Abstract: Continually-incoming time series data is displayed in a visualization screen. In response to detecting that the visualization screen has become full with time series data, a first portion of the time series data is overwritten with additional incoming data such that the additional incoming data replaces the first portion of the time series data in the visualization screen. A second portion of the time series data is maintained unshifted even though the additional incoming data has been added to the visualization screen.

Abstract: A method of triggering the recording of a programming stream includes: receiving a request to monitor for an unscheduled event; determining search strings associated with the unscheduled event; monitoring a programming stream; analyzing closed captioning information contained in the programming stream to determine the occurrence of the search strings; and recording the programming stream upon the occurrence of the search strings.

Abstract: A method and system relating to an on-demand listings guide which is easy to use and that provides true on-demand viewing capabilities. One aspect of the method and system relates to electronically displaying an on-demand listings guide which includes information relating to at least one series and information relating to a plurality of episodes available on-demand from the series.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system is described for reproducing and displaying information and control options. It comprises means for information reproduction (10) and user operating means for selecting one of the control options. There is a primary display (20,50) arranged in the front of the vehicle and at least a secondary display (40) for the rear seat passengers. Information adapting means (60,95) adapt the information to be displayed on the primary display (20,50) to a limited version including the control options. A full version of the information is displayed on the secondary display. In this way, the driver can control the system without being too much distracted by the information and the rear seat passengers see the complete version of the information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that provide enhanced network operator control. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method comprises determining at a head-end and data center whether to inform one or more users of an interactive television service of available content, the one or more users connected with head-end and data center via a network. Responsive to determining to inform the one or more users of the available content, generating a hot key signal indicating availability and a location of the alternate content. The hot key signal is inserted into a content signal transmitted to the one or more users from the head-end and data center via the network.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and method of providing a sub-list thereof are provided. A method of providing a sub-list of the present broadcast receiving apparatus displays a video contents list which contains a plurality of video contents and a sub-list on one screen, selects at least one video content of the plurality of video contents contained in the video content list, and adds the selected at least one video content to the sub-list and displays it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a television receiver having a display to indicate a banner thereon, and a controller to adjust a position of the banner on the display. Further, the controller is capable of adjusting the position of the banner on the display according to television program information received.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclose for processing an object in a video data stream. The method runs on a processor programmed to execute the method and includes but is not limited to receiving at a client device, the video data stream from a server; displaying the video data stream at the client device on a client device display; receiving input data at the client device for rendering on the client device display a first functional indicator indicating one of a plurality of functions and surrounding a first region of pixel locations representing a first image object in the video data stream; and performing a function indicated by the first functional indicator on meta data for the first image object in the first region of pixel locations.

Abstract: Provided are a method of managing the contents and an image display device using the same. The method includes: obtaining contents information on each of a plurality of contents sources; displaying the obtained contents information on one screen as a plurality of lists that are differently configured according a plurality of classified items; and receiving meta information on at least one content in the contents lists and displaying the received meta information in correspondence to the content.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for displaying a broadcasting program guide information. This application is for displaying the broadcasting program guide information by enlarging an area of a screen corresponding to a predetermined identifier or a blank area on the screen, and thereby outputting the program guide information.

Abstract: A system may include logic to provide a video program to a video display, logic to provide interactive content to indicate that a snapshot of the video program can be captured, and snapshot capturing logic to capture a video frame of the video program.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and non-transitory storage mediums provide a program handoff between user devices. The program handoff permits a user to select a user device with which to resume a playing of the program. The program handoff also permits a user to set a reminder for playing the program. Methods, devices, and non-transitory storage mediums provide for an application layer-based network offloading of programs. A program is buffered based on a network offloading time and the program is played from a buffer during an execution of a network offload. Network offload prediction is used to minimize network offload time and buffering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive walkthrough movie located at a server via a network and displaying the same at a user station, which comprises: (a) a display unit at the user station for displaying movie frames; (b) a control device at the user station for enabling the user to navigate within the movie; (c) a map of the movie describing the links between the individual movie frames and the index of each movie frame, said map also maintains at any given time the present virtual location of the user within the map; and (d) a prediction unit for receiving inputs from said map and from a user control device, and based on said inputs predicting those future frames that may be required for view by the user, and instructing the server to convey said predicted future frames to the user station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR. An embodiment allows multimedia device users to select programs to record or download movie or music over a network, such as the Internet, from a content provider. The system automatically downloads and stores ancillary program data that is directly related to, and associated with, a program that has been selected for recording or content requested for download. When a user selects a program to view the user is offered the opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view an ancillary program data. The service can charge the content provider or an advertiser for each time their ancillary program data is viewed by a user. The ancillary programming is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using an interactive television program guide application to access fantasy sports contests are presented. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interactive television program guide application may display information indicating to a user that one or more programs is related to a fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the application may provide to the user a schedule of programs related to one or more fantasy sports contests in which the user participates. The application may provide additional features to fantasy sports contestants including automatic recording of programs related to a user's fantasy sports contest, playback of highlight video clips for events that affect a user's fantasy sports contest standing, and targeted advertisements for fantasy sports contests.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for real time delivery to at least one user additional content/services associated with programs broadcast by television/radio and intended to be received/used by the user through a standard television/radio receiving device, said additional content/services being suitable for being accessed by the user through a client device equipped with a graphical display interface distinct from the standard television/radio receiving device.

Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

Abstract: A user may simultaneously access sources of multimedia information via multiple wireless networks using a handheld multimedia gateway. A user interface may support the selection of information services that are each provided separate, but possibly overlapping, viewing spaces. Circuitry in the multimedia gateway manages the operation of the multiple wireless communication paths, and enables the display of visual information through two or more display devices. The user may customize the display, the size, and the location within a display of regions in which the information is presented.

Abstract: A receiver determines to transmit an EPG that includes schedule information regarding content available from a provider, determines that content is stored and is not currently available from the provider, incorporates information regarding the stored content in the EPG, and includes indicators indicating that the stored content is stored rather than available from the provider. The stored content may be recorded as part of recording a plurality of content received via a broadcast that are all included in the same frequency band and encoded with the same code word. The EPG may be divided into portions that include information regarding available content and portions that include information regarding previously available content and may include indications of which are stored. The EPG may be configured in a calendar arrangement based at least on the information regarding the available and information regarding when stored content were previously available from the provider.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a saving part; a user inputting part; a receiving part which receives broadcasting signal including at least one data information; a signal processing part which performs signal processing by extracting the data information from the received broadcasting signal; and a controlling part which enables a user to determine whether to save the data information through the user inputting part if the data information is received, and controls the signal processing part to save the data information determined to be saved in the saving part.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

Abstract: A system to present program schedule information and utility usage information. An apparatus to generate display signals directing a display to present a program schedule that includes program schedule information and utility usage information. A method of presenting program schedule information with utility usage information.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide a program guide including a matrix of cells associated with a plurality of media content instances, and a selector object within the program guide. The selector object is configured to select one of the cells such that the cells in the matrix include a selected cell and at least one unselected cell. The subsystem is further configured to provide at least one image object within the at least one unselected cell. The image object represents the media content instance associated with the unselected cell. In certain embodiments, the image object includes a video content stream. The subsystem is further configured to provide a graphical user interface to a display for presentation to a user, the graphical user interface including at least a portion of the program guide and the image object.

Abstract: A method of generating on a display device an electronic program guide for broadcast channels. Electronic program guide information for a plurality of broadcast channels is received at an electronic terminal from a broadcast media server. The electronic program guide information includes live video streams and/or snapshot pictures from programs that are presently being broadcast on a plurality of broadcast channels. A graphical arrangement of a plurality of objects is generated on the display device. Each of the objects is associated with a different one of the broadcast channels. The live video stream and/or the snapshot picture from the program that is presently being broadcast on the associated broadcast channel is displayed on a defined surface of each of the associated objects. A three-dimensional graphical arrangement may be generated from the objects.

Abstract: A device may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to receive user input via a user interface and provide an appearance of selecting a channel, via a content presentation device connected to the device, without actually selecting the channel when the user input requests a particular program channel. The one or more processors may also be configured to display interactive program guide data at the content presentation device when the user input requests an interactive program guide and when the device is disconnected from a network from which the device received the interactive program guide data.

Abstract: A word coinciding with a key word input by speech and a word related to the word are set as retrieval candidate words based on a word dictionary in which words representing formal names and aliases of the formal names are registered in association with a family attribute indicating a familiar relation among the words. Content related to any one of retrieval words selected out of the retrieval candidate words and a word related to the retrieval word is retrieved.

Abstract: A system for providing content to a user, comprising a transmitter 502 for transmitting to a user's receiver/decoder 2000 guide data relating to a plurality of items of content, and each of said items of content to which said guide data relates, prior to commencement of a period of availability of said items of content to the user; and a receiver/decoder 2100 comprising means 2016 for receiving said guide data and said items of content, means 3120 for generating a display of said guide data to enable a user to select at least one of said items of content for storage, means 2100 for storing the selected at least one item of content upon receipt thereof, and means 3120 for enabling the user to access the stored at least one item of content upon request following commencement of said period.

Abstract: A set-top box may include a storage unit, input/output (I/O) unit configured to communicate with a network node of a service provider over a communications network, memory unit, and a processing unit in communication with the storage unit, I/O unit, and memory unit. A user control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to cause the processing unit to present a graphical user interface to a user to control access to one or more content stores of a content mall operating on the network node. A service provider control panel module may be executed by the processing unit and be configured to cause the processing unit to enable the communications service provider to control operation of the processing unit. A codec module may be executed by the processing unit and configured to enable the processing unit to display content downloaded from a content store of the content mall.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method of providing a content management list which enables various contents to integrally used and managed and an apparatus for performing the same. A method of providing a content management list including associated media is performed by a content management list providing apparatus capable of accessing one or more local contents over a network and includes searching for information of an associated local content associated with a channel program included in Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information of a broadcasting program and displaying the searched information of the associated local content in such a way as to have an association with air time of the channel program of the content management list. Accordingly, a user can plan to use various contents more efficiently without the need to search for all available contents in order to directly check associated content and use the associated content.

Abstract: A reception apparatus, method, computer program, and information providing apparatus for providing one or more alert services. The reception apparatus includes a receiver, a display interface, an input unit, and a processor. The receiver receives a notification of an alert service. The display interface presents the notification of the alert service on a display. Further, the input unit receives a request from a user of the reception apparatus to subscribe to the alert service. In response to receiving the subscription request, the processor registers a location of new content information associated with the alert service in a memory. Further, the processor determines whether new content corresponding to the alert service is available based on the new content information. When the new content is determined to be available, the processor downloads the new content and causes the display interface to present a pop-up alert based on the new content.

Abstract: A method of operation of three dimensional (3D) stereoscopic television consistent with certain implementations involves turning on or installing a set of 3D glasses on a viewer to cause the set of 3D glasses to enter an active operational mode; and at the 3D glasses, emitting a signal to the television that causes the television to switch from a 2D display mode to a 3D display mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an output instructing module which instructs a server, stored therein electronic program table information, to output the electronic program table information; a receiver which receives the electronic program table information and program related information output from the server; and an electronic program table output module which uses the received electronic program table information and program related information to output an electronic program table being attached with the program related information.

Abstract: A user interface for interactive television services is represented as a visual overlay that provides a viewer with knowledge of a library of available content relating to a currently tuned to television channel and navigation options for selecting desired portions of the available content from the library, the available content being designated according to business rules specified by a provider of the interactive television services. The visual overlay may be displayed over full-screen or embedded television programming, which may be broadcast television programming or on-demand television programming.

Abstract: A device that can operate according to a menu. A first aspect describes an array of preview frames were each preview frame can represent a program such as a video program or an intranet site. A selection window within the array allows selecting different preview frames Another aspect describes use of this sliding array system within a GPS device.

Abstract: In a subscriber television system, assigning categories to a channel as an entity reduces the searching requirements associated with searching a database of thousands of individual program records, identifying the channel on which an identified program will be displayed, and then sorting the resultant information. The channel information is searched for the assigned category information and the associated program information for just those channels is retrieved. This reduces the processor requirements for searching the thousands of records in the program records database. With the reduced processor requirements and the increased efficiency of information organization for searching, a single machine state change is possible between viewing full screen video and a browse banner or between viewing full screen program information and video with a browse banner.

Abstract: A method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus. The method includes receiving a trigger parameters table (TPT). The TPT is associated with a triggered declarative object (TDO) and includes at least one parameter associated with a trigger event. The TPT is stored in a first memory of the reception apparatus. The TDO is executed by a processor of the reception apparatus and is stored in a second memory of the reception apparatus. The reception apparatus receives a trigger associated with the trigger event. At least one parameter associated with the trigger event is retrieved from the TPT based on information included in the trigger. Further, a function is performed based on the retrieved at least one parameter.

Abstract: Electronic Guide products give the user the ability to videotape selected programs. Once a program has successfully been taped a message is displayed, reminding the viewer that they have taped it. (E.g. “You taped ______; have you watched it yet?”) Information comprising information that shows are taped, the particular shows taped and viewer profiles allow advertisements targeted to the viewer who typically records a given type of programming to be presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a user interface for scrolling through lists of information on user interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a broadcast stream, and a method for use of the apparatus, are disclosed. The apparatus includes an application portal for launching a predefined application. The apparatus receives application information including identification ID information which identifies an application and protocol information which indicates a protocol to be used to launch the identified application, and launches the predefined application from the application portal in response to the ID information identifying the predefined application and the protocol information indicating the application portal. The apparatus may be arranged to only launch the identified application from the portal in response to the predefined application has at least the minimum version number. The application information can be received as an Application Information Table (AIT), and the ID information can be provided as organisation_id and application_id fields in the AIT.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: A terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to receive broadcast guide information, and a control unit configured to determine whether or not broadcast information included in the received broadcast guide information corresponds to an actual broadcast operation for a corresponding broadcast program, and to update the broadcast guide information when the broadcast information included in the received broadcast guide information does not correspond to the actual broadcast operation for the corresponding broadcast program.

Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.

Abstract: In one configuration, electronic program guides (EPGs) are used to display past, present and future broadcasts, where selection of a past broadcast results in a search for the broadcast. If the broadcast is available, it is provided to the requester. Various embodiments are disclosed for controlling costs associated with broadcast acquisition, identifying a desired quality level for a broadcast, applying policies to regulate receipt of broadcast data, and for renting broadcasts.

Abstract: A verbal request for an action to be performed in connection with a user's set-top box may be received by a Program Content Manager (PCM) from a voice-enabled input/output device such as a VoIP-enabled device or a mobile communication device. Alternatively, the user may request an action via email, text message, and the like. The PCM receiving the action request may execute, or schedule the request for later execution, depending on whether the request is for a real-time or future action. The user may also request to send an alert or a program recording request to others. Recipients may be able to request further alerts or confirm a program recording invitation if certain criteria are met.

Abstract: The present invention enables a broadcaster to vary the time and the descriptive information in a program guide on a per-channel basis. A priority ranking system of the channels allows the preparation of multiple versions of a program guide in order to fit the guide into the memory space allocated in a receiver. When constructing the program guide, the algorithm of the present invention fits the longest title variation allowed while still keeping the total size of the guide product within space constraints supported by the receiver.

Abstract: There is provided a TV set including a content-related information control section which transmits the one or plurality of pieces of viewed content identification information to an ECG server and receives, from the ECG server, content-related information related to content having a relationship with respect to viewed content identified by each of the transmitted one or plurality of pieces of viewed content identification information, and a display control section which causes the display section to display an image based on image data included in each of one or a plurality of pieces of content-related information corresponding to content tuning information the input of which is accepted by an input section from among respective pieces of content-related information that the content-related information control section have received.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an information processing apparatus, a method thereof, and a program for allowing the audience to easily search for intended television programs. A server stores characteristic words extracted from television program information in a characteristic word file 103. The server also stores the extracted characteristic words associated with IDs for identifying television programs in an association file 102. When the audience selects a characteristic word as an interested word from the characteristic word file 103, the server reads the ID of a television program corresponding to the selected characteristic word from the association file 102. The server reads television program information corresponding to the read ID from a television program information file 101. The server then provides the read television program information to the audience. The present invention can be applied to a recording/reproducing apparatus and a television receiver to provide intended television programs.

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.