Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing instant messaging in conjunction with an audiovisual, video, or audio program are provided. The methods include providing an audiovisual, video, or audio program to a user. Viewer/listener input is received requesting activation of a program-based instant messaging function. A viewer/listener identifier corresponding to the viewer/listener is associated with a program identifier that uniquely identifies the audiovisual, video, or audio program being provided to the user to thereby generate a program viewer/listener record. The program viewer/listener record is transmitted to an electronic database. A list of other users who are viewing or listening to the program in addition to the viewer/listener is acquired from the electronic database. The list of other users is transmitted to the viewer/listener.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the formation and rearrangement of ad hoc networks and more particularly to systems and methods for sharing bandwidth in ad hoc networks. The method comprises broadcasting a table to at least one potential lender requesting pertinent lender information and receiving the table from the at least one potential lender with the pertinent lender information. The method further includes selecting one or more lenders of the at least one potential lender which meet preset criteria and establishing an ad hoc network with the one or more lenders based on the selecting.

Abstract: An approach provides management of digital assets. A digital asset is transmitted to one of a plurality of devices configured to support instant communications. The digital asset can be shared among the devices within the instant communications environment. A portal is provided for users of the devices to manage respective instant communications accounts.

Abstract: A video service provider system may include one or more devices. The one or more device may receive thumbnails of programs that are currently airing on a group of television channels and match the received thumbnails with metadata. The metadata may include information relating to at least one of the television channels or the programs. The one or more devices may further provide, to a remote device, a set of thumbnails, of the captured thumbnails, and the metadata matching the set of thumbnails. The remote device may make the set of thumbnails and the metadata available to a user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are provided for facilitating a message service. A multi-role system is identified based on where an active message database associated with a user identity resides. Service communications generated by a messaging client associated with the user identity are directed from an entry system to the multi-role system for handling in the multi-role system by a messaging server and a content server to provide the message service.

Abstract: Objects in a content delivery network are modified at delivery to users. Individual content servers include copies of the content objects and receive requests from users for a copy of the object. The request includes a program from the content provider on how the content object is to be modified at delivery to the user. The program is executed on delivery of the object to provide the user with a modified content object. Modification can occur as the content is delivered from the content server to the user.

Abstract: A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user over a data network. The method comprises providing a personalized data of the user to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user based on the personal data, and providing the customized media list to the user through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user over a data network.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for graphically controlling numeric, alphanumeric or other symbol-based features on a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. A keypad image is presented on the display that includes key images corresponding to the symbol-based features. A two-dimensional input is received from the remote control that indicates one of the key images, and imagery on the display is updated in response to the received two-dimensional input.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: determining an item of media content; determining a probability of the item of media content being watched at one or more times based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and a characteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interface which suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or more times based on the determined probability; and presenting the user interface.

Abstract: A system that determines first data according to data associated with a first number of media content items accessed by equipment of a user. A request is determined from the equipment of the user to receive media content items that are associated with the first data and an index category of an indexed media content items guide. The indexed content items guide is searched to identify those media content items of a second number of media content items that have indexed content items guide data associated with the index category and the first data. Search results including a third number of media content items are determined based on the searching of the indexed content items guide. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive television application with watch lists is provided. The user may add programs such as television programs, Internet web pages, e-commerce applications, e-mail applications, and music channels, to a watch list. The user may also select a program from the watch list to watch it or to perform some other function related to that program. The interactive television application may display, under user control, watch lists that are overlaid over television programming, scaled so as not to obscure television programming, or on touch-screen remote controls. Programs may be added by the user to the watch lists at any time, or may be automatically added or removed by the interactive television application based on user preference profiles and reminder lists.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing content in a broadcast system is provided. Upon receipt of a request for synchronization from a mobile terminal, a set-top box creates a recommended content list based on user information received from the mobile terminal and delivers the recommended content list to the mobile terminal. The set-top box receives from the mobile terminal a content list, selected from the recommended content list and included in a Personal Information Management System (PIMS) updated using the recommended content list. The set-top box determines whether a user of the mobile terminal intends to view content from the received content list at a start time of the content. Upon receipt of view acceptance information from the mobile terminal, the set-top box sends a request for the content to a service provider at the start time, receives the requested content from the service provider, and provides the received content to the mobile terminal.

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: Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying importance of scenes or moments in video content relative to one another. Closed captioning data is extracted from a video content feature. A textual analysis of the closed captioning data is performed. The importance level of scenes can be ranked with respect to one another.

Abstract: A display control section (220c) of a television (1) causes a display unit (205) to simultaneously display (i) a recommended content panel (122a) corresponding to a recommended content extracted from a population consisting of programs on different channels in the same time slot and (ii) a recommended content panel (122b) corresponding to a recommended content extracted from a population consisting of future programs. This reduces a user's troublesome operation.

Abstract: The mobile multimedia terminal, a video program recommendation method and a server thereof may include steps of: extracting key information from electronic program guides; crawling social media information related with a terminal user from social media; generating an inquiry at least based on the key information and the crawled social media information; sending the inquiry to a server; searching for video programs in a broadcasting video library and an Internet video library by using the inquiry and taking information of public social media as a constraint condition, as video program recommendations for the terminal, by the server; sending the video program recommendations to the terminal by the server; and presenting the video program recommendations to the user in association with the played programs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for personalizing an appliance's functioning remotely in real-time. The user profile and set of parameters affecting the functionality of the appliance are received by a computing device by, for example, communication module and are matched by a data delivery device to pre-defined parameters stored therein, for the profile categorization. An output profile is generated and is defined by matched parameters. The appliance is remotely controlled by modifying the functioning of the appliance in accordance with the output profile defined by the matched parameters.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a method for tuning a channel of a broadcast receiving apparatus is provided. The method includes displaying contents received through a broadcast channel, changing, if a channel zapping command is received, the broadcast channel, displaying, if the channel zapping command is consecutively received a plurality of times within a predetermined amount of time, a user interface (UI) using which a user can select a broadcast channel, and tuning, if a broadcast channel is selected from the UI, the selected broadcast channel.

Abstract: Aspects herein describe at least a new method, system, and computer readable storage media for recognizing the content of the audio. A computing device determines whether the content comprises a product and/or service, correlates the product and/or service with one or more promotional deals provided by an organization such as a financial institution, generates a subset of the one or more promotional deals based on the correlation, and transmits the subset to a multimedia viewing device such as a television. The subset of the one or more promotional deals may be viewed by a viewer. The one or more promotional deals are displayed on a portion of the screen of the television for viewing by the viewer. The viewer may make a purchase decision based on the one or more promotional deals displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing custom media channels within an Interactive Digital Program Guide (IDPG) of a device having a set-top box function associated with a cable or satellite television network. In general, a user interacts with the set-top box function to define a custom media channel. The custom media channel may be defined by a channel name and user preferences. Once the custom media channel is defined, an Internet search is performed based on the user preferences in order to identify media presentations for the custom media channel. Thereafter, when a user selects the custom media channel via the IDPG, the media presentations are played in a substantially continuous stream in either a predetermined or random sequence.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for the detection of broadcast programming, the method comprising acts of receiving audio signals from a user over a communication network, receiving audio signals from a plurality of broadcast channels over the communication network, comparing, by a processor, the audio signals from the user with the audio signals from the plurality of broadcast channels, determining by the processor, in response to the act of comparing, that the audio signals from the user match the audio signals from at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels, identifying by the processor, in response to the act of determining, the at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels, and transmitting by the processor, in response to the act of identifying, information related to the at least one of the plurality of broadcast channels to the user.

Abstract: The likelihood of consumption of a linear content stream may be determined. Information that includes data indicative of user interaction with a client device may be received. The information may correspond to a period during which the client device received linear content. The likelihood of consumption may be determined for that period based on the received information.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video processing apparatus includes a content list display module, a content register and a controller. The content list display module is configured to display a list of contents capable of being acquired via a network. The content register is configured to register contents which are acquired via any of broadcasting, a recording medium and the network and on which any processing operation such as reproduction, record or reservation is performed. The controller is configured to change a display form of the contents registered in the content register into a different display form from other contents among the contents displayed in a list in the content list display module.

Abstract: A method for recommending television content is provided, including the following operations: identifying available television channels for a television device; determining a current date and time; identifying a plurality of content items broadcast on the available television channels at approximately the current date and time; determining a device profile associated with the television device, the device profile being time-dependent; determining recommended content items from the plurality of content items based on the device profile of the television 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: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating initiation of communication actions in accordance with cable attributes. In one embodiment, cable attributes are referenced that indicate utilization of a cable device at a time a communication event is directed to a user device. The user device and the cable device may be associated with the same user. Communication actions to apply in accordance with the communication event are determined based on at least one of the cable attributes. Thereafter, the communication actions are initiated, for example, such that a user is provided with an indication of the communication event visually via the cable device and/or audibly via the user device, depending on the particular cable attributes.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for awarding incentives, the method comprising receiving, via a first interface of a server, audio signals from a user over a communication network, receiving, via a second interface of the server, audio signals from a plurality of broadcast channels over the communication network, comparing, by a processor in the server, the audio signals received from the user and the audio signals received from the plurality of broadcast channels, determining, by the processor, based on the act of comparing, that the audio signals from the user correspond to a program currently being broadcast on one of the plurality of broadcast channels, and in response to the act of determining, automatically awarding, by the processor, the user at least one incentive.

Abstract: Example systems, methods and machine readable media are disclosed. An example system includes a synchronizer to time shift first response data gathered from a subject exposed to media a first amount to align the first response data with second response data simultaneously gathered from the subject to form aligned data. The first response data is associated with a first component of the media, and the second response data is associated with a second component of media. The example system also includes an analyzer to determine an effectiveness of the media based on the aligned data.

Abstract: An approach for implementing a context-aware remote controller application on a controller device for interfacing with one or more target devices and controlling one or more functionalities and/or processes at the target includes determining a current state associated with one or more applications, one or more content items or a combination thereof at a user device. The approach also includes communicating a change in the current state to a controller device via a context update message, wherein the context update message encodes the current state, the change in the current state, or a combination thereof as a context identifier. Further, the approach includes initiating a presentation of one or more user interface options at the controller device based on the context update message, the context identifier, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A video transmission system includes a video server module that selectively operates in a unicast mode and a multicast mode, wherein the video server module generates a video signal that includes a unicast video signal when the video server module is in the unicast mode and that includes a multicast video signal when the video server module is in the multicast mode. A wireless access device transmits the video signal to at least one mobile video device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method which includes at least the following steps of requesting a consent to obtain an individual social media profile data; based on the consent, electronically obtaining the individual social media profile data from a social media electronic data source; determining individual specific parameters based on the individual social media profile data; matching the individual specific parameters to at least one segment identifier generated based on a predetermined segmentation of a target population of individuals; based on the matching, associating the at least one segment identifier with the individual social media profile data; and outputting an advertisement to the individual based on the at least one segment identifier associated with the individual social media profile data of such individual.

Abstract: A method and a device for data processing. The method includes the following steps: (i) a triggering information is provided to several clients via an electronic guide; and (ii) based on the triggering information, each of the several clients determines, in particular via filtering parameters, whether or not to react to the triggering information.

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: System and method for delivering video programs from a cloud to an electronic terminal is disclosed. Channels may be generated based upon personal data of a user. Channels may also be generated by the user's inputs through a user input device of the terminal. The user may select to access video programs in the cloud either through generated channels or through a search engine. Advertising messages can also be delivered based upon disclosed system.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver, which receives and processes a service being transmitted in non-real time, and a broadcast receiver are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing communication in a social television framework is described. The method includes retrieving a current context data set corresponding to multiple users, wherein the current context data set includes a user profile component and a media content component. A customized mark set is determined based on an analysis of the current context data set, and at least one of the marks in the customized mark set is sent to a client end device to be experienced by at least one of the users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying received data, analyze the quality of the displayed data formulating a media-parameter suggestion for the encoder to alter the characteristics of data to be sent to the receiver, and sending from the receiver, the formulated suggestion.

Abstract: A method of recommending media content for a media playing system includes identifying a user in a viewing area; determining whether personal information of the user is stored in a database; and generating information related to a first media content recommendation according to the personal information when the personal information of the user is stored in the database.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system 1) providing a program guide view of a program guide for display within a viewing area of a display screen, the program guide comprising a navigable user axis representative of a plurality of users selected by a main user as being of interest to the main user and a time axis representative of a plurality of time slots, and 2) presenting, within the program guide view, information identifying one or more media content instances designated for access during one or more time slots included in the plurality of time slots by one or more users included in the plurality of users. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a request for media content from a set top box of an Internet Protocol Television System, perform a search of one or more storage devices associated with other set top boxes for the media content based at least in part on a user profile associated with the set top box where the other set top boxes are located remotely from the set top box, receive the media content, and adjust a format of the media content prior to delivery to the set top box based at least in part on the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An in-context interactive television ticker is provided. The ticker is rendered on a display screen that also shows a television program, and presents ticker content that is in-context with subject matter of the television program. The ticker remains rendered and context-sensitive to the subject matter of the currently shown television program, whenever there is a change in the television program, such as when the subject matter of the current television program changes, when a commercial interruption occurs during the television program, or when the television channel is changed. The ticker is interactive in that the viewer can perform various interactive operations with the ticker, including interacting with the ticker to obtain additional information related to an in-context item presented by the ticker.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for electronic program guide (EPG) sorting and automatic realignment is provided. In example embodiments, a graphical user interface having an EPG including a plurality of rows of thumbnails representing programs is presented on a device of a user. Each row of thumbnails may be navigated independent of other rows. A navigational input is received via a touchscreen of the device. The navigational input indicates an action performed on the graphical user interface that triggers a realignment of programming information presented on the EPG. An updated EPG with the realignment of the programming information indicated by the navigational input is then provided.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for providing advertisements with a media program transmitted to a user device are described. The method permits the user to interrupt the playback of the advertisement and continue with the playback of the media program with no further advertisements, or to interrupt the playback of the advertisement to substitute a different version of the advertisement.

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: A television provider receives content from a plurality of users. The user generated content is aggregated and scheduled for broadcast across a channel of the television provider. The user generated content is then broadcast at the scheduled time for reception by communication devices associated with the television provider.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.

Abstract: Media system control technology, in which an advertisement on a selected content channel being experienced by a user using a media system is detected, advertisement preferences of the user are accessed from electronic storage, and secondary content is selected based on the accessed advertisement preferences of the user. The secondary content is substituted for the advertisement on the selected content channel, and the media system is controlled to output the secondary content instead of the advertisement.