Abstract: A system for fans to influence the action of a sporting event in real-time is disclosed. Remotely located viewers of a live broadcast of a sporting event not only follow the progress of the event, but may actually influence it. When the event reaches an option situation, requiring execution of strategic action, the remote viewing fan may select the option they think most appropriate from a list of options and transmit their choice to a central location. A most favored option may be selected and relayed to the appropriate players or officials. The players may then execute the most favored option as an actual play in the game being broadcast.

Abstract: A method and computing device that provides viewer impression data for a recorded digital video stream. The method receives a digital video stream as a series of segments, and stores it as a recorded digital video stream having a transition between two consecutive segments at a transition position. The method stores a notification tag that is associated with the transition, and that includes a tag position in the recorded digital video stream, a notification mode, and tag data. During playback of the recorded digital video stream, the method generates a play mode status event, and generates a transition notification when the playback encounters the notification tag and, based on the notification mode, the transition associated with the notification tag. The method collects viewer impression data for one of the two consecutive segments from the play mode status event and the transition notification.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a content provider, content for processing and information identifying at least one of advertisements or promotional material to include with the content. The method also includes processing the content into a number of different formats, inserting the advertisements or promotional material into the processed content. The method further includes providing an indication to the content provider that the content has been processed and receiving, from the content provider, an approval or disapproval of the processed content.

Abstract: A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release.

Abstract: A cable network content delivery system providing advertising information via a cable network and an advertising content interface are described. An advertiser submits advertising content over an internet which is then adapted for a cable network. A data gateway stores the advertising information. The system processes a user command received via the cable network, including an advertising information search command, and provides advertising information retrieved via the cable network.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a system comprising a television decoding unit and a plurality of access modules, said access modules comprising wireless communication means with the television decoding unit, a memory comprising an identification of said module, said television decoding unit comprising means for detecting the presence and to receive the identification of an access module, means to apply a filter on events displayed on the television unit, said filter being defined with pre-defined filter category attached to the identification, and means to record the events consumption while the access module is detected by the television unit.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing subscriber voting interaction. The system and method may include outputting program content data via a network, wherein the program content data comprises a plurality of images, receiving, from one or more of a plurality of subscriber systems, voting data that indicates a subscriber's vote for at least one of the plurality of images, aggregating the received voting data, and outputting, to the plurality of subscriber systems, the aggregated voting data via the network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and user-interfaces for creating a collaborative review of an offering may facilitate multiple people (users) collaborating on a review by submitting short statements concerning particular characteristics, traits, or qualities concerning the offering. Users can also vote on the validity or strength of each submitted statement. Votes on statements are tabulated, scores are computed, and the information is fed back to the user. These actions take place over a network with users of computing devices interacting with the system running on one or more servers. In one embodiment, the end results of this process is a single collaborative review for each offering that reflects the experiences, knowledge, and understanding of multiple people concerning that offering. The collaborative review may be made accessible via a network as a useful resource for people in making decisions about that offering.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the positive or negative impact of digital and social media on perceptions, intent and behavior are provided utilizing a computer mediated perceptual, intent and behavioral analysis engine.

Abstract: A method including providing at least one of a television service or an Internet access service to a customer; generating predictive options pertaining to content delivered to the customer, wherein the predictive options correspond to possible future events that could occur with respect to the content; receiving a customer selection of one of the predictive options; determining whether the customer-selected predictive option matches an outcome with respect to the content; and assigning a score to the customer based on whether the selected predictive option successfully or unsuccessfully predicted the outcome.

Abstract: An improved method of and system for participating in SMS-TV contests enables a user to utilize one or more applications to perform desired operations such as using the user interface to efficiently make selections to respond to a question in a contest, downloading SMS short codes, promoting contests within the application, storing a history of SMS-TV programs, enabling an alternate phone number to be submitted, utilizing user identification tags, disconnecting the application to receive an incoming call, verification, contacting a server to send an SMS message on the device's behalf and other operations. Some of the aforementioned operations are performed by the user specifically while others are automatically performed by a server to provide the user with the best service possible.

Abstract: An electronic voting method, system and apparatus is disclosed. A vote message is received at a network node, the vote message comprising a sender identifier, event identifier and a timestamp. The sender identifier, event identifier and times-tamp are read, and it is determined from the timestamp that an event window was open and whether the window was a first or sub-sequent window. In the event that the window is the first window, the vote and sender identifier are stored at a database. In the event that the window is a second or subsequent window, the sender identifier is compared to sender identifiers stored at a previous window and if a match is found the vote is marked as validated and the vote stored at the database.

Abstract: A method and device for synchronization between a mobile device and a display device are disclosed. A synchronization device for synchronization between a mobile device and a display device includes: a storage part configured to store first position information of each of a plurality of display devices; a receiving part configured to receive second position information of the mobile device; and a synchronizing part configured to synchronize the mobile device with a display device having the first position information corresponding to the second position information, from among the plurality of display devices. According to certain embodiments of the invention, a mobile device may be synchronized with multiple display devices using the position information of the mobile device, thus allowing the user to conveniently access various services through multiple display devices.

Abstract: Systems provide shared multimedia content to a plurality of members of a collaboration group, request input related to the multimedia content from a portion of the plurality of members, modify the shared multimedia content to include an indication of a portion of the input, and provide the modified shared multimedia content to the plurality of members. The shared multimedia content may include a television program, a movie, or a real-time event. The requested input may include a prediction or a trivia answer related to the shared multimedia content.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing interactive content. The method may include sending, from a media device, a request for one or more interactive applications to a first content source that is distinct from a second content source that provides video content to the media device. The request may indicate one or more locations to be polled for the one or more interactive applications. The method may include generating, at the media device, a menu of selectable interactive applications displayable at a display device. The selectable interactive applications may include at least one of the one or more interactive applications corresponding to the request.

Abstract: Automatic generation of questions and evaluation answers about a media item is provided for a system such as a video on demand system. A virtually unlimited number of questions can be generated without the need for subjective information. Questions about a media item are generated by selecting a media segment of the media item. At least part of the media item within the selected media segment is shown to a user. The user is asked to indicate a position within the media item where the user thinks that the segment is located. The indicated position is compared to the actual position of the segment to evaluate the answer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the quality of service in wireless data network by a plurality of mobile devices is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes presenting to a user a plurality of reference content items, for each content item, receiving a reference content item rating indicative of a quality rating provided by the user, wirelessly transmitting a test content item to the mobile device, presenting the transmitted test content item to the user; receiving a test content item rating provided by the user, wherein at least some of the plurality of reference content items comprise content items of known and differing quality, normalizing the test content item rating based on the reference content rating received to provide a normalized test content item rating; and outputting a quality of service performance metric based on the normalized test content item rating.

Abstract: Interactive audio-video episodes may be provided in which progression of storylines is contingent upon user interactions with the episodes. User activities may be facilitated during presentation of an episode. The user activities may be contextually related to the storyline of the presented episode. A given user activity may include a visual and/or audio queue to prompt the user to participate in the given user activity. Progression of the storyline of the presented episode may be suspended during the given user activity. One or more user interactions may be received during individual user activities facilitated during presentation of the episode. The storyline may continue to progress after the given user activity responsive to receipt of a given user interaction prompted by the given user activity.

Abstract: A system receives an indication of selection of an item in a broadcast segment from an end device. A broadcast segment is identified by the selection and a broadcast segment schedule. An item ID is determined using the identified broadcast segment and the broadcast segment schedule, and a corresponding sponsor of the item is determined using the item ID and the identified broadcast segment. An anonymized message, including the item ID and a request for information, is sent to the corresponding sponsor. A reply is received from the corresponding sponsor, and forwarded to an end user contact.

Abstract: Sentiment analysis of user feedback is performed, using uncertainty rules. Different levels of uncertainty associated with sentiment results of the sentiment analysis are determined, where the sentiment results identify user sentiments contained in the user feedback. At least one visualization of the sentiment result is provided, where the visualization has first visual indicators to represent respective user sentiments, and second visual indicators associated with the first visual indicators to represent respective levels of uncertainty associated with the respective user sentiments.

Abstract: A method and system for auxiliary data detection. Data is received on a hand-held device from a display of a signal on a monitor. The signal is visually displayed on the monitor at a frequency. A modulated video signal is received on the hand-held device from a display device. The modulated video signal contains auxiliary data modulated within a video signal in a substantially invisible way. The modulated video signal is demodulated to obtain the auxiliary data. At least one of the data or the auxiliary data is processed to identify a promotional opportunity available through the hand-held device. The user of the hand-held device is notified of availability of the promotional opportunity through the hand-held device.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: An interactive system and method allow for broadcast of basic content data along with data that define graphical inserts that can be played with or super-imposed on screens of the decoded broadcast. Coordinated pages or screens may be transmitted to audience secondary devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, and so forth. Audience members may participate in an interactive experience by selecting options provided on the secondary devices. Audience responses are received, aggregated, and rules applied in accordance with the desired experience. The graphical indicia are altered during the broadcast, and optionally during or just following a period for audience feedback.

Abstract: In embodiments of media asset voting, a voting application is executed at a controllable device to interface the controllable device with portable devices via a wireless network. The voting application may be initiated at the controllable device by one of the portable devices. A request can be communicated from the controllable device to the portable devices to initiate each of the portable devices sending a user-selected vote for media asset selection at the controllable device. The controllable device receives the user-selected votes from one or more of the portable devices, and the voting application can aggregate each received vote to determine voting results. A media asset can then be selected at the controllable device based on the voting results. Alternatively or in addition, the voting results can be displayed for viewing on a display device that corresponds to the controllable device.

Abstract: A user interaction request is received during playback of video content. The user interaction request can be received independent of any indication from the video content that user interaction is possible. In response to receiving the interaction request, one or more menus are displayed allowing the user to select one or more reaction options and to select whether the selected one or more reaction options are to be communicated to another user or to a content provider.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying popular intervals in online hosted videos. To determine popular intervals associated with a video, a plurality of votes for one or more intervals of the video are collected and organized into a plurality of groups. Each group includes votes for intervals of the video that are similar to each other. A group having the highest number of votes is identified, and a most popular clip of the video is formed based upon the intervals in the group with the highest number of votes. This process can be carried out to determine the groups having the second and third highest number of votes in a single video to form the second and third most popular clips in that video, as well as across numerous videos to identify the most popular clips within different videos.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing a third-party video content rating unit to a client device, is disclosed. A web browser running on the client device requests video content from a affiliate video content server. The media player running on the client device receives a data stream of the video content from the affiliate video content server, renders the video content and sends a request for the third-party video content rating unit to a third-party ad content server once the video content has been completely rendered. The third-party ad content server receives the request for the third-party video content rating unit, sends the third-party video content rating unit to the client device and streams advertising content to the third-party video content rating unit. The third party video content rating unit is configured to be rendered on top of the media player.

Abstract: The present invention enables real-time video commenting by viewers of media content on a web site. The media content may be video, audio, text, still images or other types of media content. When a content viewer indicates a desire to provide a real-time video comment, a content server causes a video input device at the content viewer's location to be activated. The content viewer's video comment is captured by the video input device and transmitted to the content server, where it is stored and associated with the video being commented upon. When the original video is subsequently presented to content viewers, indicia of the video comment such as a thumbnail or description of the comment is also presented, thus inviting content viewers to view the video comment in addition to the original video.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for distributed discussion collaboration and making an agenda for an event over a network. In an embodiment, a system may include an aggregator configured to aggregate discussion items submitted by collaborators, and a view controller associated with the collaborators and configured to provide for display the aggregated items. A system may also include a voting module configured to receiving voting information submitted by the collaborators for the discussion items, and an ordering module configured to analyze the voting information and order the aggregated items based on the analyzed voting information. In another embodiment, a method includes aggregating discussion items submitted by collaborators and receiving voting information for the aggregated items.

Abstract: A system for providing one or more interactive applications to one or more users via a wireless communications network, the system including: one or more servers cooperating with the network to substantially deliver one or more interactive applications to one or more wireless access devices each corresponding to at least one of the users; wherein, after the one or more wireless access devices receive the substantially delivered one or more applications, upon request of one of the users the one or more corresponding wireless access devices receives communication from the server to facilitate the one of the users accessing the one or more interactive applications using the corresponding wireless access device.

Abstract: An improved method of and system for participating in SMS-TV contests enables a user to utilize one or more applications to perform desired operations such as using the user interface to efficiently make selections to respond to a question in a contest, downloading SMS short codes, promoting contests within the application, storing a history of SMS-TV programs, enabling an alternate phone number to be submitted, utilizing user identification tags, disconnecting the application to receive an incoming call, verification, contacting a server to send an SMS message on the device's behalf and other operations. Some of the aforementioned operations are performed by the user specifically while others are automatically performed by a server to provide the user with the best service possible.

Abstract: Performance analysis for combining remote audience responses is described. In one example, a performance is presented to a plurality of viewer devices through a remote network connection. An audience response received from each of the plurality of viewer devices through the remote network connection during the presentation of the performance. The received audience responses are combined into a single media stream and the combined media stream is sent to each of the plurality of viewer devices during the performance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving and distributing user-generated video content. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, via a network from a remote web server, a web page defining graphics data for presentation in a linear television broadcast. The received graphics data includes data defining one or more transparent regions. The method further includes compositing the received graphics data, based on the one or more transparent regions, with video from at least one other channel using a video switcher to form a composite video image, and transmitting the composite video image for distribution in a linear television broadcast.

Abstract: A system for retrieval of executable applications, comprising: a broadcast television receiver apparatus; and a server; wherein the broadcast television receiver apparatus includes a communication unit having an interface for bidirectional communication with a network and adapted to determine channel information from a currently decoded channel carried in a broadcast television signal, the channel information identifying the currently decoded channel, the communication unit being further adapted to send the channel information to a server over the network, and to receive application information from the server, the application information describing a set of applications which are available for execution, and to receive executable code components for the set of applications corresponding to the application information, and wherein the broadcast television receiver apparatus further includes a data processor adapted to execute the application while the channel is decoded; and wherein the server is adapted to r

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to present a user of the media processor a solicitation initiated by a media content supplier requesting an opinion survey of unpublished media content, receive the unpublished media content responsive to submitting an acceptance of the solicitation, and submit the opinion survey to the media content supplier responsive to receiving a response from the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system for interpreting data of audience from a polling session is provided in the present invention. The moderator creates a session for conducting a polling session. The moderator further generates a static data of audience from their personal details obtained from the social networking accounts and a dynamic data from a session moderator survey for obtaining the information not available publically. The data from the static survey and dynamic survey is interpreted to obtain a filtered data of population using specific variables giving the moderator the ability to compartmentalize the collected sample data. This collected sample data is available for analytical interpretation and further helps in generated reports for specific population.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for selecting presentation content. Presentation content is displayed to an audience, the presentation content includes a plurality of content elements. One or more feedback inputs are received from the audience, each feedback input is associated with one of the content elements. A computer determines an alternative presentation content based on the received feedback inputs, and the alternative presentation content is displayed.

Abstract: A method and device for ranking video feeds provide a user with the best feed depending on what the user wishes to see. The method includes obtaining one or more video feeds and ranking the video feeds. The ranking is based, at least in part, upon input from a viewer indicating an object of interest. The ranking can consider things such as video stream resolution and signal strength.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying popular intervals in online hosted videos. To determine popular intervals associated with a video, a plurality of votes for one or more intervals of the video are collected and organized into a plurality of groups. Each group includes votes for intervals of the video that are similar to each other. A group having the highest number of votes is identified, and a most popular clip of the video is formed based upon the intervals in the group with the highest number of votes. This process can be carried out to determine the groups having the second and third highest number of votes in a single video to form the second and third most popular clips in that video, as well as across numerous videos to identify the most popular clips within different videos.

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: Television viewers want to watch previously broadcast videos for a number of reasons. For example, a viewer may have missed one or more episodes of his or her favorite series. As another example, a viewer may have mistaken the broadcast date of a show. Functionality can be implemented in a video recording device to submit rebroadcast requests for previously broadcast videos to a content provider. The content provider can use the rebroadcast requests to determine popularity of the previously broadcast video and dynamically schedule rebroadcasts of the most popular videos. The rebroadcast requests represent intended viewership of the video and can be leveraged by the content provider when assigning advertisement rates for the rebroadcast.

Abstract: An apparatus of processing a digital service signals and a method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and system for facilitating audience feedback during an event. The method includes receiving at least one input request from a set of registered audience members of the event, wherein each request relates to a predefined set of actions. The method processes the received requests and presents information during the event, based on the processed requests.

Abstract: An interactive system for viewing music videos on the go that includes at least one processor, at least one display device electronically connected to the at least one processor, at least one communications means electronically connected to the at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor, and operative to display at least one music video channel selection function on the display device, display at least one music video on the display device, and display at least one instant messaging function on the display device, wherein the at least one music video channel selection function, the at least one music video, and the at least one instant messaging function are displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: A user interaction request is received during playback of video content. The user interaction request can be received independent of any indication from the video content that user interaction is possible. In response to receiving the interaction request, one or more menus are displayed allowing the user to select one or more reaction options and to select whether the selected one or more reaction options are to be communicated to another user or to a content provider.

Abstract: A process for providing a print-augmented broadcast signal for transmission to one or more convention broadcast receiver includes receiving a broadcast signal comprising a program portion for a particular broadcast program and a non-program portion. Supplemental content which is associated with the program content of the particular broadcast program is additionally received. Next, the supplemental content is combined onto the non-program portion of the broadcast signal to form a print-augmented broadcast signal, the print-augmented broadcast signal comprising the program content, which can be rendered on a conventional broadcast receiver, and the supplemental content, which is printable on-demand at a destination conventional broadcast receiver substantially concurrently with the rendering of the program content.

Abstract: In a program information broadcasting system, it is aimed to minimize time for retrieval of program by viewers in operating an electronic program guide or time for waiting when applying for subscription. As a program information broadcasting system, program elements constituting a broadcasting program are divided into a plurality of items and are turned to data at a center, and a master data 21 of a program information to recognize the program is prepared. From the data constituting the master data, minimal necessary items for preparation of a program table are extracted, and a program basic information 22 is prepared. Said master data and said program basic information are transmitted simultaneously with the broadcasting, and said program basic information is received, reproduced and displayed before receiving of the master data at a receiving terminal unit 31 is completed.

Abstract: In a program information broadcasting system, it is aimed to minimize time for retrieval of program by viewers in operating an electronic program guide or time for waiting when applying for subscription. As a program information broadcasting system, program elements constituting a broadcasting program are divided into a plurality of items and are turned to data at a center, and a master data 21 of a program information to recognize the program is prepared. From the data constituting the master data, minimal necessary items for preparation of a program table are extracted, and a program basic information 22 is prepared. Said master data and said program basic information are transmitted simultaneously with the broadcasting, and said program basic information is received, reproduced and displayed before receiving of the master data at a receiving terminal unit 31 is completed.

Abstract: In a program information broadcasting system, it is aimed to minimize time for retrieval of program by viewers in operating an electronic program guide or time for waiting when applying for subscription. As a program information broadcasting system, program elements constituting a broadcasting program are divided into a plurality of items and are turned to data at a center, and a master data 21 of a program information to recognize the program is prepared. From the data constituting the master data, minimal necessary items for preparation of a program table are extracted, and a program basic information 22 is prepared. Said master data and said program basic information are transmitted simultaneously with the broadcasting, and said program basic information is received, reproduced and displayed before receiving of the master data at a receiving terminal unit 31 is completed.