Abstract: An Internet protocol television system includes a server that records content on a set-top box, determines storage capacity utilization, and when utilization is greater than a threshold, prompts to select other content on the storage device to be deleted.

Abstract: Provided are a video display device and a video display method, by which a user can easily select a program to be watched even if a numerical keypad is not provided in a remote control device. A display portion displays a video of a program. While the video of the program is displayed on the full screen of the display portion, an operation detection portion detects a rotational operation of a dial provided in a remote control device. When the rotational operation is detected by the operation detection portion, a control portion functions so that while the video of the program is displayed on the display portion, a program list including a plurality of program items associated with different programs is displayed on the display portion.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Abstract: Systems and methods to schedule recording of media content are provided. A particular method includes accessing at least one recording rule that specifies a first condition. The at least one recording rule indicates that a program of media content is to be scheduled for recording when the program satisfies the first condition. The method also includes accessing at least one recording exception that specifies a second condition. The at least one recording exception prohibits recording media content that satisfies the second condition. The method further includes determining a recording schedule by analyzing information regarding a plurality of programs of media content with respect to the at least one recording rule and the at least one recording exception.

Abstract: A method and system to navigate viewable content in the context of television entertainment is provided. In one example embodiment, the system comprises a presentation module to present main content on a display screen, a communications module to receive a first request associated with a first directional key on a remote control device, a navigation mode detector to determine a navigation mode associated with the first request; a margin menu module to activate a margin menu associated with the determined navigation mode. The margin menu may be presented along one of the margins of a display screen, while permitting viewing of the main content.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a reproduction controller and a transmitter. The reproduction controller is configured to reproduce a first type of information of a first content. The first content includes a plurality of types of information. The transmitter is configured to transmit an instruction to reproduce a second type of information of the first content to other electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for commonly applying channel scanning to non-network scanning schemes in a digital video broadcasting system are provided. The method includes deleting all services stored in a database, temporarily storing services scanned through each frequency in a temporary storage unit, and performing channel scanning for all frequencies. Accordingly, the same service including different Logical Channel Numbers (LCNs) that is repeatedly stored or another service including the same LCN that is not stored in a Multi Frequency Network (MFN) boundary area using the non-networking scanning scheme is prevented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for on-the-fly playlist shuffling. There can be multiple ways to perform the shuffling. In one instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by sorting the media files based on a parameter. In another instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by shuffling the media files. In yet another instance, the electronic device can first sort the media files into groups of media files based on a parameter. The electronic device can then shuffle the media files within each group. In this manner, the media files can be randomized but only within each group. In all instances, the current media file can continue to play without any interruption. Finally, the electronic device can sort the media files based on the context of the media file that is currently playing.

Abstract: Disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method for related recommendation of TV program contents and web contents that enable plentiful information acquisition and effective TV watching by discovering and recommending Internet web contents having a high association with the TV program contents when a TV is watched using a TV terminal connected to the Internet, and to a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the method. The apparatus includes: an user profile unit that produces and updates an user profile of a smart TV; a first information collection unit that collects first information that is TV program contents metadata from a smart TV network; a second information collection unit that collects second information that is web contents information from a web; and an integrated content database that stores third integrated information structured with correlation discovered between the first information and the second information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting information regarding multiple categories of content are provided. In addition, methods and systems that suggest activities by a user in relation to content and determined affinity for content in relation to user contacts are provided. A user interface application is provided that operates to display status and/or historical information regarding content, suggested activities, and suggested contacts. The user can interact with the interface to access detailed information and to act on suggestions.

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for providing information associated with a user-selected person 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 method and apparatus for secure transfer and playback of multimedia content enables the secure transfer of multimedia content from a digital video recorder (DVR) to a personal computer (PC) and further to a handheld device. A DVR determines which devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) are authorized to share and/or retrieve content from the DVR. The DVR receives a connection request from a PC on the LAN, authorizes the connection request and establishes a secure connection between the DVR and the PC. Once the secure connection is established, the DVR receives a request for multimedia content from the PC, prepares the multimedia content for transfer and transfers the multimedia content to the PC.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for downloading selected multimedia content and applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods enable various options or functionalities for programming content over a home network. A web-based user interface on a consumer device controls a set-top box (STB) over a local home network is utilized. An initial process connects the consumer device to an application server for the necessary web software. After discovery of both the consumer device and the STB on the local home network, an initial page of the application is loaded and the application calls the web services on the STB via the home network to retrieve data and control the STB with a compatible web browser on the consumer device.

Abstract: A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, there is provided a system and an article of manufacture allowing a set top box to be controlled from an interactive voice response unit. A system according to an example embodiment may include a set top box control processor having a common-layer application interface and a control plug-in framework. An interactive voice processor obtains voice inputs from a voice call and through the set top box control processor remotely accesses control features of a set top box. The set top box control processor performs command process management to manage set top box commands including changing channels and controlling volume. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service access method, device, and system, and relates to the field of television services, to guarantee multicast security of a network device. The method includes: obtaining an authorized multicast address list according to program channel list information provided by a server; receiving an Internet Group Management Protocol IGMP packet request sent by a user terminal device, where the IGMP packet request carries a multicast address; verifying the multicast address in the IGMP packet request according to the multicast address list; and sending a media data stream corresponding to the verified multicast address to the user terminal device. The solutions of the present invention are suitable for realizing the security of multicast of network device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for media content search and retrieval, and a virtual television channel capable of using that system. The present system may be implemented on a computing device, such as for example a media service server, and a client device, such as for example a set top box for a television system, a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant or a gaming console. A first aspect of the present system relates to a media download control engine which enables a client device with limited capabilities to play media content which comes from a website in a format not supported by the client device. A second aspect of the present system may make use of the media download control engine to obtain media content and create customized virtual channels. The second aspect in particular relates to a virtual channel engine that schedules a continuous stream of content for the user, which content is selected based on topics of interest to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the available content from the ordering interactive interface and communicates the content selection to a content processing system. The content processing system generates an unencrypted control word comprising instructions for locating the available content from a user device and communicates the unencrypted control word to the user device. The user device receives the unencrypted control word to enable storing the available content corresponding to the content selection in response to the instructions contained in the unencrypted control word and stores the available content in a storage device of the user device.

Abstract: A request to transfer a consumer electronics (CE) executable application from a consumer electronics device to a TV device is received at the TV device. The CE executable application is received from the consumer electronics device. Application state information associated with the executable CE application is received from the consumer electronics device. The executable CE application and the application state information are stored to a memory. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing television channel lists is disclosed. Pixel resolutions characteristics of a plurality of televisions channels are analyzed. One or more high definition television (HDTV) channels having HD pixel resolutions from the plurality of available television channels are selected. The one or more selected HDTV channels are stored in a HD channel list.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating text descriptive data has a receiving device that receives a data signal having text description data corresponding to a description of a video signal. A text-to-speech converter associated with the receiving device converts the text description data to a first audio signal. A display device in communication with the text-to-speech converter converts the first audio signal associated with the receiving device to an audible signal.

Abstract: Exemplary interactive media content presentation systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an interactive media content presentation system presenting a media content instance on a display screen associated with a media content access device, detecting, during the presentation of the media content instance, an interaction by a user with the media content instance being presented on the display screen and representing a request to access enhanced content related to the media content instance by way of the display screen, and dynamically transitioning, in response to the request, from presenting the media content instance on the display screen to presenting an interactive portal on the display screen, the interactive portal comprising a continued presentation of the media content instance and the enhanced content. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A customer-premises equipment (CPE) gateway and methods for operation thereof, and a multimedia server and methods for operation thereof are disclosed. The method for the CPE gateway including: (a) receiving, by the CPE gateway, a first internet group management protocol (IGMP) compliant command; (b) generating by the CPE gateway, in response to the first IGMP compliant command, a unicast command that instructs a multimedia server to generate a unicast media stream; wherein the generating including concealing multicast information from at least one IGMP compliant entity that follows the CPE gateway; and (c) transmitting, by the CPE gateway, the unicast command to the at least one IGMP compliant entity; wherein the unicast command passes through the at least one IGMP compliant entity and reaches the multimedia server.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: An improved user experience is provided for passengers on a vessel such as an airplane, train or ship. Passengers can customize their travel experience ahead of time by accessing a web-based server system to indicate preferences with respect to a number of in-flight entertainment options. The passenger's experience is also enhanced by allowing passengers to share preferences such as media playlists with others. Meals can be ordered on-demand once on board, and seat-to-seat chat as well as group chatting is also made available through an in-seat or other proximate entertainment device.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus is provided that is controlled such that the display position of a cursor for a pointing type remote controller does not change when input is switched in a configuration where the video processing apparatus is connected to an external video apparatus. When input video data is switched, a controller transmits position information regarding the display position of a cursor image to the external video apparatus via a communication unit. The controller receives cursor image data generated by the external video apparatus from the external video apparatus and causes a cursor image, based on the cursor image data, to be displayed on a display unit, such that a cursor image after the input video data is switched is displayed at a position corresponding to the display position of a cursor image that has been displayed before the input video data is switched.

Abstract: A reception apparatus includes: a reception unit configured to receive a broadcast stream at least including a data stream for data broadcasting; a first style selector configured to select a display style for each of data broadcast content acquired from the broadcast stream received by the reception unit; a second style selector configured to select, when the data broadcast content corresponding to the style selected by the first style selector corresponds to a plurality of display styles, one display style out of the plurality of display styles; and a display unit configured to display the data broadcast content corresponding to the style selected by the first style selector or the second style selector.

Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Disclosed an apparatus and method of rendering user interface for playing the broadcast program, which is effective to enable a user to view the broadcast program without being limited to the past or future time zone, in the case that a user makes the current viewing point be located in the past or future time zone compared to the current broadcasting point when the broadcast program is played.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program guide are disclosed. In one embodiment the method comprises receiving, for a plurality of first events, first event metadata comprising a first event description and a first logical channel number, receiving, for a plurality of second events, second event metadata comprising a second event description and a second logical channel number, assigning the first logical channel number associated with a particular first event to a particular second event, wherein the assignment is based on the first event metadata of the particular first event and the second event metadata of the particular second event, and displaying a program guide comprising at least a portion of the second event metadata of the particular second event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system(s), method(s), and apparatus for accurate fast forward rate when performing trick play with variable distance between frames. In one embodiment, there is presented a circuit for providing a fast forward video sequence. The circuit comprises a system time clock for providing a time reference, said time reference incremented at a predetermined fast forward rate; a comparator for comparing the time reference with timing information associated with a picture; and a controller for determining whether to display the picture based at least in part on the comparison between the timing information and the time reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling feedback from a recipient of media content includes a receiver that receives a content data stream, containing media content and embedded Meta-Data, and a decoder that decodes the content data stream to extract the media content and the Meta-Data. A playback signal dependent upon the extracted content is passed to a content playback device of the content recipient. A control device interface receives a signal from a local control device operated by the content recipient and a network interface provides the desired feedback by accessing a network in accordance with the Meta-Data and the signal from the local control device of the content recipient. The Meta-Data, which may be related to the content, is embedded in the encoded media content data sequence before the sequence is transmitted or at a later stage in the transmission network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system to enable playing flash video content in an iOS environment, to a server used in this system and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: An electronic program guide includes a plurality of elements arrayed in a grid of rows and columns, with the rows corresponding to program sources and the columns corresponding to time intervals. Each element corresponds to a program played out from a particular program source during a corresponding time interval. The background of each element changes, such as by way of a color gradient or changing shape, to indicate one of a program beginning or ending. In this way, a viewer can ascertain the length of the program even if the element gets clipped upon updating the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device including a controller programmed to receive security video content associated with a premises where the security video content has been captured by one or more cameras located within or in proximity to the premises and where the premises have one or more Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), and transmit the security video content to the DVR for forwarding to a communication device that is remote from the premises, where the security video content is wirelessly transmitted over a wireless television (TV) channel dynamically selected from available wireless TV channels associated with the premises. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to transmit at least a portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment receives a request from a first media device, wherein the request identifies a media content event of interest; identifies a first media content stream with a concluding portion of the media content event of interest currently transmitting to a second media device; concurrently transmits the concluding portion of the media content event of interest to the first media device; and transmits a second media stream containing an initial portion of the media content event to the first media device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing Internet access via a set top box may include operating, on the set top box, a browser configured to display data associated with a website. A command may be received from a wireless communications device via a communications network. The command may include a network address of the website. In response to receiving the command, the website data may be displayed on a television to which the set top box is in communication.

Abstract: A method for providing channel information is illustrated. The method includes: receiving a command for switching channels when a first channel content is displayed on a display unit; determining whether the command indicates a continuous switching mode or a discrete switching mode; displaying the first channel content and descriptive information of a plurality of channels being switched until a second channel among the channels being switched is selected at the continuous switching mode; displaying preview information of the second channel to replace the first channel content and loading the second channel content when the second channel is selected at the continuous switching mode or when the second channel is switched according to the command at the discrete switching mode; displaying the second channel content when loading completed. The data quantity of the preview information is larger than that of the description information.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and methods for providing advertising. In some implementations, a method includes associating a plurality of ad spaces of at least two different types as a unit. The unit is offered to one or more advertisers for purchase.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms providing a visual indication of ordinal ranks of objects in an ordered list. When an object is selected for the ordered list, an ordinal rank for the object within the ordered list is determined and a visual indication of the ordinal rank is rendered to a user interface.

Abstract: Improved channel mapping is provided wherein both virtual channel information associated with the currently-tuned channel, as well as physical channel information associated with this same channel is added to a television system's channel map. User inconvenience associated with errors in the virtual channel information may be mitigated since the television system's channel map will contain, not only the standard virtual channel information provided by broadcast stations in their broadcast signals, but also the corresponding physical channel information for the broadcast station in question. In other embodiments, multiple channel maps may be maintained and be user-selectable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.

Abstract: Exemplary program guide interface systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a mobile device presenting a program guide interface by way of a touch screen, detecting a pinch gesture provided in relation to the program guide interface, and presenting, in response to the pinch gesture, a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of media programming channel groups. Corresponding methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

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.