Abstract: By means of the present invention, coordination and synchronization of independently obtained and stored video recordings which may be relatively lengthy with short term, isolated happenings or collections of segment of video depicting acts or facts may be easily extracted for viewing.

Abstract: A content retransmitter receives information for receivers and forms an authorized list by transmitting authentication prompts, receiving authentication information, and adding receivers if the authentication information for the respective receiver is verified to match stored user information. Subsequently, the content retransmitter may receive content and broadcast the received content to some or all of the receivers on the authorized list. Additionally, the content retransmitter may store the received content in a storage medium and provide the stored content to receivers on the authorized list upon request. The user authentication information received from the receivers may be passwords, biometric information, and so on. The received content may be broadcast to a subset of the authorized list corresponding to users who are related to the content.

Abstract: An approach is provided for perform search across multiple systems via a set-top box. A search request is received via an interactive service guide of a set-top box. A widget-based search of one or more applications is initiated via the set-top box. A search result for the one or more applications is received, and presented via the interactive service guide.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and an image displaying method thereof are disclosed, which can solve a problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus. Since the problem of disturbance in watching TV through a detachable image display apparatus, which may occur due to discharge of the mobile display device, can be solved, a user can conveniently and quickly use contents watched by himself(herself) immediately before the mobile display device is discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus for a flexible and common IPMP System (Intellectual Property Management and Protection) offers flexibility and interoperability by incorporating a complete IPMP Tool List stored in the content stream or downloaded from a URL location. The IPMP Tool Manager of a compliant IPMP terminal functioning as a preprocessor module is provided, the IPMP Tool List is parsed, and an IPMP Tool is acquired based on the IPMP Tool ID, related location identifier, and IPMP Tool Format ID. The IPMP Tool can be precompiled to a binary format and sent or downloaded to the IPMP terminal, and different binary formats are prepared by the content provider for use on different IPMP terminal platforms.

Abstract: A digital content vending machine, DCVM (10), in which a client (12) on a personal computer, PC (14), contains an infrastructure (16) and an inventory (18). The infrastructure (16) and inventory (18) may both be stored in a hard drive (20), or the inventory (18) may instead be stored on a removable media (24), such as a CD (16), DVD (28), or tape (30). The infrastructure (16) presents a graphical user interface on the client (12) which metaphorically resembles a village (46) containing a plurality of stores (44) operated by vendors (42). Customers (40) shop in the stores (44) by selecting assets (22), constituting the inventory (18), and sending money (52) and an identifier (54) to a clearing house (50) via a communications system such as telephone (118), private network (120), or the Internet (122). The clearing house (50) returns a key (58) used to at least partially remove a digital wrapper (60) protecting the asset (22) from unauthorized use.

Abstract: An IPTV may be controlled in part by a second user consumer electronic (CE) device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or laptop computer. The IPTV obtains system credentials from a management server to access multiple content servers, and the second CE device can browse Internet content available to the IPTV by accessing a proxy server, which coordinates with the management server and content serves to obtain necessary credentials and information for the second CE device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a TV operation environment for users submitting authorizing passwords. The method of setting a user environment of a television (TV) includes displaying a plurality of icons of Identifications (IDs) for respective users, each of the IDs corresponding to an operation environment for a user. If an ID icon is selected among the displayed icons, a password corresponding to the selected ID icon is authenticated, and if a user is authenticated by the password, a preset operation mode for the user is set.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for blocking unsolicited emails. The system comprising: a server application for providing a filtering service between at least one protected and a second mail subscribe. The server application is comprised of: a communication module for establishing secure connections between at least two mail subscribers, a repository of secure connections including records of secure mail addresses created for each secure connection, an interception module for verifying secure messages by comparing the sender's address to the sender address in the secure connection repository, a transmission module for forwarding the verified messages to the public target mail address by translating between secure mail address and the public mail addresses of verified messages.

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: An image device, a receiving method of contents, a server, and a providing method of contents are provided. The image device includes: a communication unit which communicates with a server that provides content received from a content provider; a display unit; at least one application execution unit which executes the content; and an application controller which controls the communication unit to receive the content corresponding to a log-in user from the server and displays, on the display unit, reception information indicating reception of the content based on a user ID for the log-in user to be logged in to the image device and a token which matches the user ID to a content ID for the log-in user to be connected to the content provider.

Abstract: A hospitality media system includes a plurality of set-top boxes (STBs) coupled to a radio frequency (RF) coax network. Each STB has an identifier for identifying the STB. A content source broadcasts media content to the STBs utilizing the RF coax network and an update server distributes software data to the STBs. The software data causes a particular STB to perform a media function customized for the particular STB according to the identifier of the particular STB.

Abstract: Systems and methods for searching for available assets permitted by parental controls are disclosed. Search results may include assets similar to a reference asset, which may be an asset the user has requested, but which is locked by parental control settings in force on the user equipment. Assets may be ranked according to their similarity, or relevance, to the requested asset, and they may be accessed directly from the search results. Systems and methods for accessing edited or censored versions of the requested asset are also disclosed. An edited content source may store multiple versions of certain assets available in the media system. The appropriate version of the asset may be accessed and presented to the user automatically depending on the user's parental control settings.

Abstract: A configuration is provided which enables usage management and secure data management of data newly generated or obtained that is different from data already stored in an information recording medium. New data such as information which the user has newly generated or downloaded related to content information increments of content management information stored in an information recording medium is recorded as configuration data of the content management unit, in the form of encrypted data to which a unit key corresponding to the content management unit, or a unit key corresponding to a new content management unit, has been applied. According to this configuration, secure data management and usage management is realized for new data the same as with data corresponding to original units.

Abstract: To permit non-TV CE devices to participate in a closed Internet Protocol television (IPTV) program, a non-TV CE device obtains a TV identification upon program registration which it subsequently uses to access content from the IPTV program.

Abstract: A method and system for the control, aggregation, and management of television programming and Internet content (both traditional and video sources) and more specifically to the customization of media choices and content based in part on the dynamic editing of content according to user preferences. Affiliate Groups can be used to mark, recommend or provide selective editing of video and other media that can be received by users. Users may join Affiliate Groups and selectively view or have content automatically filtered from the data received in their premises such that the display of the media is less than all of the media received at the premises based on Affiliate Group recommendations. Menus and displays may be created that show preferred media content, additional content generated by the Affiliate Groups. Channel schedules may be pre-filtered or provide customized warnings about objectionable material.

Abstract: A filter is arranged to selectively block or allow a data access command from an initiator according to whether the initiator is secure or insecure and whether a data source or destination being accessed is privileged or unprivileged. The data access command contains an identification of the initiator from which the data access command originated and an identification of the data source or destination being accessed. The security filter compares the initiator identification and data source or destination identification contained within the data access command with a list of those initiators defined as secure and a list of those data sources or destinations which are defined as unprivileged. The filter then blocks or allows the data access command signal according to a set of rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a user interface for television control functionality.

Abstract: Redirection of streaming content is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a request at a client from another client, wherein the request is to redirect on-demand content being streamed from a head end to the other client and includes a bookmark that specifies a point in time during an output of the on-demand content by the second client. A communication is formed for being communicated to the head end to cause redirection of the streaming of the on-demand content to the client corresponding to the point in time specified by the bookmark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the authentication of users of a hybrid terminal with a first registration step. The first registration step comprises entry of user identification data, request to enter a personal identification number, forwarding of the personal identification number to a registration server of an authentication apparatus, forwarding of the user identification data, validation of the user identification data, generation of a registration code, and in the event that entry of the personal identification number has not taken place, generation of the personal identification number, forwarding of the registration code to the internet-capable terminal and in the event that entry of the personal identification number has not taken place, forwarding of the personal identification number via a separate connection to the user.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system (10) and a process for authenticating a PIN code of a user in an interactive information system in order to run an application. It comprises input means (15) for PIN code entry, security manager means (13) for comparing the PIN code of the user upon a request for user authentication from the application, with a registered PIN code, and giving authorization to run said application if the PIN code of the user matches with the registered PIN code, and display means (17) for displaying any graphics including a PIN entry field. The request for user authentication is provided on the display means via the PIN entry field with the look and feel of said application. The system further comprises emitting means for entering crypted digits, the security manager means (13) being arranged to give authorisation to run the application after full entry of said crypted digits and if the PIN code of the user is identical to the registered PIN code.

Abstract: A method for providing a video-on-demand (VOD) presentation includes determining whether an active video-on-demand (VOD) session for the VOD presentation exists, providing a selectable option to view the VOD presentation responsive to determining that the active VOD session exists, and providing a list of selectable VOD titles responsive to determining that the active VOD session does not exist.

Abstract: A display device is initially provided with a deactivated feature that may be selectively activated as needed by an end user, with notification of the activation provided to an activation service. The activation service may provide an activation code or other activation either to the display device directly, or alternatively to the end user, for use in the activation process to activate the initially-deactivated feature. As another alternative the activation service may receive notification after the activation, or during the activation process, without necessarily providing any activation code or other key. The activation service may make use of the activation notification, such as for marketing purposes of determination of licensing fees due in connection with the initially-deactivated feature. The registration code may be used to create an activation code used for activating the initially-deactivated feature.

Abstract: When reservation information is inputted, a mobile terminal apparatus (broadcast receiver) 1 stores a mode ID for which the set flag is set at “1” and stored in a mode information memory section 1-3-1 and the inputted reservation information in the reservation information memory section 1-3-3. Subsequently, the apparatus 1 receives a television broadcast or a radio broadcast based on the reservation information. Then, the apparatus 1 judges whether or not the mode ID for which the set flag is set at “1” matches the mode ID that is stored in the reservation information memory section 1-3-3 in the manner so as to be associated with the reservation information. When both match each other, the apparatus 1 outputs the broadcast content to a speaker SP and a display section 1-7, and when both do not match each other, it outputs the broadcast content to a record data memory section 1-3-4.

Abstract: The present invention is a television receiver that includes a memory that stores a first lock release code, an input device to input a second lock release code, a comparing portion to compare the second lock release code to the first lock release code, and a control portion to output a signal to operate the television receiver when the result of the comparison conforms. Also the present invention includes a method for preventing theft of an electronic device that includes the steps of storing a lock release code in a memory of the electronic device, providing information corresponding to the lock release code to a third party, requesting an input of the information corresponding to the lock release code, comparing input information to the lock release code stored in the memory, and disabling the electronic device when the result of the comparison is not conforming.

Abstract: A controller receives an encrypted media stream (“EMS”) and an identifier indicative of a selected content key from a headend. The EMS is encrypted with an encryption key and can be decrypted with a corresponding decryption key which is determinable from the selected content key. The controller receives indexes and content keys from the headend prior to receiving the EMS. Each index respectively corresponds to an identifier with one index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The content keys correspond to the indexes with one content key corresponding to the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key. The controller selects the index corresponding to the identifier indicative of the selected content key upon receiving the EMS, determines the selected content key from the selected index, determines the decryption key from the selected content key, and decrypts the EMS with the decryption key.

Abstract: Methods and system for controlling access to viewable content on an individual title basis. In one embodiment, the method enables a user, such as a parent, to assign passwords to individual titles, thereby preventing unauthorized users, such as children, from viewing content corresponding to a selected title while enabling authorized users to view the content via correct entry of the password. In another embodiment, the method enables an administrative user (e.g., parent) to define allowed access levels and assign the same to various users of the system. The administrative user is also enabled to assign access levels to individual titles. In response to a user selection to view a title, the system identifies the user and determines whether the user is authorized to view the content based on the access level assigned to the title and any allowed access levels assigned to the user. The system includes set-top boxes and the like that may be used to implement the methods.

Abstract: Method and system is disclosed for delivering targeted advertisements to a user by employing an interactive television system. A dedicated button of a remote control is used to control the operation of rendering the advertisement to the user with the great simplicity. An icon for advertisement is displayed on the screen when a channel programming is being broadcasted. The advertisement is displayed in full screen after the first actuation of the button is received. The advertisement is removed from the screen after the second actuation of the button is received. The user can be identified by using of the dedicated button in combination of the channel selection buttons, which are switched into numeric buttons after a specific actuation of the dedicated button is received. A displayed window on the screen invites the user to key in the user's password represented by a series of numbers.

Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture that handles World band cellular and broadcast channels may be provided. The method may comprise receiving at a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated within a mobile terminal, first signals via a first antenna, where the first signals comprise signals within at least one of a 2100 MHz band and a 1900 MHz band. The method may further comprise receiving at a second RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, second signals via the first antenna, where the second signals comprise signals within at least one of a 1900 MHz band, a 1800 MHz band, a 900 MHz band and a 850 MHz band. Additionally, third signals may be received via the first antenna at a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, where the third signals comprise signals within a VHF/UHF broadcast band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (I) for transmission of signal units to at least one receiver (3), comprising a receiving means being arranged to receive a number of signal units within a frequency range, whereby each signal unit includes at least one signal, and a forwarding means being arranged to make possible for at least a portion of said signal units to be forwarded or at least partially be blocked with respect to said receiver (3).

Abstract: A method of monitoring video streams currently being displayed at a customer premises of an Internet Protocol television network. A plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams each currently being displayed by a respective one of a plurality of set-top box devices located at a customer premises and a universal resource locator being accessed at the customer premises are identified. The plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams currently being displayed by the respective set-top box devices are displayed together with the universal resource locator on a display device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and a client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN? value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN? value for unlocking the smart card.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing content signals received from a plurality of different, and possibly dissimilar, signal sources, such as different satellite networks, and providing a display based on the content of those signals. The apparatus includes a tuner/demodulator for receiving content signals and demodulating the received content signals as programming bitstreams, and one or more access control devices for descrambling any conditional access present in the demodulated programming bitstreams. The apparatus further includes a processor, such as a system chip, which is responsible for all command and control functions. The system chip evaluates conditional access to determine whether the bitstream needs decryption, descrambling, or both, and processes a bitstream from one of the multiple signal sources for display on a suitable output device.

Abstract: A system and method for linking the account of a subscriber of a multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) network to an account of the subscriber on a social networking site and to receive invitations to follow a page or join a group hosted on a social networking site that is relevant to the video content being displayed on the subscriber's television.

Abstract: In a procedure for delivering streaming media, a Client first requests the media from an Order Server. The Order Server authenticates the Client and sends a ticket to the Client. Then, the Client sends the ticket to a Streaming Server. The Streaming Server checks the ticket for validity and if found valid encrypts the streaming data using a standardized real-time protocol such as the SRTP and transmits the encrypted data to the Client. The Client receives the data and decrypts them. Copyrighted material adapted to streaming can be securely delivered to the Client. The robust protocol used is very well suited for in particular wireless clients and similar devices having a low capacity such as cellular telephones and PDAs.

Abstract: A method and a system for enhancing video data that enable: receiving an original video data file comprising video data; enhancing the received original video data file by integrating a controller program into the received original video data file, where the receiving and enhancing is carried out by at least one remote server, and where the controller program enables executing operations according to predefined rules; playing the enhanced video file; and operating the controller program, wherein the controller program is operated upon and during playing of the video content, wherein the operating of the controller program includes executing the operations included therein according to the predefined rules, and wherein the operations enable adding information related to the video data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling viewing of multimedia content includes collecting viewing control profiles and associated viewing control passwords via an Internet-protocol television portal, a web portal, and a mobile portal. The viewing control profile may be usable to restrict access to certain multimedia programs. The viewing control may be applied using a unified storefront application, providing access to multimedia content via the Internet-protocol television portal, the web portal, and the mobile portal, to offer and provide controlled access to the multimedia assets.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing content to a subscriber of a first video service provider through a second video service provider and for facilitating the subscriber incurring a fee for viewing the content. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods authenticate a subscriber of a first video service provider and allow the subscriber to view content through a second video service provider and incur the fee for viewing such content. Various embodiments may make use of a content brokerage provider to facilitate the brokerage of content between video servicer providers. Further, in various embodiments, the first video service provider (and/or content brokerage provider) bills the subscriber for the fee incurred for viewing the content through the second video service provider and, in particular embodiments, a portion of the fee is paid to the second video service provider.

Abstract: The detection of devices with duplicate media access controller (MAC) addresses in a cable network. A cable network device (CND) having a MAC address is connected by the cable network to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) having a gateway interface address. A centralized storage of historical cable modem MAC address/giaddr tuple data is used to identify CNDs that report duplicate MAC addresses. The cable network tracks the CND MAC address/giaddr tuple data of all CND requests that it receives and stores the MAC address/giaddr tuple data into a datastore (such as a database). When a CND seeks to access the network, the cable network looks into the datastore to determine whether the CND MAC address of the CND has previously been stored with a different associated giaddr, which would imply that there are multiple CNDs attached to different CMTSs where the CNDs share the same MAC address. If such duplication is detected, an appropriate remedial response is taken.

Abstract: A content providing server connected to a home network or the like is configured in such a way as to store a content key, which is encrypted by a network key shared by network-connected devices and appropriately updated, in a storage together with encrypted content, and as to hold a network key table in which all network keys including all pre-update network keys, which are being applied to encrypted content keys, are registered and stored. This server performs a key changing operation of changing a content key, which is encrypted by a pre-update network key, to an encrypted key, to which an updated network key is applied, only when needed, for example, at an occurrence of utilization of the content. Consequently, this configuration prevents key changing operations from being wastefully performed. Thus, the processing load on the server is alleviated.

Abstract: An interactive Internet-based system and method provides a number of components that can be used to provide interactivity, including chat, polling, and trivia functionalities, particularly for use in enhancing other events, such as television programs.

Abstract: Media content is received for a plurality of devices based on a user selection. The media content includes digital rights for the plurality of devices. The media content is transferred to at least one of the plurality of devices in accordance with the digital rights.

Abstract: A set-top box receives a channel input from a remote control associated with a user, and determines whether the channel input is a double-click channel input. The set-top box retrieves a user-defined content list, associated with the user, when the channel input is determined to be a double-click channel input, and tunes to a channel associated with the retrieved user-defined content list. The set-top box also receives content associated with the tuned to channel, and provides the received content to a television, where the television displays the received content to the user.

Abstract: An interactive information distribution system includes service provider equipment for generating an information stream that is coupled to an information channel and transmitted to subscriber equipment. The service provider also generates a command signal that is coupled to a command channel and transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The service provider also receives information manipulation requests from the subscriber via a back channel. A communication network supporting the information channel, command channel and back channel is coupled between the service provider equipment and the subscriber equipment.

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: A method for registering a first device with a second device over a wireless network includes receiving a registration request from the first device and sending one or more user input choices to the first device. The user input choices each specify a user input action available though a user interface associated with the second device. A device description describing the second device is sent to the first device in a manner that allows it to be presented to the user by the first device. At least one of the user input actions are sequentially received through the user interface in response to instructions provided to the user by the first device. The first device is registered with the second device if the user input actions received by the second device correctly reflect the instructions provided to the user by the first device.

Abstract: Items of video content offered for viewing on a video-on-demand (VOD) platform of a digital TV service provider are each assigned a respective title and hierarchical address corresponding to hierarchically-arranged categories and subcategories within which the title for the video content is to be categorized. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. The EPG dynamically adjust its display listings of each level of categories, subcategories, and titles in order to minimize the number of remote control keypresses needed for a viewer to navigate to a title of interest.

Abstract: As television programs increases, it becomes necessary to find means for rapidly accessing the users' preferred programs. Furthermore, television programs are addressed to different types of users such as children and adults. The proposed system processes a program grid comprising at a higher level the whole information on programs and at a lower level, information specific to a users group as well as parameters defining a user profile. The parameters are divided into several sets of parameters, each set corresponding to a filter layer allowing selecting a category or categories of required information. The first layer, defining a global restrictive filter, is defined by an administrator of the system and the following layers, defining a filter specific to a users group and containing filtering short commands, are defined by at least one member of the users group.

Abstract: A contents player including: a reading unit which accesses data carrier and reads out contents including multimedia data and a script from the data carrier; a playing unit which plays the multimedia data included in the contents; an interpreting unit which interprets the script included in the contents; an access unit which accesses an internal or external storing device; an acquiring unit which acquires an access ID of the contents from the read contents or the data carrier when the script includes an access instruction description which instructs access to a specific storing region in the storing device: and a determining unit which determines whether the access to the specific storing region is permitted or not, on the basis of the acquired access ID.