Abstract: In one aspect, a method involves (i) accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television broadcast; (ii) selecting a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video source; (iii) determining a type of the identified video source; (iv) using the determined type of the identified video source as a basis to select a DVE; and (v) causing a computing device to run the selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the computing device to generate a modified version of an input video stream received from the identified video source.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided to inform a user of a broadcast stream, which has multiple, concurrently received channels of program content, about recommendations of a subset of the content currently playing across the available channels or to be played within a selected future time period. The subset of content is selected based on user preferences and system data (e.g., program topic and channel affinities among the broadcast content and channels) to recommend a more diverse subset of content than would be discovered if only user preferences were employed to make the selection of recommended content.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method involves (i) accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television broadcast; (ii) selecting a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies video content; (iii) determining a type of the identified video content; (iv) using the determined type of the identified video content as a basis to select a DVE; and (v) causing a computing device to run the selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the computing device to generate a modified version of an input video stream representing the identified video content.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to systems, devices, and methods for file-aware priority drivers in data storage devices. In one example, a device may comprise a data storage medium, an interface circuit to communicate with a host, a driver configured to retrieve file system information related to a structured input/output (I/O) command from the host, select priority attributes based on the file system information, and prioritize execution of the I/O command based on the priority attributes. Another embodiment may be a method comprising inspecting characteristics of an I/O request, choosing priority attributes for the I/O request based on the characteristics, and executing operations in an order based on the priority attributes.

Abstract: A computer system generates a first decompressed media stream based on a first compressed media stream and provides the first decompressed media stream to a presentation device. While providing the first decompressed media to the presentation device: the computer system receives a content-transition indication indicating that a second decompressed media stream is to be provided to the presentation device instead of the first decompressed media stream. The computer system stores first buffered data corresponding to the first decompressed media stream and receives a second compressed media stream corresponding to the second decompressed media stream.

Abstract: A computer system generates a first decompressed media stream based on a first compressed media stream. While providing the first decompressed media stream to the presentation device, the computer system receives a content-transition indication to switch to a second decompressed media stream. In response to receiving the content-transition indication, the computer system selects a first transition point in first content corresponding to the first compressed media stream and selects a second transition point in second content corresponding to the second compressed media stream. The second transition point is selected in accordance with a bandwidth available for receiving the second compressed media stream and the first transition point is selected based on the second transition point. The computer system requests the second compressed media stream starting at the second transition point and ceases to provide the first decompressed media stream at the first transition point in the first content.

Abstract: A hierarchical publish/subscribe network is employed to produce and distribute special effects to users to complement displayed video information. A top level broker in the network receives a plurality of data streams corresponding to a respective plurality of primary special. A service provider makes a subscription request for one of said primary special effects and receives the corresponding selected data stream. The selected data stream is transformed into at least one further data stream, corresponding to a further special effect. The further data stream is published to a lower level broker associated with the service provider. In response to a user subscription request for the further special effect, the lower level broker publishes the further data stream to a user interface for presentation to the user in association with the displayed video information.

Abstract: An operating method of a video display device is provided. The method according to one embodiment includes receiving a broadcasting signal through a tuner; obtaining an uncompressed audio or video (AV) content, through a receiving unit, other than the broadcasting signal; outputting the uncompressed AV content through a display unit; extracting characteristic information based on a genre of the uncompressed AV content; receiving a response to a query which includes the characteristic information; and outputting an enhanced service, including a service for recommending, based on the response.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enable more robust electronic program guides in television distribution systems. Some solutions can obtain data (e.g., from the Internet) about a program listed on an electronic program guide and integrate that data with electronic program guide. In some cases, this information can be obtained and/or updated dynamically, in real-time or near real-time, for example to provide, up-to-date information can be provided in the electronic program guide, rather than requiring the viewer to tune to an information channel. In some cases, the system can provide a generalized electronic program guide that can be rendered by the system to be displayed on a plurality of different devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting custom navigation options are described herein. In some embodiments, the media guidance application displays a first portion of a media asset, and identifies a set of entities referenced in messages associated with the media asset. The media guidance application then selects an entity frequently referenced in the plurality of messages, and displays a transport bar associated with the entity comprising an indicator identifying the entity and a region associated with only portions of the media asset associated with the entity. The media guidance application then displays a second portion of the media asset in response to receiving a user selection of a segment of the region. In some embodiments, the region corresponds to a custom presentation of the media asset featuring the selected entity, and the transport bar updates dynamically based on newly received messages, or the content displayed by the media guidance application.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to streaming influencer device audio content to listener devices. In some embodiments, a computing platform may receive, from a first influencer device, first stream information associated with a first music stream. Subsequently, the computing platform may identify a plurality of listener devices that subscribe to receive music streams from the first influencer device. The music sharing computing platform then may evaluate first tracking information associated with a first listener device of the plurality of listener devices to enforce one or more playback restrictions on the first listener device, and may evaluate second tracking information associated with a second listener device of the plurality of listener devices to enforce the one or more playback restrictions on the second listener device. Based on evaluating the tracking information, the computing platform may share the first music stream with the first listener device and the second listener device.

Abstract: Provided is a operating method of a video display device including a display unit. A receiving unit receiving a broadcasting signal through a tuner; obtaining an uncompressed audio or video (AV) content through a receiving unit, wherein the uncompressed AV content includes a promotion content; extracting a characteristic information, including at least one of a watermark and a fingerprint, from a part of the uncompressed AV content; transmitting a first query to a first server, wherein the first query corresponds to the characteristic information; receiving a first response from the first server, based on the transmitted first query; transmitting a second query to a second server based on the first response; receiving a second response from the second server, based on the transmitted second query; and executing a promotion application based on the second response. Furthermore, the promotion application controls a process for promoting a content.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for creating metadata-based search queries. In use, a plurality of data objects in one or more databases are identified. Additionally, a plurality of attributes associated with each of the plurality of data objects are identified (e.g. attributes from a table, derived attributes, etc.). Further, a plurality of relationships associated with each of the plurality of data objects are identified. In addition, at least one of the plurality of data objects, the plurality of attributes, or the plurality of relationships are filtered to generate a first subset of data objects, a first subset of attributes, and a first subset of relationships. At least a metadata representation of at least a portion of the first subset of data objects, the first subset of attributes, or the first subset of relationships is displayed utilizing a user interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for sharing content across a social network can include: receiving content (e.g., a content update) for a content channel (e.g., at a channel node of a set of remote channel nodes); assigning a content identifier to the content; transmitting the content with the content identifier to a user account associated with the content channel; and modifying the content channel with the content based on the content identifier.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a signal receiver configured to receive a broadcasting signal that includes content of a channel and information about content overlapped channels, a signal processor configured to extract the content and the information about the content overlapped channels from the received broadcasting signal, a display configured to display an image of an extracted content, and a controller configured to perform a control operation based on the extracted information about the content overlapped channels.

Abstract: The invention controls presentation of content at an end user terminal to allow an end user to consume any kind of content without specifying anything about how the content is delivered. A method includes creating a content schedule, determining content presentation control information using the content schedule, and using the content presentation control information to control the presentation of content on one or more end user terminals. The content schedule, which identifies a plurality of content items intended for the end user terminal, includes at least one content characteristic associated with each of the content items. The content presentation control information is adapted for controlling presentation of the content items at the end user terminal in a manner tending to render the content characteristics transparent to the end user.

Abstract: A broadcast channel information sharing method in an electronic device and the electronic device thereof are provided. An operation method in an electronic device includes creating a request message of requesting to share broadcast channel information, the request message comprising one or more of user information, location information, and habit information, transmitting, by the electronic device, the request message to a network server, receiving, by the electronic device, a response message corresponding to the request message from the network server, and extracting, by the electronic device, broadcast channel information of another electronic device comprised in the response message and sharing the extracted broadcast channel information with the other electronic device.

Abstract: Power consumption levels of a network device can be adjusted based upon traffic flow at the device. A network device can recognize a situation where the traffic flow associated with a CPE device reaches a level that can be supported by a smaller channel set, and when this situation arises, the CPE device can request and receive an updated, smaller channel set. In response to receiving the smaller channel set, the CPE device can operate using fewer resources, thereby reducing power consumption at the CPE device. When traffic level at the CPE device warrants, the CPE device can request and receive a new or updated, larger channel set.

Abstract: Techniques of providing an interactive programming guide with a personalized lineup are disclosed. In some embodiments, a profile is accessed, and a personalized lineup is determined based on the profile. The personalized lineup may comprise a corresponding media content identification assigned to each one of a plurality of sequential time slots, where each media content identification identifies media content for the corresponding time slot. A first interactive programming guide may be caused to be displayed on a first media content device associated with the profile, where the first interactive programming guide comprises the personalized lineup.

Abstract: A method and system for processing listing data includes a listing system having a listing database associated therewith, an external data source communicating station data, external schedule data and external program data to a listing system and an internal source communicating internal program data to the listing system. The listing system stores the station data, external schedule data and external program data and the internal program data in the database. The listing system communicates the listing data to other systems using the listing data such as a program guide system.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a user interface for television control functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for providing a content management list which enables integrated management for the use of various contents and an apparatus for performing the same. The method for providing the content management list in a content management list provision apparatus which can be connected to a plurality of contents through a network includes the steps of: displaying the content management list including electronic program guide information of a broadcasting program; and displaying information of reserved playback contents corresponding to the reservation time of a time axis which is additionally displayed in the content management list according to an event signal for indicating a content playback reservation. Accordingly, the method enables a user to easily determine the reserved states of all available contents, and enables the user to efficiently make plans to use the various contents therethrough.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a decoder or transcoder of a video conference network receives the first video stream and an indication of the ratio of the spatial-to-temporal resolution of the tuning of the encoding. The behavior of the decoder or transcoder is set based on the indication of the ratio. The behavior is for use of the first video stream.

Abstract: Various arrangements for providing remote access to locally-recorded television programming is presented. In some embodiments, a DVR is presented that it is configured to receive input indicating a timer for recording a television channel during a time period. The DVR may record television programming on the television channel during the time period indicated by the timer. The television receiver may further receive input indicating the television programming is to be stored remotely. The DVR may transmit the television programming to a media distribution management system via a second network. The DVR may transmit an indication of a user account to the media distribution management system via the second network.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to data storage devices employing file-aware drivers. In one example, a device may comprise a driver configured to retrieve file system information related to an input/output (I/O) command, select priority attributes identifying whether the I/O command originated from a user-level application based on the file system information, and prioritize execution of the I/O command based on the priority attributes. Another embodiment may be a method comprising inspecting characteristics of a data input/output (I/O) request, choosing priority attributes for the I/O request based on the characteristics and a program initiating the I/O request, and executing operations in an order based on the priority attributes.

Abstract: A method of sharing usage data of multimedia content is provided. The method comprises providing a set of media channels, providing access, to one or more pre-selected remote users, to usage data regarding consumption of the multimedia content, and selectively restricting access of at least a portion of the usage data to at least a portion of the remote users.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods present a graphics based electronic programming guide (EPG) that organizes available content in radial fashion on a display. Which content appears on a screen shot of the EPG may be determined using rating data, user preferences or collaborative filtering. Through collaborative filtering, disclosed embodiments may predict which programs a user may like according to group member ratings. Some disclosed EPGs include a mosaic with graphical indications of an overall rating and graphical indications of which of a plurality of characteristics (e.g., genres) apply to multimedia programs.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television system having a controller to create a template defining a format of presentation of an webpage or HTML page using an iTV or IPTV application system, receive a request for the page from a subscriber of the iTV or IPTV system. The system can access application system subscriber data for the subscriber and a presentation of the page is dynamically adapted according to the application system subscriber data. In one alternative at, the page can be dynamically adapted by changing in content or by changing a look and feel of an HTML page or webpage. In another alternative, the webpage or HTML page can be dynamically adapted by modifying graphic user interface elements based on the application system subscriber data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing enhanced entertainment data. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for providing enhanced entertainment data includes receiving a request for additional information related to a selected show and displaying the additional information, which includes a list of selectable merchandise associated with the selected show, in response to the request. In one embodiment, the method presents information related to a selected merchandise and an option for a user to purchase the selected merchandise. The method may further include retrieving a billing address associated with a subscriber account associated with the user in response to receiving a purchase request for the selected merchandise and placing an order for the selected merchandise using the billing address. The method may also include billing the order as part of a monthly service charge to the user.

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: The present invention is a method, system, and computer-readable medium for acquiring a channel map in a cable receiver. The channel map associates physical analog and digital channels in an RF spectrum to channel identification data, where the channel identification data includes physical RF channel numbers, modulation type, virtual channels, and channel names. The method obtains a list of available channels from an electronic program guide service provider, and initializes the channel map based on the list of available channels. The method performs a channel scan to detect clear channels, and collect identification information for each detected clear channel. Based on the identification information, the method updates the channel map for each detected channel. The method receives changes to the channel map from a user of the cable receiver device, updates the channel map based on the changes to the channel map from the user, and uploads the channel map to the electronic program guide service provider.

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 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: Methods and apparatus for providing access to program channels, e.g., high definition programs and program channels which corresponding to a standard definition program and/or program channels are described. In accordance with the invention, a high definition auto tune function is supported. When enabled, in one exemplary embodiment, if a user selects a standard program definition channel, a check is automatically made to determine if a corresponding high definition program channel is available. The corresponding high definition program channel is a channel which provides the same program as on the selected standard definition channel but in high definition. When the auto tune function is enabled and a corresponding high definition channel is available, the device, e.g., set to box or tuner implementing the auto tune feature of the present invention, automatically tunes to the high definition channel instead of the standard definition channel.

Abstract: A first location of a user in a customer premises may be determined. A display is provided of a user interface that includes an adjustable element. A determination is made that the user has moved to a second location in the customer premises. The display of the user interface is adjusted such that the adjustable element is adjusted.

Abstract: A system and process is provided in which original video or dialog content is securely received from the content owner. Subtitle language data is derived, translated, stored and served on a separate database for synchronous playback with the content in video streaming, downloading or online TV following the activation of an option by the end user through a media player.

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: Provided is an operating method of a TV. The method includes: receiving a multi screen enter command according to a user input; transmitting a multi screen request signal to a server in response to the multi screen enter command; receiving a multi screen response signal corresponding to the multi screen request signal transmitted through a first channel from the server; entering a multi screen mode according to multi screen information included in the multi screen response signal; and storing the multi screen information.

Abstract: In an instant messaging system, message latency is reduced by initiating traffic channel set-up at a receiving device concurrently while a sending device is generating the instant message. When a user begins generating an instant message, the sending device transmits a service request to a payload and connection server to indicate that an instant message is pending. Upon receipt of the service request, the payload and connection server notifies the receiving device so that the receiving device can initiate traffic channel set-up concurrently while the instant message is being recorded. When the traffic channel is established, the receiving device polls the server. If the instant message is not yet received by the payload and connection server when the polling request is received, the payload and connection server waits a predetermined period of time to receive the pending instant message and forwards the instant message when it is received.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for personalized categorization of television content are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A subset of bookmarks is selected from a set of bookmarks saved in a browser application. The subset of bookmarks is analyzed according to a specification for constructing a categorization rule, to find information of a type corresponding to the bookmark. The categorization rule is constructed, to personalize a categorization of TV content according to a custom-categorization, by using the information as a component in the categorization rule according to the specification. The specification specifies the type, which is a type of information that can participate in the categorization rule. The rule is sent to a TV content provider system, wherein the sending causes the TV content to be organized and presented according to the custom-categorization.

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: A display screen changeover apparatus changes a screen display when displaying HTML contents on a display screen of a television receiver. A contents analysis part analyzes display setting information with respect to the television receiver based on address information given to the HTML contents. A display setting part sets a display of the HTML contents with respect to the display screen based on a result of analysis obtained by the contents analysis part.

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: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). The user can set a reminder message for a television program that is transmitted prior to the transmission time of the program. If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.

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 display device and method of displaying content on the display device are provided. The display device includes: a communicator configured to transmit information related to content displayed on a display to a server device and receive information on a highest rating content from the server device; and a controller configured to display a user interface (UI) object, which enables a user to change the content to the highest rating content on the display, in response to determining that the content is not the highest rating content.

Abstract: Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program.

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.