Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and un-pausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.

Abstract: Selection of an ancillary content title for inclusion in a content play list with a digital cinema feature occurs by first determining the format attributes (e.g., aspect ratio, image stereoscopy, frame rate and peak bit rate) associated with the digital feature. In response to operator identification of a desired digital ancillary content title, a determination is made to determine if that ancillary content title has format attributes at least compatible with the format of the digital feature. If so, the ancillary content title is added to the play list. Otherwise, the operator receives a warning, which depending on the compatibility determination can be overridden.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receives a video for a media program and a set of captions for a dialog in the video. A media player plays the video. A time associated with playing of the video is determined and then the method determines a set of entities in relation to the time. The set of entities are included in one or more captions in the set of captions. The method displays the set of entities in a queue where the set of entities are associated with additional information for each respective entity in the set of entities.

Abstract: A method for providing visual hot watch spots in content item playback on a content sharing platform is disclosed. The method includes separating, by a processing device of a content sharing platform, a duration of a content item into time interval segments. The method further includes, for each of the time interval segments, determining a score for the time interval segment in view of one or more signals indicating a popularity of the time interval segment to users viewing the content item on the content sharing platform, and providing a visual indication of the score for the time interval segment of the content item in a user interface presenting the content item.

Abstract: In an example, a system for distributed video creation is provided. In an example, the system enables users to create the ideas that they and others might film and/or upload. These may be single scene ideas, or multiple scene ideas. These ideas may be as part of a broader, existing video work, or a new video work. These ideas may be manifested as text (such as descriptions or instructions) or verbal (audio), or through pictures or video.

Abstract: Content is downloaded to a mobile handheld device (MHD) and buffered on the MHD prior to, and during, viewing. Normal wireless bandwidth varies with atmospheric conditions, distance, obstructions in the path, etc. and hence the speed at which a content-buffer (CB) on the MHD is replenished changes. Because this can result in very low quality viewing experience for the user, the capability for alternate content scheduling provided a micro-splicer is used to enable stored alternate content or advertisement insertion during periods of low viewing quality, when the CB does not hold sufficient content during the viewing period. This alternate content insertion allows the CB to be refilled before the user resumes content viewing.

Abstract: A method implemented using a programmed hardware computer system comprises: in response to a request to deliver an advertisement received from a TVP or STB (or another entity for the STB), causing a television advertisement to be directed to the STB; storing indicia derived from that direction; and taking an action with respect to an online user interface device (such as a computer, game machine, or mobile phone) associated with the STB, which action is either (i) causing delivery to the online user interface device of an online advertisement targeted based on the presumed viewing of the television advertisement, or (ii) identifying a correlation between the presumed viewing of the television advertisement and subsequent online behavior conducted using the online user interface device that is or has been tracked.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for processing a traffic log having an optional-promotion log entry. An example method involves (i) accessing a stored television-broadcasting traffic log, wherein the traffic log includes multiple ordered log entries including at least a first log-entry and a second log-entry; (ii) making a first determination that the first log-entry corresponds to a show-segment video-component (VC) of a live news program; (iii) making a second determination that the second log-entry corresponds to an initial show-segment VC of a show, wherein the show is scheduled to follow the live news program; (iv) identifying, among log entries scheduled between the first log-entry and the second log-entry, a set of optional-promotion log entries, each such optional-promotional log entry having a duration; (v) determining a cumulative duration of the optional-promotion log entries in the identified set; and (vi) providing the determined cumulative-duration to an output device for presentation.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing advertisements in association with recorded media items. For example, a broadcast media item is stored in a networked storage system in association with an account of a user for later consumption. At least one marker is located in the broadcast media item that identifies a first advertisement in the broadcast media item. One of a plurality of second advertisements is selected that targets the user to replace the first advertisement. The first advertisement is replaced with the selected one of the second advertisements in the broadcast media item.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of conducting a transaction. In one aspect, the method includes: displaying a media program on a media display device; indicating, while the media program is being displayed, an item associated with the media program is available for purchase; receiving authentication information of a prospective purchaser of the item; and completing a purchase of the item in response to the authentication information. In another aspect, the method includes: receiving, from a media display device, a user authentication request that contains user login credentials; granting the user authentication request in response to the user login credentials; and sending an authentication permission to the media display device; wherein the receiving and the sending are each performed such that the user login credentials and the authentication permission are sent through one or more intermediate hops without being inspected by any of the intermediate hops.

Abstract: An application management server includes: a terminal management table storage unit configured to store terminal device identification data for identifying a terminal device and information indicating whether or not transmission of notification data is necessary while correlating the terminal device identification data with the information; a registration request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a registration request for registering transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the registration request; a release request reception unit configured to receive from the terminal device, a release request for releasing transmission of notification data, and update the terminal management table storage unit based on the release request; a via-broadcasting notification transmission unit configured to perform a process of including notification data in a broadcasting signal and transmitting the notification data; and a via-communicatio

Abstract: A television screen control apparatus includes a broadcasting contents data processing unit receiving broadcasting content for a new channel in response to an channel changing input signal. When broadcasting content is not displayed during a channel transition period, advertising information on a background plane is visible to a viewer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for determining a time period remaining until a live production system changes states. An example method involves accessing a stored television-broadcasting traffic log; making a first determination that a log-entry A in the traffic log does not correspond to a live-production source; making a second determination that a log-entry B in the traffic log is the next log entry after the log-entry A to correspond to a live-production source; making a third determination that the log-entry B includes a start-time B; responsive to making the first, second, and third determinations, proximate a current time that is on or after a start-time A corresponding to the log-entry A and that is before the start-time B, determining a time period as a difference between the current time and the start-time B; and providing the determined time-period to an output device for presentation proximate the current time.

Abstract: Scalable codecs are used for transmitting channel zapping data for one or more programs using timeslicing. The main codec layer may be utilized also for the zapping data, and the higher layers may be used in the primary channels. Zapping data may be provided to mobile terminals via a wireless multicast network, such as a DVB-H network, using timeslicing and providing the scalably encoded zapping data as part of the source stream.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include analyzing an image, identifying one or more faces in the image using a face recognition technique, designating at least one of the identified faces collectively as a first area of interest, and determining whether an insertion area exists in the image where additional content can be inserted without obstructing the first area of interest. Another computer program is adapted to cause a processor based system to execute steps that include determining whether the insertion area can be divided into two or more regions based on color. Methods and processor based apparatuses that perform one or more of these steps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for temporally adaptive media playback. The method for adaptive media playback includes estimating or determining an amount of time between a first event and a second event, selecting media content to fill the estimated amount of time between the first event and the second event, and playing the selected media content possibly at a reasonably different speed to fit the time interval. One embodiment includes events that are destination-based or temporal-based. Another embodiment includes adding, removing, speeding up, or slowing down selected media content in order to fit the estimated amount of time between the first event and the second event or to modify the selected media content to adjust to an updated estimated amount of time. Another embodiment bases selected media content on a user or group profile.

Abstract: Control information may be provided to a server by a computing device before or while the computing device sends a media stream to the server. The control information is associated with processing of the media stream by the media server. When the computing device is not sending the media stream to the media server, the computing device may send the control information to the media server while establishing a connection with the media server. When the computing device is sending the media stream to the media server, the computing device may send the control information without interrupting communication of the media stream to the media server. For example, the control information may be embedded into the media stream or may be sent via a separate connection to the media server.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing personal broadcast channels are provided. In one embodiment, one or more users interact with a local broadcast agent hosted by a local server to define profiles for a number of personal broadcast channels. The profiles include information identifying types of content to be broadcast on the personal broadcast channels and optionally formats for the personal broadcast channels. Based on the profiles for the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates a request for content types desired for the personal broadcast channels and provides the request to a content distribution agent hosted by a master server. Based on content provided to the local server in response to the request and the profiles of the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates the local broadcast channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for advertisement insertion into streaming media content are described. In one method, an advertisement insertion tool receives a first indication of a start time of an advertisement break to be inserted into a stream of slices of media content. The advertisement insertion tool identifies a first slice of the slices that encompasses the start time of the advertisement break. The first slice comprises video frames. The advertisement insertion tool truncates the first slice to contain the video frames up to the start time of the advertisement break. An advertisement can be inserted after the truncated first slice and before a next second slice in the stream.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and apparatus are provided for delivering information and commands regarding a media program. An advertisement is provided that allows a user to request more information about the media program by clicking on or otherwise selecting the advertisement. The information may be based on the identity of the user. The information may include programming guide information regarding the media program that is available to an associated set top box of the user. The user may also be able to send commands, such as record the media program or set up a reminder about the media program, through a DVR scheduling facility to the set top box. The set top box may be able to send an acceptance of the command or a notice of conflict to the user through the DVR scheduling facility.

Abstract: A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.

Abstract: A video curation platform displays curated video channels in the form of markup language pages. A page delivered to client machine includes thumbnails of video content that an end user may select and view. The markup language page includes a first container for supporting a first media player, and a second container for supporting a third party media player that is embedded from a content source. The containers are aligned, one in front of the other. The markup language page also includes control logic adapted to be executed in hardware at a client machine when an end user selects video content to be viewed (i) to render first content in the first media player, (ii) upon completing the first content, to automatically hide the first media player and reveal the third party media player; and (iii) to render the video content in the third party media player.

Abstract: A software system and method allowing television and/or cinema viewers to create, store, and display comments pertaining to media content (e.g. programs, streaming movies, advertisements). Users with electronic computing devices comprising a web browser (e.g. smartphone, smart television, etc.) enter comments and transmit them to a third party database for storage and/or display on website(s) (e.g. social media). Webpages display user interface elements allowing the viewer to identify the television content (title of show), and to receive comment data input, which is then transmitted to remote second servers for storage, and/or for display on second websites. An administrator accesses a webpage of the first website server to enter data (e.g. HTML code) for creating user interface elements. When the webpage containing the code is posted to a website, the code results in a comment display page where users can input comments on television content and on posted comments.

Abstract: A distribution device 20 includes a distribution unit 22 that distributes a content including a control program to a user terminal 30. The control program causes the user terminal 30 to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring an area of the content, the area being displayed by a browser program, as a viewable area, a determination procedure for determining whether or not a display area where a video is displayed, the display area being included in the content, is located in the viewable area, and a playback procedure for starting playback of the video if the display area is located in the viewable area and the situation of the user terminal 30 is a predetermined situation.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of appropriately display, on a display, OSDs such as respective menus of the display and a connected apparatuses that is connected to the display and that is capable of working with the display. A display device (30) obtains a type of a transmitter-side OSD image superimposed by the transmission device (10) on a transmitter-side OSD superimposed video signal, and decides whether or not to superimpose a display-side OSD image on a display-side OSD superimposed video signal that is to be displayed, in accordance with the type of the transmitter-side OSD image and a type of the display-side OSD image.

Abstract: Techniques to provide an enhanced video replay are described. A processor component controls a video interface module, a replay clip editing module, a replay clip selection module, and a broadcast feed module. The video interface module may receive a first and a second video stream of an event in a first and a second video resolution. The replay clip editing module may determine a time period within the second video stream that contains a scene of interest and create multiple video clips in the first video resolution. The multiple video clips each represent of a portion of the field of view of the second video stream. The broadcast feed module may interrupt a broadcast feed of the first video stream and insert the selected one of the multiple video clips into the broadcast feed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method of searching for a channel in the display apparatus includes a plurality of tuners and a plurality of antenna ports respectively connected to the plurality of tuners. The method includes receiving a channel search command; if the channel search command is input, searching for one of the plurality of antenna ports that is connected to a satellite antenna to receive a broadcasting signal, if one of the plurality of antenna ports is connected to the satellite antenna to receive the broadcasting signal, setting one of the plurality of tuners connected to the one antenna port, to a main tuner, and performing a channel search through the tuner set to the main tuner. Therefore, although an antenna port connected to one of the plurality of tuners initially set to a sub tuner, the display apparatus performs a channel search through the corresponding tuner.

Abstract: Content delivery is provided responsive to mediacast content consumer requests by providing personalized mediacasts to each of a plurality of mediacast content consumers. Each of the personalized mediacasts includes a variety of replaceable programming and non-programming content segments and a variety of non-replaceable programming and non-programming content segments. Replacement programming and non-programming content segments may be targeted, for example selected based in part on one or more selection criterion associated with the mediacast content consumer, or provided by the broadcaster or Webcaster. A buffering scheme may be employed to inherently adjust asynchronicity between a broadcast or Webcast and a personalized mediacast. Actual insertion of replacement programming and non-programming content segments may occur upstream of a content consumer device or at the content consumer device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for playing a plurality of moving images as one moving image are provided. The apparatus at a terminal includes a display unit for playing the plurality of moving images as one moving image and a controller for connecting the plurality of moving images through connection information for a respective one of the plurality of moving images to play the plurality of moving images as one moving image. The apparatus at a server includes a controller for connecting or converting the plurality of moving images as or into one moving image through connection information for a respective one of the plurality of moving images, and for performing a control operation to sequentially transmit the plurality of moving images according to the connection information in a streaming manner to a terminal, and a transmitter for sequentially transmitting the plurality of moving images to the terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing data for broadcast via digital radio broadcast transmission is disclosed comprising the steps of receiving a plurality of content files corresponding to programming information for program content to be broadcast; receiving an index file having a pointer for each of the plurality of content files, wherein the index file is associated with a first logical address; storing the index file and the plurality of content files; scheduling a broadcast rotation of the index file and the plurality of content files (wherein the index file is scheduled for repeated transmission intermittently relative to selected ones of the content files); and transmitting the index file and the plurality of content files to an importer in accordance with the broadcast rotation.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of dynamically binding supplemental content to live video content includes receiving the live video content at a device and identifying a description of the live video content. The method also includes obtaining the supplemental content based on the description, where the supplemental content provides additional information about one or more products or services related to the live video content. The method further includes dynamically binding the supplemental content to the live video content and positioning the supplemental content in association with the live video content using a supplemental interactive display.

Abstract: A method of dynamically binding supplemental content to video content includes receiving the video content at a device and identifying at least one value related to one or more products or services, where the at least one value is associated with the video content. The method also includes obtaining the supplemental content based on the at least one value, where the supplemental content provides additional information about the one or more products or services. In addition, the method includes dynamically binding the supplemental content to the video content and positioning the supplemental content in association with the video content using a supplemental interactive display.

Abstract: A replacement pathway in an STB is utilized to determine loss of packets and delivery error during reception of media broadcasts, and to retrieve replacement data from one or more replacement media servers. The retrieval of the replacement data is performed during playback of the received media broadcasts. The communication of media broadcast incorporates delays to accommodate the retrieval of replacement data. Alternatively, received broadcast media streams are buffered to enable retrieval of replacement data and to provide seamless presentation of media content in the media broadcasts. The replacement media server performs access authentication operations during replacement data retrieval. The replacement media server is accessed via markup language, for example, HTML and/or XML, based interfaces and/or dedicated APIs.

Abstract: Among other things, a video item is downloaded to a mobile device from a digital video recorder. The video item includes a video program and commercials that have been previously embedded within the video item. Before, during, or after the download of the video item, information is reported from the mobile device to a server about the video item, from which the server can select a set of substitute commercials. One or more of these substitute commercials are downloaded from the server. When the video item is presented on the mobile device, the mobile device replaces at least one of the original commercials that has been previously embedded within the video item by a substitute commercial that has been downloaded to the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method for disseminating digital content, including receiving a video stream having embedded time code markers, copying the video stream, distributing a first copy to a player with a desired delay, distributing a second copy for association of content, and associating content with the second copy during the delay for playing of the first copy and the associated content at the player.

Abstract: Multimedia content segment identified by users may be shared among media devices and media device users. Media content segment metadata is generated based on one or more identified media content item segments identified in one or more media content items. The media content segment metadata may include, but is not limited to, information indicating segment start and stop times, information about the particular media content item (e.g., title, actors, original air date), and other user-provided descriptive information. A link for the media content segment metadata may be posted for display on a webpage and which enables other users to access the media content segment metadata.

Abstract: A method of switching a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a channel changing event corresponding to a changing of a channel is used to minimize a time required for providing the digital TV application suitable for a changed channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for presenting advertisements are provided. In some implementations, systems for presenting advertisements are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives media content containing a video portion and/or an audio portion; determines whether a watermark is embedded in at least one of the video portion and/or the audio portion of the media content; and if it is determined that the watermark is embedded in the at least one of the video portion and/or the audio portion of the media content: identifies a payload in the watermark; receives an advertisement selected at least in part based on the payload; and causes the advertisement to be presented instead of the media content.

Abstract: A method for invoking a software application comprising: executing a first application on a user device; detecting a trigger event on the user device, the trigger event is non-specific and external to the first application and a second application; invoking the second application in response to the trigger event; sending metadata from the first application to the second application; and performing an action in the second application based at least partially on the metadata received from the first application, wherein, the first application and the second application are not operating system processes, and the second application is separate and independent from the first application.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatuses are provided for allowing a user to communicate with a set top box and a media content server through a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone. The user may be able to request and receive a customer specific interactive programming guide through the mobile communication device. The interactive programming guide may allow the user to search and record media programs, including sending recording commands to a set top box to record a particular media program. The interactive programming guide may also allow the user to order and receive media programs to the mobile communication device. Embodiments may provide a personal video recorder proxy server as an interface between the mobile communication device and the set top box and the media content server.

Abstract: A digital media sharing system (“DMSS”) for creating, transmitting and receiving digital media data (“DMD”) with message media (MM) files attached thereto. Said message Media may reside locally or on a server prior to being connected to said digital media data.

Abstract: Method and accompanying system for an unfolding video pre-roll. A primary video having a fixed play length is presented and, in temporal proximity to at least a portion of the primary video, an unfolding video having a variable play length is presented to the viewer. If an interaction is received from the viewer during the playback of the unfolding video, the play length of the unfolding video is extended by adding a seamlessly connected video segment to the unfolding video, which is continuously presented to the viewer without interruption.

Abstract: An adaptive bit rate system uses adaptive streaming to deliver content to client devices capable of adaptive bit rate streaming. Techniques for averting or inhibiting ad skipping by an adaptive bit rate client device that receives media chunks from the adaptive bit rate system may include techniques for both live content and on demand content. Techniques include modifying a buffer size for access to trick plays and/or constructing a manifest file with limited content based on ad breaks.

Abstract: Techniques are provided with which a subscriber to a media viewing service, which is configured for viewing media items such as TV shows or movies using streaming video delivery or other viewing techniques, may recommend one or more played or viewed media items to one or more friends in media viewing services or social networking systems that the subscriber uses. The subscriber may receive notifications when the friends view or play the recommended media items, and may contribute implicit feedback to a separate recommendation system regarding a recommended media item even when the subscriber has not explicitly rated the recommended media item. Subscribers also receive rapid indications, at the time that the subscribers are preparing to make recommendations of media items, about whether friends have already played or viewed the media items. In one embodiment, a recommendation may be communicated to a selected friend using a single operation of a pointing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods enabling the send or “push”s side of a cable transmission to dynamically obtain additional and/or temporary capacity. Bits and/or bandwidth of transmitted content is restricted by the service provider allowing gaps in the capacity to be filled with value-added content such as advertising, additional supplemental data feeds, or other media content.

Abstract: In an environment where video display devices are available for simultaneous viewing, servers provide audio streams to user devices for listening. People may, thus, listen to the audio streams through their user devices while watching the video display devices. An application on the user devices determines which audio streams are available, and the servers may indicate which audio streams are available. The application sends a request to a server to transmit a selected audio stream. The server transmits the selected audio stream, e.g. over a wireless network in the environment. A variety of additional features are enabled by the interaction of the application and the servers. The selected audio streams may be converted from stereo to mono. Advertisements may be presented through the user devices. The selected audio stream may be paused and later resumed at a pause point.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a video to a mobile phone include extracting a clip from a digitally encoded video, then editing and compressing the clip. The compressed clip is transmitted for display at a mobile phone in response to a request from the mobile phone for access to the clip. The request is initiated through a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) link contained in a Short Message Service (SMS) text message transmitted to the mobile phone.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information storage medium storing metadata for providing additional content during a broadcast program, the metadata including information indicating whether to insert second additional content instead of first additional content, which is underlying additional content of the broadcast program, and a locator of the second additional content, a method of providing additional content by using the same, and a digital broadcast reception apparatus.