Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system transmitting an enhanced media content transport stream that includes at least a single program stream that carries data representative of multiple video content programs. The enhanced media content transport stream further includes data specifying multiple video program identifiers for the multiple video content programs, each of the multiple video program identifiers configured to be used by an access subsystem that receives the enhanced media content transport stream to selectively access a different one of the multiple video content programs. In certain embodiments, the multiple video content programs comprise a first video content program including video data for a main media content program and a second video content program including video data for an advertisement. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed technology determines at least one content extent within an experiential data stream respective to at least one commentary clip, extracts at least one portion of said experiential data stream responsive to the at least one content extent, and stores the at least one portion of said experiential data stream.

Abstract: Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Content Inserter to determine location(s) for secondary content in streaming video. The Content Inserter receives a set of video frames and analyzes data differential(s) occurring in the set of video frames to identify secondary content locations between adjacent video frames. The Content Inserter inserts secondary content at the location(s) for secondary content. A data differential can be a change in subtitle information between video frames, a change in audio data between video frames, a difference in content ratings between regions of video frames, and/or difference in activity levels between regions of video frames. Activity levels correspond to changes in pixel color data of video frames. Thus, the Content Inserter identifies secondary content locations based on characteristics of each video stream and ensures that inserted secondary content is placed in a video stream so that the secondary content will most likely be viewed.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed technology is a limited social television system that provides a light-weight process that allows multiple audience members to close the loop of interaction and create a compelling feeling of “shared experience” on the part of the response-reviewer.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system transmitting a transport stream containing an advertisement channel and a program channel, the program channel carrying a media program stream at a first bit rate, detecting an upcoming advertisement break within the media program stream, inserting, in response to the detecting of the upcoming advertisement break, an advertisement content stream having a second bit rate that is lower than the first bit rate into the program channel to temporally coincide with the advertisement break to free bandwidth in the transport stream during the advertisement break, and inserting an additional advertisement content stream in the advertisement channel, the additional advertisement content stream temporally coinciding with the advertisement break and utilizing at least a portion of the freed bandwidth in the transport stream. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide method, system and apparatus for playing advertisements during buffering time in network living broadcasting. The method includes: obtaining, by a network living broadcasting client, streaming media data of a channel currently watched by a user, obtaining an advertisement content file corresponding to the channel, triggering to play the advertisement content file; stopping play the advertisement content file when the amount of the streaming media data retrieved by the network living broadcasting client reaches a pre-determined quantity, and starting to play the streaming media data retrieved. The system includes an advertisement server and a network living broadcasting client.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for inserting programs into broadcasted primary programs by a conditional access (CA) module that is inserted into a host device, such as a digital-ready television. The CA module utilizes primary and secondary program map tables and/or primary and secondary packet identifiers. A splicer splices the secondary packet identifiers, which is associated with a secondary program, into the primary packet identifiers, which is associated with a program, such as a broadcasted program. Additionally, the CA module may contain memory that is capable of storing the secondary program's packet identifiers and/or program map table that can be used for insertion into the primary program.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: A system and method supplies internet protocol television (IPTV) services to a subscriber. A content management subsystem processes and executes integrated workflow functionality for content management of video data to be delivered from a video headend to a subscriber premises. An infrastructure subsystem performs signal processing and routing of the video data from the video headend across the network to subscriber premises based on subscriber requirements at the subscriber premises. A network management, test and monitoring subsystem is coupled with the content management and infrastructure subsystems and includes test and management equipment and control and monitoring systems equipment for monitoring network performance and controlling the infrastructure subsystem and optimizing network performance and video delivery to the subscriber premises.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling the receipt of desired movies and other forms of data from a network which simultaneously distributes many sources of such data to many customers, as in a cable television system. Customer profiles are developed for the recipient describing how important certain characteristics of the broadcast video program, movie or other data are to each customer. From these profiles, an “agreement matrix” is calculated by comparing the recipient's profiles to the actual profiles of the characteristics of the available video programs, movies, or other data. The agreement matrix thus characterizes the attractiveness of each video program, movie, or other data to each prospective customer. “Virtual” channels are generated from the agreement matrix to produce a series of video or data programming which will provide the greatest satisfaction to each customer.

Abstract: A real time video stream production system includes: (a) an advertising insertion server receiving over a wide area network a real time video stream; and (b) an advertising controller, which receives the real time video stream from the advertising insertion server. The advertising controller has a user interface which allows an operator to cause advertising impression data available from an advertising server to be included in a modified video data stream presented to a media player client for display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using tokens to link the television and the Internet platforms. The tokens are tightly encoded into the content and a registry controls the linking of the television content to specific Internet-based content. The registry also polices the validity of the tokens and optionally provides the token owner with continued control over the Internet content associated with that token. When the two platforms are linked successfully, the consumer receives quality content, while being protected from unwanted Internet content.

Abstract: Advertisement insertion techniques are described. In an implementation, a network operator decrypts a stream of content received from a content provider at a first server. The decrypted stream of content is communicated to an advertisement splicer, which locates one or more advertisement insertion points in the decrypted stream of content. One or more advertisements are then inserted in the located one or more advertisement insertion points. The decrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements to a second server, which encrypts the decrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements. The encrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements is emitted to be communicated to one or more clients for output.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for presenting advertisements in association with broadcast video content on a presentation device in a non-residential location. The advertisements are identified based on characteristics of the non-residential location, such as goods or services offered at the non-residential location. The advertisements may be presented simultaneously with the broadcast video content, or may be used as substitute content to replace interstitials within the broadcast video content.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing program ancillary data pertinent to each scene of a picture program to be recorded includes a display control unit for demonstrating, on a display picture, an input form having, as an input item, the information pertinent to a scene as an object of preparation, and a program ancillary data generating unit for correlating the information specifying an associated scene with the information as input through the input form, and for outputting the resulting information.

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: A method and system whereby conventional television advertisements (i.e., those delivered to viewers while they watch television programming) can be delivered in conjunction with and correlated with advertisements that are presented to viewers in the Interactive Program Guide (IPG). Moreover, the invention described herein provides for delivering highly targeted ads to viewers in both conventional programming avails and in the IPG, and for linking the targeted ads in these two media to provide for enhanced and highly effective advertising campaigns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for selective modification of transport data for enhanced video content. Video transport data is received in a video signal or an external source and a configurable processor uses criteria to selectively modify units of the video transport data. Disclosed criteria included a rule based pattern matching/replacement as well as criteria for denial, acceptance, or modification of particular units of video transport data. The modified video transport data stream created by the processor can be re-encoded in the video signal and provided to an external monitor.

Abstract: Methods of generating video streams including advertisement information sufficient to support advertisement countdown times and other functions such as advertisement auto pause functions are described. In accordance with various embodiments, advertisement duration is determined from one or more messages included in a video stream, e.g., prior to the corresponding advertising segment. A countdown timer is generated from the advertisement information and displayed along with the content of the advertisement segment. Restrictions for different subscribers may be indicated in the advertisement information messages, e.g., with some end users being permitted to fast forward or skip advertisements with other users being required to allow the full normal playback of one or more advertisement segments. The auto pause function, when activated, pauses an ad segment or set of ad segments at a predetermined time before output of the main program resumes thereby making sure none of the main program is missed.

Abstract: A method for communicating media program information is provided. The method includes receiving a content-augmented broadcast signal at a conventional broadcast receiver, the content-augmented broadcast signal having a program content and a program cookie relating to the program content, demodulating the content-augmented broadcast signal, rendering the program content, recovering the program cookie from the demodulated content-augmented broadcast signal at substantially the same time the program content is rendered, determining whether the program cookie comprises information relating to a current media program a user is currently watching or listening to, or to an advertisement of a future media program, and sending the program cookie to an electronic device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video analyzer includes a still image detector, a characteristic detector, and a boundary position detector. The still image detector detects a still image in video frames of content including video and audio data, and create a still image group of substantially the same still images. The characteristic detector includes at least one of a monochrome detector that detects a monochrome video frame in the video frames of the content and a silence detector that detects a silent portion in which the sound volume of the audio data is lower than a predetermined threshold. The boundary position detector detects a position where the type of the content changes based on information on at least one of the monochrome video frame and the silent portion contained in a segment where the still image group is present and a segment where no still image group is present.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for providing an advertisement service personalized for each user or for each group. The personalized advertisement providing method includes: a personalized advertisement providing method which is used in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) System, including: receiving at least one broadcasting program of a plurality of broadcasting programs classified according to a plurality of channels; and determining whether a present time is an advertisement broadcasting time, transmitting a received broadcasting program to a plurality of user terminals which selects a channel on which the broadcasting program is provided if the present time is not an advertisement broadcasting time, dividing the plurality of user terminals into a plurality of groups and transmitting an advertisement classified for each group to one or more user terminals belonging to the group if the present time is an advertisement broadcasting time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving information relevant to tracked objects appearing in a display of a video signal is disclosed. The method is performed by a viewing computer having stored thereon an augmented display tool. In response to a user requesting the video signal, a content directory storing content information relevant to the tracked objects is acquired from a video-overlay server. The augmented display tool causes the viewing computer to acquire and display the video signal and record a time measurement and spatial coordinates of each point selected by a viewer using a pointing device. The augmented display tool uses the content directory to find an object identifier corresponding to each selected point and extracts relevant information from a global object directory maintained at the video-overlay server.

Abstract: A system communicates video information including television content associated with a plurality of channels and ancillary information. Information may be transmitted with the ancillary information that is indicative of the type of content included in the ancillary information. This provides the user, in one embodiment of the present invention, with a visual indication of the type of information that accompanies television content. This helps the user to decide whether the user wishes to view the ancillary information and provides the opportunity to select that enhancement for viewing.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that transforms a set of still/motion media (i.e., a series of related or unrelated still frames, web-pages rendered as images, or video clips) or other multimedia, into a video stream that is suitable for delivery over a display medium, such as TV, cable TV, computer displays, wireless display devices, etc. The video data stream may be presented and displayed in real time or stored and later presented through a set-top box, for example. Because these media are transformed into coded video streams (e.g. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.), a user can watch them on a display screen without the need to connect to the Internet through a service provider. The user may request and interact with the desired media through a simple telephone interface, for example. Moreover, several wireless and cable-based services can be developed on the top of this system.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and related methods for switching to an alternate audio/video signal or stream during advertisement breaks in a media provider's programming signal, or other events detected by the system. The system for switching to alternate stream may include a system to detect an event and switch to an alternate signal or stream. Exemplary components may comprise a client based cue generation system, a server based cue generation system, an advertisement cue handling and stat recorder element, viewer dataminer and categorizer, an alternate signal selector, a personal data backup process and a server based controller and alternate signal storage server.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for enabling users to create, to edit and to rate online video timed text over the web. A system embodiment of this invention includes a permission requester that enables a first user to send a permission request. The permission request requests permission from a second user to create a timed text track for a video. A permission granter enables the second user to send a permission response according to the permission request from the first user. A timed text editor enables the first user to create a timed text track for the video based on the response to the permission request and upload the timed text track to a server.

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: An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for inserting a source media stream into a target media stream. The process opens and reads into memory structural information from a target media stream. The process then opens and reads into memory structural information from a source media stream. The process adjusts the structural information for both streams in order to effect the insertion of the source media stream into the target media stream. In the example embodiment, this adjustment avoids the use of temporary output storage. The process then writes onto an output media stream the adjusted structural information for the source and target media streams and then pipes onto the output media stream the media data for the source and target media streams. In particular embodiments, a container file format is used for the source media stream, target media stream, and output media stream.

Abstract: A custom ad selection and delivery system may include an ad selector to select candidate ads for one or more ad avail opportunities, a bandwidth resource manager to provide information about available bandwidth in a content delivery system, and a policy manager to weight ad avail opportunity versus bandwidth costs to delivery customized advertising to subscribers, and to cause allocation of bandwidth and insertion of customized ads into multiple program streams comprising the same program content but different ad content, and to cause different subscriber equipment to map different program frequencies to similar content streams having advertising content inserted therein that is customized to different subscriber demographics.

Abstract: A method of advertising during sequences of video images includes alerting a viewer of available video advertising content associated with an object displayed in a sequence of video images. A viewer selection of the object is received during the sequence of video images responsive to alerting the viewer, and an end of the sequence of video images is detected. The video advertising content is displayed responsive to receiving the viewer selection and after the end of the sequence of video images such that viewing of the sequence of video images is not interrupted. Related devices and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for an advertising bidding system in which advertisers can bid on advertising time slots or enhanced ads that can be inserted in either prerecorded or live television programming. A high degree of flexibility is provided by allowing embedded ads to be purchased and displayed in a very short time period. This allows TV broadcasters to increase revenues and allows advertisers to have more flexibility in advertising. Objects can be inserted in the display video broadcast using enhancements such as by using mark-up language overlay pages or by video combination techniques. The effect of these ads can be evaluated for advertising campaigns.

Abstract: Meta data about content is converted into characteristic values. Each characteristic value is associated with one or more content segments of content. The content can be audio, video, or other data or combinations of data. Importance levels for content segments are determined from content scores. Content scores are generally an indication of how one person would rate a particular characteristic value. The content scores may be estimated by using previously determined scores of similar content segments. The similarity is preferably determined by a particular metric. A user may also supply his or her own content scores for content segments. The user profile content scores can be combined with the determined content scores or completely supplant these scores. Based on the importance levels for content scores for content segments, content segments may be packaged into a content digest that a user may view.

Abstract: A video picture information delivering apparatus delivers moving pictures according to a request from a terminal device. The apparatus comprises a determining unit for determining whether or not a predetermined particular picture is included in some of moving pictures to be skipped, upon receipt of a request to skip the some of the moving pictures; and a transmitting unit for transmitting to the terminal device associated information corresponding to the particular picture along with the moving pictures after being skipped, if the particular picture is included in the some of the skipped moving pictures.

Abstract: An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for inserting a source media stream into a target media stream, which media streams might be in container file format. The process opens and reads into memory structural information from a target media stream and structural information from a source media stream. The process then finds the nearest prior key frame to an insertion time and splits a chunk of media samples if the key frame's sample is not at the beginning of a chunk. The process adjusts the structural information for both streams in order to effect the mid-roll insertion of the source media stream into the target media stream. The process then writes onto an output media stream the adjusted structural information for the source and target media streams and then pipes onto the output media stream the media data for the source and target media streams.

Abstract: An advertising monitoring system is presented in which subscriber selections including channel changes are monitored, and in which information regarding an advertisement is extracted from text related to the advertisement. The text related to the advertisement is in the form of closed caption text, data transmitted with the advertisement, or other associated text. A record of the effectiveness of the advertisement is created in which measurements of the percentage of the advertisement which was viewed are stored. Such records allow a manufacturer or advertiser to determine if their advertisement is being watched by subscribers. The system can be realized in a client-sever mode in which subscriber selection requests are transmitted to a server for fulfillment, in which case the advertisement monitoring takes place at the server side.

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: A broadcast system includes a transmitting unit configured for: receiving a web page as input; converting the web page into video image data; and providing a link to the video image data on a basis of a link provided to the web page; an encoder for compressing the video image data; and a receiving unit for receiving the compressed video data; decoding the compressed video data; and directly transmitting the decoded video data to a video display device, without requiring a browser application.

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

Abstract: A method and system for approximating the viewing time of a video posted on a website of a plurality of websites on the Internet is disclosed herein. The method and system is able to approximate the viewing time of the online video by a visitor computer and transmit the information to a compiling server.

Abstract: A television signal substitution system that replaces known video segments such as advertisements with selected replacement advertisements. Fingerprint data of known advertisements can be stored in a fingerprint database. When new fingerprint data is available, the fingerprint data can be automatically or manually transmitted to subscribers. Various techniques can be used to identify advertisements based on the fingerprint data.

Abstract: A method and system for reinserting local content commercials in a digital video format into a customized event data stream. Local content commercials may be inserted at an on-site facility, a national network, a headend, or a local affiliate. Local content commercials may be inserted into the overall data stream, or into one of a plurality of program signals comprising the data stream. Further, markers or software instructions may be inserted into the data stream or program signals instructing a headend, set top box, or personal video recorder to retrieve a stored local content commercial and insert the commercial into the data stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting local video insertion into a content delivery signal are described. PIDs are assigned at a headend to identify locally inserted content. A QAM carrier used for content insertion may be fully utilized between the headend and multiple customer premises. Upon receipt of a content delivery signal the QAM carrier to be used for content insertion is filtered out and, optionally, some packets are recovered. Video from a local source is digitized, packetized, identified by a PID specified by the headend to be used to identify locally inserted content, multiplexed with recovered packets obtained from the QAM carrier to be used for local content insertion and then modulated onto the QAM carrier to be used for local content insertion. The QAM carrier is then combined with the other carrier signals recovered from the content delivery signal to generate a signal including both the locally provided content and the remotely supplied content.

Abstract: There is provided a method device and system for streaming media content to a media presentation appliance. There may be provided an appliance specific media stream generator adapted to derive an appliance specific stream from a multicast media stream. The generator may convert a multicast media stream addressed to a set of media presentation appliances into either (1) one or more unicast media streams, wherein each unicast media stream is addressed to a separate media presentation appliance; or (2) a multicast media stream addressed to a subset of the set of media presentation appliances. In both cases, the media content within the derived media stream may be substantially identical to the media content of the original multicast media stream. The generator may also introduce content (e.g. advertising) into the derived media stream(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying audio using a media guidance application where a video program that includes one or more audio assets is received by user equipment. The user initiates a request to identify an audio asset playing within the video program and the audio asset is identified by processing data associated with the audio asset and data within a database of audio asset information associated with a plurality of known audio assets. The audio asset information associated with the identified audio asset is then provided to a user interface for display.

Abstract: A system, module and method is provided for metadata extraction and re-insertion. A module has a first input for receiving a compressed digital media stream having metadata such as DPI cues or content related information contained therein and an output for providing a first control signal including metadata information to an encoder. The metadata is extracted from the digital media stream by the module and generates a control signal including the metadata. The encoder module re-encodes the digital media contained in the digital media stream and re-inserts the metadata.

Abstract: A data-providing system comprising a first data-transmitting section (control unit 1), a control section (control unit 3), and a second data-transmitting section (control unit 3). The first data-transmitting section transmits a continuous stream of content data that consists of multimedia content groups, each composed of program data and auxiliary data items. The control section processes data items obtained by dividing each program data, attribute data of the auxiliary data items and user profile data, thereby to automatically assemble new data. The second data-transmitting section changes the order in which to transmit the auxiliary data items inserted in a program, in accordance with the new data assembled by the control section.

Abstract: A video and digital multimedia aggregator includes a content decoder, coder (codec) and formatter. The codec formatter receives coding and formatting requests that characterize input source content and desired output target content. Data conveyed about the source and target content may include parameters such as physical and/or logical addresses, coding and compression parameters, format descriptions, content size, description of auxiliary services, and other metadata elements that may be required for coding and formatting.

Abstract: A system and method for managing interactive program and commercial content is disclosed. The system includes an interactive enabling device for receiving a broadcast stream containing interactive program and commercial triggers for retrieving interactive program and commercial content. An interactive content server communicates with a control application in the interactive enabling device. The interactive enabling device executes the control application to manage retrieval of interactive program and commercial content from the content server in response to the interactive program and commercial triggers. The interactive control application includes a gatekeeper function for selectively retrieving interactive program and commercial content in response to recognized interactive program and commercial triggers.