Abstract: A method, performed by a mobile communication device, may include detecting a smart television device. The method may further include receiving an incoming telephone call, wherein the incoming telephone call includes caller identification information; providing the caller identification information to the smart television device; receiving an instruction on how to process the incoming call from the smart television device; and processing the incoming telephone call based on the received instruction.

Abstract: A system for providing communications between a remote control and an advertising source is provided. The system includes a television system configured to receive content and to provide a content indicator representing received content. A remote control is also included in the system, the remote control having a local communications unit and a remote communications unit. The local communications unit is configured to communicate with the television system so as to receive from the television system the content indicator. The remote communications unit is configured to send a content indication signal to an advertising source in a manner independent of the television system, the content indication signal being related to the content indicator. The system is further configured to receive advertising from the advertising source based on the content indication signal and to output the advertising at the remote control. Also provided are corresponding apparatuses, methods, and computer program products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of upgrading software in a digital broadcasting receiver are provided. The apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives upgrade information including information on versions of a plurality of modules included in the software and information on an upgrading method, and an upgrading unit which performs the upgrading of the software according to the upgrade information by using upgrade data. Accordingly, only the modules which need upgrading can be selectively upgraded, so that it is possible to increase the efficiency of the upgrading.

Abstract: Methods and system for providing companion content at a secondary device for a content being rendered on a main device includes establishing a connection between the secondary device and a device that interfaces with the main device so as to enable the secondary device to access and control the content being rendered on the main device. The method further includes detecting data associated with the content being rendered on the main device through the connection, wherein the data includes metadata associated with the content rendered on the main device. The metadata is communicated to a remote application over the internet. The remote application is configured to analyze the metadata to produce communication content that relates to the content rendered on the main device. Companion content for the content being rendered on the main device is obtained from the remote application and rendered on the secondary device while the content is rendering on the main device.

Abstract: An AV system composed of an HD recorder and a display unit uses a communication interface of the HDMI. An HDMI source of the HD recorder transmits image data (image signal) in the form of differential signals to an HDMI sink of the display unit through three TMDS channels. The HDMI source inserts content identification information for the identification of the type of a content of image data to be transmitted into an AVI InfoFrame packet placed in a blanking period. A control section of the display unit controls operation of a display processing section which carries out a process for displaying for the image data based on the content identification information received by the HDMI sink and a display section for displaying an image.

Abstract: A system measures a frequency with which a user views a television program and identifies the television program as one of the user's favorite programs based on the measured frequency. The system automatically records, without intervention of the user, the one of the user's favorite programs.

Abstract: A print control unit 118 that, once it receives a datacasting automatic activation notification or a datacasting manual activation notification, determines whether or not datacasting is present for a currently selected channel. In a case in which datacasting is present, the print control unit 118 acquires maintenance information acquired from a printer 200 through a maintenance information acquisition process. Based on the acquired maintenance information, the print control unit 118 determines whether or not to issue a command to the printer 200 requesting execution of a maintenance process.

Abstract: A method of viewing recorded media in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving a media stream from a remotely located media source over a network, storing the media stream on a media storage device, and generating a condensed media file to store a subset of frames of the media stream. Further, the method includes receiving a seek request associated with a specified time within the media stream, determining a first frame within the subset of frames in the condensed media file that is previous to and closest in time to the specified time, and displaying the first frame.

Abstract: A remote control for operating a consumer electronic device. The remote control device may comprise a housing providing a mounting for a visual display and a keyboard including a plurality of keys; electrical circuitry in the housing including a microprocessor, at least one of an IR or RF receiver circuit coupled to the microprocessor, keyboard circuitry coupled between the microprocessor and the keyboard, a memory coupled to the microprocessor, and at least one of an IR or RF transmitter circuit coupled to the microprocessor. Program guide software is stored in the memory and executable by the microprocessor for causing to be displayed on the visual display, upon actuation of one or more of the keys, a program guide, advertising and/or other content contained in a data set received by the receiver.

Abstract: An auxiliary display device, capable of remotely controlling a set-top box (STB) and/or television to select a program channel, is used to navigate a web browser in the auxiliary display device to a web site associated with the selected channel. A web page associated with the selected channel is presented on a display of the auxiliary display device. When the channel is selected, current tuned channel information is transmitted by the set-top box (STB) and/or television to the auxiliary display device, irrespective of whether the auxiliary display device was used to select the channel. In an alternate embodiment, the STB and/or television forward channel information to the auxiliary display device via a cable head-end.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing information to a first client device (e.g., a tablet computer) for presentation on that device. The information may be related to multimedia content (e.g., a television program) that may be presented using a second client device (e.g., a television). Firstly, an activity level for a portion of the multimedia content is determined. Using the activity level, an amount of the information is assigned to that portion of the multimedia content. The amount of the information assigned is dependent on that determined activity level. The assigned information is then provided for use by (e.g., for display on) the first client device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable broadcast program receiver and a diagnostic method of the cable broadcast program receiver. In an aspect of the present invention, a diagnostic method of a cable broadcast program receiver may include transmitting, at a cablecard, a diagnostic request containing diagnostic information regarding DiiVA connection status to a host according to a protocol of an interface between the cablecard and the host; and receiving, at the host, the diagnostic request and transmitting diagnostic confirmation information containing a diagnostic status report regarding the DiiVA connection status to the cablecard according to the protocol of the interface between the cablecard and the host in response to the diagnostic request.

Abstract: Content from a source, such as the Internet, may be displayed on a window on a television, such as a crawl screen, closed caption area, or picture-in-picture (PIP) area. This may allow a user to watch television and view both television content and Internet content simultaneously without the need to access another device, such as a laptop computer, personal digital assistant, or the like. For example, a user may connect a data processing system, such as a computer, to a video control module, e.g., digital video recorder (DVR) or other box used to control a television. The user may then access a tool bar, for example, provided with an Internet browser that runs on the data processing system to identify portions of one or more Web sites to be displayed on the television through the video control module. The video control module may also be configured to allow the user to interact with the Internet content displayed on the television through use of the television remote, for example.

Abstract: An AV system composed of an HD recorder and a display unit uses a communication interface of the HDMI. An HDMI source of the HD recorder transmits image data (image signal) in the form of differential signals to an HDMI sink of the display unit through three TMDS channels. The HDMI source inserts content identification information for the identification of the type of a content of image data to be transmitted into an AVI InfoFrame packet placed in a blanking period. A control section of the display unit controls operation of a display processing section which carries out a process for displaying for the image data based on the content identification information received by the HDMI sink and a display section for displaying an image.

Abstract: An audio/video system includes a display having a plurality of input sources and a first peripheral device connected to one of the input sources. The display provides a user interface for receiving a switching command for switching current input source of the display among the input sources from a user, and the display automatically generates a first standby command to the first peripheral device when the received switching command is not switching the current input source to the input source corresponding to the first peripheral device.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus receives a plurality of transport streams and uses conditional access provided by an external adapter. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus includes a pre-processor operable to extract a part of information, by elementary stream unit, from each of the plurality of transport streams by receiving a filtering condition from the external adapter and performing filtering on the plurality of transport streams according to the filtering condition. The broadcast signal receiving apparatus also includes a multiplexer, an output interface, an input interface, and a demultiplexer. The external adapter is detachable from the broadcast signal receiving apparatus, and includes a conditional access descrambler that descrambles transport stream packets in the multiplexed data that are protected by conditional access with a packet identifier specified by the controller in the broadcast signal receiving apparatus.

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 set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: Provided is a system for supplying a power from a sink device to a source device. Not only the source device but also a cable or a repeater device to be connected thereto has compatibility in power supply. A physical address obtained from information of an EDID memory forms a base of CEC message exchange, but a physical address of the cable or repeater device is overlapped with the source device or unknown. The cable or a repeater device uses changes the type of a message while using the same physical address as the source device or use such a message having the physical address information of the source device is described in a parameter of the message using the unknown physical address. The message having a supply or reception current for each device described therein is exchanged with the sink device or the source device to adjust current reception.

Abstract: A method for distributing dynamic event notification data in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system including receiving at an IPTV server the dynamic event notification data indicating an occurrence of a dynamic event; identifying at the IPTV server a current IPTV viewer associated with an IPTV end user client device; retrieving at the IPTV server an event filter for the current IPTV viewer; filtering at the IPTV server the dynamic event notification data through the event filter for the current IPTV viewer; and sending from the IPTV server to an end user client device associated with the current IPTV viewer, the dynamic event notification data when the dynamic event notification data passes through the event filter.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media content processor having a controller adapted to detect an event associated with recorded media content derived from one among a plurality of media content sources, select a communication device of a subscriber of the media content processor, retrieve a portion of the recorded media content, generate a notice describing the event, and transmit the notice with the portion of the recorded media content to the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An isolation device isolates a transport medium internal to a customer premises from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. A first interface communicates with the external transport medium and a second interface communicates with the internal transport medium. An addressable set-top box external to the customer premises receives encoded telecommunication information from the external transport medium and generates television signals from the encoded telecommunication information for transmission over the internal transport medium.

Abstract: A method and system includes a first device having an ordering interface and forming a recording command comprising a linear channel, a start time, time duration and date. The first device communicates a customer identifier and the recording command to a content processing system corresponding to the linear content. The content processing system forms a control word from the recording command and communicates the control word to a user device. The user device receives the content corresponding to the recording command in response to the control word.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a method and apparatus for remotely providing firmware to a wireless device. The wireless device may be configured to detect when the device's firmware is corrupted or may need updating. The device may then transmit a request for a firmware image on a first wireless communication channel. If the request is answered by an updating device, the wireless device may establish a communication with, and begin receiving the firmware image from, the updating device. Further, the wireless device may verify transmitted data and send an acknowledgment message to the updating device for each transmitted data packet.

Abstract: Synchronization is provided for set-top boxes that display multiple instances of a single multimedia program. Embodied set-top boxes request the transmission of a multimedia program and determine the play point of a remote set-top box. Embodied set-top boxes set a local play point to correspond to the remote set-top box's play point. More than two set-top boxes may be synchronized in accordance with disclosed embodiments, and some systems implement master and slave set-top boxes for purposes of synchronization.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a mobile device having an ordering interactive interface having available content including linear content and on-demand content. The interactive interface receives a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and communicates the selection to a content processing system. The content processing system communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the on-demand content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus capable of playing back, with another apparatus, a broadcast content item and a communication content item in synchronization with each other is a broadcast receiving apparatus that receives a broadcast content item to be broadcast, and includes: a first information obtaining unit configured to obtain synchronization information for playing back, in synchronization with playback of the broadcast content item, a communication content item to be distributed through communication other than broadcasting; an information notifying unit configured to notify a playback apparatus that plays back the communication content item of the synchronization information; and a broadcast receiving and playback unit configured to receive and play back the broadcast content item.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing content over multiple networks may include at least two encoders configured to encode the content in formats for play on devices having different formats. A metadata management unit may be configured to apply information associated with the content to the content in the form of metadata. A content management server may be in communication with the encoders and be configured to receive and store the content. A conditional access digital rights management server may be in communication with the content management server and be configured to authenticate a user. A middleware server may be in communication with the content management server and be configured to manage a program guide accessible to users to view and select content to play on a device. Devices of different formats may be configured to access the content management server and select content to play via the program guide.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for supplying media content to portable communication devices is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a cellular transceiver and a controller element to direct the cellular transceiver to transmit a media guide for the STB to a terminal device for presentation on a display unit of the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided comprising: creating a temporary home network electronic program guide object for a television program currently stored in a time-shift buffer of a home network-enabled device; and storing an identifier for the temporary home network electronic program guide object in an object for a channel.

Abstract: The method is applied to the recording device, and the recording device is connected to a set-top box. The error proof method includes following steps. In the beginning, whether a startup process of the set-top box has been finished is determined according to a video signal and an audio signal outputted from the set-top box. After the startup process of the set-top box is finished, the video signal outputted from the set-top box is analyzed to determine whether an image of the video signal is covered by an information window. If the image of the video signal is not covered by any information window, then a channel changing signal is transmitted to the set-top box, to change a channel of the set-top box to a reserved recording channel. After that, a television program of the reserved recording channel is recorded.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a user interface for added or removed content includes an external device, a display and a host device coupled to the display. The host device controlling the display to display a first user interface associated with the host device. The host device controlling the display to display a second user interface formed using the first interface with content corresponding to the external device.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle audio/visual apparatus which displays an external device screen of an external media player on a display unit, a communication unit is configured to communicate with an external media player. An external device screen displaying unit is configured to select one of a plurality of external device screens in accordance with the external media player and display the selected external device screen on the display unit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for distributing audio/video convent via a network, comprising: a client software application, and a channel control software application, wherein the client software application and the channel control software application are operatively connected together via the network such that the client software application receives at least one control message from the channel control software application, wherein the at least one control message causes the client software application to access at least: i) a first audio/video data element and ii) a second audio/video data element, and wherein the at least one control message causes the client software application to composite together at least: i) the first audio/video data element and ii) the second audio/video data element and to render at least the composited first and second audio/video data elements at a client device running the client software application.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products control external devices during presentation of multimedia content. When a description of the multimedia content is received, the description includes control data for controlling an external device.

Abstract: A media presentation device converts media signals based on stored output settings. The media presentation device includes a sink-interaction port to at least partially receive device-specific information of a sink device, a data storage and a processor. The processor determines whether one of the plurality of at least partially stored device-specific information matches the received device-specific information of the sink device, and selects output settings corresponding to the stored device-specific information that matches the received device-specific information of the sink device for use in converting the media signals to an output format supported by the sink device.

Abstract: A system and method for marking and recording content includes a network operation center receiving an incoming programming stream, monitoring the incoming programming stream, generating descriptive data corresponding to the programming stream, combining the descriptive data with the programming stream to form a composite signal and broadcasting the composite signal to a receiving unit. The system may also include a receiving unit having a monitoring term stored therein. The receiving unit monitors the composite signal for the monitoring term within the descriptive data and storing content or sub-content in a memory of the receiving unit when a monitoring term corresponds to the descriptive data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: A handheld terminal includes a device communication unit which communicates with at least one or more broadcasting reception apparatus receiving contents and content information about the contents from a content provider and receives the content information from the broadcasting reception apparatus, a content display unit which displays the content information received from the broadcasting reception apparatus, a server communication unit which communicates with an information providing server which manages related information relating to the contents and receives the related information relating to the content information received from the broadcasting reception apparatus from the information providing server, and a related information display unit which displays the related information received from the information providing server.

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: An accumulation display device can interlock a display content according to specification of each of the mobile data terminals. An interlocked display system includes an accumulation display device having a metadata interpretation unit that analyzes metadata transmitted by a broadcast wave or a communication network and an accumulated image processing unit that performs accumulation processing of a program content or transmission processing of a restructured program content and managing each mobile data terminal, and the mobile data terminal. Highlights or replays of various scenes of a program currently viewed on the accumulation display device can be viewed on another device. Information on the currently viewed program and a related program as well as a previous scene can be viewed on the mobile data terminal.

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: A method and system for dynamic channel management of a television based on media center set-top box tuner availability. The method includes determining a last channel a television was tuned to prior to being turned off. Then it is determined whether the last channel is a radio frequency remodulated (RF-remodulated) channel. If the last channel is a RF-remodulated channel, then sending a signal to indicate that the television is on line with the RF-remodulated channel. If a tuner is not available for the television, then receiving an indication of a cable channel that was last RF-remodulated to the RF-remodulated channel for the television. Finally, changing the television to the cable channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and promoting television programming, advertisements, and other content to selected viewers. A display is provided on a remote control device, prompts are provided on the display, and viewer responses to those prompts are monitored, stored in memory, and thereafter processed to reward viewers for responding properly to the prompts. Various methods for promoting such programs are also described.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting a viewing apparatus, and causing a presentation device to present a media program in a time division multiplexed (TDM) scheme or a space division multiplexing (SDM) scheme responsive to said detection, wherein the viewing apparatus is configured to the TDM or SDM schemes to enable viewing of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling access to media content are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a viewing request at a set-top box device at a user premises. The method also includes retrieving a permission policy stored at the set-top box device and identifying a wireless device associated with the permission policy. Further, the method includes fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a first relative proximity to the set-top box device, and not fulfilling the viewing request when the wireless device is present at the user premises and is within a second relative proximity to the set-top box device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.