Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus, and a method and system for providing recorded files are provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus generates a recorded file list having information regarding addresses at which recorded files are stored, and transmits the generated recorded file list to an external apparatus. Therefore, a user may conveniently use files recorded on a TV.

Abstract: Aggregating media content catalog data from a plurality of content providers. The catalog data is merged according to rules and provided to a user on a scheduled basis or on demand. In an embodiment, the merged catalog data represents an incremental update to previously delivered catalog data.

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: Video entity templates defining common features that relate to various metadata types shared among a group of video Web pages are generated for target Web sites. Metadata associated with videos contained within Web pages belonging to a particular target Web site can then be automatically and accurately extracted using a video entity template generated for the particular target Web site. This metadata can then be indexed for use by video search applications in providing video search results.

Abstract: Anchor images and information associated therewith are accumulated during a Web crawling operation. One or more rules are applied to the accumulated candidate anchor images to filter out candidate anchor images that are not appropriate for use as the anchor image for a particular target video. The remaining candidate anchor image is then selected as the anchor image for the particular video.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Exemplary user interface enhancements for media content access systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system launching a graphical user interface for display, the graphical user interface initially including a graphical representation of a channel guide comprising a grid matrix of channel icons representing a plurality of media content channels through which media content is accessible by the media content access system and a graphical representation of an advertisement displayed together with the channel guide in the graphical user interface, detecting a user navigation event within the channel guide displayed in the graphical user interface, and replacing, in response to the user navigation event, the graphical representation of the advertisement with a graphical representation of content specific to a media content channel within the plurality of media content channels. Corresponding user interfaces, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes generating an interaction feed corresponding to a user of at least one access device, the interaction feed comprising data representative of an interaction of the at least one access device with one or more media content applications, updating metadata within a storage facility with the interaction feed, and automatically customizing an interaction experience of at least one of the user and another user with a media content application in accordance with the metadata. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

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: Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers.

Abstract: A method for providing program image information in a digital broadcasting receiving device. The method includes receiving image broadcasting information segments containing pre-edited program image information about a plurality of channels to be displayed by displaying in a plurality of areas of a display screen and displaying the received image broadcasting information segments. The method allows display of program image information about a plurality of channels on a single screen, thus enabling a user to easily monitor a program being played back on each channel.

Abstract: EPG data regarding programs and their scheduled times are structured and/or transmitted in such a way that program and schedule records are interleaved. This scheme allows better handling by receiving devices such as embedded devices (i.e. LCD remote controls), because a more efficient reception and storage of transmitted data is possible. In particular, the receiving device can read, parse and store the downloaded EPG data on the fly as it is being received (it can start reading, parsing and storing before the complete reception of data id finished). At any time when the device would have to stop storing EPG data into persistent storage, (almost) all of the data that was stored can actually be used.

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: A method of providing access to a block of stored content includes transmitting a general EPG at a content receiver for display on a presentation device, the EPG including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available at a plurality of times, receiving input from a user to display a block guide, and transmitting the block guide wherein, the block guide is associated with the block of stored content for accessing the block of stored content, the block guide including a plurality of channels having a plurality of programs available for a selected airing time.

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: Systems and methods for displaying program guide information are disclosed. In some implementations, a method includes, at a computing device having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, responsive to a user-supplied search query, formatting for display program guide data on a first grid. The first grid includes (i) a first axis representing units of time and (ii) a second axis. The program guide data comprises information representing a first set of time-bounded events. The method also includes formatting a second grid for concurrent display with the first grid. The second grid includes information identifying a second set of time-bounded events. The first set of time-bounded events is a subset of the second set of time-bounded events.

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: 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: An electronic programming guide (EPG) providing apparatus and method, in which an EPG is configured as a 3D form to facilitate a search for broadcasting program information included in the EPG. The EPG providing apparatus includes an EPG screen configuring unit and a control unit. The EPG screen configuring unit configures an EPG screen such that broadcasting program information is displayed on at least three faces of a 3D polyhedron. The control unit controls the EPG screen configuring unit to configure the EPG screen such that broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel is displayed on the EPG screen based on a user input signal requesting a search for the broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display control module, a Y-direction control module, and an X-direction control module. The Y-direction control module moves a focus to a button corresponding to at least an adjacent cell in the same column according to a manipulation that moves a focus in the Y direction. The X-direction control module moves a focus to a button corresponding to at least an adjacent cell in the same row or from a button corresponding to at least a cell at one end of a first row to a button corresponding to at least a cell at the other end of a second row adjacent to the first row according to a manipulation that moves a focus in the X direction.

Abstract: A combination of a radio receiver with a detachable controller that determine sends either reduced or enhanced metadata about received programming to the detachable controller based upon periodic authorization. A connection from the detachable control device to the radio receiver carries commands to the radio receiver and carries only the reduced set of metadata, such as tuned channel and tuned channel name, from the radio receiver to the controller. The controller is authorized by sending a radio identifier from the radio receiver to the control device, determination of an authentication code at the controller and communication of the determined authentication code back to the controller for validation. Upon validation, an enhanced set of metadata, including song title and artist, is sent to the controller. The enhanced metadata, the reduced metadata, or both, are optionally able to be encrypted. The radio receiver periodically performs this authorization processing.

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: 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: An EPG to display programming information in a variety of ways including using 3-D images, alphanumeric text, and video data. In addition, non-EPG objects, such as interaction objects, may be conflated with the presentation of the world and with the program schedule information. A communication module in the EPG receives localized content containing multiple objects from one or more servers coupled to a network. Users may interact with the content (e.g., buy and sell goods and services from local franchises) through a user-interface coupled to the EPG.

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: A system for distributing packages and channels to a device includes associating weights with the packages and channels. The default ordering of packages on a device display and the default ordering of channels on a program guide is determined according to the weights. In addition, the weights may be used to differentiate functions and conditions that apply to packages and channels.

Abstract: According to the invention, a video distribution system is disclosed. The video distribution system distributes a video program in a first aspect ratio and includes information to convert the first aspect ratio to a second aspect ratio. Included in the video distribution system are a distribution point and a video converter that is located remotely from the distribution point. The video converter receives the information and the video program from the distribution point. The video converter uses the information to guide conversion between the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio.

Abstract: A viewer of an audio video display device (AVDD) and transition from a nine panel graphical user interface (GUI) showing a summary degree of metadata to a six panel GUI showing a higher degree of metadata using a horizontal motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods of presenting channel content in a distributed network having a client device and a server device, the method comprising the acts of evaluating tagged content, e.g., from the server device and creating a personalized channel at the client device. The personalized channel comprises content from two or more predetermined channels, i.e., channels received from the server device. Last, the system and method displays the content on the personalized channel. Also, systems and methods may be employed to display a personalized programming guide, using profile information to select a preferred subset of information to display such that the user is better able to discern desirable content.

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: 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: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating access to content using availability information. Content programs are determined based at least in part on a prior selection of one or more of the content programs from a content catalog by a user. Content availability data is obtained from multiple content providers. Availabilities of each content program are determined based at least in part on the content availability data. A user interface is generated that presents the respective availabilities of each of the content programs through the corresponding interfaces of some or all of the content providers.

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: A method including providing a television service to customers; identifying a customer when the customer uses the television service; tracking content viewed by the customer; calculating probabilities based on the customer's viewing of contents, wherein the probabilities pertain to features applicable to the viewed contents and the features include genres of the viewed contents; selecting one or more upcoming contents, available at a future date to the customer, to recommend to the customer based on one or more features applicable to the upcoming content that correspond to one or more features applicable to the viewed contents; and providing a user interface to permit the customer to select from the one or more upcoming contents recommended to the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and machine-readable media for browsing, navigating and searching a context sensitive entertainment-programming guide. According to one embodiment, a method for navigating an entertainment-programming guide can comprise establishing a connection from a client device to a server computer through a public network. A first content array can be received from the server computer over the public network. The first content array can comprise information describing a plurality of entertainment programs. The first content array can be stored on the client device and entertainment-program information can be presented based on the first content array stored on the client device.

Abstract: A user interface allows for blending of television program choices from which a viewer may select, the blending representing options for linear and non-linear programming presented together within a single hierarchy of a designated category. The blending may further include managed content relevant to the designated category, where desired. Such designated categories may include television programming categories and/or content categories. The options for linear and non-linear programming may be presented together within a single screen of the user interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selecting services in a television system using graphical indications displayed on a screen. The invention comprises in particular the steps of: (a) determining a first list (30) of services, the first list being a subset of a second list; (b) displaying at least a part of the first list, ordered according to a predetermined criterion; (c) selecting a service present in the second list, but not in the first list; (d) displaying a visual indicator (39) marking the relative location, according to the predetermined criterion, of the selected service in the first list (30). The invention also relates to the terminal for the implementation of the process.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a storage unit configured to store one or a plurality of content playlists; a virtual playlist generating unit configured to generate a virtual playlist of the content and stored in the storage unit in a manner correlated with the content; a reception unit configured to receive user instructions; an editing unit configured to, in the event of receiving editing instructions as to the content, subject the virtual playlist to editing processing following the editing instructions; and a title display control unit configured to, in the event of receiving a title display instruction for displaying the title of the content on a predetermined display unit, displaying the title of the content based on the virtual playlist which has been subjected to the editing processing by the editing unit.

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: 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 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: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling a broadcast displays information on an interactive service associated with a broadcast program, the information provided prior to displaying the associated broadcast program. The present invention includes a wireless communication unit receiving interactive service information, an input unit selecting an interactive service using the received interactive service information, and a controller scheduling the execution of the selected interactive service.

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

Abstract: Meta data accompanying a content broadcast includes an identifier of a group of peers on a P2P network. The group provides or shares a service to enable peers to connect and interact via the P2P network within the context of the broadcast.

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 system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media receiver having a controller element to generate a Media Program Guide (MPG) that groups media programs according to a redundancy of media programs and a viewing history of a subscriber of the media receiver. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: According to one embodiment, a video processor includes: a list output module; a selection receiver; and a data controller. The list output module is configured to output screen information in which a plurality of pieces of list information are arranged. Each of the pieces of list information includes pieces of identification information each identifying a scene contained in video data and arranged in an order in which scenes are played. The selection receiver is configured to receive a selection of one of the pieces of identification information comprised in one of the pieces of list information. The data controller is configured to control playing the video data from a scene identified by the one of identification information received by the selection receiver.

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

Abstract: A 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.