Abstract: A profile includes an indication of one or more topics of interest. A mixing server is configured to create a custom media channel based on the profile. A playback application is configured to provide the custom media channel upon a request from a user, wherein the custom media channel includes more than one item of multimedia content.

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: 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 playlist generating section generates a playlist by grouping a plurality of pieces of program information based on meta information stored in a database. Also, the playlist generating section generates the playlist by further including, in the playlist, current status information indicating a reproduction status of the playlist and changed status information indicating an update status of the plurality of pieces of the program information corresponding to the playlist. A display unit displays an image based on the playlist such that information representing the current status and the changed status is further included in the image based on the playlist for allowing selection of the playlist. As a result, it is possible to select a program desired by a user by a simple operation.

Abstract: A system and method for making media content sensitive to a context, such that the media content carries information needed to automatically process the media content in a target environment which includes a context processing engine. The engine processes a first set of rules and methods for media content objects and compares the first set to a second set of rules and methods for media context to decide which methods are to be applied on the media object to process the media content in a target environment.

Abstract: A “recommendation” genus entry is added to the list of other genre in a TV “favorites” menu. Entries in the recommendation genus entry are depicted in a stack and sorted by recommendation strength and channel number. A user can elect to hide the recommendation entry from the favorites menu.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box (STB) having a controller to present a plurality of advertisement categories, detect a selection of one of the plurality of advertisement categories, present an advertisement template associated with the selected advertisement category, detect a plurality of entries in the advertisement template for constructing a consumer classified advertisement, generate an advertisement graphical user interface (GUI) corresponding to the entries, detect one or more demographic patterns in the plurality of entries, identify a plurality of users of a media communication system from which the STB operates according to the detected one or more demographic patterns, and provide the plurality of users of the media communication system accessibility to the advertisement GUI. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for and method of transmitting audio and visual programming content, by identifying an amount of broadcast transmission capacity available for transmitting the content to one or more users. The content is separated into at least first and second portions based on user demand for the content and/or the identified available broadcast transmission capacity. The first portion of the content is transmitted, to a receiver/STB associated with at least one of the users, using the identified broadcast transmission capacity; and the second portion of the content is transmitted to the receiver using transmission other than broadcast transmission. The content can include nonlinear content. Transmission other than broadcast transmission can include unicast transmission, which can be in response to a user request and/or an initiation by a server. The received nonlinear content can be stored at the receiver for play back at a time different from the time of transmission.

Abstract: A method and system of selecting assets for display in an interactive media guidance application includes receiving a user input indicating interest in a media item; generating a list of media assets related to the media item, selecting, based on priority rules, a subset of the media assets to display in an interactive media guidance application, and displaying an identifier for each of the subset of media assets in the interactive media guidance application screen. The priority rules may assign a first priority to one type of media asset and a second priority to a second type of media asset, and may be based on: whether the media asset has been viewed, and a respective time associated with the media asset.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a broadcast receiving method are provided.

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

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: A client device includes a display control unit for setting a current time line indicating a current time on the display screen to divide the display screen into a fixed region and a moving region across the current time line as boundary, for moving a program object set in the moving region toward the current time line at a predetermined speed to set, among program information contained in the EPG data obtained by the EPG data obtaining unit, a program object describing therein program identification information contained in the program information on certain program information whose program start time is earlier than a current time, which is contained in the program information, at a position reaching the current time line in the moving region when the program start time comes, and for, when the program object reaches the current time line, shifting the program object to the fixed region.

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: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for operating an electronic program guide system. The method comprises displaying a first view wherein graphical indicators each of which corresponds to a broadcast channel are displayed on a display; detecting input selecting one of the graphical indicators; and displaying a second view in response to the detected input, wherein programming information relating to a channel corresponding to the selected graphical indicator is displayed on the display.

Abstract: An image display device and a method for operating the same is disclosed. The method of controlling the display device may include displaying a video on the display received through a channel of a broadcast signal tuned by a tuner or over a network. The first and second multifunctional menu screens may be configured to include at least one of a first card object configured to display a scaled image of the video, a second card object that includes at least one link to tune to one or more channels of the broadcast signal or the network, or a third card object that includes at least one link for connecting to a content provider or to a storage device, wherein the first multifunctional menu screen is configured to be different than the second multifunctional menu screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation.

Abstract: A second set of broadcasted programs is added to a first set of broadcasted programs. The second set of broadcasted programs includes broadcasted programs viewed by a viewer for a period of time at least equal to a first threshold. A third set of broadcasted programs is removed from the first set of broadcasted programs. The third set of broadcasted programs includes broadcasted programs not viewed by a viewer for a period of time at least equal to a second threshold. In one embodiment, a fourth set of broadcasted programs selected by the viewer is added to the first set of broadcasted programs. In one embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are updated upon the viewer indicating dissatisfaction. In one embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are updated upon the viewer returning to a schedule list more than a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method is disclosed for interacting with a controllable device in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system. The method receives at a control server, device state data for the controllable device from a first client device in the IPTV network; accesses user interface (UI) data from a database accessible to the control server; reflects the device state data in the UI data at the control server; and sends the UI data from an IPTV server to the first client device. In another embodiment a system is disclosed for interacting with a controllable device in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system. The system receives at a control server, device state data for the controllable device from a first client device in the IPTV network; accesses user interface (UI) data from a database at the control server; reflects the device state data in the UI at the control server; and sends the UI from an IPTV server to the first client device.

Abstract: A system, method and software program is provided for creating and implementing self-contained mini-applications that store, retrieve and display data and allow user interaction in a constrained computing environment such as a set-top box used in the delivery of digital television. The system, method and software program of the present invention, also known as “TV widgets” allows users to personalize data and facilitate the access of such data with a click of a button from a remote control unit. The TV widgets include a myriad of widgets of which some are, “My 8 ball”, a widget that recommends television programming to a viewer, “My TV search” for searching specific television programs, “My Weather”, “My Yellow Pages”, “Smart Navigation”, “Instant Messaging with Smart User Interface”, as well as others. A TV widget framework provides user interface context for launching and managing the widgets, in addition, it maintains a library code that implements the TV widget components.

Abstract: A method for outputting content information and a display apparatus enabling the same are disclosed. The method for outputting contents information of a display apparatus includes identifying whether predetermined contents are series or single, generating a content information display object according to the result of the identification, and outputting the content information display object in a display screen, wherein a content information display object corresponding to the series contents is different from a content information display object corresponding to the single contents.

Abstract: A user interface, such as a graphical user interface or other electronic displayable interface, is contemplated. The user interface may include a reading lens portion configured to facilitate providing expanded viewing of content from other portions of the display. The reading lens portion may be displayed according to a non-linear timeline as to facilitate identifying upcoming contents without being constrained by a linear timeline used in other portions of the user interface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, a system and an apparatus for hiding programs. With the technology solution, which involves obtaining a sub-EPG identifier, receiving a total EPG, which contains sub-EPG identifiers and sub-EPGs each of which corresponds to one of the sub-EPG identifiers and which is transmitted by a central front end, searching the received total EPG for a sub-EPG corresponding to the obtained sub-EPG identifier and hiding programs based on the found sub-EPG. With technology solution, the program hiding is realized, and the regional program hiding and the programs hiding from particular subscribers may be realized.

Abstract: A display processing apparatus is disclosed. The display processing apparatus includes: a unit configured to receive a content list from a content server; a content storage portion configured to store a content; a contract information storage portion configured to store contract information; a viewing history information storage portion configured to store viewing history information; a unit configured to create a recommended content list from the content list based on the contract information and the viewing history information, the recommended content list being one of a list of contents capable of being viewed and a list of contents capable of being stored in the content storage portion; a screen capable of displaying the recommended content list; and a unit configured to display the recommended content list in a predetermined area other than a center area of the screen, the recommended content list being smaller than the screen.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are disclosed. An image display apparatus as embodied and broadly disclosed herein may include a video image displayed in a first area of the display module. A first and second card objects may be displayed in a second and third areas of the display module. The first and second card objects may include at least one link for connecting to a content provider or to a storage device or at least one link for retrieving the video image. The first or second card objects may be scrolled across the display module to cause a third card object to be scrolled onto the display. The third card object may be displayed in the second or third areas of the display if the third card object is scrolled onto the display module a prescribed amount.

Abstract: Moving program cells with advertisement cells on a displayed electronic guide using different scrolling schemes is provided. An advertisement cell may be moved based on the movement of program cells during a first time interval. The advertisement cell may be kept stationary during a second time interval in which the program cells scroll and subsequently moved upon expiration of the second time interval.

Abstract: A method of social broadcasting is disclosed. A metadata is generated indicating items of content expected to be included in a broadcast and for each item of content a manner in which the item of content is to be included in the broadcast. The metadata is provided and at least a subset of said items of content to a broadcast platform in one or more network communications sent to the broadcast platform via a network interface. A method of social broadcasting is disclosed. A metadata is received via a server interface indicating items of content expected to be included in a broadcast and for each item of content a manner in which the item of content is to be included in the broadcast. At least a subset of said items of content is stored in a media cache.

Abstract: A method for setting a frame rate conversion (FRC) and a display apparatus using the same are provided. According to a method for setting FRC, an FRC level is received from a user; and a motion estimation and motion compensation level when performing FRC is set according to the input FRC level. Therefore, a user may set the FRC level according to the user's preference.

Abstract: A display method of an image display apparatus that includes receiving a broadcast signal, displaying a first number of thumbnail images when the image display apparatus is in a first position (the thumbnail images being based on the received broadcast signal), rotating the image display apparatus from the first position to a second position, and displaying a second number of thumbnail images when the image display apparatus is rotated to the second position, and the second number is different than the first number.

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: A system provides an intra-program event guide for display. The intra-program event guide enables a User to identify the events (e.g. scenes, episodes, alternative scenes, program portions etc.) occurring within a program and to initiate viewing (or initiate other functions associated with the event) via the guide. A method for processing information concerning intra-program events (e.g. comprising particular MPEG compatible groups of pictures (GOPS)) occurring within a program involves receiving signal data and identifying in the signal data information items describing intra-program events occurring during a program. The information items describing intra-program events are processed to provide processed data representative of intra-program events sequentially ordered by time and the processed data is communicated to a device. Generation of an intra-program event guide of the information items is initiated in response to user command.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for content-based non-linear control of video data playback. A multimedia database having multimedia data including multimedia content data is searched based on a user query to determine a first set of multimedia data. The multimedia data includes indexes to and condensed representations of corresponding video data stored in a video database. A portion of the first set of multimedia data is displayed at a control device in response to the user query. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for video playback and video data corresponding to the element delivered to a video device for playback. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for additional information and a second set of multimedia data corresponding to the element delivered to the control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) on a display generated by a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. The electronic program guide is presented in at least a portion of the display. A resize indicator is also provided on the display so that viewer inputs corresponding to the resize indicator can be received. The size of the electronic program guide presented on the display can be adjusted in response to the viewer input corresponding to the resize indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to process customized recording contents includes generating customized replay control information at a time of recording contents. The method also includes extracting broadcasting-associated additional information from a broadcasting stream, extracting user interaction information by matching the extracted additional information with one or more viewing preferences of a user, selectively parsing the broadcasting stream according to the user interaction information to generate stream parsing information, and generating replay control information corresponding to the broadcasting stream based on the user interaction information and stream parsing information.

Abstract: A metadata augmentation system trains individual classifiers associated with digital objects, such as digital videos. Textual features of the classifiers determined to be significant from the weights of the classifier are chosen to be added to the video as metadata.

Abstract: A method of processing EPG metadata in a network device includes performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, and requesting specific SGDDs (service guide delivery descriptors) or specific fragments.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, streams associated with a playlist are received from a server. The playlist includes an ordering of streams that are queued for client-side playback from the server according to the ordering. Information associated with the receipt and playback of at least one of the streams is accessed. The client-side application requests to alter the streams of the playlist in response to the accessed information. The request identifies a desired playlist alteration and includes information that controls the playlist alteration. The streams of the playlist are displayed according to a playlist alteration made in response to the request.

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, the first set of video previews being 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: A method of populating a series of tiles of an interactive user interface with information is disclosed. The interactive user interface is in a form of a visual display of a representation of an object having a surface contour, and the method includes the step of populating the tiles such that information of greater priority is initially populated in tiles that are most prominently displayed on the object and information of lesser priority is initially populated in tiles that are less prominently displayed on the object. Apparatus and a computer readable storage medium for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A content searching/providing system searching a record content from a randomly accessible memory storing contents and providing the record content to a user is provided. The system comprises: a content classification unit classifying the record contents of the memory in accordance with a predetermined rule; a channel assignment unit assigning a virtual channel to each classification; a content arrangement unit arranging the record contents classified into the same classification on the corresponding virtual channels; a user operation receiving unit receiving a user operation for commanding channel selection and content search on a channel; and a content providing unit acquiring a record content from a selected virtual channel in response to the user operation received via the user operation receiving unit and providing the record content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using design and/or constraint information in selecting, editing, creating, and managing content for multiple operating environments. For example, an image editor feature of a content management system can receive constraints and/or design requirements identifying specific image sizes that are needed for offering a piece of content on one or more operating environments. This information may be used to guide or restrict a user to select appropriate image portions. A selection marquee, sized based on the constraint information, may be positioned on a displayed image to select an image portion to use for that particular image requirement. The marquee size enforces the image constraint. Design and constraint information may also be used to inform selection, editing, and creation of other constraints and other types of assets, including, but not limited to, text and video assets.

Abstract: A method and system of selecting assets for display in an interactive media guidance application includes receiving a user input indicating interest in a media item; generating a list of media assets related to the media item, selecting, based on priority rules, a subset of the media assets to display in an interactive media guidance application, and displaying an identifier for each of the subset of media assets in the interactive media guidance application screen. The priority rules may assign a first priority to one type of media asset and a second priority to a second type of media asset, and may be based on: whether the media asset has been viewed, and a respective time associated with the media asset.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a viewership rating system presented on a monitor. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of broadcast programs, each broadcast program in the plurality of broadcast programs given a rating, the rating based on a current viewership of the plurality of broadcast programs within a geographical area, and a control bar; displayed on the monitor, wherein a command displayed on the control bar selects a screen for display on the monitor, the screen comprising information related to at least one of the ratings of the plurality of broadcast programs.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. Information for multiple pieces of live content available from a gallery is obtained, and this information is presented in the multiple tiles of the user interface in accordance with a current user interface layout. In accordance with one aspect, this current user interface layout changes automatically over time as the user interface is displayed. In accordance with another aspect, one or more of the multiple tiles is displayed in the user interface more prominently than the other tiles, and which information is to be displayed in the one or more tiles is based at least in part on a received fee.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect is directed toward one or more solutions that are capable of providing feedback information about OCAP/ACAP/IMS solutions generally related to audience acceptance and satisfaction, and extensions thereto. For example, one exemplary aspect is directed toward information, such as consumer feedback about their viewing choices, being gathered, evaluated and distributed. Even more specifically, an exemplary aspect is directed toward the use of information, such as personalized or customized information and personal preferences contained in an STB combined with an OCAP/ACAP/IMS intelligent personal agent and application(s) to provide advanced interactive and interoperable services to both obtain and distribute feedback about OCAP/ACAP/IMS services.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a receiving unit for receiving broadcast data and supplementary information data associated with the broadcast data, a controller for retrieving and synchronizing the supplementary information data with the broadcast data for output, and an output unit for outputting the synchronized supplementary information data and the broadcast data in real time.

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: Techniques for transmitting multiple “slices” of information for a particular location of a user interface, which can be used to present more information to a viewer for a limited-size viewing area. Multiple slices can be associated with a particular slice location of a user interface. In a first slice delivery and presentation scheme, multiple slices for a particular location of an interactive program guide (IPG) page are transmitted from the head-end at different times, and the slices can be appropriately time stamped for presentation at the designated times. In a second scheme, multiple slices are concurrently transmitted for a particular location of an IPG page, and one of the multiple slices can be selected for processing and display. In a third scheme, one slice is transmitted for each slice location, and additional slices can be transmitted for a particular location upon receiving a request from the terminal.

Abstract: A method of processing EPG (Electronic Program Guide) metadata in a network device includes performing a service discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, receiving EPG metadata corresponding to a super group information element comprising both of a member element giving a group ID of another super group information element that has a higher level than a level of the super group information element and a level attribute giving a level of super group represented by the super group information element, wherein the member element is used to reference the other super group information element at a higher level, and processing the EPG metadata.

Abstract: According to a vehicular communication system (10) of the present invention, a specified time slot in compliance with one broadcast time slot corresponded to one attribute pertinent to or possessed by a vehicle (1) among a plurality of attributes corresponded to a plurality of broadcast time slots of programs, respectively, according to the broadcast program list. Even though the IGN switch (101) of the vehicle (1) is set at the OFF state, the vehicular communication system (10) is operated or kept at the operating state so as to receive the program broadcasted in the specified time slot.