

Abstract: A broadcast programming delivery apparatus includes: a broadcast programming delivery control unit that controls broadcast programming delivery based on a broadcast programming delivery program formed of a plurality of items; and a switcher being controlled by the control unit, and a plurality of output channels of a material server having the plurality of output channels for outputting a video material being connected to predetermined input lines of the switcher, wherein the items include control data of the switcher having information for specifying a video material of the material server, and the control unit receives, from the material server, channel material information indicating a video material outputted from each of the output channels, and allows an input bus of the switcher necessary to take an input of a video material to select one of the input lines corresponding to the output channel from which the corresponding video material is outputted.

Abstract: A channel remapping pre-notification (RPN) message is transmitted in each of multiple frequencies prior to movement of data associated with one or more virtual channels to one or more different frequencies. The RPN message is also sent prior to transmission of a Virtual Channel Table (VCT) reflecting channel movement. If a receiving device is unable to find data associated with a selected channel subsequent to the channel movement, the stored RPN information can be used to identify a new frequency for that selected channel.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering video on demand (VOD) content via peer-to-peer (P2P) techniques are provided. A VOD distribution service maintains associations of viewers that have specific VOD content. As new viewers, which lack the specific VOD content, make requests for the specific VOD content from the VOD distribution service, the VOD distribution service identifies a P2P viewer from which the specific VOD content may be acquired via a P2P transaction.

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 virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: A system including one or more stream sources and a stream controller. The one or more stream sources may be configured to generate a plurality of input streams containing a given content at a plurality of bitrates, a plurality of resolutions, or a plurality of bitrates and resolutions. The stream controller may be configured to generate a plurality of output streams in response to the plurality of input streams. The stream controller may be further configured to (i) determine when one of the plurality of input streams becomes invalid, (ii) switch generation of an output stream associated with the invalid input stream from the invalid input stream to a valid one of the plurality of input streams, and (iii) when the invalid input stream becomes valid again, switch the generation of the output stream back to the now valid input stream.

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: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a connection between a first client and a messaging fabric of a conductor element associated with a video system; receiving a request to perform a companion service with a second client; authenticating the first client via a client directory based on an identifier associated with the first client; receiving a pair message from the first client for the second client; and verifying whether the two clients can be paired in order to perform the companion service. Companion service commands can be authorized/policy checked and resulting commands on the second client may appear as-if they had been triggered locally.

Abstract: A web server presents a web page to a user. The web page dynamically presents information corresponding to a digital video recorder (DVR) associated with the user. The web server accepts input information to control the DVR. A delayed-job server accepts input from the web server and stores a job entry corresponding to the input in a message queue. The delayed-job server processes the job entry from the message queue and creates a function request representative of the web server input. An access server accepts the function request from the delayed-job server and bi-directionally communicates messages with the DVR. The access server communicates a response to the function request back to the delayed-job server. The delayed-job server communicates data from the response to the web server, wherein the web server is not blocked while waiting for the response from the delayed-job server.

Abstract: A method and a device for supplying a decoder with data stream such as compressed video signal including both non-predictive and predictive data frames of a common data type. A device comprising a decoder for service data is provided with (1012, 1020) a specific frame that is a predictive frame indicating substantially no changes in the service data in relation to a possible previous service data frame supplied. A service data buffer is monitored (1014) and in case it's at least near an underflow condition according to a number of predetermined criteria (1016), the decoder is fed with the specific frame in order to prevent the decoder from being disturbed due to a lack of timely provided proper input data (1018).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing latency caused by information server processing of subscriber request wherein a plurality of content streams defined by a playlist are sequentially provided to a subscriber in a substantially seamless manner and wherein the playlist is updated and otherwise maintained in response to subscriber commands and requests.

Abstract: A method and system for providing selected content displays to users of mobile electronic devices and more specifically to a method and system for broadcasters to provide a marketing portal presented in the form of displayed customized broadcaster content.

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: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for bypassing an emergency alert break-in for a recorded event. For example, in one embodiment, a set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a communication interface for receiving media content data from a cable service provider; a decoder module for decoding the received media content data; an emergency alert break-in monitoring module for identifying an emergency alert break-in from the received data; a digital video recorder controller module for determining whether the identified emergency alert break-in affects a recording of a program on a recorded channel; and an emergency alert break-in bypass module for bypassing the identified emergency alert break-in for enabling the digital video recorder controller module to record the program without the identified emergency alert break-in.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for outputting video and allowing a user to switch between different audio streams in a synchronous manner without impacting the timeline of the audio presentation. The audio and video streams may be directed to a single sporting event. For example, a user can view video associated with a national television broadcast of a baseball game, and switch between the audio from the national broadcast and the audio from the radio broadcast. Similarly, the user can view video associated with a local television broadcast, and switch between the audio from the national, regional, and/or radio broadcast. As any sport fan would appreciate, such flexibility enables users to watch the video with, e.g., the best quality and camera angle, while at the same time listening to the audio or broadcaster they find the most appealing.

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: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moving picture reproduction apparatus including a frequency change unit for changing a display frequency to a frequency of a moving picture when a reproduction of the moving picture starts and for changing the display frequency to a frequency prior to the start of the reproduction of the moving picture when the reproduction of the moving picture stops, and a reproduction unit for stopping the reproduction of the moving picture when the frequency change unit changes the display frequency, wherein the frequency change unit maintains the display frequency at the frequency of the moving picture in a case where the reproduction unit stops the reproduction of the moving picture in response to the change of the display frequency by the frequency change unit.

Abstract: Embodiments enable multimedia broadcast systems to temporarily suspend broadcast of data in an active content flow when insufficient data is available for efficient use of the broadcast bandwidth, while signaling receiver devices so they may deactivate receiver circuits to conserve power while data broadcasts are suspended. Flow content received in the broadcaster during the temporary suspension of data broadcasts may be stored in flow buffers for broadcast at the end of the temporary suspension. An indication of the duration of suspended data broadcasts may be included in the overhead information symbols (OIS) within the broadcast signal. Receiver devices receiving the indication of suspended data broadcasts may deactivate their receiver circuits for the indicated duration. The broadcast suspensions may be coordinated across multiple content flows so that receiver devices can periodically wake up at induced sleep intervals to monitor any data flow of the broadcast system.

Abstract: A first media server delivers content for broadcast via a first media channel, and a second media server delivers media content for broadcast via a second media channel. The first media server operates in a synchronized mode, under control of the second media server during some periods of time, and during other periods of time operates in an independent mode. When operating in the synchronized mode, content delivered by the first and second media servers can be synchronized, so that the timing of spot blocks played on the two servers generally coincides. When the first server operates in the independent mode, the timing of spot blocks and other content broadcast on the first media channel are not synchronized under control of the second media server.

Abstract: A system and method for determining network relationships with unreliable data. An identifier of an addressable network element may be associated with a non-addressable network element. A first set of data is generated that associates a first identifier of each of a plurality of first addressable network elements in the network to one of a plurality of non-addressable network elements in the network to which the first addressable network elements are connected. A second data is generated that associates the first identifier of each of the plurality of the first addressable network elements to one of a plurality of second identifiers of a second addressable network element. When at least a threshold measure of the first set of first identifiers matches the second set of first identifiers, the second identifier is associated with the non-addressable network element.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for automated control of devices. A tag is received with Electronic Programming Guide data, and the tag includes control data. The tag is stripped from the Electronic Programming Guide data and communicated to a device.

Abstract: This invention relates to video transmission systems, in particular to those used to transmit video content generated and displayed on a source device to a second remote display. We describe a method of transmitting a video stream over a data link is described. Video frames are captured at a capture frame rate. The captured frames are then processed to identify duplicated frames in consecutively captured frames. Duplicated frames, duplicated as a result of capture the same source frame twice, are deleted leaving a filtered set of video frames. The remaining frames are retimed to amend a presentation time and transmitted over a data link to a rendering device.

Abstract: A method is described that includes receiving a program request from a transceiver that includes a program request to receive a video program at the transceiver. The method also includes determining an amount of bandwidth on a channel available to the transceiver. The method further includes determining whether to provide a unicast stream or a multicast stream to deliver the requested video program to the transceiver in response to the program request based on a result obtained after implementing a policy control function that considers an amount of bandwidth on the channel to the transceiver. The method further includes formatting and selecting an incoming media stream in accordance with the result of the policy control function to provide a corresponding formatted unicast or multicast media stream that includes video data for the requested video program. The method further includes outputting the associated formatted unicast or multicast media stream on the channel.

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: In an information-processing system shown in FIG. 1, a server (106) for delivering remote-operation control information in accordance with an audio/video instrument (110) and an information-processing apparatus (103) with a remote-operation screen display function for remote-controlling the audio/video instrument (110) based on control information acquired from this server (106) are connected to each other through the Internet (105) etc. The information-processing apparatus (103) makes a request to the server (106) to deliver the remote-operation control information in accordance with this audio/video instrument (110) and, based on the control information delivered from the server (106) owing to this delivery request, performs display processing of a remote-operation screen and, based on remote-operation information input by operations on the remote-operation screen, remote-controls the audio/video instrument (110).

Abstract: Techniques for limiting the risk of loss of sensitive data from a mobile device are provided. In one aspect, a method for managing sensitive data on a mobile device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A sensitivity of a data item to be transferred to the mobile device is determined. It is determined whether an aggregate sensitivity of data items already present on the mobile device plus the data item to be transferred exceeds a current threshold sensitivity value for the mobile device. If the aggregate sensitivity exceeds the current threshold sensitivity value, measures are employed to ensure the aggregate sensitivity remains below the current threshold sensitivity value for the mobile device. Otherwise the data item is transferred to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information.

Abstract: The present invention is a video production and control system that uses a touch screen display and user interface, managed by a controller, for video switching. The system is used to select Preview and Program video feeds from a set of video input feeds. The video source configuration for some of the feeds may have been selected using touch screen video source control technology. Over time, the user can use the touch screen controls to switch which feeds are then designated as the Preview and Program feeds. The evolving Program signal is sent to a Program output connection for consumers of the Program, possibly after some reformatting. The current Program feed may be promoted from the current Preview feed. User controls determine the type of transition, such as cut or crossfade, that will apply to a transition from Preview to Program.

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 virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.