Abstract: A control device such as a tablet computer presents a scrollable image-based program guide (IBPG) on a display that a user can swipe to cause the device to command a display device to present an audio video (AV) program represented by the image. The IBPG is a subset of an electronic program guide (EPG) from a TV signal provider. Social networking information (SNI) related to a video program is presented on or adjacent an image in the IBPG representing the program.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem including an output driver configured to provide at least a component of a media content instance to a display for presentation to a user, and a receiver configured to receive an input command initiated by the user during the presentation of the component of the media content instance. The media content processing subsystem is further configured to select a control pane from a group of control panes based on the input command, each of the control panes including a different set of control tools, and provide, in response to the input command, the control pane to the display for concurrent presentation of both the component of the media content instance and the control pane to the user.

Abstract: A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.

Abstract: A user computing device, such as mobile device, is provided with an electronic program guide (EPG). The EPG lists video content that is available or being broadcast on one or more websites. The video content may be considered to be premium content or user content. Premium content may be video content that is available from the website of a commercial broadcaster. Premium content may be generated by the commercial broadcaster. User content may be video content that has been generated and provided to websites for viewing and sharing by users such as members of the websites. An EPG may display listings of both user content and premium content.

Abstract: A hierarchical indexing system, which includes a plurality of indexing servers and a search agent. The plurality of indexing servers are configured to index electronic programming guide data. The search agent is in communication with the plurality of indexing servers. The search agent is configured to receive a request to display multimedia programs associated with multimedia programs frequently being accessed by a device, to search the indexed electronic programming guide data for multimedia programs associated with the frequently accessed multimedia programs, and to output a favorites list of multimedia programs based on the indexed electronic programming guide data and the frequently accessed multimedia programs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting receiver for a magic remote control and a method of controlling the receiver. The digital broadcasting receiver for the magic remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a receiving unit receiving a control signal, wherein the control signal includes a first signal representing that a button of the magic remote control is pressed, a second signal representing the drag state of the magic remote control while the button of the magic remote control is pressed, and a third signal representing that the button of the magic remote control is released; a display unit; a processor; and a platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and processing context sensitive media objects are disclosed. One method is directed to processing a context sensitive media object in a target context. The method includes receiving an object with one or more object rules embedded within the object such that the one or more object rules are propagated with the object. Further, a determination of whether the object is context sensitive is made. If the object is context sensitive, the method prioritizes between the one or more object rules and one or more context rules related to a target context. In addition, a determination of which method or methods should be executed to process the object in the target context is made based on the prioritization.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a video stream, wherein the video stream is divided into video segments, and wherein the video stream is being sent to a customer device and receiving a request to insert a message into the video stream. The method may further include determining a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream; inserting the message into video stream after the particular video segment; and sending the video stream to the customer device, wherein the video stream includes the inserted message.

Abstract: A system, method and various user interfaces enable visually browsing multiple groups of video recommendations. A group of video recommendations includes a central video and a set of related videos displayed at its corresponding display distance from the central video and from each other. The corresponding display distance of a video is calculated as a function of the video's recommendation score and correlation with other videos of the group. The recommendation score is generated based on a weighted covisitation measure. Visually presenting recommended videos to a user provides a quick and intuitive way to find videos of interest and visualize the browsing of the recommended videos.

Abstract: A method for customizing metadata in a content delivery network, said method comprising: (a) storing customized metadata for a program, said customized metadata being inputted by a user; (b) modifying default metadata with said customized metadata and providing said modified metadata to said EPG; and (c) displaying program information based on said modified metadata.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing viewing environment preferences using an interactive media guidance application are provided. A media content may be accessed using an interactive media guidance application. A viewing environment preference may be configured and stored that defines attributes of components in the viewing environment. Media content can be associated to a viewing environment preference based on media guidance data. When a media content is accessed, a determination is made whether the accessed media content is associated to a previously stored viewing environment preference. If the accessed media content is associated to a previously stored viewing environment preference, data may be transmitted to a component external to a user equipment device to modify an attribute of the external component based on the previously stored viewing environment preference.

Abstract: An approach is provided for selecting personalized content presented via a set-top box. Viewing data related to content experienced by a user is retrieved. Broadcast content is selected based on the viewing data from a plurality of programs that are designated to broadcast to a plurality of set-top boxes. A personalized programming channel is presented for the user using the selected broadcast content over a particular one of the set-top boxes associated with the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to display a customized video sequence during a channel change interval. The method includes displaying a first channel; receiving a channel change request from a user requesting a second channel for display; displaying a video sequence during the channel change interval; and displaying a second channel; characterized in that the displaying of the video sequence during the channel change interval further comprises displaying a black screen with no audio and no video for a short duration; playing out a first portion of a customized video sequence relevant to the second channel entirely; and playing out a second portion of the customized video sequence relevant to the second channel until the second channel is ready to be displayed.

Abstract: An interactive mosaic channel video stream with indicators as to the action on a given video stream.

Abstract: The system for providing targeting augmented contents includes: an augmented metadata generation apparatus that generates augmented metadata designating specific space and time of broadcast contents as an augmented area; a broadcast content providing apparatus that transmits the augmented metadata to a first broadcast terminal apparatus and transmits the augmented metadata and the broadcast contents to a second broadcast terminal apparatus; a first broadcast terminal apparatus that transmits augmented contents displayed in the augmented area in which the augmented metadata are designated to the augmented content providing apparatus; an augmented content providing apparatus that transmits the augmented contents to a second broadcast terminal apparatus; and a second broadcast terminal apparatus that receives the broadcast contents and the augmented metadata from the broadcast content providing apparatus and receives the augmented contents from the augmented content providing apparatus based on the augmented met

Abstract: In an embodiment, a plurality of respective context keywords are stored to a plurality of contexts, wherein each of the plurality of respective context keywords is different. In response to sending of a first plurality of instant messages from an electronic device, a first context is selected at the electronic device from among the plurality of contexts. A first context keyword of the plurality of respective context keywords that matches respective first terms in the first plurality of instant messages is stored in the first context. The first plurality of instant messages are stored to a first chat session in the first context that was selected by the selecting. The first context that comprises the first plurality of instant messages and the first context keyword is sent to a recipient device.

Abstract: A server 10 generates a program guide from a content database 20. The data base contains content descriptions including an identification of the content and the recommender of that content, which may be obtained from messages 12. A dynamic resource server 22 obtains dynamic information relating to at least one user including details of which devices, if any, are presently being used by the user as well as properties of devices associated with the user. A program guide generator 24 produces a program guide from the content descriptions and from the dynamic information, and outputs the program guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

Abstract: A representative image display system for selecting and displaying representative images so that a user can easily grasp contents of videos displayed in a list is provided. A video selector selects a video satisfying an input search condition. A representative image combination extractor extracts an image representing the selected video. An evaluation value calculator calculates an evaluation value of the extracted image. A representative image combination selector selects a combination of images to be displayed as representative images based on the calculated evaluation value. An output device displays the selected combination of images as the representative images.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service user interface system 1) providing a media service graphical user interface (“GUI”) for display, 2) detecting user input to launch a user interface customization mode, 3) launching the user interface customization mode, 4) receiving user input defining a customization of the GUI, 5) implementing the customization, and 6) exiting the user interface customization mode. In certain examples, the GUI may include a main menu bar that includes a set of menu objects representing a set of feature modules of the media service and a menu bar management object, the customization mode may be launched in response to a user selection of the menu bar management object included in the main menu bar, and the customization may be of the main menu bar. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to generation of dynamic content interfaces based on device capabilities and user entitlements. Multiple devices associated with a user account may each request a content interface. Generation of the content interfaces may be based on capability information of the devices and a tier entitlement associated with the user account. A service included in both the content interfaces may be assigned a same virtual channel in each of the content interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer readable medium, and system are provided for associating content with a conference. A viewer of content may elect to partake in a conference and may select one or more options associated with the conference. The viewer may be authenticated and billed based on the viewer's participation in the conference. The viewer may be assigned to a conference group based on a location of the viewer and/or the viewer's selections of conference options. A lookup may be performed to determine conference parameters, comprising one or more of a terminal identifier associated with the viewer, a conference code identifier and a participant code. A conference setup message may be transmitted to one or more of a switch and a customer premise equipment device (CPE) based on the conference parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to add desired multimedia program listings to a user collection. The user collection may be saved at an MCDN server for subsequent retrieval. Multimedia programs corresponding to the listings may be stored in a user collection cache. The user may easily select the listings in a user collection for presentation at an MCDN client. The multimedia programs may be provided from a plurality of content sources, including external content providers and the Internet.

Abstract: A method of providing recommendations related to a service is disclosed and includes receiving data from a device associated with a service subscriber, the data identifying an individual. The method also includes creating a personalization profile associated with the service subscriber. The personalization profile is populated with information included in a profile of the identified individual. The method further includes providing at least one recommendation based on the personalization profile of the service subscriber.

Abstract: A method for providing recommendation icons associated with a television program on an electronic program guide is disclosed. A selection is received of a television program listed in the electronic programming guide. A recommendation graphical user interface associated with the selected television program is provided. A selection is received of a recommendation soft button displayed on the recommendation graphical user interface. The electronic programming guide is displayed with the recommendation icons. A selection is received of one of the recommendation icons in the electronic programming guide. Information associated with the selected one of the recommendation icons is displayed.

Abstract: In a method of displaying video data using an embedded media player page, frame dimensional data for a first video file is received from a database. The database includes frame dimensional data indexed therein for a plurality of video files. The plurality of video files includes the first video file, and the plurality of video files is retrievable from at least one video server through a communications network. A media player is launched within the embedded media player page. A video display area of the media player is sized based upon the received frame dimensional data. The video data from the first video file is displayed within the video display area.

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 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: An audio/video (A/V) system includes an audio/video (A/V) component configured to generate audio or video data. The A/V system includes one or more processing devices configured to implement an audio or video processing engine to process the audio or video data to generate one or more different domain representations of the audio or video data. The A/V system includes one or more audio or video processing applications that are each configured to access one or more of the different domain representations of the audio or video data, and to perform audio or video processing on the one or more accessed domain representations of the audio or video data. Each of the one or more processing applications access and process the domain representations independently of each other.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable media for overcoming the inherent limitations on the number of possible channels in a channel map. An enhanced channel launch application is used for adding channels to a channel map. A network couples a headend to a conditional access device. The headend includes a profile services server and the conditional access device includes a channel addition interface. The channel addition interface is used by a user to add a channel to a channel map associated with the conditional access device, the channel addition interface adding the channel to the channel map when the channel addition interface receives user input to create the channel, the created channel being added to a channel map to create an modified channel map individualized for the user.

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 transferring user information between different terminals are disclosed. The method includes saving by a first terminal, when a change is made to user information during playback of content, the changed user information in a scene history, performing a terminal change from the first terminal to a second terminal, and resuming, by the second terminal, playback of the content from a continued scene after the last scene played back by the first terminal. Consequently, in a terminal change, the user may use the second terminal to play back the same content from the continued scene using the same content usage environment as the first terminal.

Abstract: The invention enables and/or facilitates the display of personalized content to content observers by content providers (e.g., advertisers) who disseminate content over a network. In particular, the invention can be used to enable the display of targeted content to television viewers and/or targeted product placements within a television program. The invention can advantageously enable identification of the content observer(s) observing a content display device at a particular time and/or identification of the content display site, and selection of targeted content for display based on a determination of content appropriate for display to those content observer(s) in accordance with a criterion based on the identity and/or a characteristic of the content observer(s) and/or the content display site.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a displayable application providing content (e.g., community content) that is generated based on information corresponding to a user of the set-top box. The displayable application is overlay on video content of the set-top box.

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: A network of devices with remote control includes a network interconnecting two or more networked devices and a wireless remote control unit for communicating with one or more of the networked devices. The remote control unit stores an interface for one or more of the networked devices so that the networked devices can be controlled with the remote control unit.

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: A method and apparatus for providing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information in a digital broadcast receiver, in which upon receipt of a request for EPG information from a viewer in a situation where specific broadcast content is being broadcasted, at least one pop-up window is sequentially activated in a partial region of a full screen, and at least one of the specific broadcast content and EPG information about broadcast content selected by the viewer is displayed on each of the activated at least one pop-up window.

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 video processing apparatus includes: a communication unit which receives a video content and property information of the video content from an external supply source; a video processor which processes the video content; and a controller which controls the video processor to adjust a property of the video content based on the property information of the video content received through the communication unit.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to present a graphic user interface (GUI) for customizing an electronic programming guide (EPG), the GUI including a plurality of scrollable media channels, each media channel accompanied by an image, a description of the media channel, an option to select the media channel for inclusion in the EPG, a first button to customize the EPG according to one or more media channels selected, and a second button to request additional information about a media channel highlighted in the GUI. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus, in which program guide information is provided as first information which designates predetermined information and second information to be referred to by the first information. Layout information is provided from within the electronic program guide information, relating to the layout when the electronic program guide information is displayed on a screen.

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: 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: 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: A widget running on user equipment selectively obscures portions of media content according to user and/or service provider defined criteria. Information regarding potentially objectionable content in media content may be stored in databases. Based on the information regarding potentially objectionable content and the defined criteria, the database may provide censor instructions. The instructions may be executed by the widget to obscure the potentially objectionable content in media content that is accessed by the user equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide satellite-based media processing are described. In one embodiment, a system that exchanges media may include, for example, a communications device that may be coupled to a network and to an antenna. The communications device may provide two-way communications with the network and may provide one-way communications with the antenna. The communications may receive media content from the antenna and/or the network. The communications device may send the media content to the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a customizable channel guide, and more specifically, a personalized channel guide for a user, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, indications of types of content for which the user has an interest are received. Information about content that is available for viewing is accessed. Personalized channels for the user are generated based on the received indications of the types of content for which the user has an interest and based on the information about content that is available for viewing. Each separate personalized channel provides the user with access to a separate type of content for which the user has an interest. A listing of at least some of the personalized channels is displayed to thereby enable the user to select one of the personalized channels.

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: 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.