Abstract: In response to an operation such as power-on or power-off, channel change and sound volume change, a television set combined with a personal computer automatically makes e-mail with information in a predetermined format indicative of the operation attached. The e-mail is automatically sent to another television set to inform the other television set of operation of the own television set. On the other hand, the e-mail can be sent to a rating company for audience share survey. The television set automatically reads the received e-mail and attachment to change the indication of display. The television set has storage of the received information for analysis of an abnormality. Abnormality can be also sensed through abnormal act on the remote controller apt to be taken by a person in panic or off the truck. The television set refuses information from unknown address for blocking an attack of a stranger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing at least one information feed are disclosed. For example, the method receives at least one content via at least one automated feed. The method associates the at least one content to one or more geographical locations on a map, wherein the one or more geographical locations are determined from the at least one content. The method then presents an access to the at least one content to a user via the map.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

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: Computer-implemented methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for displaying labels included in a body of content are presented. Part of a portion of a body of content is displayed in a display area. The body of content includes a label for the portion, and the label has a normal position adjacent to and not overlapping the portion in the body of content. The label is displayed in the display area in the normal position if doing so places the label fully within the display area. The label is displayed at a separate location only if displaying the label in the normal position does not place the label fully within the display area and only while any non-trivial part of the portion is displayed in the display area.

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: According to one aspect of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for informing a user of an interactive television service of available content from an Internet web site and redirecting the user to the Internet content responsive to selection of a hot key embedded in content signals. According to another aspect of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for caching alternate content on a user's terminal device and redirecting the user to the cached content responsive to selection of a hot key embedded in content signals.

Abstract: A control device such as a tablet computer presents a scrollable image-based program guide (IBPG) on a display that a user can swipe to cause the device to command a display device to present an audio video (AV) program represented by the image. The IBPG is a subset of an electronic program guide (EPG) from a TV signal provider and is populated using user history and favorites information and social networking site history and favorites information. Sizes of the images may vary depending on the information.

Abstract: In certain implementations, a method of displaying a branched chain of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) video content involves providing a first stream of video content, the first stream of video content having a plurality of video features that appear during a plurality of associated time intervals in the first stream of video content; providing a collection of affiliate video streams related to the plurality of time intervals; providing a set of metadata that associates the time intervals with one of the plurality of affiliate video streams; playing the first stream of video content on an IPTV compatible player device to sequentially reveal the plurality of features of the first stream in their respective time relationships in the first stream via a display driven by the IPTV compatible player device; at the IPTV compatible player device, receiving a selection signal during the associated time interval that selects the video feature being displayed; upon receipt of the selection signal, the IPTV compatib

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi picture searching service providing system. The multi picture searching service providing system includes a head end transmitting a multi moving picture including plural moving pictures, moving picture-related data for each of the moving pictures, and multi moving picture configuration information for each of the moving pictures, and a user terminal receiving the multi moving picture, the moving picture-related data, and the multi moving picture configuration information and provides a user with a moving picture searching view, which is created by editing the plural moving pictures and the moving picture-related data, according to predetermined searching view generation information and the multi moving picture configuration information.

Abstract: Video thumbnail electronic program guide (EPG) systems and methods are operable to include a video thumbnail. An exemplary embodiment receives a media content stream at a media device; picks a plurality of still image video frames from the received media content stream, wherein each still image video frame has information that is sufficient to construct the still image video frame; generate a plurality of still image video frame thumbnails, wherein each of the still image video frame thumbnails correspond to one of the still image video frames; generate a video thumbnail from the plurality of still image video frame thumbnails; and incorporate the video thumbnail with at least one program descriptor and a channel identifier associated with the media content stream into the video thumbnail EPG.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing travel information associated with a presently viewed media content event. An exemplary method receives a selection for a media content event, receives a media content stream corresponding to the selected media content event, communicates the selected media content event to a media presentation device, communicates to the media presentation device a travel indicator during communication of the media content event, receives a user selection associated with the travel indicator, and presents travel information to the user based on the received user selection. The travel information is based on an analysis of content of the EPG information. The media content event is paused after receiving the user selection of the travel indicator. The travel information associated with the media content event is saved after receiving the user selection of the travel indicator.

Abstract: One of a plurality of video channels is selected for viewing. A specific one of a plurality of video channels is bookmarked. An object representing said bookmarked channel is displayed. A displayed object is selected to select the bookmarked channel.

Abstract: A computing device provides a display of a plurality of channel previews for a plurality of channels in a channel control area in a user interface, the display distinguishing a first channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a first channel of the plurality of channels. The computing device further provides a display of a first set of video previews for a first set of videos in a video control area in the user interface, wherein the first set of video previews is associated with the first channel preview. Responsive to the computing device receiving an input identifying a second channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a second channel of the plurality of channels, the computing device replaces the first set of video previews in the video control area with a second set of video previews associated with the second channel preview.

Abstract: Provided are a method, an audio/video (AV) control point (CP) device, and a home network system for executing AV content in segment units defined using a protocol enabling interoperability between various devices existing in a home network. The method includes a control point extracting segment-related information about audio/video (AV) content stored in a first AV device, and the control point controlling a second AV device to execute the AV content using the segment-related information in segment units.

Abstract: Techniques are described to provide a categorized electronic program guide, as well as other user interfaces. In an implementation, each of a plurality of representations of content that is currently available via network for consumption are grouped into a respective one of the plurality of categories. An electronic program guide is output for display such that at least one of the categories, which is not have one or more items categorized of the currently available content, is not available for display in the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box operating from an interactive television (iTV) communication system having a controller to receive from the iTV communication system media content with metadata, record the media content, detect in the metadata a description of the media content correlating with one or more preferences in a preference profile, present at a media presentation device a first prompt requesting an acceptance or rejection of the media content, present at the media presentation device a second prompt requesting a selection of one or more communication devices to direct in whole or in part the media content thereto, detect the selection of at least one of the one or more communication devices, and transmit in whole or in part the media content to the at least one communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an interactive television includes displaying a layout on the interactive television that includes one or more visual cues to prompt a user regarding an action (click action) to be taken on an input device to activate a predetermined function (click event). The visual cues may include multiple visual cues, at least one of which is a visual cue for a cursor-based action that includes positioning a cursor with an input device, and another is a visual cue for a movement-based action that includes moving the input device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an enhanced EPG or EPG banner are described. A method of displaying first and second audiovisual content, the first audiovisual content comprising a current program and the second audiovisual content comprising audiovisual content relating to a future program according to a program broadcast schedule, the method comprising receiving the first audiovisual content at a media playback device, receiving the second audiovisual content at the media playback device from a remote content system over a packet-based data network, in response to user input, outputting the first and second audiovisual content to an output device having a screen, and controlling the screen of the output device to display the first and second audiovisual content concurrently. A method of controlling a screen, the display being operable in different modes according to whether a PiP window is shown, and whether currently broadcast or future content is shown.

Abstract: An operating method of an image display apparatus includes displaying a screen on a display and displaying a thumbnail image screen in response to a command to display an input image list. The thumbnail-image list includes a plurality of groups of thumbnail images that respectively correspond to a plurality of input image signals on the display. Each thumbnail-image group includes one or more thumbnail images that represent different points of time in a corresponding input image signal.

Abstract: An in-show product advertisement and purchase system is disclosed. The system effectively promotes product advertisement as well as enables customers to conveniently purchase the desired products directly from a displaying medium during the advertisement. The system establishes a linkage between show content and advertised products such that customers have practical impression and experience about what the advertised products embody in real life. The system is a TV version of an online store. The system is an interactive and listable method for advertisement. The in-show products are updateable.

Abstract: An electronic device is configured to preview video files on a display that displays a media library screen containing a preview image in the form of a thumbnail image for each of plural video files available for viewing using the electronic device. A user input receives user inputs. A controller is configured to control the display of the thumbnail images so that when the user navigates to the media library screen, each video file is represented by an initial thumbnail image being a first representative frame from the corresponding video file and change the thumbnail images to revised thumbnail images in response to a designated user input. Each revised thumbnail image is a second representative frame from the corresponding video file.

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are currently being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for managing media content is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device can have a controller element that receives a media guide from a set-top box, and presents on a display unit of the terminal device the media guide without presentation of said media guide on a media device coupled to the set-top box. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A receiver provides an EPG. The EPG includes schedule information for content accessible by the receiver from a content provider presented as slots in a grid arranged by time and source. The receiver may determine recorded content is stored and incorporate content information for the recorded content in the EPG. The content information may include one or more portions of the instance of recorded content. The receiver may automatically incorporate the content information or may incorporate such information in response to user input. The receiver may incorporate additional information and/or access recorded content in response to user selection of content information. In some implementations, the recorded content may be recorded as part of an automatic system for recording multiple instances of content received via a multi-frequency signal from a content provider wherein the instances of content are all included in a same frequency and encoded utilizing the same control word.

Abstract: An Internet TV shows which video clip in an Internet-provided playlist of multiple clips is “up next” for play.

Abstract: Techniques to create, generate, and deliver customized interactive program guide (custom-IPG). In one embodiment, selections indicative of a set of channels to be included in the custom-IPG are received. In response, one or more custom-IPG screens including the set of selected channels are rendered at a headend. Custom-IPG screens can be formed as subsets of the regular IPG screens, or as new screens. The rendered custom-IPG screens are provided from the head end to a set top terminal upon receiving a viewer request for the custom-IPG. Commands indicative of a particular location at which to overlay the custom-IPG screens may also be received, and the custom-IPG screens are re-rendered at the indicated location. Custom-IPG screens can be overlaid on a video sequence provided on a particular channel being viewed, used to carry regular program guide, or a channel independent of the channel used to carry regular programming and program guide.

Abstract: A device includes a communication unit including at least one of a wireless communication module and a wired communication module. The device also includes a controller configured to access, based on communications received through the communication unit, a plurality of identifiers which each mark a manipulation of content performed by an electronic device. The plurality of identifiers mark manipulations of the content performed by different electronic devices. The controller also is configured to facilitate output, on an output unit, of a representation of the plurality of identifiers. The output unit is separate from the different electronic devices that performed the manipulations of the content marked by the plurality of identifiers.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, allows recording and playback of multi-stream interactive television. In one approach to this technology, the service configuration for an interactive television feature is determined. Data describing this service configuration is then obtained, and a recording device is then configured to record a portion of the interactive television feature. A number of data streams associated with that portion of the interactive television feature are recorded. The recorded portion of the interactive television feature can then be displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic and television environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data or application data, which may include blackout information, is received. The blacked out content may be automatically recorded to the user equipment or a network server for later playback after the blackout has expired. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, retrieve more information about the blackout, or present summary information, such as a sports ticker, in place of the blacked out cell.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein facilitate the display of television guide information to a user simultaneously with supplemental content related to the guide information. An electronic programming guide is initially displayed in first and second portions of a display menu. Responsive to a user selection, the size of the display menu devoted to the electronic programming guide data is modified to free space for the display of supplemental content.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver and a method of controlling data for an emergency alert system (EAS) in a digital broadcast receiver are provided. The method includes receiving a digital broadcast signal including an emergency alert table including a uniform resource identifier (URI) descriptor, detecting a URI address included in the URI descriptor, accessing the URI address, receiving additional emergency alert information from the URI address, and performing control to display the additional emergency alert information on a screen of the digital broadcast receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to display channel information in a digital broadcasting receiver. The apparatus includes a first tuner to receive a signal of one of the plurality of channels, a plurality of second tuners to extract channel information and a representative image for each of the plurality of channels from a broadcasting signal during reception of the signal of the selected channel by the first tuner, and a display to display the channel information and the representative image for each channel when requested by the user.

Abstract: A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device. The receiver includes a processor for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the interactive image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the interactive image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A system in accordance with the present invention indicates an audio input for a mosaic video channel displayed on a monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, and comprises a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell having a respective audio portion associated with the video cell, an announcer audio portion, and an indicator, coupled to the respective audio portions, for indicating to an announcer that at least one of the respective audio portions is active.

Abstract: In the field of media transmission technologies, a method and an apparatus for transmitting Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) media are provided, which solve a problem that a specific capability mode to be used cannot be determined when both a server and a client have enhanced functions. In the method and system for transmitting the HTTP media, the respective information of HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and by the client are obtained. According to the obtained information of the HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and supported by the client, the HTTP streaming media capability used by the server or the client in a subsequent media transmission procedure is determined. The server provides media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability; or the client obtains the media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for formulating a program guide screen is disclosed. In various steps, program description information and promotional data is received. The promotional data comprises one or more of the following: a video clip, a video clip with audio accompaniment, an audio clip, an animation, an animation with audio accompaniment, a still image with audio accompaniment, a still image, a plurality of still images, and a plurality of still images with audio accompaniment. A predetermined program is associated with the promotional data and program description information. The guide screen is formulated with the promotional data and program description information.

Abstract: In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.

Abstract: A content item location is identified on a content page. A content item and a video associated with the content item to display in the content item location are also identified, wherein the video is defined by a video aspect ratio and is associated with a video element, and further wherein the video element is defined by a video element aspect ratio. Display data is generated for displaying the content item in the content item location, and video selection data is generated for displaying the video element in the content item location, wherein the video element aspect ratio is maintained when the video element is displayed. The display data and the video selection data are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating a media guidance application with multiple perspective views. A first of a plurality of media guidance objects may be displayed in a first perspective view that appears flat on the screen. A second media guidance object may be displayed in a second perspective view that appears to be going into the screen creating the appearance of a fold between the first and second media guidance application objects at a location where the first perspective view changes into the second perspective view. The second media guidance object in the second perspective view may be caused to slide through the fold into the first perspective view. The second media guidance object displayed in the first perspective view may be selected. An action may be performed for a media asset corresponding to the selected media guidance object.

Abstract: A video switcher (10) advantageously affords the capability of executing a video effect following recall that avoids visible artifacts upon transitioning from one effect to another. At the outset, the switcher identifies active elements within the video effect, the comprising those elements that undergo a change during execution of the video effect, as opposed to those that remain inert during effect execution. The switcher then dynamically calculates offset for application to an initial key frame value for the video effect to avoid any change in value to active elements upon initial effect recall. The offset value is applied to each subsequent interpolation of the video effect, thereby creating the desired result of applying only relative changes to the active elements of the video effect.

Abstract: A display control device includes: a reception section configured to receive a television broadcast signal; a display section configured to display video information and a thumbnail image contained in the television broadcast signal; and a control section configured to control display on the display section of the video information and the thumbnail image contained in the television broadcast signal received by the reception section. The control section causes the thumbnail image to be displayed in accordance with an order of priority.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting audio data involve obtaining audio data that includes audio clips, and presenting the audio data for a first audio clip in a user interface having an audio play element configured to play audio from the audio data, a clip selection element configured to receive selections of the audio clips, and a timeline element configured to present both chronological and durational information for the first audio clip or the audio segment on a defined time scale. Techniques involve adjusting the defined time scale in the timeline element based on durational information of a selected second audio clip, and presenting the adjusted defined time scale corresponding to the durational information of the second audio clip in the timeline element. Animation is used in the timeline element for presenting the adjusted defined time scale corresponding to the durational information of the second audio clip in the timeline element.

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: An apparatus, method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for generating one or more segments associated with content. The segments may include fragments that may correspond to portions of the content. The segments and/or the fragments may be included in a playlist, and may be based at least in part on a user selection.

Abstract: A user interface for an interactive information distribution system comprising a graphics region, a video region and a mask/reveal layer. The user interface is generated in a head end of the system as a digital bitstream and transmitted to subscriber equipment for display. Operation of the user interface is facilitated by functions on both a local level with the subscriber equipment and on a system level within the head end. One embodiment of the user interface is an interactive program guide.

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 integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are curl being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television.

Abstract: Techniques to provide an enhanced video replay are described. A processor component controls a video interface module, a replay clip editing module, a replay clip selection module, and a broadcast feed module. The video interface module may receive a first and a second video stream of an event in a first and a second video resolution. The replay clip editing module may determine a time period within the second video stream that contains a scene of interest and create multiple video clips in the first video resolution. The multiple video clips each represent of a portion of the field of view of the second video stream. The broadcast feed module may interrupt a broadcast feed of the first video stream and insert the selected one of the multiple video clips into the broadcast feed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering advertisements with a video. A video is received at a client device, and data identifying a frame of the video, and an advertisement associated with the frame of the video are identified. The video is displayed during a playback of the video on the client device, and it is determined from the data identifying the frame of the video that the frame of the video is displayed during the playback of the video. The advertisement and the frame of the video are displayed proximate to a display of the video in response to the determination.