Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device, a first selection of first video content. The method also includes sending the first video content to a display device. The method further includes adding a first element corresponding to the first video content to a list. The list includes multiple elements and each element of the list corresponds to respective previously displayed video content. The method includes sending the list to the display device. The elements of the list are ordered based on display times of the corresponding video content.

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: The disclosure generally relates to media broadcast technologies, and more specifically relates to a method and system for providing broadcast program recommendations in a digital television system. In one embodiment, a processor-implemented broadcast program recommendation method is disclosed, comprising: storing a user profile including a user interest pattern; tuning to a program channel not currently provided for display, using a tuner; extracting a snippet from the program channel; comparing, using a processor, the snippet with the user interest pattern, to identify a match; determining that the match is valid; and providing by the processor a notification of the match. The user interest pattern may comprise at least one of: a still image, a video clip, an audio clip, and a text pattern. The user profile may be created via selecting at least the user interest pattern from one of: a network source; and a user device.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) query a source of electronic program guide (EPG) data to request only the EPG data that it needs. Thus, instead of downloading the entire set of EPG data, the STBs query the source for only a limited amount of EPG data, such as data for the next 2-3 hours of programming. STBs can dynamically request additional EPG data if it needs to do so while a user is perusing the EPG, such as when the user requests additional EPG data that may not have been previously downloaded. Updates and corrections to pieces of EPG data can be efficiently made and sent to the STB, when that EPG data is needed, rather than being sent only during regularly scheduled times along with the entire set of EPG data.

Abstract: A system may process metadata associated with video assets; generate, based on the metadata, a first listing of the video assets, where the first listing is compatible with a first type of user device that corresponds to a set top box; and provide the first listing to the first type of user device. The system may further generate, based on the metadata, a second listing of the video assets, where the second listing is formatted to be compatible with a second type of user device that is a different type than the set top box; and provide the second listing to the second type of user device.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for 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: A remote control unit includes stored user profiles to facilitate and possibly limit access to media content. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor or smart card reader provides user authentication to access stored user profiles. User profiles are associated with content sets that include content selected for potential viewing by the user. The remote control unit is enabled for bidirectional communication with a set-top box or modem that permits access to media content from a bidirectional service provider network.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest.

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: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for selecting an advertisement for play on a specified device for one or more users. Each of the users has a defined relationship with the specified device, and has an information description stored on a mobile communications device. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting the respective information description of each of one or more users from the user's communications device to a provider server. The server analyzes one or more information descriptions to identify an advertisement for playing on the specified device. The specified device, in one embodiment, is a television. In an embodiment, advertisements are displayed based on common purchase profiles and common purchase plans among different people. The purchase plans may be sent to the television when the users are in a defined area or come within a given distance of the television.

Abstract: Subscription and channel management technology, in which a system allows a user to subscribe to a subset of the available channels on a content delivery network and personalize at least one channel. The system identifies a user identity of the user and stores, in a user database, channel subscription information for the user identity based on the subset of channels to which the user subscribed and the user personalization. The system identifies a downloader device associated with the user identity and controls the downloader device based on the channel subscription information stored in the user database.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, for automatically preparing content. A method includes receiving a selection of a video content item for distribution by a content distribution system as part of a campaign; prompting a user to determine if the user wants control over formats and networks the video content item will be displayed in; receiving a user selection that the user wants automatic format and network selection; receiving attribute information from the user for use in presenting the video content item in accordance with the received selection for automatic format and network selection; automatically preparing the video content item for distribution in a predetermined number of formats and across a predetermined number of networks including determining a distribution among the formats and the networks consistent with a first predetermined criteria; and storing the campaign.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention sets forth a mechanism for recommending digital items to a user. Each digital item in a set of digital items is scored based on user preferences and other metrics. The digital items are ordered based on scores. The digital items are then evaluated in order of respective rank to determine a subset of digital items that re recommended to the user. The evaluation process is based on different evaluation criteria as well as the presentation style of the recommended digital items.

Abstract: An apparatus for favorite program recommendations is provided. In the apparatus: a user interface module receives a channel indication signal indicating a TV channel; a tuner module receives a digital TV signal comprising current program information corresponding to the TV channel and program guide information; a processing unit analyzes at least one program keyword from the current program information to determine a current program type corresponding to a current program, and accumulates a favor weighting value of the current program type in a program weightings record which keeps a plurality of favor weighting values respectively corresponding to a plurality of program types. The processing unit also selects from the program guide information at least one recommended program according to at least one of the program types with the corresponding favor weighting value over a first predetermined threshold in the program weightings record, and generates a recommendation list.

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: A disclosed example method to manage network bandwidth allocation in a media delivery environment involves detecting insufficient bandwidth available to deliver requested media to a media receiver and presenting user-selectable options via the media receiver to allocate bandwidth to deliver the requested media to the media receiver. The example method also involves receiving a first user selection of one of the user-selectable options and implementing the selected one of the user-selectable options specifying a second user selection identifying a particular media stream to be delivered at a media quality that is lower than a higher media quality previously selected for that particular media stream.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide methods and systems that link a video recording device and a processing device to enhance video media content development workflow and enable a variety of features. For example, a video camera may send all or a portion of a recorded video to a separate computer that can determine information to be associated with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer extracts information from the recorded video to be embedded or otherwise associated with the recorded video as metadata. In some cases, the computer retrieves information from other sources such as Internet websites for association with the recorded video. In some embodiments, the computer sends the information back to the camera where it is associated with the recorded video stored at the camera. In some embodiments, the computer provides the recorded video and information to other locations and parties, for example, to a director remotely overseeing filming.

Abstract: A display device according to the proposed embodiment includes a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; a broadcasting signal) separation unit that separates the broadcasting signal received through the broadcasting signal receiving unit into video, audio, and data signals; a controller that analyzes the data signal separated through the broadcasting signal separation unit to comprehend whether data broadcasting is serviced and the kind of the data broadcasting; and a memory that stores information on a channel on which the data broadcasting is serviced according to a control signal of the controller and information on the kind of the serviced data broadcasting, wherein the broadcasting receiving unit sequentially receives and outputs broadcasting signals of an entire channel according to the control signal of the controller.

Abstract: A client determines that a user is attempting to access media program recommendations. In response to the determination, the client attempts to collect media program recommendations to be presented to the user. Media program recommendations may be derived locally by the client, by the client and a multimedia device locally connected with the client, by the client and one or more additional devices, etc. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a query from the client, one or more recipient devices or servers identify media program recommendations in a plurality of trending categories. The media program recommendations may be selected based at least in part on EPG data and audience research and measurement data. The media program recommendations collected by the client are presented to the user for further exploration. The client may be one of mobile phones, tablet computers, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are a broadcast receiving apparatus and a method for operating the same. A broadcast receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an interface to access an electronic device that stores home screen information including a background image and a plurality of execution items, and to receive the home screen information from the electronic device, a controller to scale at least one of the background image and the execution items of the received home screen information, and a display to display a home screen including the scaled background image and execution items. As such, user convenience may be improved.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for combining user profiles. According to an example embodiment, a method is provided for refining group content choices. The method includes identifying that at least two users are accessing media content on a same device, wherein each of the at least two users is associated with a different set of profile attributes; generating a spliced user profile having spliced profile attributes based at least in part on at least a portion of the set of profile attributes associated with at least one of the at least two users; determining at least one content recommendation based on the spliced profile attributes; and delivering the at least one content recommendation over a content distribution channel to the at least two users on the media device.

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 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: A mechanism is described for facilitating multiple multimedia viewing planes in media display systems according to one embodiment of the invention. A method of embodiments of the invention includes using a plurality of multimedia planes corresponding to a plurality of multimedia content types. The plurality of multimedia planes may be integrated to be presented through an integrated user interface at a media processing device. The method may further include selecting, via the integrated user interface, one or more content categories from a plurality of multimedia content categories, and presenting, via a multimedia plane of the plurality of multimedia planes, contents associated with the one or more selected content categories.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring means for acquiring focused content information that is information relating to a predetermined content and includes at least any one of descriptions of the predetermined content having information displayed on a display means, a word related to the descriptions, a genre, a title, and cast of the predetermined content; a retrieving means for using content information about the other content that includes at least any one of descriptions of the other content different from the predetermined content, a genre, a title, and cast of the other content and the acquired focused content information to retrieve a content having a high degree of relation to focused content information in the other contents; and a specification information generating means for generating specification information that specifies the resulted content of retrieval based on the result of retrieval done by the retrieving means.

Abstract: A multi-functional display device having a channel map and a method for controlling the same are disclosed herein. The multi-functional display device may include a display, an input interface, a network interface for communicating with at least one second multi-functional display device, and a controller for controlling a display of the channel map and content associated with a channel selected in the channel map. The channel map may include a first channel number associated with a broadcast channel and a channel name for the first channel, and a second channel number associated with a social network service (SNS) account for an individual or entity and an SNS channel name for the second channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining social media data associated with a plurality of end user devices of a plurality of users interacting with a social media network where the social media data includes user commentary at the social media network, determining first targeted advertising for delivery to first end user devices of a portion of the plurality of users based on an analysis of the social media data, and determining second targeted advertising for delivery during a target broadcast programming to a second end user device of a target user of the plurality of users based on an analysis of the user commentary, wherein the analysis includes identifying a comment context. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for logging network discoverable information. An indication of user-interest of particular media content may be identified. An address identification parameter that specifies a network file path of the particular media content may be identified based on the indication of user-interest. A location parameter that specifies an estimated physical location of the particular computing device within a computing network may be determined based on the address identification parameter. The address identification parameter may be stored within a network accessible media content log.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a remote controller adapted to present a graphical user interface (GUI) with a first portion for selecting one or more set-top boxes (STBs) and one or more user accounts, and with a second portion corresponding to a console comprising a plurality of selectable icons, disable access to at least a portion of the plurality of selectable icons of the console, detect a selection of one of the STBs, detect a selection of one of the user accounts, establish a communication session with the selected STB, and enable access to the plurality of selectable icons of the console to manage operations of the selected STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A statistically overrepresented token in the descriptions of users associated with a target entity may be descriptive of the target entity. This may be true regardless of whether a primary description of the entity includes the overrepresented token. Accordingly, the entity description machine may access multiple descriptions of multiple users associated with the target entity. A portion of the multiple descriptions may each include a token descriptive of the target entity and of a subset of the multiple users. The entity description machine may determine that the token is overrepresented among the tokens within the multiple descriptions and generate a supplemental description of the target entity, where the supplemental description includes the overrepresented token. Once the supplemental description is generated, the entity description machine may use the supplemental description in referencing the target entity.

Abstract: A visual display includes at least a first canvas configured to display a first session on the display and a second canvas configured to display a second session on the display. The first session includes first content received from a first content source and the second session includes second content having subject matter associated with the first content. The display includes a user agent configured to determine that the first content of the first session is associated with the second content of the second session and to pair the first and second canvases such that the first content and the second content are synchronized to each other.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a computing device presenting a program guide interface by way of a touch screen, detecting a pinch gesture provided in relation to the program guide interface, and presenting, in response to the pinch gesture, a plurality of graphical objects representative of a plurality of media programming channel groups. Each graphical object in the plurality of graphical objects is configured to function as a user-selectable jump point to specific programming guide information associated with a respective media programming channel group in the plurality of media programming channel groups.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that provides recommended program information based on a viewing history of an audience. The apparatus includes an extractor to extract, based on a specific performer whom a viewing audience likes, a similar performer. The extractor extracts the similar performer using a relation between a plurality of performers. The extractor selects a node satisfying a first condition that a number of links between a first node corresponding to the specific performer and one or more second nodes corresponding to the similar performer is not more than a predetermined upper limit and a second condition that the number of links between the first node and second nodes is not more than a threshold from the second nodes. The apparatus also includes a selector to select a recommended program from a plurality of broadcast planned programs, and a creator to create the recommended program information.

Abstract: A mobile video device includes a transceiver module that receives navigation data corresponding to a plurality of video programs including at least one unicast video program and at least one multicast video program, that transmits selection data and that receives a video signal in response thereto. An interface module receives interface data in response to actions of a user. A video display device generates a selection display based on selection display data in a video selection mode and that generates a video display in a video display mode based on the video signal. A video application module generates the selection display data based on navigation data, that generates selection data based on user interface data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for efficient, entertaining information delivery. In one embodiment, information is partitioned into clips. Clips are selected for a user and packaged together for presentation to the user in an entertaining manner. In one embodiment, the clips are selected and packaged together in accordance with a template. In another embodiment, information about a user is used to select clips. In one embodiment, a user is presented with a stream of information comprised of clips of information assembled for the user. The user may select a clip to retrieve additional information related to the clip. In one embodiment, the selected clip is a portion of a program (e.g., a television show, a movie, a song, an advertisement, etc.) and the additional information is a larger clip of the program and/or the entire program.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for personalized online video channels. Various embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate creation and transmission of user defined video channels for viewing television programs via the Internet. The application facilitates specification of at least one user-defined channel that transmits video content items to the client. The application maintains a data store of video content items. The application selects a subset of the video content items for inclusion in the user playlist. The application determines an order of transmission of each of the video content items in the user playlist. The application facilitates specification of at least one user-defined channel.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: A user interface may be provided including a media guide. The media guide may comprise at least two display elements. One of the displayed at least two display elements may comprise an action card. The action card may be configured to display a plurality of actions that can be taken with respect to the one of the plurality of programs. The plurality of actions may include a parental information action.

Abstract: A digital television and a channel editing method are provided wherein various channel information is edited efficiently. In the channel edit method of the digital TV, the channel information stored according to a user's request is displayed on a multi-window. If the user selects a channel based on the multi-window, the channel selected by the user is tuned by a tuner and displayed as a moving picture. The user can edit the corresponding channel referring to the multi-window. In another embodiment, the user can edit the set favorite channel(s) separately. The broadcast status of all channels can be recognized almost instantaneously by viewing the multi-window displaying all the broadcast programs of multiple channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing content published on-line so as to identify each item in a unique manner. In some implementations, an RSS feed is received from a publisher and a unique identifier is identified for each item in the feed. Each item then has third party content or advertisements associated with the item based on the unique identifier. The feed is then stored and, when appropriate, updated. The augmented feed, which contains the third party content and the items in the feed, is provided to user devices.

Abstract: A server creates a schedule for each of multiple user devices based on a set of items associated with a corresponding user device, and allows each user device to obtain associated items in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A text content summary is created from speech content. A focus more signal is issued by a user while receiving the speech content. The focus more signal is associated with a time window, and the time window is associated with a part of the speech content. It is determined whether to use the part of the speech content associated with the time window to generate a text content summary based on a number of the focus more signals that are associated with the time window. The user may express relative significance to different portions of speech content, so as to generate a personal text content summary.

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: An electronic program guide (EPG) may include entries that enable access to one or more images. In some implementations, when an image-related entry is selected by a user, a device presents the one or more images that are associated with the selected entry. In some implementations, portions of the EPG are presented as links. Selection of a link effectuates a search and may be followed by the visual presentation of one or more images resulting from the search. Additionally, in some implementations, an image can be communicated with an electronic communication. In response to the electronic communication, an image entry may be added to the channel lineup of the EPG. Selection of the image entry in the EPG may cause the device to visually present the image.

Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an avatar engine having a controller to retrieve a user profile of a user, present the user an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, detect one or more responses of the user during a communication exchange between the avatar and the user, establish a communication session with a language translation system responsive to identifying from the one or more responses a need to engage in language translations, transmit to the language translation system content in a language format other than a language understood by the user, receive from the language translation system a translation of the content in the language understood by the user, and present the user an adaptation of the avatar that presents the translated content in the user's language. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method for using the system for targeted commerce in network broadcasting are provided. The system includes an interface device configured to receive a multimedia stream from a network, wherein the multimedia stream includes a close captioning string and wherein the interface device is further configured to process the multimedia stream by providing advertisements in the multimedia stream according to a correlation between the close captioning string and a plurality of vendor keywords; and a viewing device configured to receive the processed multimedia stream and display to a viewer.

Abstract: A system may include a media content processing subsystem configured to provide media content to a display device. The system may further include an adjunct computing device in communication with the media content processing subsystem and configured to receive interactive program guide data, receive social information associated with an account on a social network, and display the interactive program guide data augmented with the social information.