Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first receiver, a screen transmitter, a second receiver and a controller. The first receiver receives first information associated with a display function of an external device. The screen transmitter generates an operation screen for operating the apparatus based on the first information, and transmits a video signal of the generated operation screen to the external device. The second receiver receives second information associated with content of an operation on the operation screen from the external device. The controller controls operation of the apparatus based on the second information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to linking a viewing device, such as a TV, to a user's account in a server for purposes of sharing content via the TV. A viewing application on the TV allows the TV to couple with the server, which generates a pin to be displayed on the TV. Upon the user entering the pin that is displayed on the TV in a mobile application of a mobile device, the server links the TV to the account that the mobile device is linked to. The user shares content on the TV by sending commands from the mobile device to the server, which renders a screen on the TV already being viewed by the audience. Each command goes through the server rather than peer to peer. Any content that is stored in the cloud can be shared even if it is not on the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiving device, a display controlling method, and a program that can make effective use of captions included in programs. In a TV receiver 1, tuners 11A to 11C are each a tuner for receiving a program. A display section 16 displays caption related information related to caption data included in an object program received by the digital tuner 11B together with an image of a main program received by the digital tuner 11A. The present invention is, for example, applicable to TV receivers having a plurality of tuners for receiving a broadcast program, and the like.

Abstract: In a television, which can be connected to a portable information terminal, it is possible to display video based on the data of a multimedia file stored on a storage medium even in cases where there is no built-in decoder. In cases where a TV itself does not possess a decoder which can decode the data of a multimedia file selected by the user from the multimedia files stored on the USB memory, the CPU of the TV transmits to a smartphone the data of the selected multimedia file and a decoding request command to request that the data be decoded, thus receiving a video signal and/or an audio signal obtained by various types of decoders of the smartphone. Consequently, the CPU of the TV can output video and/or audio to a display unit and a speaker on the basis of the data of the selected multimedia file.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio-visual (AV) system that includes: (a) one or more AV devices (such as a TV) operable to provide audio and/or visual information; (b) a set-top box (STB) associated with each AV device; (c) a router; (d) an Ethernet connection between each STB and the router; and (e) a control server which operates to receive and record data from the router, the data including data indicative of the operating status (e.g., on or off) of the or each AV device, the operating configuration (e.g., TV channel) and the time of each change of status and/or configuration of the or each AV. The system comprises at least two remote AV control devices (Human Interface Devices, “HIDs”) for each AV device. The HIDs associated with each AV device operate to be automatically synchronized to the same status and configuration. The system may include a web server and a content server.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to join a multicast group having an associated multicast address, wherein the multicast address is associated with a first content type of a plurality of content types, access encoded content associated with the first content type from the multicast address, wherein the encoded content is transmitted by at least one source associated with the multicast group to the multicast address, decode the accessed encoded content, and display the decoded content on a channel mapped to the multicast address. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: The current subject matter describes displaying multimedia data on a graphical user interface of a user device (for example, a smart television set) during a display of a video channel in accordance with an aesthetic display design and based on effective interaction between the user device and an input device (for example, remote control device) configured to interact with the user device. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method for tagging subcontent includes creating a first begin tag for a program to be delivered over a network, wherein the first begin tag corresponds to a first video segment of the program. A first video frame is identified for the first video segment, the first video frame representing content of the first video segment, the first video frame is displayable as a first thumbnail. A second begin tag is created for the program, the second begin tag corresponds to a second video segment of the program. A second video frame is identified for the second video segment, the second video frame representing content of the second video segment, the second video frame is displayable as a second thumbnail. The first begin tag is distinct from the second begin tag, the first video frame is distinct from the second video frame, and the first video segment is distinct from the second video segment.

Abstract: A digital television and a channel editing method are provided wherein various channel information is edited efficiently. In the channel edit method of the digital TV, the channel information stored according to a user's request is displayed on a multi-window. If the user selects a channel based on the multi-window, the channel selected by the user is tuned by a tuner and displayed as a moving picture. The user can edit the corresponding channel referring to the multi-window. In another embodiment, the user can edit the set favorite channel(s) separately. The broadcast status of all channels can be recognized almost instantaneously by viewing the multi-window displaying all the broadcast programs of multiple channels.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal, a display which displays an image based on the received broadcasting signal, a communication unit which communicates with a mobile device, and a controller which determines whether the mobile device interferes with at least one channel of a plurality of broadcasting channels received through the receiver, and controls the display to display a user interface (UI) indicates a user whether image noise has resulted from channel interference by the mobile device.

Abstract: An integrated content delivery interface enables a user to access content from a multi-channel service provider (such as a cable television service) and over-the-top sources. The system displays a set of cable channels and over-the-top channels based on a combination of the user's subscription status for the various services, personalization criteria, and device type. The system may provide the user with a playlist of available videos for each channel. For videos from over-the-top sources, when a user selects the video for on-demand play the user's device will directly access the video as served by the over-the-top source. Before including any video in the playlist, the system will ensure that the video is available to the user based on subscription status and/or device type, and it will ensure that the over-the-top source serves the video in a format that is compatible with the user's device.

Abstract: A server creates a schedule for each of multiple user devices based on a set of items associated with a corresponding user device, and allows each user device to obtain associated items in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A method is provided for a content recommendation module. The method includes receiving a user input related to viewing contents from a user and determining whether a recommendation pool containing a plurality of selected recommendation candidates has been changed corresponding to the input. The method also includes, when the recommendation pool has been changed, mapping the plurality of selected recommendation candidates in the changed recommendation pool into a hierarchical data structure with a plurality of levels such that each of the plurality of levels acts as a stage of a zoom operation on the selected recommendation candidates. Further, the method includes rendering mapped recommendation candidates from the plurality of levels to be displayed to the user.

Abstract: A method and system to view a selection of thumbnails are described herein. A plurality of content channels, which are most recently tuned into by a user, are stored. Further, a display presents a selection array for a plurality of thumbnails that represent the plurality of content channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein relating to video editing and more particularly to stitching an insert video within a target video without transcoding. Through dynamically stitching a video, such as an advertisement, within a video, a content provider can transmit a stitched video instead of separate content videos and advertisement videos that a local uncontrolled video player would be responsible for combining and playing. Systems and methods herein provide for receiving a target video and an insert video and dynamically stitching the insert video within the target video to create a stitched video. The stitched video can then be transmitted that plays both the target video and the insert video within the target video, irrespective of the player on which a user views the stitched video.

Abstract: A system may include a media content processing subsystem configured to provide media content to a display device. The system may further include an adjunct computing device in communication with the media content processing subsystem and configured to receive interactive program guide data, receive social information associated with an account on a social network, and display the interactive program guide data augmented with the social information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a apparatus includes a tuner configured to receive a broadcasting wave that is broadcasted from a broadcasting station, an receiver configured to receive program information corresponding to programs, a display controller configured to display an electronic program guide includes program sections corresponding to programs based on the program information, a selection module configured to display a first window includes a first operation area, when it is detected that a first program section is operated, and the first program which corresponds to the first program section is not broadcasted, and a request module configured to request the tuner to select the first broadcasting station when the first operation area is operated.

Abstract: Provided is a server system in which real-time communication based on a moving image group is performed between a number of users. The moving image collection/delivery server system accumulates moving images sequentially uploaded in real time via a network in a database, generates moving image thumbnails used to simultaneously display a plurality of moving images on a single display screen in real time, allocates the moving image thumbnails to a channel group adaptively generated from sequentially uploaded moving images, and delivers the moving image thumbnails to a terminal having a display and operating unit in real time via a network, and the sequentially generated moving image thumbnails are stored in an allocated channel in ascending order of shooting times and delivered to a plurality of terminals.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying video from a plurality of video streams on a display. It includes an input interface for receiving video data from a plurality of video streams and transferring the video data to a frame controller in communication with a television display. The frame controller causes the video data from each of the plurality of different video streams to be displayed in a separate frame on the television display, and each frame occupying an area of the television display separate from an area occupied by any other frame. A system for displaying video from a plurality of video stream using the correct aspect ratio and resolution is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadcasting receiver and a method for providing a background channel EPG and comprises a first tuner that selects a channel chosen by a user; a second tuner that receives channels other than the channel tuned with said first tuner; a data parser that collects data broadcast signals from among the broadcast signals of the channels received at said second tuner; an image processor that processes said collected data broadcast signals to convert these into image data; a storage part that stores said converted image data; and a display part that displays the broadcast program information for the channels that are received via said second tuner, wherein said stored image data has been inserted into a channel screen selected via said first tuner.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.

Abstract: A method and system for generating local channels includes a user receiving device and a local headend in communication with the user receiving device generating a local channel using a multicast stream, generating local channel guide data comprising tuning data for the local channel and communicating a control command to a user receiving device. The control command comprises tuning data for the local channel. The user receiving device stores tuning data for the local channel with program guide data stored in the user receiving device in response to the control command.

Abstract: A system for conveying and reproducing images for use with interactive applications is described. The system includes one or more application modules producing images for a display, and a display server for deriving encoded representations of the images and forwarding them to one or more clients. The client includes one or more user input devices such as a touchpad or touchscreen, and forwards information derived from the data received from these devices to the display server. The information is also used locally to modify reconstructed images derived from the encoded image representations received from the display server. The modified reconstructed images are displayed on a video screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toggling between television channels that appear on a display. A listing of channels is received from a user, with the channels being prioritized in an order of preference. One or more toggle types are also received from the user, with each toggle type further including a toggle trigger. In use, a channel is displayed on the display until a toggle trigger is detected. Once detected, the channel on the display is changed to another channel from the list of channels. This process may continue with the detection of another toggle trigger causing another changing of the displayed channel.

Abstract: A systems and methods access electronic program guide (EPG) information via a backchannel link. An exemplary embodiment receives a first portion of EPG information residing in a data channel of a program content stream, establishes a communication link between a media device and a remote EPG content system, and receives a second portion of EPG information from the remote EPG content system via the established communication link.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content and closed captioning content associated with the video content; obtain, based on the request, device information that identifies a first video format that is supported by the user device; obtain the video content and the closed captioning content, where the video content conforms to a second video format, and where the closed captioning content conforms to a text format; convert the video content from the second video format to the first video format and the closed captioning content from the text format to the first video format; and transmit the converted video content and the converted closed captioning to the user device, where the converted video content and the converted closed captioning content enable the user device to play the converted video content and the converted closed captioning content without modifying the user device.

Abstract: A user interface allows one or more gestures to be devised by a user and mapped or associated with one or more commands or operations of a TV or other device. The user can select the command/operation that is to be associated with each gesture that he/she devised or created. The user is not limited to the use of pre-set gestures that were previously programmed into a system and is not limited to using pre-set commands/operations that were previously associated with pre-set gestures. In alternative embodiments, voice commands or other audible signals are devised by a user and are mapped or associated with commands/operations of a device.

Abstract: A channel remapping pre-notification (RPN) message is transmitted in each of multiple frequencies prior to movement of data associated with one or more virtual channels to one or more different frequencies. The RPN message is also sent prior to transmission of a Virtual Channel Table (VCT) reflecting channel movement. If a receiving device is unable to find data associated with a selected channel subsequent to the channel movement, the stored RPN information can be used to identify a new frequency for that selected channel.

Abstract: Techniques for determining user behavior related to media are described. A media file containing media is received. The media is partitioned into segments. The user-interaction analyzer monitors user behavior with respect to viewing the media and the segments. The user's behavior with respect to viewing the segments is logged. Normal user behavior with respect to the media is determined and stored. Logged user behavior with respect to interaction with a segment of the media is compared with the normal user behavior with respect to the media. Logged user behavior of a particular media segment that deviates from normal relative to the determined normal user behavior is determined. A particular media segment that is not normal is tagged. A user device is configured to display indicia indicating user behavior related to media to help inform which parts users tend to like the most.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a broadcast receiving method are provided.

Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of giving an instruction for a device linkage by simple operations, without any special hardware. The mobile terminal which is connected to a TV through a communication path includes: a communication I/F unit for communicating with the TV, a storage unit which stores content to be displayed on the TV; a display unit having a touch pad and a display screen; and a control unit which displays, on the display screen, a content icon associated with the content. When detecting that the content icon is pressed and held and then is flicked on the display unit, the control unit reads the content from the storage unit and transmit it to the TV through the communication I/F unit, so that the content is displayed on the TV.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting mobile content corresponding to media content are provided. In some implementations, a method for providing information relating to media content is provided, the method comprising: determining a channel that is providing the television program; causing images relating to the television program to be presented, wherein the images are selected based on the channel and a time parameter; receiving a user selection of an image; identifying an entity within the selected image using one or more image recognition techniques; generating a search query based at least in part on the identified entity; obtaining search results responsive to the generated search query; and causing at least one of the search results to be presented to the mobile device in response to receiving the user selection of the image.

Abstract: A system and method in a local television system for responding to user-selection of an object in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system includes a set-top box and a server for a subscription television service. The set-top box includes a processor to receive a video-on-demand (VOD) programming suggestion from a user and send, to the server, the VOD programming suggestion. The server includes a processor to receive the VOD programming suggestion, compile the VOD programming suggestion with other VOD programming suggestions from other set-top boxes, and send a notification to the set-top box that the VOD programming suggestion has been added to the list of available VOD programming for the subscription television service.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus configured to communicate between mobile devices. One example method may include determining a present location of a mobile device being operated by a user, determining a present location of at least one additional mobile device being operated by at least one additional user via a location based service (LBS) and notifying the mobile device when the present location of the at least one additional mobile device is within a predefined threshold distance of a mobile device domain. The method may also include receiving media data captured from the at least one additional mobile device and forwarding the received data to the mobile device. The user of the mobile device may be able to track, maintain communication, and identify the locations and activities of friends, family, and other persons of interest via their respective mobile devices.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a front-end system for processing a composite wideband signal comprises a pre-receiving unit including a multiplexer for separating the composite wideband signal into a plurality of filtered signals. The front-end system further comprises a plurality of discrete frequency band outputs corresponding to the plurality of filtered signals, and a tuner/down-converter coupled to at least one of the plurality of discrete frequency band outputs. In one embodiment, the pre-receiving unit of the front-end system further comprises a second multiplexer for separating at least one of the plurality of filtered signals into a second plurality of filtered signals. In one embodiment, the pre-receiving unit may further comprise a low noise amplifier for processing at least one of the plurality of filtered signals before it is input to the second multiplexer.

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 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: The present invention relates generally to media sharing and communication systems and methods of providing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a media content provider configured to disseminate media to a plurality of media receivers. The system further includes a first media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the first media receiver including a first digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a second media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the second media receiver including a second digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a first user interface capable of initiating recording of media through the first digital recording device and transmitting the recorded media to the second media receiver through a communication link.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided in which information is displayed in response to the entry of the digits of a channel number. The interactive system may be implemented on a television, a computer, or a radio system. The displayed information may be program listings information such as the channel designator or the program currently airing on the channel. The displayed information may also be a list of channels. The list of channels may be associated with the entered digits, may be component channels, or channels of the same type and may be sorted by various techniques such as numerically, by favorite channels, by type, etc. The interactive system may allow a user to specify a source identifier to channels from different sources and display the channels with the source identifier when they are entered.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product automatically selects broadcast content at a broadcast receiver. A first broadcast content on a first channel of a broadcast receiver is received and presented aurally and/or visually. A second broadcast content on a second channel of the broadcast receiver is evaluated to determine if it is rated higher than the first broadcast content. A determination is also made as to whether the first broadcast content can be interrupted by the second broadcast content. If the second broadcast content has a higher rating than the first broadcast content, and if it is deemed permissible to interrupt the first broadcast content, then the broadcast receiver automatically switches to the second channel.

Abstract: A system for minimizing interactions with at least an input mechanism includes at least a management server communicatively coupled to at least a user endpoint device, at least one storage device, and at least one processor. The user endpoint device has at least a display, an input mechanism, and a transmitter mechanism. The storage device is configured to store data based on content displayed on the display, interactions with the input mechanism, and content available for viewing. The processor is configured to use software to process the data such that a layout configuration of content data is prepared for display. The layout configuration is derived from at least the interactions with the input mechanism and the layout configuration is designed to minimize additional user interactions with the input mechanism to select the prepared content data.

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for responding to user-selection of an object in a television program based on geographical location, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

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: 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: A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another.

Abstract: A control device controls a television. The control device includes a touch module. The control device displays a menu containing a number of soft keys on a screen. The soft keys are activated to control the television to carry out corresponding functions. All positions on the menu are associated with all positions on the touch module correspondingly. As a result, a user can select desired soft keys to carry out corresponding functions by viewing the menu on the television and touching the touch module, rather than viewing the touch module.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.