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: When generating animation content as summary content for a digital broadcast program, the timing for switching of animation images for display is controlled appropriately. Subtitle character string extraction means for extracting a subtitle character string from subtitle data contained in digital broadcast signals, still image extraction means for extracting one still image corresponding to the subtitle character string, and summary content generation means for generating summary content to display the extracted subtitle character strings together with the corresponding extracted still images, are provided; the summary content generation means decides the timing for switching display of the plurality of subtitle character strings and still images comprised by the summary content, based on the subtitle character strings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are concerned with a method and a system for distributing mobile applications, in particular to aspects of receiving, processing and displaying advertisements on mobile terminals. In one aspect, embodiments provide a software component for controlling movement of an advertisement image on a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising a display area and a processor, the software component comprising processable instructions defining movement of the advertisement image relative to the display area, wherein the instructions are wirelessly transmissable to the mobile terminal and the processor is arranged to process said instructions in order to move the advertisement image.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is disclosed. The method includes determining, at a set-top box device, that a plurality of menu items in a menu includes a particular menu item associated with a content item that is to be promoted when displaying the plurality of menu items in the menu. The method further includes displaying the plurality of menu items in the menu. A determination is made at the set top box whether to display a promotion of the content item. In response to determining to display the promotion, the promotion of the content item is displayed beside the plurality of menu items, and a right command is enabled allowing a cursor position to jump directly to the particular menu item from a different menu item of the plurality of menu items. The jump is performed after a single application of the right command, where the different menu item does not have a restriction as to a position in the menu. In response to determining not to display the promotion, the right command is disabled.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for invoking third-party call control via a cable-television host device. A video signal is received into a cable-television host device, the video signal comprising an identifier associated with a first telephony endpoint. A command is received into the cable-television host device, the command requesting establishment of a communication session between the first telephony endpoint and a second telephony endpoint. A message is transmitted via a packet-switched network from the cable-television host device to a network entity, wherein the message comprises content based at least in part on the identifier, and wherein the message further comprises content for causing the network entity to invoke third-party call control to attempt to establish the communication session between the first telephony endpoint and the second telephony endpoint.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for facilitating advertisement placement over video content are provided. Images within a video are partitioned into image regions. Upon partitioning images into image regions, an intrusiveness score is determined for each image region. Based on the intrusiveness scores, optimal placement of an advertisement within the video is determined.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically providing a television listing guide. The listing guide includes a number of channels intersecting with a number of time-slots to display an array of cells which can be selected to view a program corresponding with the cell. The guide allows a viewer to easily associate a selected cell with its program information.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering a personalized media item to a user of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The computing device further comprises a set top box. The computing device may be connected to a server through a communication network. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. The user's identity is determined after a user switches on the television. Media items organized by media categories are stored in the computing device. A user may select a media item through a hierarchical user interface based upon scrolling tickers on the television terminal.

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

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a broadcast transmitter broadcasting textual and multimedia information to a remote receiver unit. The broadcast transmitter is operably coupled to a signal manipulation function and arranged to receive and process a broadcast signal that comprises both a textual portion and multimedia information. The signal manipulation function separates the textual and multimedia information into multiple bursts of data sub-blocks, wherein substantially each sub block comprises the textual data and a sub-block of multimedia information for transmitting to the remote receiver unit. By implementing the aforementioned inventive concepts, faster access to the most important (i.e. semantic) part of the transmitted information can be obtained.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a system and method for simultaneously displaying advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG). The system displays television schedule information in rows of schedule information items including the time and channel for least a portion of the displayed television schedule information items. An advertisement is selected for display from a plurality of advertisements, and the selected advertisement is displayed between two rows of the schedule information items simultaneously with the displayed television schedule information items.

Abstract: A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a wagering game toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects indicate information associated with wagering games. The network browser and the toolbar objects can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar objects can cross market affiliate content and wagering game content using features of the toolbar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing data for a carousel from which iTV pages may be obtained including defining a plurality of information templates, each information template specifying content for an iTV page, defining a plurality of presentation templates, each presentation template specifying the presentational appearance for an iTV page, assigning a presentation template to an information template, and modifying the information template as required for presentation by the presentation template and outputting, for a carousel, data representing the presentation template and the modified information template, an iTV page being obtained from the carousel by displaying the content specified by the modified information template with the presentational appearance specified by the presentation template.

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: A display device and method for displaying images are discussed. According to an embodiment, the display device includes at least one first tuner configured to tune to a plurality of different broadcast channels; a display screen configured to display a multi-window including a plurality of sub-windows, each of the plurality of sub-windows configured to display images from a different one of the plurality of broadcast channels; an input unit configured to receive a user's input for editing a channel list including the plurality of broadcast channels; and a controller configured to control the at least one first tuner, the input unit and the display screen.

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

Abstract: A method and display device are discussed. In an embodiment, there is a method for displaying images using a display device including at least one tuner, a display screen, and a controller for controlling the at least one tuner and the display screen, the method comprising: tuning, by the at least one tuner, to a plurality of different broadcast channels; receiving a user's input indicating if the broadcast channels to be displayed are favorite channels or all available channels; and displaying, by the display screen, a multi-window including a plurality of sub-windows according to the received user's input, each of the sub-windows displaying images from a different one of the plurality of broadcast channels according to the tuning by the at least one tuner, the displaying step including selectively displaying either the favorite channels or the all available channels in the sub-windows according to the received user's input.

Abstract: A method includes receiving information identifying at least one recommended media content item at a computing device. The information is received from a sender device. The at least one recommended media content item is selected from an electronic program guide and an address associated with the computing device is selected via a graphical user interface at the sender device. The method includes receiving a user selection of at least one item of media content from the at least one recommended media content item. The method includes automatically scheduling recording of the at least one item of media content at a media recorder device when the at least one item of media content is a scheduled program. The method also includes automatically placing the at least one item of media content in an on demand queue when the at least one item of media content includes on demand media content.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for retrieving non-on-demand media data and on-demand media data that is provided by separate data sources. On-demand media data may be cached to reduce system latencies and the burden on the distribution network.

Abstract: An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.

Abstract: A method, mobile terminal and computer program product for automatically accessing a specific URL, and a mobile terminal thereof. The method comprises outputting a broadcasting screen by receiving a broadcasting signal; when the broadcasting screen is not displayed, automatically accessing a preset specific URL; displaying a broadcasting list including one or more URL lists; selecting one or more URLs included in each item of the broadcasting list; and accessing a web site or a server of the selected URL.

Abstract: An ECG server for providing ECG information about a program to broadcast receiving terminals and user terminals includes an ECG information storage unit for storing the ECG information including attribute information, an emotion information acquisition unit for acquiring emotion information representing emotions of viewers about content of the program displayed by the broadcast receiving terminals via at least one of the information acquisition terminals, an emotion information analysis unit for analyzing at least one piece of the acquired emotion information, and an ECG unit configuration unit for configuring an ECG unit by associating at least one piece of the ECG information with the program and associating at least one piece of the acquired emotion information with the program based on attribute information of the ECG information to suit analysis results of the emotion information. Accordingly, viewers can be lured to view the program by inviting viewers to view the program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming is provided. In one embodiment, the invention can include searching text for a keyword, the text associated with primary programming to be provided to an element of an entertainment system, accessing a database upon finding the keyword, retrieving content associated with the keyword from the database, combining the retrieved content with the primary programming to generate combined programming, and providing the combined programming to the element of the entertainment system.

Abstract: A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television receiver method for receiving non-real time (NRT) content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; an NRT metadata parser that produces NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; and where the NRT service metadata contains an indication whether or not a particular NRT service is to be offered on a subscription basis. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital broadcast receiving apparatus and a digital broadcast receiving method for retrieving a favorite program based on places where a user frequently visits and showing a program related to the places where the user frequently visits. In the digital broadcast receiving apparatus and the digital broadcast receiving method, based on GPS information included in a still picture captured by a digital camera and position information included in EPG information, whether a program is related to a favorite place of the user or not is determined, and the program related to a favorite place of the user is provided as a recommended program to the user.

Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.

Abstract: A method and display device for displaying images are discussed. According to an embodiment, there is a method for displaying images using a display device, the display device including a memory, a display screen, and a controller for controlling the memory and the display screen, the method comprising: storing, in the memory, channel information pertaining to a predetermined number of broadcast channels; and displaying, on the display screen, a multi-window including a plurality of sub-windows, each of the plurality of sub-windows configured to display images from a different one of the broadcast channels, wherein a number of the sub-windows displayed on the display screen is variable according to the channel information.

Abstract: A source-independent content rating system and method are provided. The system includes an electronic program guide extractor for extracting program guide information relating to at least one of, programs and channels, from multiple content subscription services. A filter generates identifying information that identifies at least one of a content and a category of the content based on the received program guide information. A subscription manager receives user specified ratings and the identifying information, and manages user interface information displayed to a user. The user interface information includes at least one of the content and the category identified by the identifying information and further includes a user specified rating there for. The subscription manager migrates any user specified ratings provided with respect to a particular one of the multiple content subscription services to all other relevant ones of the multiple content subscription services.

Abstract: Displaying music information associated with a television program is described. In one aspect, a television program is received that contains at least one music track. Information associated with the music track is identified and a request is received from a user to display music information associated with the television program. In response to the user request, a list is generated that identifies the music track in the television program.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is disclosed which achieves an easy search for a desired item upon scrolling. A plurality of representation images individually representing different selection object items are displayed in an array along one direction of a display screen. A noticed representation image selected from among the representation images is displayed emphatically at a fixed position on the display screen, and explanation information of the noticed representation image is displayed in the proximity of the noticed representation image. If a scrolling information for the array of representation images is issued, then scrolling is executed such that explanation information also of the representation images other than the noticed representation image is displayed. Further, a bar display including a mark representing the position and the group of the noticed representation image in the array of representation images is displayed together.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for allowing a user to linearly or non-linearly discover and navigate media content including live events. A smart timeline includes panels of event information, previews, images, etc. Moving ahead allows discovery of future live media content and events and uncovers mechanisms for setting notifications and reminders. Moving back in time allows discovery of past events and mechanisms for replaying past video and audio content. Event navigation mechanisms can be integrated with calendaring applications to post and select events discovered using event navigation mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for consolidating and comparing recommendations in selecting TV content for viewing by compiling and displaying recommendation and rating values for the same TV content from Sony and a number of other recommendation and ratings providers. Presenting all recommendation values on a single visual display and providing the preferred Sony recommendation in the most prominent display position and font, and allowing the viewer to select the Sony recommendation value to select that content for viewing.

Abstract: A video related tag generating apparatus, a video related tag generating method, a video interacting method, a video interacting system and a video interacting apparatus are provided. The video interacting method includes the following steps. A video broadcast program is received via a video signal receiver, and a video related tag is received via a network interface. The video related tag relates to a target object, and the video broadcast program includes a video frame having the target object. A synchronous information, an object position and object information are generated according to the video related tag. A triggering region is generated according to the object position. The triggering region is synchronously overlapped on the video frame according to the synchronous information. A key-press signal is received to select the triggering region, such that the object information is overlapped on the video frame.

Abstract: A data-processing method of receiving broadcast contents and content-related information related to the broadcast contents. The method includes setting a frequency for receiving the broadcast contents from the broadcast station, and recording frequency information corresponding to the set frequency. The method also includes transmitting request information including broadcast station ID identifying the broadcast station corresponding to the frequency information to a server.

Abstract: In an entertainment service providing on-demand programs over a broadband communications network, a user is allowed to view multiple programs in a continuous manner. The user's enjoyment of the entertainment service is enhanced especially when the on-demand programs are short, e.g., on-demand music videos which typically are a few minutes long. The user is provided with graphical user interfaces for selecting the desired programs to watch, and also allowed to determine the order in which the selected programs are to be played, which may be random.

Abstract: An information server apparatus 116 includes a communication portion 118 receiving a request for getting information including a set of information source specifying information and time specifying information from a client, a user request information analyzing portion 122 and a table reference portion 129 analyzing the request for getting information and selecting information to be transmitted to the client terminal apparatus based on the result of analysis. Further, communication portion 118 returns the selected information to the client.

Abstract: A system for utilizing metadata created either at a central location for shared use by connected users, or at each individual user's location, to enhance user's enjoyment of available broadcast programming content. A variety of mechanisms are employed for automatically and manually identifying and designating programming segments, associating descriptive metadata which the identified segments, distributing the metadata for use at client locations, and using the supplied metadata to selectively record and playback desired programming.

Abstract: When a user hovers a screen cursor over a TV channel icon on a cross-media bar (XMB) user interface (UI) for a threshold period, enhanced metadata from PSIP/XDS/EPG that pertains to the program currently available on the associated TV channel is presented in a pop-up window on the XMB UI.

Abstract: A method for displaying broadcast channel information in a mobile terminal is presented. The method includes entering a broadcast reception mode, and displaying channel information indicating whether each channel available for reception is a general channel or an integrated channel, wherein a general channel comprises one broadcast channel mapped onto a single broadcast path, and an integrated channel comprises at least two virtual channels mapped onto a single broadcast path.

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

Abstract: A controlled device such as a TV is vended with a legacy remote commander (RC) and legacy user interfaces (UI), but is programmed with authentication information to accept downloaded UI updates from an authenticated after market RC with more capabilities than the legacy RC.

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

Abstract: Methods and system for generating companion content for rendering on a secondary device during presentation of content on a main device include detecting execution of a local application on the secondary device by a server application. The local application establishes a wireless connection through an application programming interface (API) with the secondary device and a device that interfaces with the main device and accesses metadata defining content being rendered on the main device. The local application transmits the metadata received from the device to the server application. Historical data is generated based on the metadata received from the secondary device. The metadata within the historical data is analyzed to identify surfing paths of one or more users over time. Companion content is generated based on the surfing paths of the one or more users and forwarded to the secondary device for rendering while the secondary device is connected to the device that interfaces with the main device.

Abstract: A method for presenting information associated with a contact for video calling is disclosed. The method comprises storing a list of favorite contacts of a user. In an electronic program guide (EPG) user interface, a plurality of contact identifiers corresponding to the list of favorite contacts is displayed together with program information. An input from the user is received to highlight a selected one of the contact identifiers. In the EPG user interface, a status video associated with a contact associated with the selected one of the contact identifiers is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and system for providing companion content at a secondary device for a content being rendered on a main device includes establishing a connection between the secondary device and a device that interfaces with the main device so as to enable the secondary device to access and control the content being rendered on the main device. The method further includes detecting data associated with the content being rendered on the main device through the connection, wherein the data includes metadata associated with the content rendered on the main device. The metadata is communicated to a remote application over the internet. The remote application is configured to analyze the metadata to produce communication content that relates to the content rendered on the main device. Companion content for the content being rendered on the main device is obtained from the remote application and rendered on the secondary device while the content is rendering on the main device.

Abstract: Techniques are described in which electronic program guide (EPG) affinity clusters may be formed based upon an assumption that programs scheduled in corresponding timeslots are targeted to the same or similar audiences. In at least some embodiments, data for an EPG is examined to identify programs that are scheduled in timeslots designated as corresponding. Metadata related to the identified programs is collected. The metadata may include titles as well as cast/crew data related to the programs. One or more affinity clusters may be formed using the collected metadata to establish relationships between actors, directors, titles and other items of the metadata. The affinity clusters may be used to provide recommendations including recommendation to view, record, or set a reminder for programs according to the relationships established by the affinity clusters.

Abstract: When generating animation content as summary content for a digital broadcast program, the timing for switching of animation images for display is controlled appropriately. Subtitle character string extraction means for extracting a subtitle character string from subtitle data contained in digital broadcast signals, still image extraction means for extracting one still image corresponding to the subtitle character string, and summary content generation means for generating summary content to display the extracted subtitle character strings together with the corresponding extracted still images, are provided; the summary content generation means decides the timing for switching display of the plurality of subtitle character strings and still images comprised by the summary content, based on the subtitle character strings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing access to information of potential interest to a user. Closed-caption information is analyzed to find related information on the Internet. User interactions with a TV which receives programming including closed-caption information are monitored to determine user interests. The related closed-caption information is analyzed to determine key information therein. The key information is used for searching for information in available resources such as the Internet, and the search results are used to make recommendations to the user about information of potential interest to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for problem detection related to received Internet data, video data, and voice data are disclosed. A method may include monitoring, at a set top box device, Internet data to detect a first problem related to the Internet data. The method may further include monitoring, at the set top box device, video data to detect a second problem related to the video data. The method may include automatically taking a first action upon detecting the first problem and automatically taking a second action upon detecting the second problem.