Abstract: A system includes an interface to obtain content on behalf of a target consumer. The system includes a memory. The system further includes a processor that is configured to modify the content to generate modified content. The modified content is generated based on time limited content consumption information of the target consumer and the modified content is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method for switching between minor channels for digital televisions is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a minor channel is in a non-signal state, analyzing information of a major channel, to which the minor channel in the non-signal state pertains, if the minor channel is in the non-signal state, followed by obtaining information of minor channels pertaining to the major channel, and selecting other minor channels excluding the minor channel in the non-signal state based on an analysis of the information of the minor channels to sequentially determine whether the selected minor channels are in a signal state, followed by switching from the minor channel in the non-signal state to a minor channel in the signal state if a minor channel in the signal state is present.

Abstract: The video services receiver system and related operating methods disclosed herein enable better management of blackout information for events associated with a broadcast service, such as a satellite television service. A system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with a service, a display interface for the display, at least one memory element configured to store dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, and a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element. The processor is configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing both the dated blackout information and the frequently updated blackout information. The processor is configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted.

Abstract: A method for adding a conditional access system to a digital audio/video transmission system that delivers content from a source to a security device associated with an audio/video processing device by providing at the broadcast source a datastream having system information data including an unused identifier reserved for security data associated with the additional conditional access system.

Abstract: A content rental system includes one data store for storing rental content. The content rental system also includes a content server for transferring content to one viewing device based upon a received request. The content server is further configured to authorize the transfer of the content from the viewing device to another viewing device.

Abstract: Multiple rating versions of content are provided and selectable by a viewer. A user can select one of the rating versions of the content for viewing. The user selection is dynamic such that the user can change the rating version selected while watching the content. Substitution instructions and substitution segments are downloaded and stored in a substitution cache. When a substitution descriptor is encountered in the content, a processor obtains at least one substitution instruction that corresponds to a substitution instruction identification code stored in the substitution descriptor. The processor executes the instruction to effect the rating change.

Abstract: A method for controlling viewing a broadcast in a terminal. A terminal having a broadcast control function includes a first replaceable identity device attached to a portion of the terminal and a controller for setting a broadcast viewing level when a second identity device replaces the first identity device, wherein the broadcast viewing level was previously set by the first identity device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value-added service applied to the broadcasting of video programs or content and more particularly to mobile television (Mobile TV). The invention promotes service continuity during the broadcasting of programs having an undefined duration and the broadcasting of which has been subject to a Pay-Per-View type purchase.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: Methods and systems to obtain content and generate modified content based on a time limited content consumption information is disclosed. In one embodiment, content may be obtained from a content source and modified based on the time limited content consumption information. In one embodiment, such modified content is stored in a memory of a content modification system and subsequently delivered to a target consumer.

Abstract: To realize a service of data content that can interlock with AV content of programs without providing a band for broadcasting data content in a broadcast band for digital television broadcast, provided is a reception apparatus that receives an audio and/or video (AV) content, the apparatus including: an extraction section to extract trigger information from the AV content, the trigger information being related to an application program that is executed interlocking with a progress of the AV content, the trigger information including a trigger type; and a control section to control one of an activation of the application program, a dispatch of an event of the application program being executed, and an end of the application program being executed in accordance with the trigger type included in the extracted trigger information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing digital rights to a user device is set forth. The user device forms a selection signal from guide data. The user device communicates a digital rights determination signal to a first authentication module in response to selecting. The first authentication module communicates a query signal to a second authentication module to determine whether the user device is authorized to receive content associated with the selection signal. The second authentication module communicates an address of a content delivery module to the user device through the first authentication module when the user device is authorized. A digital rights management server communicates a request for content to a content delivery module using the address of the content delivery module. The content delivery module communicates content to the user device corresponding to the selection signal. The user device displays content on the display associated with the user device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable media are disclosed for presenting a simultaneous multimedia experience to a plurality of computing devices, each at different locations. The method involves coordinating a simultaneous presentation of multimedia content to a plurality of computing devices, receiving a control signal from a computer of one of the plurality of computing devices to control the presentation of multimedia content, and broadcasting the control assigned to each of the plurality of computing devices such that a control event substantially simultaneously occurs in the presentation of a multimedia content at each of the plurality of computing devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for advanced distribution of digital media. A list of subscriber addresses to a new release of a digital media is retrieved at a server associated with a producer. An electronic copy of the digital media is sent from the server to a subscriber's address in the list of subscribers. The electronic copy of the digital media is stored in a memory of a device and may be retrieved at a specified date. The memory may have a partitioned portion that is dedicated to new releases of media offered by the producer. A cost associated with the device and/or the digital media is subsidized by the producer, such that only the producer, the subscriber, and/or a service/network provider have access to the partitioned portion of the memory.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content synchronizing method includes: first transmitting when receiving an acquiring request for reference time to determine a timing to synchronize a plurality of pieces of content executed by a plurality of modules with each other from a first module out of the modules, the acquiring request for the reference time to a second module out of the modules; receiving source information indicating an acquisition source of the reference time from the second module; and acquiring reference time information indicating the reference time from the acquisition source indicated by the source information, wherein second transmitting to the first module, together with the reference time information, processing time information indicating processing time from receiving the acquiring request until transmitting the reference time information, the processing time information being used to calculate a time lag between time in the first module and the reference time.

Abstract: A method may include automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual. A system may include a facial recognition module configured for automatically remotely identifying at least one characteristic of an individual via facial recognition; and a display module coupled with the facial recognition module, the display module configured for providing a display for the individual, the display having a content at least partially based on the identified at least one characteristic of the individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling an administrator to monitor and control usage of media content in a locale. In one embodiment, the locale includes one or more media devices that have access to media content from one or more local and/or remote content sources. Usage data defining usage of the media content by a user is obtained. A pattern including two or more media segments consumed by the user is detected based on the usage data and one or more predefined pattern detection rules. The administrator is then enabled to review the pattern and choose whether to block usage. Usage of at least one of the media segments included in the pattern is then blocked at the one or more media devices at the locale in response to the administrator choosing to block usage of the at least one of the media segments included in the pattern.

Abstract: An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device, based on the determined location information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly along with a plurality of other location information and a plurality of corresponding other time information associated with a plurality of other IP LNB assemblies.

Abstract: Video playback device for performing realtime playback of 3D video by playing back first view-point video and second view-point video in combination, first view-point video being received via broadcasting in real time over broadcast waves, second view-point video being stored in advance before broadcasting of first view-point video, video playback device comprising: storage storing second view-point video; video receiving unit receiving first view-point video; information obtaining unit obtaining inhibition/permission information that indicates, for each video frame, whether displaying video frame before current time reaches scheduled presentation time is inhibited or permitted, scheduled presentation time being time at which video frame is scheduled to be broadcast for realtime playback; playback unit playing back second view-point video; and control unit inhibiting second view-point video from being played back when scheduled presentation time of next video frame is later than current time and inhibition/pe

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reproducing a moving image according to a parental level are provided. In the method, a video frame stream is digital-processed, so that frames are detected. Whether a parental level is set in each detected frame is determined. When the parental level is set, a frame sequence number of a frame to be reproduced next is determined using a next frame sequence number set in the frame.

Abstract: Media system control and advertisement technology, in which input related to advertising preferences of a user of a media system that is connected to a content delivery network is received. An advertisement control policy is defined for the user of the media system based on the received input. During viewing, on the media system, of a channel provided by the content delivery network, the media system is controlled to deliver advertisements based on the defined advertisement policy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for reducing bandwidth consumption in a switched broadcast multimedia distribution system. When a subscriber requests a channel, bandwidth is allocated to deliver a current program to the subscriber via the requested channel. The allocated bandwidth is then terminated upon expiration of a timer. The timer may have a defined value, or the timer may correspond to program scheduling.

Abstract: An authorization method for a smart TV is provided. When an application is to be activated, it is determined whether machine authorization information is stored. When the machine authorization information is stored, a client certificate corresponding to the application is searched for. When the client certificate is found, it means the application is authorized. The application authorized by a server can then be activated.

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

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method selects a program from a library of programs. A user selection is determined based upon a voice command, and the program is presented at a display device in accordance with the voice command. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system selects a program from a library of programs. The system includes a processor that determines a user selection based upon a voice command, and also includes a display device that presents the program in accordance with the voice command. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium contains a set of instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to determine a user selection based upon a voice command and to command a display device to present the program, in accordance with the voice command.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards managing entitlement/right revocation and delivery to be performed within a non-addressable media network. Such networks may include for example a client device behind a network address translation (NAT) device, employs non-addressable satellite components, or so forth. A server notifies clients that entitlements, revocations, or the like are available by sending a request for communications with the client. The client initiates a connection to receive the entitlements, or the like, and then disconnects from the server. If the client fails to initiate a connection, the server may continue to send a request for a connection, or even change encryption keys to the content to prevent access by the client. In one embodiment, failure to receive an acknowledgement response from the server of a connection with the client, or from the client, may result in invocation of a revocation failure action.

Abstract: An apparatus for global television (TV) channel sharing, operating as a sharing client, comprises a registration module, a TV signal receiving module, a multimedia data encoding module, and an Internet communication module. The registration module receives a network address of a subscription client from a mediation server. The TV signal receives module receiving local TV signals after receiving the network address of the subscription client. The multimedia data encoding module encodes the local TV signals into a bitstream. The Internet communication module transmits the bitstream to the subscription client corresponding to the network address via the Internet.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system including a secure media device having one or more security keys stored therein. The secure media device is housed in a device that is connected to a television unit and a network. Secure application environments are housed in the device, wherein each secure application environment is operationally isolated from one another. The secure application environments receive and process information sent over the network only if the information includes a security code corresponding to the security key in the secure media device. The security code is obtained from a clearinghouse when the information satisfies predetermined criteria. More specifically, the clearinghouse receives a copy of the security key from a manufacturer of the secure media device and creates the security code based on the security key.

Abstract: An information storage medium on which a plurality of titles are recorded, and a reproducing apparatus and method thereof. The information storage medium includes a plurality of titles which are reproduced as motion pictures and a plurality of units of attribute information that correspond to the titles and indicate whether a user can control a title to be reproduced. Therefore, efficient navigation can be ensured and the titles can be reproduced as a manufacturer of the information storage medium has planned.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for user login to a multimedia system. In one embodiment, a method of logging in one or more user profiles on a multimedia system includes associating one or more actuation sequences of one or more buttons on a remote control device each with a user profile, each user profile having one or more characteristics for outputting multimedia content, the characteristics affecting multimedia content provided by a multimedia system to personalize the user's multimedia experience, communicating a first signal corresponding to one of the one or more actuation sequences from the remote control device to a multimedia system to identify a first user profile for login, logging in the first user profile as an active user profile on the multimedia system based on the first signal, and controlling multimedia content provided to an output system of the multimedia system based on the active user profile.

Abstract: Multiple levels of wireless network resource granting. A user who has an authorized key, e.g., an encryption key or a key indicating that they have paid for service, gets a first, better level of access to the network resources. One without the key is granted lesser access, e.g., less total bandwidth, less bandwidth speed, no access to files or the like.

Abstract: A device to reduce bandwidth necessary for renewal of subscriptions for reception of broadcast services including: defining a plurality of sets of subscriber identification numbers, each set being associated with a product; splitting a set of subscriber identification numbers into groups of subscribers; searching for an available subscriber identification number related to the desired product at the time of initialization of a new subscriber; confirming that an inhibit duration has elapsed between the end of the previous subscription and the start of the new subscription; sending an initialization message to the new subscriber addressed with his unique identification address and containing the subscriber identification number of, and rights to, his product; preparing a group rights renewal message for the product to the group containing the subscriber identification number, this message comprising the group header containing this subscriber and a compressed bitmap for individually addressing each of the group

Abstract: Providing increased bandwidth to business subscribers during business hours. A determination is made whether a subscriber is eligible for application of a business boost. Business boost to the subscriber is activated when the subscriber is eligible for business boost. An increased bandwidth is provided to the activated subscriber during business hours to provide the business boost to the subscriber.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for motivating a user to watch a television channel for a predetermined period of time and enabling access to a media asset related to a program provided on the channel. A tuner is tuned to a transmission channel and a program is received concurrently with a portion of a media asset. The viewing behavior is monitored to determine whether the user tunes to a different transmission channel before a predetermined time period elapses. When the user tunes to a different transmission channel before the predetermined time period elapses, access to the media asset is prevented. When the user stays tuned to the particular transmission channel for the predetermined time period, access to the media asset is enabled. The media asset may be transmitted to a portable user device, such as a mobile phone.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable parents to establish a child-protective “kids zone” on a DVR. According to one technique, a DVR receives, from a parent, identities of content items that the parent does not want children to view. The DVR maps the identities to a kids zone. During times that the DVR is set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR prevents itself from presenting any content items that are associated with the identities. However, during these times, the DVR still may obtain and store these content items. At other times, during which the DVR is not set to operate in the kids zone operational mode, the DVR may allow itself to present the content items that are associated with the identities, including content items that the DVR obtained and stored during times that the DVR was set to operate in the kids zone operational mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for user authentication required for conducting online financial institution transactions. The disclosed embodiments leverage the capabilities of platforms other than conventional personal computers and laptops, such as gaming consoles and wireless devices. Unique intrinsic user activities, such as controller motions or activities, built-in hardware signatures or other input data are used as the authentication mechanism, so as to provide a higher degree of security in the overall authentication process by lessening the likelihood of password replication or interception during network communication.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for limiting a content usage authority scope of a client by using metadata in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method performed by a metadata server adds control information to the metadata and transmits the metadata, wherein the content usage authority scope of the client is defined in the control information. The client of a user limits a content control operation according to a user input by using the control information extracted from the metadata.

Abstract: A simple, cost-effective, and robust method and system to obstruct crawls, logos, and other annoying and distracting images overlaid on a video signal and displayed on a TV set or monitor is provided. The method and system may detect the presence of the unwanted images and block them automatically, or they may accept manual input from the user via a handheld control device to block or obstruct these images.

Abstract: A device and method for multiple access cards to interface to at least one integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) and methods for using the device. The interface device of the present invention contains multiple access card readers and houses multiple access cards. The device can switch between access cards based on pre-configured software that rotates the cards according to various conditions. In another embodiment, the device can simultaneously operate all the cards. The device can select one card for the IRD based on responses acquired for the various conditions. In addition, the present invention allows monitoring access card authorizations and blackout states in multiple IRDs. A single access card can be applied to more than one IRD simultaneously, and the IRDs can be different versions. In addition, the present invention provides a satellite broadcast center with the capability of testing multiple access cards in real time either sequentially, or in parallel, through multiple IRDs.

Abstract: A method to reduce bandwidth necessary for renewal of subscriptions for reception of broadcast services including: defining a plurality of sets of subscriber identification numbers, each set being associated with a product; splitting a set of subscriber identification numbers into groups of subscribers; searching for an available subscriber identification number related to the desired product at the time of initialization of a new subscriber; confirming that an inhibit duration has elapsed between the end of the previous subscription and the start of the new subscription; sending an initialization message to the new subscriber addressed with his unique identification address and containing the subscriber identification number of, and rights to, his product; preparing a group rights renewal message for the product to the group containing the subscriber identification number, this message comprising the group header containing this subscriber and a compressed bitmap allowing to individually address each of the

Abstract: A device may include a storage device and a processor. The storage device may be configured to store video programs and advertisements. The processor may be configured to display a graphical user interface that provides a list of video programs and advertisements stored in the storage device, receive a user selection of a video program and advertisement in the list of video programs and advertisements, provide the advertisement to a content presentation device for user viewing, track whether the device plays the advertisement, determine a number of credits for playing the advertisement, and credit the user account based on the number of credits.

Abstract: A method for distributing a location aware mobile coupon (LAMC) based on a current location of a consumer using a mobile device. The method includes: receiving the current location of the mobile device from a location aware service (LAS) provider; comparing the current location of the mobile device to a retail location of a merchant to determine that the consumer is in proximity to the retail location of the merchant; obtaining pre-generated LAMC terms of the merchant specifying a maximum price discount of an item offered by the merchant; determining, in response to determining that the consumer is in proximity to the retail location, a price discount of the LAMC using a pre-determined formula based on the maximum price discount and a distance of the consumer to the retail location; and sending the LAMC including the price discount to the mobile device used by the consumer.

Abstract: A media client stores separate account settings for multiple user accounts, where each of the separate user accounts includes access time limits for use of devices associated with the media client. The media client also receives a login request for one of the user accounts, and retrieves, based on account settings for the active account, interactive content for the active account. The media client presents to a user of the active account the interactive content and receives user input responding to the interactive content. The media client adjusts the access time limits for the devices, based on the user input and the account settings for the active account, and monitors usage time of the devices by the user of the active account. The media client blocks access to one of the devices when a monitored usage time exceeds the adjusted access time limit for the corresponding device.

Abstract: An electronic equipment control system including a plurality of pieces of electric equipments connected with one another through a network. A piece of electric equipment among the plurality of pieces of electric equipments comprises: a setting and inputting unit to set and input broadcast content setting information regarding view of a broadcast content; a broadcast content setting information storage unit to store the content setting information; a transmission unit to transmit the content setting information set and input by the setting and inputting unit to another piece of electric equipment connected to the network; a reception unit to receive the content setting information transmitted from another piece of electric equipment connected to the network; and an update unit to update the content setting information stored in the content setting information storage unit based on the content setting information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a television broadcasting receiving apparatus which carries out a parental control based on rating information in a video/audio data included in a television broadcasting wave including a receiving unit to receive the television broadcasting wave, an auto preset unit to orderly tune channels in which a video/audio data of a program is viewable by scanning the television broadcasting wave, a rating table obtaining unit to obtain a rating table included in the television broadcasting wave when the channels in which the video/audio data of the program is viewable are orderly tuned by the auto preset unit, and a rating table storage unit to store the rating table obtained by the rating table obtaining unit.

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: A downloader receives a service providing period within which a service dealer is permitted to perform a viewing service by a content right holder and a viewing period showing a period within which each user is allowed to view a content, with the content, from a server. A license information conversion unit calculates a viewing expiration time for first-time viewing within which the user can view a first-time viewing, by using the service providing period and the viewing period. A writing-out unit writes out the viewing expiration time for first-time viewing and the viewing period, with the content, to an exchangeable medium. When a first viewing time of the user is within the viewing expiration time for first-time viewing, the viewing terminal calculates a viewing expiration time by adding the viewing period to the first viewing time, and writes the viewing expiration time back into the exchangeable medium.

Abstract: A method and system prevents a potential viewer, such as a child, from viewing programming under certain conditions. For example, a programming receiver may be set up to prevent a child from viewing programming having a rating outside of an authorized rating limit, and/or from viewing programming during certain time periods, and/or from viewing any and all programming. When the child wishes to view a desired program, and the programming receiver determines that viewing is not permitted, the child is asked if they wish to seek permission from their parent or guardian to view the desired program. If so, an electronic request is made to a communication device, associated with the parent or guardian, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, or another television. The Request provides the parent with information regarding the desired program, and perhaps the identity of the requester. Hence, the parent can grant or deny permission to view the desired programming, from a remote location.

Abstract: A method and system prevents a potential viewer, such as a child, from viewing programming under certain conditions. For example, a programming receiver may be set up to prevent a child from viewing programming having a rating outside of an authorized rating limit, and/or from viewing programming during certain time periods, and/or from viewing any and all programming. When the child wishes to view a desired program, and the programming receiver determines that viewing is not permitted, the child is asked if they wish to seek permission from their parent or guardian to view the desired program. If so, an electronic request is made to a communication device, associated with the parent or guardian, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, or another television. The Request provides the parent with information regarding the desired program, and perhaps the identity of the requester. Hence, the parent can grant or deny permission to view the desired programming, from a remote location.