Abstract: An electronic program schedule system with product ordering capability which includes a data processor for receiving program schedule information for a plurality of programs, and a user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, for generating user control commands and transmitting signals to the data processor in response thereto. The television program schedule information is displayed on a display apparatus such as a television receiver. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information and displays a portion of the program schedule information on the receiver. The program schedule information indicates the availability of a product or service for certain of the programs included in the program information, wherein the product or service is associated with the program, such as a program transcript or videocassette.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for restricting a remote control interface port of a set-top box configured to broadcast multimedia programs over a provider network. A change schedule that changes communication parameters may restrict the remote control interface port. The operating frequency or the code set used to transmit data and commands may be changed at random or at predefined intervals. The set-top box, the remote control, or an external network device may initiate the change schedule. Encryption of communications between the set-top box and the remote control unit may also be performed to protect the set-top box from unauthorized access.

Abstract: A system for automatically using internet information which is contained within a commercial on an entertainment medium e.g. television. The system determines information indicative of the web address. This can be done automatically by optical character recognition or by storing information indicative of the web address in an interval of the television signal. Once obtained, the information is sent, either to a user's computer, or to a central office which sends an e-mail to the user. In this way, the information can be used to automatically jump to a web site of the advertiser.

Abstract: A remote-control system includes a remote controller which transmits the command signal corresponding to an operation performed by a user, and an information-processing device which receives the command signal and performs the processing corresponding to the command signal. The remote controller includes a sensing unit that has the sensing areas corresponding to areas provided on a screen showing an image of a video signal transmitted from the information-processing device on a one-to-one basis and that senses at least one of a touch operation and a press-down operation performed by a user for the sensing area, a generation unit that generates the command signal according to the sensing result, and a transmission unit that transmits the command signal. The information-processing device includes a reception unit that receives the command signal, and a processing unit that performs the processing corresponding to the command signal.

Abstract: A device receives an identification of a series to schedule automatic recording of episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, receives an instruction to automatically retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series based on the scheduling of the automatic recording of the episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future. The device searches content, based on receipt of the instruction, to retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series. The device records at least one episode of the scheduled series, and presents the recorded at least one episode of the scheduled series and the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series such that a user may select and play the at least one episode of the scheduled series or the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series.

Abstract: Systems and methods for logging network discoverable information. An indication of user-interest of particular media content may be identified. An address identification parameter that specifies a network file path of the particular media content may be identified based on the indication of user-interest. A location parameter that specifies an estimated physical location of the particular computing device within a computing network may be determined based on the address identification parameter. The address identification parameter may be stored within a network accessible media content log.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (“EPG”) coordinates the display of availability metadata representing the availability of listed multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The EPG presents multimedia programs available from a primary content source. A system identifies alternative content sources for one or more multimedia programs listed in the EPG, estimates availability parameters from these alternative content sources, and supplements the EPG with availability metadata that represent the determined availability parameters of the versions of the multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The system estimates missing availability parameters based on application of one or more availability rule sets, which can reflect, for example, a contractual agreement or arrangement, a data analysis performed on historical availability data for the multimedia program or the content provider, and the like.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for providing viewing notifications for a set-top box that includes the steps of: storing usage information associated with a media content received by the set-top box, the usage information containing a length of time that the media content was displayed; determining, using a processor, whether a viewing notification is to be sent to a particular user based on user preferences and the usage information; responsive to a determination that the viewing notification is to be sent to the particular user, retrieving a notification identifier associated with the particular user and sending the viewing notification regarding the usage information; receiving a response to the viewing notification from the particular user, wherein the response includes a partial command that is interpreted based on the viewing notification as a requested command to be performed by the set-top box; and performing, using the processor, the requested command.

Abstract: An augmented broadcasting stream transmission device and method and an augmented broadcasting service providing device and method capable of ensuring that augmented broadcasting metadata arrive at a receive terminal in a time more rapid as compared to a corresponding video frame by a predetermined time are provided.

Abstract: A multiple-resolution audio and video system is disclosed that includes: at least one shared network infrastructure; at least one audio file, video file or a combination thereof, wherein each of the at least one audio file, video file or combination thereof has at least one resolution format and wherein one of the at least one resolution format is a studio quality resolution; at least one executable user interface application; and at least one device that accesses the at least one executable user interface application. Methods of using a multiple-resolution audio and video system are also included. Devices and related software applications are also contemplated herein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises at least a first video source device, at least a first remote control device, a digital display device comprising logic to receive, in a digital display device, a first video signal from a first video source, extract at least a first metadata from the first video signal, use the first metadata to obtain a second video signal from a second video source, present the first video signal on the digital display device, combine at least a portion of the second video signal and at least a portion of the first video signal to generate a combined video signal, and present the combined video signal on a display.

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

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a mobile device includes a data receiving unit configured to receive metadata regarding television content that is played by a television device; an icon displaying unit configured to: display a plurality of icons that are associated with the television content based at least in part on the metadata, and receive a touch input via at least one icon from among the plurality of icons; and a signal generating unit configured to generate a control signal regarding an operation of the television device based at least in part on the received touch input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting user-generated content in an easily accessible manner using an interactive media guide are provided. In particular, a user may be able to peruse user-generated content through an interactive media guide which is also used to access non-user-generated media content such as linear programming (e.g., over-the-air broadcast, cable, and satellite scheduled programming) and on-demand media. The interactive media guide may include a provider of user-generated content populated with user-generated content according to the user's interests or most recently added to the provider.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for processing viewer profiles and program metadata from a number of sources to provide viewing suggestions and recommendations to one or more viewers.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.

Abstract: An information reception apparatus which allows a user to easily understand, from an electronic program guide, the information announced in a broadcast program, and which contributes to increasing viewer ratings of the broadcast program.

Abstract: A broadband gateway, which enables communication with a plurality of devices and handles at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider, may be operable to receive one or more programs in preview formats from one or more program sources. Each of the one or more programs may be specified in a list. The programs specified in the list may be from different program sources. The broadband gateway may process the received one or more programs in the preview formats for presentation to one or more of the plurality of devices. The processed one or more programs in the preview formats may be communicated by the broadband gateway to the one or more of the plurality of devices, via a programming guide, for program preview by one or more users during program selections from the list.

Abstract: A metadata providing apparatus receives a first request for requesting metadata representing a broadcast schedule of a first program to be promoted in the first receiving device. A request ID is issued to the first request, and the first request and the associated request ID are stored. A request response including the request ID is sent to the first request. When the second receiving device receives a second request requesting metadata corresponding to the request ID after metadata has been prepared in the second storing device, the relevant metadata is searched for and sent.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving information expressing a user's interest in one or more media programs, obtaining information indicative of popularity for a plurality of media programs responsive to the received information by individuals other than the user, and transmitting one or more recommendations of media programs for display to the user, from the plurality of media programs that relate to the received information.

Abstract: Systems and methods to facilitate selection of episodes of serial programs from a media service are provided. A particular computer-implemented method includes retrieving a media service favorites list of programs associated with at least one user at a computing device. The media service favorites list includes at least one first serial program selected by at least one user and at least one second serial program selected by a recommendation engine. The method also includes sending from the computing device a display of the media service favorites list to a display device associated with the computing device. The display includes an entry for each of the programs in the media service favorites list and a first selectable indicator associated with each of the serial programs determined to have a new, unviewed episode.

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: A method of displaying a list is provided. The method includes receiving a user command to display a list of multimedia content, determining at least one multimedia content which matches a pre-stored keyword from among a plurality of multimedia content included in the list, in response to the user command, and displaying the list including the plurality of multimedia content based on the result of the determination, wherein the displayed list displays the pre-stored keyword as overlapping the least one multimedia content matching the pre-stored keyword from among the plurality of multimedia content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customizing the display of interactive television overlays. A condition related to the display of an overlay on top of video for a television channel may be defined for each of a plurality of television channels. A default set of information types for an interactive television overlay (e.g., a FLIP overlay, a BROWSE overlay, etc.) may be defined for the plurality of television channels. When the overlay is displayed on top of video for a given television channel of the plurality of television channels, the overlay may include information of the default set of information types. One or more television channels of the plurality of television channels may be identified as channels for which the default set of information types does not apply (e.g., channels for which the overlay is not displayed or for which a custom set of information types is defined).

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: A wireless multimedia content brokerage service can provide for real time selective content extraction in a manner that allows users to easily obtain, at a mobile device, one or more portions of a real time multimedia composite content presentation. The brokerage service ensures that the experience is transparent from the point of view of the user, and additionally does not require any specific interaction between the user and the display, or interaction between the user and the content service provider (or providers). Instead, the brokerage service handles the transactional details involved in subscribing to content and in obtaining, formatting, and forwarding content to the mobile device. Additionally, since the content of interest is not forwarded from the display itself and since some embodiments of the system do not rely on any interactivity at the display to identify the display device or content, relatively unsophisticated display devices can be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to retrieve a previously broadcast initial portion of a media content event. An exemplary embodiment stores a media content event at a first media device as the media content event is communicated over a broadcast system; receives a request at the first media device from a second media device, wherein the request identifies an initial portion of a media content event that has previously been communicated over a broadcast system; identifies the initial portion of the media content event from the stored media content event; retrieves the identified initial portion of the media content event; and communicates the initial portion of the media content event from the first media device to the second media device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods of navigating previously viewed channels. In a particular embodiment, a method may include maintaining a channel list in a memory, the channel list comprising multiple previously viewed channels. The method may also include receiving a first signal to select a first selected channel in the channel list. The method may also include tuning a channel tuner to the first selected channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that objects with the highest utility factors are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and can be tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and/or can provide a gauge of the utility of the object. The tags can be used, for example, to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and/or to identify the objects that provide the most utility at any given time.

Abstract: The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for performing an operation, the operation including broadcasting one or more media streams to one or more remote devices, the remote devices configured to provide feedback related to the one or more media streams, the remote devices configured to display a media stream on a television coupled to the remote device. The operation then aggregates, based on a predefined aggregation criterion, feedback received from the remote devices related to a first media stream. The operation then, upon determining that the aggregated feedback of the first media stream exceeds a predefined threshold for the predefined aggregation criterion, marks the first media stream based on the predefined aggregation criterion, the remote devices configured to, responsive to receiving the marked first media stream, perform a predefined operation to effect prioritized display of the first media stream on the television.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for associating and synchronizing extrinsic data with video content at particular points of time in the video content. A user interface is rendered that facilitates a selection from extrinsic data items that are associated with a video content feature that is currently being presented to a user. A user selection of one of the extrinsic data items is obtained through the user interface, and a time in the video content feature is determined corresponding to the user selection. The user selection of the one of the extrinsic data items and the time in the video content feature are reported to a server.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain program information via a network from a providing apparatus that provides the program information, the program information being used to display a program guide; a program-information storing unit configured to store the program information obtained; a displaying unit configured to display the program guide according to the obtained program information; and a display controlling unit configured to control display of the program guide so that the program guide is displayed according to the program information stored in the program-information storing unit. When an instruction for displaying a program guide is received, the obtaining unit newly obtains program information for updating the program information stored in the program information storing unit from the providing apparatus if the portable terminal is connected to the providing apparatus via the network.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.

Abstract: An interactive system for viewing music videos on the go that includes at least one processor, at least one display device electronically connected to the at least one processor, at least one communications means electronically connected to the at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor, and operative to display at least one music video channel selection function on the display device, display at least one music video on the display device, and display at least one instant messaging function on the display device, wherein the at least one music video channel selection function, the at least one music video, and the at least one instant messaging function are displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for supplying media content to portable communication devices is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a cellular transceiver and a controller element to direct the cellular transceiver to transmit a media guide for the STB to a terminal device for presentation on a display unit of the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: A television message system is provided that allows users at user television equipment devices that are connected to a television distribution facility to transmit messages to each other relating to a television program or other suitable subject. The television message system permits users to participate in evaluations, contests, promotions, and surveys related to a television program while watching that television program. The television message system also permits users to compose and send a message to a television program entity. The television message system also allows a user to purchase a gift related to television programming for a recipient. The gift may be an electronic gift certificate for pay-per-view programming. The television message system may be based on an interactive television program guide or a set-top box application implemented on a set-top box.

Abstract: A subscriber to a video service generally has available to them an on-screen program guide. The program guide lists programming (e.g., TV shows) that are available to the subscriber for a certain upcoming time period. The programming guide may sort the listings by channel and time, areas of interest, age appropriateness and/or MPAA or TV rating, free or additional cost, etc. In an embodiment, the programming guide includes an ability to make a selection to see which TV shows are recommended by reviewers. Such reviewers may be individuals or panels or institutions to which some credibility may be attached—a trusted source. After selecting a reviewer, the subscriber is made aware of the programs recommended by the selected reviewer.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: Row advertisements for use in a program guide are described. An example includes a program guide to aid a user navigate a media presentation system; a list of entries to represent a plurality of programs; an advertisement positioned within the list of entries, wherein the advertisement is interactive to allow a user to manipulate the advertisement, and wherein the advertisement is associated with one of the plurality of programs.

Abstract: There is provided an image display apparatus that receives a broadcast program and displays video images relating to the broadcast program. The image display apparatus comprises, among other things, a communication interface for communicating with a rendering apparatus that is externally connected; an input unit that receives image data for displaying graphic images from the rendering apparatus, the graphic images being different from the video images relating to the broadcast program; and a control unit that gives an instruction to the rendering apparatus, via the communication interface, to generate the image data, and obtains, via the input unit, image data generated by the rendering apparatus according to the instruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a dynamic streaming server interface to enable the display of personal data in a cable box environment is disclosed. The system includes an interface to forward data to the server, an insertion tool to insert the display into the channel guide, and controls to enable the user to view the personal data using the cable box and interface.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for enhancing video content with extrinsic data. A video content feature is rendered on a display. A user interface is rendered on top of the video content feature on the display. The user interface presents cast member images, each of which corresponds to a cast member in the video content feature. A selection of a cast member image is obtained through the user interface. The user interface is updated to present additional information regarding the respective cast member corresponding to the selected image.

Abstract: An on-line scheduling application allows users to personalize how television-related, entertainment-related, and social event related information is provided. Users may select one or more sources from which the information is obtained. Users may set up a date book that is also uses as a source. Users may select one or more delivery schemes that the application used to provide the information. One or more of the personalization features of the scheduling application stay be incorporated into an on-line television programming guide.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed.

Abstract: Monitoring user activity on a mobile device is described. In one aspect, video content is received and played to a user of the mobile device. The monitoring activity detects an interruption of playback of the video content and determines an event associated with the interruption. The event is stored in the mobile device and communicated to a remote device.