Abstract: A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and processing context sensitive media objects are disclosed. One method is directed to processing a context sensitive media object in a target context. The method includes receiving an object with one or more object rules embedded within the object such that the one or more object rules are propagated with the object. Further, a determination of whether the object is context sensitive is made. If the object is context sensitive, the method prioritizes between the one or more object rules and one or more context rules related to a target context. In addition, a determination of which method or methods should be executed to process the object in the target context is made based on the prioritization.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method for scheduling a broadcast using the same. The broadcast scheduling method includes generating a program information table, in which broadcast information is arranged, if a broadcast program selected by a user in the program information table is moved into an area adjacent to an icon, displaying the broadcast program being added to an item folder, and scheduling the broadcast program.

Abstract: Provided is a display control device including a display control unit that, when display information of one content among a plurality of contents is selected on a display screen, creates a next display screen containing display information of at least any of a plurality of contents relevant to the one content, wherein the display information contained in the next display screen is display information of contents according to a selection sequence of a plurality of display information having been selected before among the plurality of contents relevant to the one content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences includes accessing a user-definable preferences list that identifies a plurality of channels from a plurality of different sources. One of the plurality of identified channels is selected for provision to a user.

Abstract: A user device for storing or displaying content recommendations includes a search session manager receiving metadata associated with content. The metadata includes a received hierarchical identifier including a primary level and a secondary level unique to the primary level. A memory stores selected hierarchical identifiers. A search module compares the received hierarchical identifiers with the selected hierarchical identifiers. A screen display displays content from at least one of the primary level and secondary level based on comparing.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a video stream, wherein the video stream is divided into video segments, and wherein the video stream is being sent to a customer device and receiving a request to insert a message into the video stream. The method may further include determining a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream; inserting the message into video stream after the particular video segment; and sending the video stream to the customer device, wherein the video stream includes the inserted message.

Abstract: An image processing device combines a plurality of contents (e.g. videos) with a story line retained as much as possible, while reducing view's discomfort. The image processing device compares one of the contents, which contains a first partial content and a second partial content subsequent to the first partial content, with another one of the contents, which contains a plurality of consecutive partial contents; detects, as a third partial content, a partial content with the highest similarity value from among the plurality of partial contents; and generates relational information by using the highest similarity value obtained by the first processing unit. The relational information is then used for merging the first partial content, the second partial content and the third partial content.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: The availability of a new information service is publicized by displaying an icon in an EPG when the presence of a new information service is detected. A list of new services is then displayed responsive to a user command. When one of the new services is displayed instead of the list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for browsing a plurality of broadcast programs are provided. The method includes classifying a plurality of broadcast programs into one or more broadcast program groups with reference to electronic program guide (EPG) information or viewing records of a user regarding the broadcast programs, one-dimensionally arranging the broadcast programs so that the broadcast program groups are one-dimensionally arranged, displaying the broadcast programs and the broadcast program groups on a screen as a graphic image, and allowing the user to change a rule used for forming the broadcast program groups. Accordingly, it is possible to enable a user to effectively browse broadcast programs and to provide the user with a user interface customized for the user by using a simple one-dimensional input method and intuitively utilizing EPG information.

Abstract: Graphical user interface for displaying a menu structure 9 of a plurality of menu bullets on a display device 2 for an easy navigation and a good overview, wherein the menu structure comprises menu bullets into a first dimension 10, menu bullets into a second dimension 20 and menu bullets into a third dimension 30, wherein the first dimension of menu bullets and the second dimension of menu bullets are displayed parallel to a plane of the display device, wherein the third dimension of the menu bullets is displayed in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the display device.

Abstract: A reporting server receives reports on unicast and/or broadcast multimedia content items being accessed by respective user equipment (UE) devices through a network. The reporting server determines, for each multimedia content item, a number of UE devices that are accessing the multimedia content item and whether it is being unicast or broadcast. The reporting server ranks the multimedia content items by the number of UE devices accessing each item. In several disclosed examples, a broadcast video provisioning system switches unicast transmissions to broadcast transmissions based on the ranked list, based on this ranking and possibly on the available unicast and broadcast bandwidth.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising at least one processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds available from a service provider network, a plurality of display selections from a plurality of available displays, and a plurality of pairing selections assigning each feed selection of the plurality of feed selections to at least one display selection of the plurality of display selections, transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration, modifying the content display configuration according to a request, and transmitting the plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing visual audio links for digital audio content include playing the digital audio content on an electronic device that has a display; displaying on the display visual audio links associated with terms of relevance from the digital audio content as the terms of relevance are played during playing of the digital audio content, wherein each of the visual audio links is a reference to additional content associated with the corresponding term of relevance; in response to receiving a user's selection of one of the visual audio links, presenting the additional content associated with the corresponding term of relevance, wherein the user is granted a license to the additional content; and when presentation of the additional content completes, playing the digital audio content at a point where the corresponding term of relevance was mentioned, such that the user is granted rewind rights based on the terms of relevance.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting personalized content presented via a set-top box. Viewing data related to content experienced by a user is retrieved. Broadcast content is selected based on the viewing data from a plurality of programs that are designated to broadcast to a plurality of set-top boxes. A personalized programming channel is presented for the user using the selected broadcast content over a particular one of the set-top boxes associated with the user.

Abstract: In response to a user's operation, a menu screen generating section (12) changes a menu screen to be generated (i) from a first menu screen (M1) in which thumbnail images (Ta through Tg) corresponding to respective plurality of pieces of content are linearly arranged (ii) to a second menu screen (M2) in which the thumbnail images (Ta through Tg) are circularly arranged.

Abstract: Community content ratings are provided to users for one or more multimedia programs. The community content ratings are generated from appropriateness data collected from members of one or more community groups. The members of the community groups may be selected automatically based on stored profiles that include demographic data. Alternatively, community group membership may occur by choice and at the request of potential members. The community content ratings may be presented using appropriateness indicators (e.g., checkmarks or numerical scores) that are presented to a user in response to the user selecting the multimedia program from an electronic programming guide.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

Abstract: A multi-functional display device and method for displaying content on the same are disclosed herein. The method may include displaying broadcast content on a first multi-functional display device, transmitting a request to display the content on a second multi-functional display device. The second multi-functional display device may accept the request and display the content on the second multi-functional display device. The first and second multi-functional display devices may display the content at the same time. The first multi-functional display device may be associated with a first social network service (SNS) account of a first individual and the second multi-functional display device may be associated with a second SNS account of a second individual. The request to concurrently view the content may be generated using account information of the SNS accounts.

Abstract: A server 10 generates a program guide from a content database 20. The data base contains content descriptions including an identification of the content and the recommender of that content, which may be obtained from messages 12. A dynamic resource server 22 obtains dynamic information relating to at least one user including details of which devices, if any, are presently being used by the user as well as properties of devices associated with the user. A program guide generator 24 produces a program guide from the content descriptions and from the dynamic information, and outputs the program guide.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: Electronic program guides in which program listings may be graphically presented and in which sponsors and celebrities of those programs may be identified are provided. The electronic programs guides may be passive television program guides, interactive television program guides, and/or on-line television program guides. Television show text information, logos and/or trademarks, celebrity images, affiliation indicators, and advertisements may be present in the program listings to enhance the electronic program guides.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a computer-implemented media service system 1) establishing a set of one or more conditions for a media-on-demand-based programming channel, 2) selecting, from a repository of on-demand media content and based on the set of one or more conditions, a set of on-demand media programs for inclusion in the media-on-demand-based programming channel, and 3) mapping the selected set of on-demand media programs to the media-on-demand-based programming channel to represent a scheduled, linear playback of the set of on-demand media programs on the media-on-demand-based programming channel in accordance with a linear playback schedule.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to generation of dynamic content interfaces based on device capabilities and user entitlements. Multiple devices associated with a user account may each request a content interface. Generation of the content interfaces may be based on capability information of the devices and a tier entitlement associated with the user account. A service included in both the content interfaces may be assigned a same virtual channel in each of the content interfaces.

Abstract: A method for enabling visual browsing of a plurality videos includes identifying a low frame rate version for each video from a plurality of videos using one or more computers, wherein the low frame rate version of each video from the plurality of videos is at a frame rate that provides a visually perceptible pause between successive visually distinct frames; and outputting information that defines a visual display, wherein the visual display presents a plurality of graphical representations each corresponding to a respective video from the plurality of videos, wherein each graphical representation from the plurality of graphical representations includes the low frame rate version of the respective video from the plurality of videos.

Abstract: A multifunctional display device and a method of controlling the same are disclosed herein. The method may include displaying a first card object in a first area of the display, displaying a second card object in a second area of the display, and partially displaying a third card object in a third area of the display to indicate that additional card objects are available for display. The first card object may be configured to display a video image and the second card object may have at least one link for connecting to a server. Based on a request to change the displayed card objects, the third card object may be displayed in the second area of the display and a fourth card object may be partially displayed in the third area of the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an interactive display having indicators of video-on-demand programs are described. The systems and methods select indicators for inclusion in the interactive display according to a promotional selection algorithm.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: A method of providing recommendations related to a service is disclosed and includes receiving data from a device associated with a service subscriber, the data identifying an individual. The method also includes creating a personalization profile associated with the service subscriber. The personalization profile is populated with information included in a profile of the identified individual. The method further includes providing at least one recommendation based on the personalization profile of the service subscriber.

Abstract: When a scene group including plural scenes, for example a group of scenes bookmarked during viewing of video contents is inputted, a combination of a scene and metadata in a group of metadata that represents characteristics of the scene, corresponding to the respective scenes in the scene group, which combination has a largest distance between the metadata, is selected as explanatory descriptions that are explanations for distinguishing among the scenes, and the selected explanatory descriptions for each scene included in the scene group is added to each scene.

Abstract: A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available cable channels and over-the-top video content sources.

Abstract: A remote control system and related method for controlling a video device are presented. The remote control system contains a plurality of buttons arranged in a grid pattern that correspond to user selectable options displayed on a display screen arranged in the same grid pattern. The user selects options on the screen by pressing the corresponding button on the remote control.

Abstract: A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video content sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available channels and OTT video content sources.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided The display apparatus includes: an image processor configured to process an image of content; a display configured to display the processed image of the content; a camera configured to capture an image of a remote controller; a storage configured to store information regarding a plurality of appearance states of the remote controller corresponding to user commands; and a controller configured to determine an appearance state from among the plurality of appearance states of the remote controller based on the image of remote controller captured by the camera, and control the display section to display the image of the content according to a user command corresponding to the determined appearance state of the remote controller.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying video from a plurality of video streams on a display. It includes an input interface for receiving video data from a plurality of video streams and transferring the video data to a frame controller in communication with a television display. The frame controller causes the video data from each of the plurality of different video streams to be displayed in a separate frame on the television display, and each frame occupying an area of the television display separate from an area occupied by any other frame. The frame controller displays a channel group on the television display. The channel group comprises a list of channels sharing at least one common attribute.

Abstract: A method for providing recommendation icons associated with a television program on an electronic program guide is disclosed. A selection is received of a television program listed in the electronic programming guide. A recommendation graphical user interface associated with the selected television program is provided. A selection is received of a recommendation soft button displayed on the recommendation graphical user interface. The electronic programming guide is displayed with the recommendation icons. A selection is received of one of the recommendation icons in the electronic programming guide. Information associated with the selected one of the recommendation icons is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for a media guidance application that generates a plurality of media cells, each corresponding to a particular media criterion, selects a plurality of media listings corresponding to the media criterion of each media cell, and automatically transitions between the media listings within the cell. For example, within each media cell, the media listings selected for that cell may crawl, one at a time, from one side of the media cell to the other. In another example, the media listings selected for each cell may automatically transition by displaying one media listing, removing the media listing, and displaying a different media listing in a continuous and/or repeating cycle.

Abstract: A program information processing apparatus and a program information processing method that are capable of easily conducting a program search using an electronic program guide and displaying the search result clearly on the electronic program guide. A display control unit for displaying on a display unit an electronic program guide containing information relating to a plurality of programs, a selection unit for selecting a program from the plurality of programs in response to the operation of a user, and a search unit for searching a program containing information identical to or similar to at least a part of the information of the program selected by the selection unit are included, wherein the display control unit displays search result by the search unit on the electronic program guide.

Abstract: In a method of displaying video data using an embedded media player page, frame dimensional data for a first video file is received from a database. The database includes frame dimensional data indexed therein for a plurality of video files. The plurality of video files includes the first video file, and the plurality of video files is retrievable from at least one video server through a communications network. A media player is launched within the embedded media player page. A video display area of the media player is sized based upon the received frame dimensional data. The video data from the first video file is displayed within the video display area.

Abstract: The television (1) includes: an infrared radiation receiver (119) which receives from a user an instruction to select a program cell; and a CPU (118) which generates a user interface screen of an electronic program table to be displayed on an LCD (110). The CPU (118) generates the user interface screen of the electronic program table such that a time zone item column located in a left direction of a selected program cell and a time zone item column located in a right direction of the selected program cell are indicated with deep blue, and other time zone item columns are indicated with light blue.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to an enhanced program guide for programs that are broadcast according to a defined schedule. Program titles included in the guide can be ordered based on a relevance rank or score, potentially with no other parameter employed in determining a position of a program title within the guide. Presentation of the guide can be independent of a time axis or dimension and a channel axis or dimension. Titles can be displayed in a manner that is independent of a start time or running length of the associated program.

Abstract: A novel electronic program guide (EPG) based method and system for the distribution and display of programs enables the system service provider to determine which program a subscriber will initially see upon power-up of the subscriber's television receiver. The service provider maintains one or more Initial Program Display Tables that list information about programs to be displayed upon power-up of subscribers' receivers, from highest priority to least priority. The Initial Program Display Table or Tables are periodically transmitted to all of the subscribers and stored by the subscribers' set-top boxes. Upon power-up of a subscriber's receiver, the set-top box will attempt to cause the receiver to immediately display the highest ranked program from the Initial Program Display Table. The service provider controls which programs are displayed upon initial power-up and the ranking of programs in the case where there is difficulty displaying the highest ranked program.

Abstract: A method of processing EPG metadata in a network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider and processing an EPG metadata.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring user information between different terminals are disclosed. The method includes saving by a first terminal, when a change is made to user information during playback of content, the changed user information in a scene history, performing a terminal change from the first terminal to a second terminal, and resuming, by the second terminal, playback of the content from a continued scene after the last scene played back by the first terminal. Consequently, in a terminal change, the user may use the second terminal to play back the same content from the continued scene using the same content usage environment as the first terminal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable media for overcoming the inherent limitations on the number of possible channels in a channel map. An enhanced channel launch application is used for adding channels to a channel map. A network couples a headend to a conditional access device. The headend includes a profile services server and the conditional access device includes a channel addition interface. The channel addition interface is used by a user to add a channel to a channel map associated with the conditional access device, the channel addition interface adding the channel to the channel map when the channel addition interface receives user input to create the channel, the created channel being added to a channel map to create an modified channel map individualized for the user.

Abstract: A mobile device stores a TV application for serving as a remote control capable of controlling a TV receiver. The mobile device starts the process of starting the TV application and transmits, to the TV receiver, control signals to turn on the TV receiver before the TV application has been started. More particularly, the mobile device transmits the control signals to turn on the TV receiver while performing the process of starting the TV application. When the mobile device has started the TV application and then the TV receiver has been turned on in normal mode, a user can control the TV receiver by using the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mosaic video channel and a system for generating the mosaic video channel. A mosaic video channel in accordance with the present invention is 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 associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, and a receiver, coupled to the monitor and receiving the mosaic video channel, wherein the mosaic channel is changed via a controller which initiates a logo wipe across the mosaic video channel.