Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of operation involves two operations. The first operation involves receiving feedback information from a viewing audience concerning a displayed video content. After receipt of the feedback, substituting portions of a downloaded data stream with video content selected based on the feedback information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining cross-platform predictive popularity ratings information are provided. An interactive television application operating on at least one predetermined platform, such as an online interactive application platform, may monitor user interactions with the interactive television application to obtain cross-platform data, which may be used to determine predictive popularity ratings information. The predictive popularity ratings information may then be distributed for use in at least one platform of a type different than the type of the predetermined platform, such as a user television equipment platform.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus, systems and/or methods are described for providing user generated content relating to a subject, and collecting polling data relating to the subject, on multiple disparate communication devices. User generated content is received from one or more disparate communication devices and provided for presentation on at least one of the communication devices. Polling data is also received from at least one of the end-users of the communication devices viewing the user generated content, and tabulated to generate poll results displayable on the communication devices.

Abstract: A system provides dynamic brokering of digital content requests. The system includes a conditional scheduler configured for appropriating location data and metadata, both pertaining to the digital content, via a communicative coupling with a content management system. The conditional scheduler produces schedule data and delivery rules pertaining to the digital content. The system further includes a plurality of content broker servers. The content broker server receives content data, such as content location data, the schedule data and the delivery rules, from the conditional scheduler. The content broker server receives a digital content request from a client player. The content broker server dynamically assembles a set of content retrieval instructions based upon the content data when a digital content request is received from the client player.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation are described herein. In an example method includes counting a first number of individuals proximate to a media presentation device, counting a second number of signals received from one or more portable devices, each of which is associated with a respective one of one or more monitored individuals, comparing the first number of individuals to the second number of signals, and determining a third number of unidentified ones of the individuals proximate to the media presentation device based on the comparison of the first number of individuals to the second number of signals.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for improving a viewing experience of a user during consumption of streamed content. In one implementation, the systems and methods relate to a model of polling a live streaming event by a management server of a service provider server and using that model to feed into future polling. The polling response returns up-to-date information about an event to be viewed. The system and method model the polling frequency and enter the same in an algorithm such as a supervised machine learning algorithm. This algorithm is presented as a mathematical formula and provides an input to the polling system to determine when to poll and how frequently to poll.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling media for consumption via a demand broadcast channel based upon notifications received during user consumption of media. An embodiment of the present invention may employ notifications generated when users select media for consumption, to calculate one or more statistics. The statistics may be calculated and used by a media provider to schedule media into a demand broadcast channel in which the frequency of repetition or time of availability of the media is set according to a ranking of the relative frequency of requests for the media. The statistics may also be shared with a third party, to enable a third party media provider to arrange the scheduling of media availability according to the relative frequency of requests for the media.

Abstract: A method may include transmitting a list of programs for customization to a user device and receiving, from the user device, a selection by the user of one of the listed programs. The method may further include determining a list of clips to recommend to the user based on a user profile associated with the user and transmitting the list of clips to the user device for customizing the selected program. Further, the method may include receiving a selection of one of the clips from the user device and inserting the clip into the selected program to generate a customized program.

Abstract: A method includes sending a polling message from a management system to a set-top box device. The polling message requests service data related to quality of service associated with the set-top box device. The method includes receiving, at the management system, quality parameters from the set-top box device in response to the polling message. The method includes selecting a representative color that corresponds to the quality of service. The method also includes sending a quality indicator from the management system to a display. The quality indicator displays the representative color and an identification of the set-top box device.

Abstract: A technique for determining whether a program transmitted in a programming signal by a signal source was perceived by audience members within a specified time period. The programming signal is combined with a code signal to form a broadcast signal, wherein occurrence of the code signal corresponds to an occurrence of the program, and wherein the code identifies the program. The broadcast signal is monitored at a central processing facility and each received code is stored with an adjacent segment of the programming signal to create a master data base. Using a device located in the vicinity of an audience member, code signals corresponding to a program as it is being performed by program reproduction equipment and perceived by the audience member are monitored, and each code signal is stored with its said adjacent segment of the programming signal to create audience monitoring data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for inferring a demographic composition of a television audience of a television program. In one aspect, a method extrapolates television audience demographics from rated programs to unrated programs by attributing demographics of rated programs to unrated programs when the rated and unrated program are related by demographically rated channel tunes.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

Abstract: A computational recommendation engine is described. In embodiment(s), identifiers of ranked programs can be distributed to television client devices, and then a viewing vector from each of the television client devices can be received where the viewing vectors indicate which of the ranked programs have been displayed for viewing at different ones of the television client devices. A client devices group can be created that includes a subset of the television client devices based on the viewing vectors that are received from respective ones of the television client devices. A ranked program can be determined that has not been displayed for viewing by some of the television client devices in the client devices group, and a recommendation of the ranked program can be communicated to the television client devices in the client devices group that have not had the ranked program displayed for viewing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for recommending personalized content in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service environment. The content recommending method includes: acquiring a user's viewing history information regarding broadcasting content; analyzing the user's preference for each content item based on the user's viewing history information; creating a list of recommended content items based on the analysis of the user's preference; and providing the list of recommended content items to the user's terminal. Accordingly, it is possible to recommend personalized content according to users' preference.

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: A method and system for providing a distributed audience response for a broadcast records a response from a participating client of a broadcast and transmits the response to an audience server. The audience server combines the response with responses from other participating clients of the broadcast, and the combined response is then transmitted to a receiving client for playback in synchronization with the broadcast. Intelligible speech can be removed from the combined response. The participating client can be part of a group of clients of the broadcast, where the responses from the group of clients are combined and played back. A participant can invite certain other participants to “sit next to” him or her, where the responses of the invitees are configured to be intelligible over the combined response.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for assigning a “karma” to users of a social network. In some embodiments, the karma is a score that is based on various reputations and feedback on a user. For example, reputation or feedback scores given to user in general are collected. In addition, karma is based on scores collected by analyzing feedback provided between two users. Thus, a reputation score for one from the point of view of the others may be calculated. Embodiments of the present invention provide an open interface (API) that allows users to submit their reputation scores.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to maintain audience privacy while determining viewing of video-on-demand (VOD) programs are disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence video analysis recommendation system and method is provided that allows video viewers to discover new videos and video producers to evaluate the potential success of a new project as well as to understand the perceptual factors beneath audience ratings. The system and method accomplish these tasks by analyzing a database of video in order to identify key similarities between different pieces of video, and then recommends pieces of video to a user depending upon their video preferences. An embodiment enables a user to evaluate a new video's similarity to videos already established as commercially valuable.

Abstract: A content distribution system includes a node to which content is distributed via a network and a distribution management server for managing a content distribution status. The node receives content, detects an information amount of received content, and, on the basis of the detected information amount, outputs a distribution completion notification indicative of a reception status of corresponding content. On the other hand, the distribution management server receives the distribution completion notification for each node, and stores the received distribution completion information for each node.

Abstract: A method for troubleshooting a set top box is disclosed and can include receiving a trouble ticket from a set top box and initiating a self test at the set top box. The method can also include receiving test results from the set top box and analyzing the test results to isolate a problem.

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: Systems and methods allow for the distribution of a requested program to a consumer device via a high-bandwidth connection. Consumers cast votes for requested programs via communications channels other than the high-bandwidth connection. A portion of the high-bandwidth connection is allocated to a number of programs, including the requested program. An instruction is subsequently transmitted to the consumer device to thereby allow the consumer device to receive the requested program from the allocated portion of the high-bandwidth connection.

Abstract: A computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed by a computer configure blackout event data indicating at least one event criterion data for selecting client devices subject to the blackout event for restricted content data; configure client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event criterion data; configure at least one substitution event data table for the client device group; and send restricted content and the substitution event data table embedded in the restricted content data to each client device in the client device group.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for verifying an occurrence of a blackout event in a data distribution system, the system including but not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and computer program comprising instructions to receive restricted content data at the data distribution system; instructions to receive at the data distribution system, blackout event data indicating at least one criterion for selecting client devices subject to a blackout event for the restricted content data; instructions to place at the data distribution system, client devices into a client device group subject to the blackout event in accordance with the event data criterion; and instructions to correlate at the data distribution system, the blackout event data with the retune activity data to verify the occurrence of the blackout event in the client devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation are described herein. In an example method, a first media metering device associated with a media presentation device monitors for a presence of one or more other media metering devices and a monitoring operation of the first media metering device is halted based on the presence of the one or more other media metering devices.

Abstract: Delivery of feedback information to a scheduling service to determine optimum broadcast times based upon client platform tuner contention is described. A usage pattern of an electronic media device is recorded. The usage pattern is communicated to a scheduling server. Media content is received during a time period selected by the scheduling server based upon the usage pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may allow execution of ETMP scripts that specify remote control commands to send to a desired plurality of multimedia handling devices representing emulated MCDN clients. The ETMP scripts may be manually or automatically initiated and may be configured with execution parameters specifying, among other aspects, a number of iterations to repeat. Results recorded when the ETMP script executes may be retrieved and used to generate reports.

Abstract: A plurality of digital video recorders are polled to extract data indicative of recordings scheduled thereon. The polling is carried out over a video content network by a component at a node in the video content network that is remote from the plurality of digital video recorders. At least a portion of the data is used to obtain a prediction of future switched digital video channel usage for the video content network.

Abstract: One or more of a topology location test and a distance test are applied to determine if a CPE device has moved in a cable plant. An indication of service fraud is provided if the CPE topology location or distance test indicate an unauthorized CPE device move.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for receiving and displaying voting data with respect to online hosted videos. Viewers vote on portions within various videos stored in an online video hosting website. Voting data can represent different types of votes, such as unipolar, bipolar, or categorical. The prior voting data, including that submitted by other viewers, can be displayed in a number of ways, such as gradations of color, or charts such as bar graphs. The voting data may be associated with demographic categories, such as a voter's age, sex, or political affiliation. Further, a video may be selectively played to display portions of most interest to given demographic categories, as indicated by voting patterns of those categories.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a monitoring center of a media distribution network, from a set top box device associated with a customer account, first error data indicating occurrence of a first error at the set top box device at a first time. The set top box device is at least partially functional after occurrence of the first error. The computer-implemented method includes receiving, at the monitoring center, second error data indicating occurrence of a second error at the set top box device at a second time. The set top box device is at least partially functional after occurrence of the second error. The computer-implemented method includes determining an elapsed time between the first time and the second time. The computer-implemented method includes automatically generating a trouble ticket indicating failure of the set top box device when the elapsed time satisfies a first threshold.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect is directed toward one or more solutions that are capable of providing feedback information about OCAP/ACAP/IMS solutions generally related to audience acceptance and satisfaction, and extensions thereto. For example, one exemplary aspect is directed toward information, such as consumer feedback about their viewing choices, being gathered, evaluated and distributed. Even more specifically, an exemplary aspect is directed toward the use of information, such as personalized or customized information and personal preferences contained in an STB combined with an OCAP/ACAP/IMS intelligent personal agent and application(s) to provide advanced interactive and interoperable services to both obtain and distribute feedback about OCAP/ACAP/IMS services.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to monitor media content on a consumer network as described herein. An example metering system includes a metering device to monitor the consumption of media content at a consumer location and a universal plug and play (UPnP) compatible metering helper to collect audience measurement data from UPnP devices in a consumer network.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, computer program product, and data processing system for managing advertisements in an Internet Protocol (IP) streaming environment by defining a viewership threshold, monitoring the Internet Protocol streaming environment, and responsive to reaching the viewership threshold, programming alternate advertisements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor audio/visual content from various sources are disclosed. An example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining whether an audio signal is muted based on whether a number of zero crossings exceeds a threshold, and based on whether the audio signal is determined to be muted, using the audio signal to at least one of determine a source of the media content presentation or determine a special operating mode of the source of the media content presentation. Another example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining the source of the media content presentation based on whether the audio signal is determined to be compressed. Yet another example method to monitor a media content presentation comprises determining the source of the media content presentation based on whether the video signal is determined to be compressed.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting viewership data. The inventive system (10) is adapted to receive a signal having multiple channels of program content and associated channel identification information. The system (10) is adapted to parse the program content and channel identification information from the received signal. The system (10) outputs selective channels of program content in response to user input and the parsed program content. The system (10) monitors the selected channels and provides viewership data with respect thereto. The viewership data includes channel identification information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect an internally generated signal mode of a local media playback device are disclosed. A disclosed method comprises tuning a harmonic frequency of a chrominance signal output by a local media playback device, and determining that the local media playback device is in an internally generated signal mode if the measured harmonic frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a survey independent of location and participant schedules is disclosed herein. An exemplary method of the present invention comprises sending a multi-media data file to a plurality of survey participants, receiving reactionary feedback from a plurality of participants via a wide area network, and compiling the reactionary feedback to generate the survey results. Subsequently, a viewer synchronously displays the compiled survey results with the corresponding streamed media from the multi-media data file.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide methods, devices and systems for delivering media content to users. Broadcast audio and video streams can be synchronized for substantially simultaneous output by users. User feedback can be used to compose playlists of synchronized media.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling media for consumption via a demand broadcast channel based upon notifications received during user consumption of media. An embodiment of the present invention may employ notifications generated when users select media for consumption, to calculate one or more statistics. The statistics may be calculated and used by a media provider to schedule media into a demand broadcast channel in which the frequency of repetition or time of availability of the media is set according to a ranking of the relative frequency of requests for the media. The statistics may also be shared with a third party, to enable a third party media provider to arrange the scheduling of media availability according to the relative frequency of requests for the media.

Abstract: A user preference information data structure which is capable of classifying and setting user's preference information regarding multi-media contents with multiple items to thereby provide users with user's request-based whole or partial multi-media information, and a method for providing multi-media information by using the user preference information data structure. The multiple item user preference information data structure for multi-media contents comprising: single item user preference information for single items related to the multi-media information; and multiple items user preference information for multiple items formed by combining the single items.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a tuner tuned to the program and a meter coupled to the tuner and arranged to detect content ancillary information from the program tuned by the tuner. The content ancillary information may be a media link, closed captioning information, or the like. The meter may also be arranged to extract a broadcast signature from the program. A comparator compares the broadcast signature to a reference signature selected from a library of reference signatures based upon the content ancillary information. Broadcast signatures from unknown programs may be clustered at least partially on the basis of the content ancillary information.

Abstract: A cable television method for a cable television network involves sending a polling message to a modem forming a part of a television set top box from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top box; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top box to report a currently tuned channel of the television set top box; receiving a response message from the cable television set top box transmitted by the modem and containing the currently tuned channel of the television set top box; and compiling the currently tuned channel information from a plurality of set top boxes received in response messages to determine actual program viewing statistics for a television time slot during which the polling responses were sent. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network consistent with certain embodiments involves sending a polling message to a plurality of modems forming a part of a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top boxes; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter of the television set top boxes; determining that one of the operational parameters from one of the television set top boxes is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes received in the response messages to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of video-on-demand programs are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to monitor presentation of video-on-demand content comprises obtaining server metering data determined using a server metering device in communication with a video-on-demand server, the video-on-demand server to provide the video-on-demand content specifically to a first subscriber site among a plurality of subscriber sites, obtaining subscriber metering data corresponding to media content presented at the first subscriber site, the subscriber metering data determined using a site metering device different from the server metering device, and combining the subscriber metering data and the server metering data to monitor the video-on-demand content provided specifically to the first subscriber site.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring an audience viewership of an online live broadcast are provided. Code information included in live broadcast data is received from the encoding server or the media server, transmission information of the live broadcast data to the client is received from the media server, the transmission information is compensated using the code information, and the audience viewership of the online live broadcast is computed using the compensated transmission information. It is possible to obtain the accurate viewership of an online live broadcast and to obtain the accurate viewership of the online live broadcast even when users erroneously access a web page or intentionally access the web page to increase the number of page views.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted asset system implementations in contexts where there is limited or no ability to use a real-time return channel for communications from user equipment devices (e.g., STB) to the network. In one arrangement, a household classifier is generated and delivered to user equipment devices. The household classifiers are generated based on third party data and/or network usage information associated with the household. The system and method allow for generating highly accurate household classifications that may be forwarded to individual households where the user equipment device may implant the classifiers to select appropriate assets for delivery to the household.

Abstract: A method for remotely participating in a listener survey includes receiving survey questions on an infotainment system, where the survey questions are at least partly displayed on a display portion of the infotainment system; transmitting to the survey provider a user input response to at least one of the survey questions; and receiving tabulated survey results of the survey, the results being at least partly displayed on the display portion of the infotainment system. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program and a system including a mechanism for practicing the above method are also disclosed.