Abstract: A content distribution system, content distribution control apparatus, content distribution control method, content distribution control program and content distribution control program storage medium realizes the distribution of content to much more clients.

Abstract: A method and device for the provision of enhanced media content distribution over a network. The method enables content providers, advertisers, and consumers to benefit from targeted advertising and promotions. The precise targeting for advertising and promotions are gleaned from consumer information provided by the system as to their geographic location which may be related to other known and mined information about the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for managing the presentation and regulation of E-Commerce, content and service providers access in an interactive television environment comprising interactions between a server, a client, and a service provider. Components are provided for managing and completing a purchase or delivery of an item offered by a service provider. A purchase transaction uses client information comprising partial client information from the client and a list of purchased items. Upon receiving partial information from the client, the server retrieves corresponding additional related information within its database and transmits this retrieved data from the server, along with the list of purchased items to complete the transaction. Business Agents are provided for logging the transaction, creating an electronic receipt, logging patches, logging error events, and viewer logging.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a media network may include establishing a relationship between a media network company and at least one retail chain business establishment to broadcast content to a network of electronic displays within retail stores of each respective retail chain business establishment. The media network company defines a national broadcast network and each retail chain business establishment defines a local affiliate of the national broadcast network. Available airtime may be apportioned for display of content between the media network company and each respective local affiliate. Each of the media network company and local affiliates may sell respective airtime to generate respective revenue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying a serial digital video stream over an optical network such as an optical network employing SONET/SDH or G.709. For example, serial digital video data formatted in accordance with ANSI/SMPTE 259 M-1997 may be carried. Also, a common interface may be provided for both serial digital video streams and packetized digital video data such as DVB-ASI data.

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: The invention relates to the reproduction of a television signal on a distant reproduction device. The received television signal is encoded and transmitted in a digital data format over a communication link to the reproduction device. The reproduction device decodes the received video information for display on a display screen. The invention is particularly intended for use in mobile vehicles, coaches and trains, where the signal strength of a received television signal during travel is continuously varying and signal distortions occur frequently. In order to reduce the effect of signal distortions on the perceived image and audio quality, the invention inserts a compressed pre-stored video or audio data into the data stream transmitted from the television receiver to the reproduction device upon detection of a television signal distortion. Thus, the decoding procedure at the display device can be maintained in spite of a received television signal of insufficient signal strength.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for editing the content of a broadcast programming signal to provide a proprietary program signal that has been tailored to the preferences of an individual monitoring the broadcast programming signal. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the invention offer computer-integrated television monitoring.

Abstract: Local advertisement insertion detection is described. In embodiment(s), a video feed of television media content can be received for distribution to media devices, and the video feed can include national advertisements and spliced-in local advertisements. A splice point in the video feed can be detected that indicates where a local advertisement has been inserted into the video feed.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: To further correctly obtain related information about contents being received from a server. A communication apparatus 1 successively transmits request information that requests related information about contents being received via a network 30, at specified intervals (S1), receives related information corresponding to that request information (S2), temporarily stores (S3), displays it (S4), and performs contents updating processing. Here, if a direction to store the related information about the contents is entered, the communication apparatus 1 requests again request information for related information about contents, separately from the contents updating processing (S10). Then, the communication apparatus 1 receives related information corresponding to that request information (S11), and stores it (S13). This enables the latest related information to be further correctly obtained out of related information concerning contents, and obtaining related information before updating is reduced.

Abstract: A television broadcasting system and methods that manages the insertion of targeted advertisements and other messages into live satellite or Internet broadcasts or other types of broadcasts into out-of-home locations such as health clubs. The insertion of targeted advertisement and other messages are accomplished by a satellite service provider purchasing live network broadcasting feeds with a license to strip out existing commercial advertisements and replace them with targeted advertisements to match the demographics of the viewing audience at health clubs and other non-home locations nationally, regionally and locally where the viewer is unable to change or delete the targeted advertisements while viewing the live broadcast programming from the networks.

Abstract: To communicate between terminal devices, a time period of overlap between a first time slot of first advertisement content provided to a first terminal device and a second time slot of second advertisement content provided to a second terminal device is determined. An indication is sent for establishment of a call session between the first terminal device and second terminal device during the time period of overlap.

Abstract: A method of generating a program signal stream comprises creating a sequence of serial programs that include a first event and a second, later occurring event and inserting a plurality of messages in the sequence of serial programs, between the first event and the second event. The messages may be indicative of a time to the second event, as measured from each respective message of an elapsed time since the first event, to each respective message. Alternatively or in addition, the messages may be at equal time intervals between the first event and second events. The first and second events may be the start and end of a program or a program portion, such as a chapter, an advertisement, unscheduled content or an entire program, for example. At least one message indicative of the time to the second event may be inserted in the sequence of serial programs prior to the first event.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content at a business establishment. The system includes a local network in communication with a content delivery system. The local network includes an electronic device, a communication channel, and one or more electronic displays located in relation to one or more products being sold by the business establishment. The electronic device is operable to distribute content derived from existing footage received from the content delivery system in accordance with a playlist identifying the content to be displayed at the business establishment.

Abstract: An automatic recording apparatus for content includes a preference operation history managing unit operable to generate history information of an operation relating to a preference for a content according to a plurality of operations relating to a preference for the content and explanation information relating to the content and by using a preference value parameter for each kind of these operations; a preference information managing unit operable to generate and renew preference information including a preference value with respect to a plurality of elements relating to a preference for the content according to the history information; and a content recommending unit operable to calculate a preference degree for the content according to the preference information and the explanation information with respect to the content and to make a content record reservation according to the preference degree; wherein the content is recorded according to the content record reservation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus in which television channel setting processing and provider setting processing can be completed expeditiously. The information processing apparatus has the function of connecting to the Internet and the function of receiving television broadcast from the broadcasting stations. If, when the broadcast territory of using the information processing apparatus is set and registered, and the Internet service provider is to be set, the Internet service providers are demonstrated in the display unit of the information processing apparatus beginning from those geographically closest to the user's territory.

Abstract: A method and system are provided which allow for automatic execution of applications on a receiving station (109). As applications may provide their own interface, this interferes with the desired consistent interface a user has when “zapping” from channel to channel. Therefore, execution of applications is disabled when a user selects a channel, and enabled whenever it is determined that the user is actively viewing the selected channel. This happens when, for example, the channel identifier (202) is removed from the screen, or the last element of a menu bar (203) or other on-screen display element is erased. A timer, reset whenever the user provides input, and increased every second, can also be used. When the timer exceeds a certain value, it can be assumed the user wants to view the selected channel, and application execution can be enabled.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver and a communication interface. The receiver is adapted to tune to an audio/video portion over a transport medium. The communication interface is adapted to receive announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video content directed to a first addressable location and to receive a special announcement directed to the first addressable location. The special announcement indicates availability of the announcement data associated with the tuned audio/video program, and the announcement data is associated with the tuned audio/video content and indicates enhancement data is being transmitted. The controller is adapted to redirect the announcement data to a second addressable location other than the first addressable location in response to the special announcement.

Abstract: A method for blackout and retune distribution including receiving a first wide area multiplexed feed, the first wide area multiplexed feed comprising a blacked out feed; and generating a requantized local service feed from a local replacement plus retune service feed, the local replacement plus retune service feed having a retune feed corresponding to a retune programming for the blacked out feed, wherein the requantized local service feed is to be combined with the first wide area multiplexed feed for transmission as a part of an aggregate local outbound traffic. A computer-readable medium, a apparatus and a means for blackout and retune distribution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A processor in a television program delivery system receives programs watched information from terminals in a television delivery system. The processor arranges the programs watched information in a database or programs watched matrix so that the frequency of programs watched may be determined. The programs watched matrix may consist of time slots and program categories. The processor determines a program count for programs or program categories. The program count may then be used to send programming to the terminals. The terminals may provide the programs watched information in response to a cyclic polling message generated by the processor or by using a random access routine. The programs watched information may be provided over a cable or a telephone line.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: A system and method for managing interactive program and commercial content includes an interactive enabling device which is coupled for receiving a broadcast stream containing interactive program triggers and interactive commercial triggers for retrieving the interactive program and commercial content. At least one interactive content server is coupled to the interactive enabling device for communicating with an interactive control application in the interactive enabling device. The interactive enabling device executes the interactive control application to manage the retrieval of the interactive program and commercial content from the at least one interactive content server in response to the interactive program and commercial triggers. In addition, 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.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling advertisements in a television service network environment. An ad scheduler prepares an ad insertion schedule based on channel change statistical information and avail time information. The scheduler evaluates the statistical information, time durations between adjacent avails in a presentation stream, and the relatedness of market segments assigned to a plurality of advertisements. It schedules the ads into presentation stream groups based on this evaluation. The statistical ad scheduling allows the system to eliminate “forced” switching between multiple presentation streams, whereby system wears and malfunctions can be decreased.

Abstract: A support server receives via a communication network, facility condition information provided by a content providing terminal that provides a content, showing the condition of the facility where a content is used, and facility information provided by a content user terminal, which is set in the facility where the content is used. The support server stores the received facility condition information and the facility information in a database. The support server extracts facility information that meets the condition shown by the stored facility condition information, from the stored facility information. Then, the support server selects the content user terminal set in the facility specified by the extracted facility information, as the providing destination of the 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: A method and an apparatus are used to target virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to viewing population information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object maybe interactive, and maybe used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site.

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: A method, which comprises identifying a television program whose start time falls within a time window of acceptable viewability relative to a promotional time slot appearing within a first content stream, the television program being carried by a second content stream; causing conveyance during the promotional time slot of an advertisement for the television program; and causing an indication of the second content stream to be transmitted to customer equipment in the form of a marker sent with the first content stream.

Abstract: A method for blackout and retune distribution including receiving a first wide area multiplexed feed, the first wide area multiplexed feed comprising a blacked out feed; and generating a requantized local service feed from a local replacement plus retune service feed, the local replacement plus retune service feed having a retune feed corresponding to a retune programming for the blacked out feed, wherein the requantized local service feed is to be combined with the first wide area multiplexed feed for transmission as a part of an aggregate local outbound traffic. A computer-readable medium, a apparatus and a means for blackout and retune distribution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for product advertising through a telecommunication network is disclosed. The system comprises an advertising engine and an information depot. The advertising engine comprises an information-extraction tool for acquiring product information, an authoring tool for tracking product images appearing in a display of a video recording, and an augmented-display tool for relating product images appearing in a display of a video recording to respective product information. The information depot comprises a global product directory and overlay directories for a set of video recordings. A number of authoring computers connect to the advertising engine of the present invention as well as streaming video sources and advertising databases to generate content of the information depot. The advertising engine distributes the augmented-display tool to viewers' computers which accesses the video-content directory and the product directory to acquire respective overlay directories and associated product data.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. In order to select content that is targeted to users of the broadcast network, signals are received from a plurality of customer premise equipment devices (CPEs) of the network users via a broadcast network interface. Based on the received signals, broadcast assets (e.g., programming, advertisements etc.) are selected from a collection of available asset options. Accordingly, at least a portion of the selected assets are inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network. Once the content stream is broadcast over a broadcast network interface, at least a portion of the selected assets area available for receipt by at least a portion of the CPEs. The CPEs generate reports regarding assets delivered such that asset providers can be billed based on guaranteed targeted impressions.

Abstract: Server-side stream switching is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a server and a client. The server is capable of sending data within a first and a second stream via packets with a predetermined data designator, and of indicating switching from the first to the second stream via a packet with a predetermined switching designator. The client is capable of receiving the packets containing the data within the first and the second streams, and the packet with the predetermined switching designator. HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) server-side stream switching is particularly disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing advertisement insertion to a user device are disclosed. A method includes providing a multimedia applications gateway (MAG) that is connected to an access gateway for a domain or a multimedia applications gateway that includes an integrated access gateway function, the access gateway in communication with user devices. The method also includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia program content from a program source received at the access gateway and transmitted from the access gateway to a user device into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by each of the user devices, the first communication representing programming content. The method further includes configuring the MAG to convert multimedia advertising content into a second communication having the open standards protocol, the second communication representing advertising content.

Abstract: Recorded audiovisual programs are aggregated for archival storage on another storage medium, such as a DVD. As related programs are temporarily recorded on a DVR, the lengths of the programs are summed and compared to the recording capacity of the DVD. When a sufficient number of programs have been temporarily recorded, a message is presented prompting the user to transfer the recordings to a DVD. Portions of the recorded programs, such as commercial messages, may be edited or deleted before transfer to the DVD. When programs are recorded onto a DVD, program information may also be recorded to assist in navigating among the recorded programs. The program information may also be used for the purpose of printing appropriate labels using a personal computer system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using broadcast television systems as an implicit portal for solicitation of video on demand programs. A viewing device is monitored for the occurrence of a specific event, such as a channel change or the detection of a trigger mechanism programmed into a content program. When the event is detected, a user is prompted to notify the user of the availability of video on demand content related to the channel or program the user is watching. If the user indicates that he is interested in such content, available video on demand programs are presented to the user for selection. Means are also provided to prevent redundant and other unwanted prompts from appearing on the user's display.

Abstract: A service subscription service business is a service provided to individuals and businesses that finds a lowest-cost provider or providers for subscription products and services as well as for one-time purchases of products and services. The system preferably administers the consumer items over a global network such as the Internet. A user profile is compiled that relates to desired consumer items. The database of items available from product and service providers can be accessed, and relevant items are identified according to the user profile. If the user profile incorporates an automatic best choice service, the system automatically implements the relevant items and communicates the implemented relevant items to the user. Alternatively, if the user profile does not incorporate the automatic best choice service, the items are communicated to the user, and the user is given an opportunity to selectively implement the relevant items.

Abstract: A system and method includes a first automation system generating a first run log a first on air status and a second automation system generating a second run log having a second on-air status. A billing module receives a consolidated run log corresponding to the first on-air status from the first run log and the second on-air status from the second run log.

Abstract: A system and method includes a content repository storing insert material therein and a scheduling system assigning an insert material identification to the insert material and generating an insertion schedule having an insertion time corresponding to the insert material identification. The system also includes an automation server in communication with the scheduling system. The automation server receives the insertion schedule, retrieves the insertion material from the content repository, stores the content therein in response to the insertion time, receives a content signal with a trigger and inserts the insert material into the content signal in response to the trigger and the trigger time to form a modified content signal.

Abstract: Aspects for providing tunable parameters to control distribution in a digital media distributor system are described. A digital media distributor (DMD) with tunable control of digital media data transmission aspect includes a distribution network, a central site system, and a plurality of remote site systems. The central site system utilizes a plurality of designated control parameters, including uplink parameters, scheduler parameters, and storage parameters, for controlling distribution of digital media data. The plurality of remote site servers receive digital media data transmissions from the central site server via the distribution network according to the designated control parameters.

Abstract: A processor in a television program delivery system receives programs watched information from terminals in a television delivery system. The processor arranges the programs watched information in a database or programs watched matrix so that the frequency of programs watched may be determined. The programs watched matrix may consist of time slots and program categories. The processor determines a program count for programs or program categories. The program count may then be used to send programming to the terminals. The terminals may provide the programs watched information in response to a cyclic polling message generated by the processor or by using a random access routine. The programs watched information may be provided over a cable or a telephone line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for object retransmission in an asynchronous environment without a continuous network connection in a digital media distributor (DMD) system. The method includes receiving objects in a receiver from a central site, generating a response document in the receiver, and sending the response document asynchronously to the central site. The received response documents are then utilized in the central site to determine which object to retransmit to the receiver. In another aspect of the present invention, the central site manages the inventory of objects in the receiver by instructing the receiver to delete objects not needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to browse the Web without using a web browser. The application server in a transmitting unit converts a web page transmitted from the Internet into video data and provides links to the video data on the basis of the links provided to the web page. In the video server of the transmitting unit, the video data transmitted from the server is compressed by the MPEG2 encoders, and sent with information about the links provided to the video data. A ‘Set-Top Box’, of the receiving terminal outputs the received video data to a display, and establishes an association between the links provided to the video data and a position of a cursor displayed on the screen of the display.

Abstract: The solution of the ad delivery platform described herein provides for the marketing and monetizing of media assets via the delivery of advertisement with on-demand video. The ad platform optimizes the delivery of ads by controlling the insertion frequency and format of the ad delivered with video streams. The ad platform provides flexible and configurable ad insertion rules to specify the insertion frequency and format for the composition of ads during playback of on-demand video media. The ad insertion rules may be based on a user profile, user behavior history, topic of the stream to be delivered, duration of the video or ad, and/or the popularity rating of the video or ad. The ad platform includes a reporting tool and usage reports to measure the effectiveness of the ad insertion rules in delivering ads to market and monetize the video media.

Abstract: A broadcasting service system and a delay broadcasting method in broadcasting service using the broadcasting service system, any of audiovisual systems is connected to a broadcasting set when any audiovisual system request a repeater station to view program contents broadcasted by a broadcast station, and advertisement contents stored in a advertisement contents storage are broadcasted to the audiovisual systems connected to the broadcasting set. An advertisement effect measurer measures an advertisement effect on the basis of a number of the connected audiovisual systems viewing the advertisement contents and a broadcasting time of the advertisement contents and allows the broadcasting set to start of the broadcasting of the program contents to the connected audiovisual systems only when the measured advertisement effect meets a predetermined target advertisement effect.

Abstract: The solution of the ad delivery platform described herein provides for the marketing and monetizing of media assets via the delivery of advertisement with on-demand video. The ad platform optimizes the delivery of ads by controlling the insertion frequency and format of the ad delivered with video streams. The ad platform provides flexible and configurable ad insertion rules to specify the insertion frequency and format for the composition of ads during playback of on-demand video media. The ad insertion rules may be based on a user profile, user behavior history, topic of the stream to be delivered, duration of the video or ad, and/or the popularity rating of the video or ad. The ad platform includes a reporting tool and usage reports to measure the effectiveness of the ad insertion rules in delivering ads to market and monetize the video media.

Abstract: The solution of the ad delivery platform described herein provides for the marketing and monetizing of media assets via the delivery of advertisement with on-demand video. The ad platform optimizes the delivery of ads by controlling the insertion frequency and format of the ad delivered with video streams. The ad platform provides flexible and configurable ad insertion rules to specify the insertion frequency and format for the composition of ads during playback of on-demand video media. The ad insertion rules may be based on a user profile, user behavior history, topic of the stream to be delivered, duration of the video or ad, and/or the popularity rating of the video or ad. The ad platform includes a reporting tool and usage reports to measure the effectiveness of the ad insertion rules in delivering ads to market and monetize the video media.

Abstract: An enhanced playback method including receiving real time content from source links connected to a sources, simultaneously storing the real time content as stored content using a fault tolerant and load balancing method, aggregating the real time content and stored content from additional content, delivering content real time or stored in response to a user request from a user on a terminal system using a cut-through forwarding method. A content/service handling and delivery system including source input/output (I/O) links, a content handling subsystem, the content handling subsystem connected to the source input links, a service delivery subsystem connected to the content handling subsystem, an input and interaction subsystem connected to the service delivery subsystem and terminal I/O links, the plurality terminal I/O links connected to the service delivery subsystem.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.

Abstract: A technique for transmitting and receiving an electronic program guide which identifies programs that are to be transmitted. Electronic program guide (EPG) data includes image data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs which are to be transmitted. The EPG data is combined with program data, the latter representing different programs transmitted on different broadcast channels, and the combined data is transmitted. On reception, the EPG data is separated from the received program data and the images of reduced, less than normal size represented by the EPG data are displayed in superposition over the received program.