Abstract: A method includes providing a user interface to a set-top box. The user interface facilitates an association of an audio indicator with a channel selection action. The method includes receiving, via the user interface at the set-top box, a first user input indicating an association of a selected audio indicator with a selected channel selection action. The method also includes providing the selected audio indicator for audible output via the set-top box in response to receiving a second user input corresponding to the selected channel selection action.

Abstract: When a user is consuming media content from a first source, one or more other available sources of media content may be monitored and the user may be notified if other available content matches the user's profile.

Abstract: The presentation of user interface content via a media player is disclosed. In one embodiment, a media player detects a triggering event, and, upon detecting the triggering event, requests and receives a user interface content slide deck comprising one or more user interface content slides. The media player then retrieves user interface content for a slide in the slide deck, and displays the user interface content for the slide in the slide deck to a user along with media content.

Abstract: Variables incorporated into a hypertext markup language program guide enable location of hypertext elements. Once the variable is located, the information contained within the identified hypertext element may be used to tune to a particular channel.

Abstract: A video source associated with an information ticker may be captured, and the associated information ticker may be broadcast and displayed below or near an array of simultaneously broadcast video sources being broadcast in a mosaic of video sources. The displayed information ticker may be broadcast in association with one or more of a plurality of simultaneously broadcast video sources in the mosaic of video sources.

Abstract: A method of handling streaming media includes identifying multiple seek points within media data streamed from a media source to a media player. A segment of the media data stream is buffered at each seek point. A graphical user interface illustrates the positions of the multiple seek points along a progress bar and identifies, for each of the multiple seek points, the source that provided the seek point. The method monitors for user input selecting a seek point from among the multiple seek points, and sets the selected seek point as a current playback point. The source of each seek point may, for example, be illustrated with a source identifying color, icon, or text description.

Abstract: An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling television watchers to “channel surf” faster and reduce the amount of bandwidth used over a network to communicate television channels to end-users. Electronic programming guide information and images associated therewith may be communicated to an end-user. An image associated with a video program may be displayed on an electronic display (e.g., television) in response to an end-user selecting a channel prior to video programming being displayed. By displaying an image prior to the video programming, the end-user may determine whether he or she wants to watch the video program prior to the video programming being displayed, which improves the speed of “channel surfing.” Because end-users can view the image when selecting a channel, a network can be configured to distribute the channels that are currently being watched rather than distributing many on a continuous basis, thereby preserving bandwidth.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver is disclosed. The method of processing an application in a digital broadcast receiver connected with an interactive network includes receiving, from a broadcast network, broadcast audio/video (A/V) content and application information table (AIT) data, wherein the AIT data includes a linkage descriptor, parsing the linkage descriptor, wherein the linkage descriptor comprises a field identifying a type of at least one secondary device able to process the application, displaying an indicator informing that the application is able to be accessed by using at least one secondary device, searching at least one secondary device connected to the digital broadcast receiver, receiving a request signal for the application, and transmitting the application or an IP address of the application to the secondary device.

Abstract: A method (100) and electronic device (10) for resuming multimedia content playback for display on the electronic device. The method includes: receiving a command to render multimedia content from a user input device (20), wherein the multimedia content includes previously viewed multimedia content and un-viewed multimedia content; selecting one or more segments of the previously viewed multimedia content; displaying a thumbnail that corresponds to the selected one or more segments on a display (18) of the electronic device to provide a visual summary of the previously viewed content; and displaying at least a portion of the un-viewed multimedia content after at least a portion of the visual summary is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: A programming recorder receives information after receiving at least two programming event recording requests, detects a conflict between the programming event recording requests based on the received information, creates a ranked list of alternative sources for the programming event recording requests, and resolves the conflict by fulfilling at least one of the at least two programming event recording requests utilizing an alternative source. The alternative source may be automatically selected or selected by a user. The ranked list of alternative sources may be ordered utilizing a set of one or more priority criteria. The programming event recording requests and/or the received programming information may include metadata and determining alternative sources may comprise comparing the metadata. The programming recorder may display an indication that the conflict between the at least two programming event recording requests was detected and resolved.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for setting a computer connecting mode in a portable terminal. The method includes checking a program executed by a user in the PC when the portable terminal is connected to a personal computer (PC); requesting the portable terminal to perform the connection to the PC using a connecting mode appropriate for a characteristic of the executed program, wherein the connecting mode is one of connecting modes to the PC; and performing the connection to the PC using the connecting mode requested by the PC.

Abstract: A speech recognition apparatus includes: a speech acquisition unit which acquires speech uttered by a user; a recognition result acquisition unit which acquires a result of recognition performed on the acquired speech; an extraction unit which, when the recognition result includes a keyword and a selection command that is used for selecting one of selectable information items, extracts a selection candidate that includes the keyword; a selection mode switching unit which, when more than one selection candidate is extracted, switches a selection mode from a first selection mode that allows selection among the selectable information items to a second selection that allows selection among the selection candidates; a display control unit which changes a display manner of the display information, according to the second selection mode switched from the first selection mode; and a selection unit which selects one of the selection candidates, according to an entry from the user.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention simplifies management of the “video lifecycle”. An embodiment includes one of more modules that streamline the video publishing process by abstracting technical steps such as video publishing, updating video, unpublishing video, retrieval or statistics concerning video, authorization to process video, validation of video, video metadata processing, video transcoding, and/or video transmission. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for receiving broadcast signal. More specifically, one of the devices includes at least two tuners (102, 103) configured to synchronize at least two transmit stream independently, at least two transmit stream processors (104, 105) each configured to convert the at least one transmit stream into a plurality of audio signals, a plurality of displayable video signals, and a plurality of displayable data signals, a controller (100) configured to provide switching control signal and display control signal based on channel selected by a user, a switching unit (135) configured to output a data broadcast associated with a first broadcast channel and the video and the audio associated with a second broadcast channel, a display module (138) configured to display a video of the first broadcast channel in a first display area and a data of the second broadcast channel in a second display area, and at least one speaker configured to audio output of at least two different broadcast channels.

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and displaying information about the capture and/or transfer of digital media is provided, wherein data is stored such that a visual representation indicating characteristics of video data, such as whether portions of the video data have been transferred to another device or captured to a storage device, may be generated and displayed.

Abstract: A broadcast system and method for allocating its resources includes a broadcast operation channel management system forming a database having broadcast system data from a bit rate allocation for a transponder of a satellite and a guide channel definition. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a user interface that displays a least a portion of the broadcast system data on a display. The broadcast system data is modified through the user interface.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, systems and methods that allow a television broadcast facility or a headend to insert in-band messages, where the inserted message allow receivers to switch to, insert, or otherwise show addressable advertisements to its viewers.

Abstract: Content from a source, such as the Internet, may be displayed on a window on a television, such as a crawl screen, closed caption area, or picture-in-picture (PIP) area. This may allow a user to watch television and view both television content and Internet content simultaneously without the need to access another device, such as a laptop computer, personal digital assistant, or the like. For example, a user may connect a data processing system, such as a computer, to a video control module, e.g., digital video recorder (DVR) or other box used to control a television. The user may then access a tool bar, for example, provided with an Internet browser that runs on the data processing system to identify portions of one or more Web sites to be displayed on the television through the video control module. The video control module may also be configured to allow the user to interact with the Internet content displayed on the television through use of the television remote, for example.

Abstract: An imaging distribution apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a distribution request for distribution of a specific program from a client apparatus via a network, a program scenario acquisition unit configured to acquire a program scenario corresponding to the specific program requested for by the distribution request, a content acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of information contents based on the program scenario, a conversion unit configured to convert the information contents to image scene based on the program scenario, an encoding unit configured to encode the image scene, to generate a stream, and a stream distribution unit configured to distribute the stream to the client apparatus via the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for display of a digital video signal includes a demodulator capable of receiving a major channel of the digital video signal. The major channel of the digital video signal includes one or more minor channels, wherein the minor channels are specific and separate channels of broadcast information. The method and apparatus for display of a digital video signal further includes decoders coupled to the demodulator, wherein the decoders receive the minor channels disposed within the major channel. The decoders thereupon generate minor channel video signals, wherein the minor channel video signal includes the video information for each associated channel. The method and apparatus further includes receiving the incoming video signals and format the video signals for simultaneous display of active video from multiple channels. A display configurator provides the minor channel video signals to an output display, to actively display the minor channels.

Abstract: Clickstream data is locally captured and sent to a remote component for analysis. Any commands may be locally and/or remotely executed to alter content.

Abstract: A mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the plurality of video feeds and mosaic video channel, wherein a blackout criteria is dynamically programmed into the receiver such that when at least one of the video cells is selected by the cursor, the receiver tunes to a channel other than the individual video feed associated with that video cell.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, a receiver for an accelerated channel change is provided. The receiver receives a first version of a video stream for a first channel and causes display of video for the first version of the video stream for the channel. A second version of a video stream is received upon a channel change to a second channel, the second version including non-discardable pictures from the first version of the video stream. The receiver displays video for the second version of the video stream for the second channel. When a transition point is reached in the first version of the video stream for the second channel, a first version of a video stream for the second channel can be displayed.

Abstract: An audio/video system includes a display having a plurality of input sources and a first peripheral device connected to one of the input sources. The display provides a user interface for receiving a switching command for switching current input source of the display among the input sources from a user, and the display automatically generates a first standby command to the first peripheral device when the received switching command is not switching the current input source to the input source corresponding to the first peripheral device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of input units configured to correspond to respective image data items to be obtained, an obtaining unit configured to obtain the image data items corresponding to the input units when the input units are operated, a determination unit configured to determine, when one of the input units is operated within a predetermined period of time, layout for displaying a corresponding one of the image data items in a display unit, and configured to determine, when at least two of the input units are operated within the predetermined period of time, layout for displaying image data items corresponding to the operated input units in the display unit in parallel, and an output unit configured to generate display data for a single screen using at least one of the image data items obtained using the obtaining unit in accordance with the layout determined using the determination unit and output the display data to the display unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for auto-subscription in a network environment. A method is provided that includes determining an affiliate associated with a device, and identifying a package associated with the affiliate. The method also includes generating system information parameters that identify the package, and transmitting the system information parameters to the device. The method also includes receiving a subscription request from the device, wherein the subscription request requests that the device be automatically subscribed to receive the package.

Abstract: Efficient channel surfing in a compressed frame television system is provided by receiving and storing compressed frames representing unwatched channels. Then, when a viewer selects one of the unwatched channels for viewing, the corresponding compressed frame is retrieved from memory and is displayed until a sufficient number of frames are received for that channel to provide for normal viewing of that channel. Corresponding audio clips may also be stored in memory and retrieved and played when the corresponding channel is selected for viewing. Program data may also be stored for unwatched channels for later retrieval and display. Preferably, one tuner/decoder pair is utilized to display programs for selected channels, while a second tuner/decoder pair is utilized to capture and store compressed frames for unwatched channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards having a user interface being selected for display on an input device to control the playback of a media asset or media service. A determination is made of the media asset or media service to be played and a lookup operation is performed to select the corresponding user interface for the input device. The user interface will change depending on the media asset or media service being selected for playback.

Abstract: A program guide in which a video layer includes a plurality of video objects including title objects, each title object having associated with it a channel and at least one time slot, the video layer being formed in response to a received video stream; and a graphics layer comprising a plurality of graphics objects including title overlay objects, each of the title overlay objects selectively imparting at least a visual de-emphasis to a respective title object in the video layer, the visual de-emphasis being imparted to title objects not being associated with a desired time slot.

Abstract: A method of delivering advertisement data to a mobile device includes receiving video content associated with an advertisement at a set-top box device via an access network of a video distribution system. The method also includes receiving an advertisement selection command at the set-top box device. The advertisement selection command indicates that data related to the advertisement is to be sent to a particular mobile device associated with the set-top box device. Further, the method includes sending an indication of the advertisement selection command to an advertisement data management system via the access network, in response to the advertisement selection command.

Abstract: A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote control transmitter displays portions of a scroll program guide on the viewer's display screen. A tuner receives TV radio frequency or optical transmission signals in a plurality of cable channels and passes a viewer usable signal to a signal combiner. A computer receives control signals from the TV viewer remote control transmitter. It controls the tuner to pass the viewer usable signal in response to one of the control signals. Program information, such as TV program schedule information, may be displayed, and a user may select at least some of the displayed program information to be presented with additional program information related to the selected program information.

Abstract: Two-tuner media device systems and methods are operable to pre-tune a second tuner in anticipation of a channel surfing activity. An exemplary embodiment receives a first content stream associated with a currently presented channel at a first tuner, determines an anticipated channel based upon the currently presented channel and a historical channel surfing pattern, receives a second content stream associated with the anticipated channel at a second tuner, detects an initiation of a channel surfing activity, and presents at least a video portion of the second content stream associated with the anticipated channel in response to detecting the initiation of the channel surfing activity.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to generate a playlist that identifies multimedia content and to provide access to the playlist in response to a request for access, where the request for access is transmitted over the Internet, and where the multimedia content is stored remotely from the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: When a conventional audio video system is used, it is necessary to identify an input source of audio video information. For this reason, complicated operations and slow operation times have been a problem. A control apparatus includes: an instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to be provided to an audio video supplying apparatus which is an input source of audio video information currently outputted from an output apparatus that outputs the audio video information; a determination unit for determining one of the audio video supplying apparatuses to be the input source of the audio video information currently being outputted from the output apparatus; and a control information sending unit for outputting control information to the audio video supplying apparatus determined by the determination unit, the control information corresponding to the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit and being used for controlling the audio video supplying apparatus.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for rewarding entertainment consumers, and more specifically to a system and method for rewarding people for watching or otherwise engaging in various forms of media and entertainment (e.g. broadcast TV, on-demand TV, games, live entertainment, movies, and radio) to promote loyalty to or improve recognition of all entertainment, while collecting useful data about the media consumption habits as well as the rewards consumption patterns associated with those consumers.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to arbitrary applications via an interactive television service using a pool of remote virtual desktops.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for displaying advertisements transmitted to a user unit, the method includes receiving, at the user unit, at least one advertisement tagged with a delay tag indicating whether display of the at least one advertisement can be delayed and only if the delay tag allows delaying display of the at least one advertisement, storing the at least one advertisement at the user unit, retrieving the at least one advertisement and displaying the at least one advertisement. A billing system for reporting a commercial broadcast to a multiplicity of users is also disclosed.

Abstract: A video input list is presented on a TV with the viewer's most recent or most selected source moved at or near the top of the list. Also, specific and thus informative labels such as “DVD player” and “PVR” can be used in place of generic “HDMI 1”, “video 2”, etc. labels.

Abstract: A system for handling streaming media at a customer premises includes a compute engine having a customer network interface device port and a customer premises equipment port, for installation between a customer network interface device and video destination customer premises equipment. The compute engine includes a processing module configured for receiving an incoming packet stream through the network interface device port, processing the incoming packet stream to generate stream data, forwarding the stream data through the network interface device port, and forwarding the incoming packet stream through the customer premises equipment port. Particular embodiments monitor and dynamically repair the incoming stream.