Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting media via a set-top box. A set-top box detects a wireless device according to a predetermined communication protocol. A communication channel is established with the wireless device according to the communication protocol. A command message is received, according to the communication protocol, from the wireless device over the communication channel, wherein the command message specifies playback of media resident on the wireless device via the set-top box.

Abstract: A system, method, and service of managing data comprises establishing a computerized user profile guideline corresponding to selected television programming interests of a user; instructing a processor to manage data based on the computerized user profile guideline, wherein the data is received from a television programming broadcaster; and managing access to specified television programming when the computerized user profile guideline corresponding to the selected television programming interests of the user is satisfied. The process of managing access may comprise alerting the user with information pertaining to the specified television programming.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: A video and audio processing device comprises: a switching unit that switches a video input and output pathway at least between “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal” and “specific-standard digital input terminal—specific-standard digital output terminal”; an input determining unit that determines whether the specific-standard digital data is fed into the specific-standard digital input terminal; and a pathway determining unit that determines whether the video input and output pathway is “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal”. The receiving unit produces only the audio data from the specific-standard digital data, when the specific-standard digital data is fed into the specific-standard digital input terminal while the video input and output pathway is “analog video input terminal—analog video output terminal”.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for reducing zapping delay, which may transmit base layer data for each burst in a time-slicing scheme, and output the base layer data of a channel to be changed at the time of changing the channel, thereby reducing the zapping delay.

Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.

Abstract: A method of controlling delivery of video programs from video distribution equipment to video receiver devices includes receiving messages at the video distribution equipment from a mobile terminal operated by a user. The messages contain user defined identifiers that are associated with equipment identifiers of different ones of the video receiver devices. The user defined identifiers are stored associated with the equipment identifiers in a subscriber account. Delivery of video programs from the video distribution equipment to the video receiver devices is controlled in response to commands received from the mobile terminal which request delivery of identified video programs to identified ones of the user defined identifiers. Related video distribution equipment and mobile terminals are disclosed.

Abstract: An image recording method for a time shift function and an image recording apparatus thereof are provided. The image recording method includes, if a channel is changed, tuning one of first and second tuners to the change channel, based on time information of each channel received through the first and second tuners, and controlling a record progress state of each channel image received through the first and second tuners based on the time information.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus, comprises: a display unit; an user interface (UI) generating unit that generates a UI including a channel information array in which a plurality of channel informations are arranged to be displayed to the display unit; a user inputting unit that receives a first moving instruction and a second moving instruction for moving the channel information array, the second moving instruction including a position information about moving of the channel information array; and a control unit that controls the UI generating unit so that the channel informations arranged in the channel information array can move one by one if the first moving instruction is received, and the channel informations arranged in the channel information array can move in an manner that corresponds to the position information if the second moving instruction is received.

Abstract: A method of processing EPG metadata in a network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider and processing an EPG metadata.

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: 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 invention relates to an apparatus and method for client-side compositing of video streams. The method includes receiving, by the video display device, a multiplexed data stream from a remote video server. The multiplexed data stream includes substreams, where the substreams includes a descriptor substream, at least one media substream, and a compositing-instruction substream. The method further includes demultiplexing, by the video display device, the multiplexed data stream into the substreams according to the descriptor substream and displaying, by the video display device, the at least one media substream on a display screen according to the compositing-instruction substream, where the compositing-instruction substream includes instructions on a composition of the at least one media substream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving or suggesting alternatives to content surfing are provided. When it is detected that a user wishes to surf, a pipeline tuning sequence is implemented where by storing one or more frames of a first content selection to the user equipment and acquiring a subsequent content selection while concurrently displaying the previously stored one or more frames. Content suggestions, program listing grids, media guidance application and tuning hints, advertisements, digital audio, and live video may also be presented to user while content surfing. In some embodiments, content surf landing channels may be anticipated based on user history, user profiles, or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, thumbnails of the user's recently tuned, or paused on, content are displayed to the user while content surfing. In multiple tuner systems, more than one thumbnail may be displayed in full motion video.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting mobility in a mobile broadcasting system in which Electronic Service Guide (ESG) discovery is required. The mobility support is classified into three ways according to three different aspects. The first way is to provide roaming information for a local IPDC operator having a roaming partner among local IPDC operators. In the second way, a terminal transmits a query message for requesting transmission of information on a particular local IPDC operator, and receives information on the particular local IPDC operator in response thereto. The third way is to provide the terminal with type information of an ESG; an access type of which is classified according to provision of a roaming service. The roaming information, the information on the particular local IPDC operator and the type information of the ESG, which are provided to the terminal from the mobile broadcasting system, can be provided in an ESG bootstrap level.

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: The present disclosure provides a system that can receive a group of channels (at least one of which includes an I-frame) from a DSL network, a memory that can store the I-frames, and a channel change detector that can detect a user's selection of a particular channel. If the memory contains the I-frame corresponding to the particular channel and if an I-frame has not been received from the DSL network, then the system provides the stored I-frame from the memory to the user.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and a method for operating the image display apparatus are provided. The method receives a broadcast signal, generates a thumbnail image based on broadcast information included in the received broadcast signal when the received broadcast signal is a broadcast signal of at least one of an audio channel, a data channel, or a scrambled channel, and displays a thumbnail list including the generated thumbnail image. This allows the user to easily identify the contents of broadcasts of a plurality of channels.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for navigating during playback of media content on a content viewing device are provided. A method includes associating a descriptor with a time element. The time element references an instantiation of the descriptor in a content file. The method also includes applying a reference tag that identifies the descriptor to a location on the navigational search structure associated with the content file. The location is determined by the time element. The method further includes displaying the reference tag on the navigational search structure at the content viewing device while viewing the content file in playback mode.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processor that causes a STB to present an avatar. The processor can receive from the STB a response of the user, detect from the response a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the change in the emotional state of the user, and adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the change in the emotional state of the user. The processor can cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a program managing method for use in a digital television for managing programs by rating region tables (RRTs). The method includes receiving a channel switch signal; switching to a channel according to the channel switch signal; searching whether a local rating region table (RRT) of the channel is stored in the digital television; and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table when the local rating region table is stored in the digital television, else creating the local rating region table in the digital television and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media system having a controller element that contextually associates a plurality of portals with a corresponding plurality of multimedia broadcast channels as an aggregated service offering. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for television channel selection, including a television controller operatively connected to an electronic memory and configured to process a video selection script. The television controller is also operatively connected to the television and to a television network comprising a plurality of channels. Also provided is a script authoring tool for authoring a video selection script in a Web-based scripting language by a viewer. The television controller is further configured to select a channel to display on the television based on the video selection script and to dynamically update the video selection script based on the occurrence of an event.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media are provided for presenting a group of available broadcast channels utilizing a wireless network upon initiation of a channel-viewing graphical user interface (GUI). The group comprises channels that can be broadcast most efficiently to the mobile device. After initiating the channel-viewing GUI on the mobile device, requests are communicated to elements on the network to retrieve lists of currently broadcast channels in the area and currently viewed channels throughout the wireless network. A list also is retrieved of recently viewed channels on the mobile device. At least a portion of each list is then presented on the channel-viewing GUI. The lists can be sent by a first video media proxy (VMP) server and a broadcast management server (BMS).

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 for operating an image display apparatus is discussed. The method according to an embodiment includes reproducing content, storing at least part of the reproduced content, upon receipt of a content save command, displaying a content object representing the stored content, displaying objects representing other users or electronic devices of a connected network or a network linked to the connected network, and transmitting, when the content object is dragged and dropped on an object selected from among the objects representing other users or electronic devices, the stored content to a selected user or electronic device represented by the selected object. The content is at least one of a broadcast image, an external input image, an audio file, a still image, a connected Web page, or a text file.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying media assets on user equipment. One of several content sources is designated as a first favorite content source. A first media asset that the user desires to view is displayed on a display screen of the user equipment. It is determined whether the first content source includes an advertisement. Upon determining that a first content source that provides the first media asset includes an advertisement, the first favorite content source is automatically accessed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for an interactive device for interaction with a user of a media device, wherein the interactive device and the media device are operable to communicate with a server having a memory storing a plurality of states including a present state of the media device playing a media. The interactive device comprises a peripheral hardware for interaction with the user of the media device and a processor configured to establish a communication with the server, obtain the present state of the media device from the server, select an action in response to the present state of the media, and execute the action using the peripheral hardware for interaction with the user of the media device. The interactive device can operate independently of the server or with several interactive devices connected to the server.

Abstract: The present technology concerns television services and systems, cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content. One claim recites a method employing a portable device comprising a processor, microphone, user interface, and display. The method includes: using the microphone, capturing audio data from a user's environment; using the processor, processing the captured audio data to yield processed audio data; receiving a first user input via the user interface to access a web site; providing the processed audio data to a remotely located server that hosts the web site, the remotely located server using the processed audio data adapt its presentation of material back to the portable device when accessing the web site. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an adaptive broadcast signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes linking an IP network, sending supported codec information for a receiver to a service provider via the linked IP network, receiving an available service information list provided by the service provider based on the supported codec information for the receiver, and if at least one service is selected from the received available service information list by a user, providing the selected service to the receiver.

Abstract: A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

Abstract: One of a plurality of video channels is selected for viewing. A specific one of a plurality of video channels is bookmarked. An object representing said bookmarked channel is displayed. A displayed object is selected to select the bookmarked channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. A video feed is harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. The feed items are filtered to remove those that do not link to video content. A criteria specified by the user is used to filter the feed items.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for providing venue-cast service in a wireless access network are disclosed. A local transmitter can request reservation of air link resources on the wireless access network for a venue-cast transmission. The local transmitter can receive a forward link signal with a timing reference for data transmitted on the wireless access network such as, for example, the forward link signal in an EV-DO network or a FLO-based media distribution system. Based on the timing reference, the local transmitter can transmit venue-cast information in a same frequency band as the forward link signal utilizing the reserved air link resources. Optionally, the venue-cast system can include a collocated network repeater and the local transmitter can synchronize its timing and transmit power to the forward link signal from the repeater.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying a user selectable picture that enables a user to select a predetermined object from a picture of a camera relayed in real time, and to actively select and thereby view a picture captured to include the selected object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a channel change response time are disclosed. A meta channel associated with an original and auxiliary media streams is generated. The information conveyed by the meta channel is propagated toward at least one user device. The user device may receive the meta channel information and select one of the media streams using the meta channel information in response to a channel change request from a user terminal, or a network device may select one of the media streams for a user terminal in response to a channel change request from the user terminal.

Abstract: A method of providing one-way video transmission and corresponding interactive two-audio communication to remote recipients via a world wide computer network comprising the steps of creating a source digital video signal, broadcast transmitting the source digital video signal via an internet connection, transmitting a corresponding source digital audio signal a VoIP protocol, and transmitting a recipient audio signal to the source location via an Internet connection.

Abstract: When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Abstract: A set top box includes a processor configured to provide an electronic programming guide to available television programming. The available television programming includes previously-aired content, currently-airing content, and to-be-aired content. The processor is further configured to receive a selection indicating selected content, and determine if the selected content is previously aired content, currently airing content, or to-be-aired content. The processor is still further configured to request the selected content from a distribution server when the selected content is previously aired content, and provide playback of the selected content.

Abstract: A virtual tuner is described. In an implementation, a method includes outputting an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) for display by a client. The EPG includes a plurality of representations of a plurality of content. At least one of the content is television programming for receipt by the client over an Internet. The client includes a plurality of applications. One or more of the content is provided for output by a respective one of the applications. The EPG is configured to form one or more events in response to user interaction with one or more said representations. A virtual tuner is executed on the client to manage execution of each of the applications to provide respective content in response to the events formed utilizing the EPG.

Abstract: A data modeling method for modeling data for an electronic program guide (EPG) at a broadcast headend is described.

Abstract: Techniques are described to provide a categorized electronic program guide, as well as other user interfaces. In an implementation, each of a plurality of representations of content that is currently available via network for consumption are grouped into a respective one of the plurality of categories. An electronic program guide is output for display such that at least one of the categories, which is not have one or more items categorized of the currently available content, is not available for display in the electronic program guide.

Abstract: User preference techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a physical presence of a plurality of users is identified by a computing device from images captured using one or more cameras. A group is recognized by the computing device that includes the identified plurality of users. A set of user preferences are located by the computing device based on the recognition of the group, the user preferences generated based on content consumption by the plurality of users when physically together.

Abstract: A system for presenting an electronic programming guide in a satellite communication system is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a satellite media receiver having a controller element to transmit to a portal information associated with an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). The portal can process the information to present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) window corresponding to a slideable canvas of the EPG in an Internet browser of a communication device requesting the EPG. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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 video services receiver system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer is presented here. The video services receiver system includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with video services, and a display interface for the display. The display interface provides a graphical interactive programming interface for the video services, the programming interface having a plurality of user-selectable elements. The video services receiver system also includes an audio interface configured to generate audio signals associated with operation of the video services receiver system. A processor of the system detects selection of one of the user-selectable elements, which results in a selected element. In response to selection of an element, the processor initiates generation of audio with the audio interface, the audio conveying content associated with the selected element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a CD/DVD recorder with a gradual recording guidance function. The recorder includes at least one video/audio signal sources input end for receiving external video/audio signal sources, a memory for storing a gradual recording guidance program, and a processor for connection to the memory and execution of the program. Execution of the program by the processor includes at least the steps of: displaying on a monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting recording video/audio sources, and then displaying on the same screen the positions at which the video/audio signal sources input ends are installed in the recorder; and displaying on the monitor in single-screen mode a man-machine display screen for selecting a recording video/audio quality option, and then displaying on the same screen the recording time left with regard to a rewritable/recordable CD/DVD immediately after the recording video/audio quality option is selected.