Abstract: A user interface for a network media channel allows subscribers to share media files according to ad-hoc specification via kernels. The user interface may be accessed via a device and it may be utilized to create and/or modify media files and/or kernels and to transmit them to one or more networks including one or more servers that stores the media files according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to receive one or more media files and to display them according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to navigate thru the media files by clicking (activating) the media files.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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 method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising at least one processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds available from a service provider network, a plurality of display selections from a plurality of available displays, and a plurality of pairing selections assigning each feed selection of the plurality of feed selections to at least one display selection of the plurality of display selections, transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration, modifying the content display configuration according to a request, and transmitting the plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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 processing resource detects that a subscriber entity subscribes to at least a first content service provider and a second content service provider. The processing resource receives a first message indicating content available to the subscriber entity for selective retrieval from the first content service provider. The processing resource receives a second message indicating content available to the subscriber entity for selective retrieval from the second content service provider. Based on at least the first message and the second message, the processing resource produces a content guide to include at least first content available to the subscriber entity for retrieval from the first service provider and second content available to the subscriber entity for retrieval from the second service provider. Via display of the content guide, a respective subscriber is able to view content available from multiple service providers.

Abstract: Video content from different media sources can be configured to be rendered via a personalized channel. The video content and media sources can be rendered to one or more mobile devices at different times with different content and/or at the same time based on user profile data. Video content from the media sources can be streamed via the personalized channel and selected from various media sources that comprise a web data feed to communicate video content from the web data feed via a personalized video channel. The video content is analyzed to determine topics that are discussed and user profile data is generated with user preferences. The video content is communicated via the personalized video channel based on the topics and the user profile data.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: A processing resource detects that a subscriber entity subscribes to at least a first content service provider and a second content service provider. The processing resource receives a first message indicating content available to the subscriber entity for selective retrieval from the first content service provider. The processing resource receives a second message indicating content available to the subscriber entity for selective retrieval from the second content service provider. Based on at least the first message and the second message, the processing resource produces a content guide to include at least first content available to the subscriber entity for retrieval from the first service provider and second content available to the subscriber entity for retrieval from the second service provider. Via display of the content guide, a respective subscriber is able to view content available from multiple service providers.

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: The television (1) includes: an infrared radiation receiver (119) which receives from a user an instruction to select a program cell; and a CPU (118) which generates a user interface screen of an electronic program table to be displayed on an LCD (110). The CPU (118) generates the user interface screen of the electronic program table such that a time zone item column located in a left direction of a selected program cell and a time zone item column located in a right direction of the selected program cell are indicated with deep blue, and other time zone item columns are indicated with light blue.

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: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an acquiring module, a first output module, a second output module and a third output module. The acquiring module is configured to acquire program information via a computer network upon receipt of an instruction to acquire program information. The first outputting module is configured to create a program guide using program information acquired via a computer network. The second outputting module is configured to receive a broadcast of a program designated in the program guide. The third outputting module is configured to acquire program information of the designated program from the received broadcast of the designated program.

Abstract: The method of providing information about service providers according to the present invention for achieving the technical goals includes setting regional information of the electronic device based on regional information received through a user interface unit or location information obtained by a location information module, transmitting the set regional information to a server, receiving information about a service provider related to the transmitted regional information from the server, and displaying the received information about the service provider.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device a first satellite program of a number of satellite programs. A first request is received from a cell phone for content associated with the number of satellite programs. A second request is transmitted over a broadband Ethernet connection to a media system that is separate from equipment of the satellite service provider, to cause the media system to submit a fee to the multimedia satellite provider related to the content information. Content information is received over the Ethernet connection without interrupting the presenting of the first satellite program. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

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 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: 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: 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: Mechanisms are provided for allowing a user to dynamically manage rich media content in an efficient and effective manner. Tiles including media content, personalized video selections, content pack upgrades, and promotions for featured content are presented to a user. Each tile may include calls to view, purchase, discuss, rate, review, or read about associated content. Tiles may be presented as still images, logos, text, or live video. Multiple tiles may be manipulated using keyboard, mouse, touchpad, and/or touchscreen movements, motions, and gestures. In particular examples, an overlay provided on top of a tile mechanism provides a user with additional navigation and management options.

Abstract: A method for providing Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) and streaming services in a portable terminal includes receiving Electronic Service Guide (ESG) data of DVB-H and displaying a DVB-H channel, confirming whether a field associated with a streaming channel is present in a reserved field of the received ESG data, and if the associated field is present in the ESG data, displaying a steaming channel corresponding to the associated field together with the DVB-H channel.

Abstract: A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing correlated programming information for broadcast media content and streaming media content. In one implementation, a processing device receives first programming information, the first programming information including scheduling information for media content originating at a first source. The processing device generates, based on media content originating at a second source, second programming information, the second programming information including scheduling information for the media content originating at the second source. The processing device correlates the second programming information with the first programming information. The processing device provides, at an interface, (a) the first programming information and (b) the second programming information as correlated with the first programming information.

Abstract: An integrated content delivery interface enables a user to access content from a multi-channel service provider (such as a cable television service) and over-the-top sources. The system displays a set of cable channels and over-the-top channels based on a combination of the user's subscription status for the various services, personalization criteria, and device type. The system may provide the user with a playlist of available videos for each channel. For videos from over-the-top sources, when a user selects the video for on-demand play the user's device will directly access the video as served by the over-the-top source. Before including any video in the playlist, the system will ensure that the video is available to the user based on subscription status and/or device type, and it will ensure that the over-the-top source serves the video in a format that is compatible with the user's device.

Abstract: Full motion live video can be provided in tactical and other environments utilizing various apparatuses and methods. An apparatus can include live source video inputs configured to receive live source video streams, video outputs configured to provide live output video streams configured according to a channel template design; and a processor configured to control multiplexing of the live source video streams to provide master control of the live source video inputs and video outputs. Another apparatus can include an input configured to receive video streams from the prior apparatus, a processor configured to fuse the video streams, and a user interface configured to present the video streams to the user in multiple independent frames, wherein the multiple independent frames include a relatively larger live video of interest and relatively smaller live thumbnail videos.

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.

Abstract: A multifunctional display device displays a first area containing a program received through a channel, a second area containing card objects, and a third area containing additional information of a downloadable applications selected in association with one of the card objects.

Abstract: An Intelligent TV can organize content into silos. a silo is a logical representation of a content source for the Intelligent television. Silo can include content applications (e.g., Live TV, VOD, media center, application center, etc.) and/or input sources. The Intelligent TV can receive a designation for a silo through the reception of signals from a remote control or a user interface. Based on the designation, the Intelligent TV can determine the silo desired by the user. Then, the Intelligent TV can transition to the desired silo and provide content from the silo.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first receiver, a second receiver, an extractor and a display module. The first receiver is configured to receive first program information for a plurality of programs from a first external apparatus connected via a network. The second receiver is configured to receive a channel identifier of a first program from a second external apparatus. The extraction module is configured to extract, from the first program information, second program information for a single program associated with a channel indicated by the channel identifier, and a time point. The display module is configured to display information that is based on the second program information.

Abstract: A system and method includes a user device and a content processing system receiving content from a content provider, assigning a material identification to the content, receiving content information different than the content, associating the content information and the content and communicating the content information and material identification to the user device. The user device forms a menu from the content information and associated material identification, generates a menu selection from the menu, and communicates the material identification associated with the menu selection to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the menu selection to the user device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel setting processing including the steps of: generating a channel map data including physical channel information about a physical channel available to receive a broadcast signal, the physical channel information being at least a main channel number of a virtual channel, a sub channel number of the virtual channel, a broadcast station name, and a predetermined program information indicating program contents; judging whether or not there exist plural physical channels on standby for reception and capable of sharing the same program there between, based on at least two kinds of information among the physical channel information, recorded on a channel to channel basis on the channel map data; and, based on the judgment that there exit plural physical channels sharing the same program, disenabling other physical channels except one physical channel thereamong to be selected despite the instruction of physical channel selection through external manipulation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering content according to a customized program lineup are provided. A content source transmits a plurality of media assets in a first schedule according to scheduled transmission times. A processing device may receive a user input to receive the media assets in a second schedule different from the first schedule. When a request to access the content source is received, the processing device may automatically determine, based on the second schedule, whether the user has requested a different media asset than the originally-scheduled asset at the time of the request. If the user has requested a different media asset, the processing device may automatically receive and provide the different media asset instead of the originally-scheduled asset.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method of presenting alternative audio content for an audio/visual content segment, such as a television program or a motion picture. In the method, the audio/visual content segment is received into a media content receiver. The audio/visual content segment includes primary visual content and primary audio content. A request to receive alternative audio content for the audio/visual content segment is transmitted. After transmitting the request, the alternative audio content is received into the media content receiver. The primary audio content is replaced with the alternative audio content to generate a revised audio/visual content segment. The revised audio/visual content is transferred for presentation to a user.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing television channel lists is disclosed. Pixel resolutions characteristics of a plurality of televisions channels are analyzed. One or more high definition television (HDTV) channels having HD pixel resolutions from the plurality of available television channels are selected. The one or more selected HDTV channels are stored in a HD channel list.

Abstract: A content manager receives a request to display a content guide of available content. In response to receiving the request, the content manager initiates display of the content guide on a display screen. In the displayed content guide, the content manager initiates display of multiple selectable content viewing options. A first selectable channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options can be configured to correspond to a television channel from which to view content originating from a content sponsor. A second channel viewing option of the multiple content viewing options can be configured to correspond to an auxiliary channel with respect to the television channel from which to access available over-the-top content associated with the content originating from the content sponsor. Accordingly, a user can be easily notified of the availability of content on a television channel and over-the-top content associated with the television channel.

Abstract: The present technology concerns cell phones and similar devices, and their use in conjunction with media content (electronic and physical) and other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology particularly concern “second screen” applications that sense a television program being watched by a user, and present menus of complementary content on the phone touchscreen from which the user can select. This complementary content can include other video content, associated web pages, opportunities to buy merchandise related to the program, etc. This complementary content can be identified by a provider of the television program, or can be identified otherwise (e.g., by crowd-sourcing). In some embodiments, the phone instructs a remote DVR to record content of interest for later viewing. The technology also provides features for making TV watching a social experience—involving remote friends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: A DVR, server, or other agent correlates media metadata from diverse sources, like an EPG data provider and multiple video-on-demand (VOD) service providers. Metadata sets from different sources are compared in order to attempt to identify identical programs to which the metadata sets pertain. From at least one metadata set, information about the program that the other metadata set lacks is selected. A “canonical” data structure instance for the program is created. The information that is lacking from at least one of the metadata sources is inserted into that instance. For each source from which a program is available, the DVR stores the identity of that source on the DVR's persistent storage device in association with the canonical data structure instance for that program. The DVR receives search criteria from a user and then searches the stored canonical data structure instance for programs that satisfy the criteria.

Abstract: Storing information associated with content may be provided. First, information associated with available content may be presented to a user via a user device. Next, a user selection for an item of content may be received. In a dedicated memory location for the user, identifying information for the selected item of content may then be stored.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and distributing overlay streams in real time over an overlay stream distribution channel that overlays events of a video stream distributed in a separate video channel. Overlay streams are distributed to subscriber recipient components via a unicast channel in order to enhance user viewing. A publisher subscriber component and caching techniques a low latency, high availability unicasting based real time overlay distribution system for a large numbers of concurrent overlay recipients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing guidance for Internet-delivered media. In some embodiments, information on available media on the Internet is gathered. The information is associated with existing media guidance data. The associations enable a media guidance application to identify relevant online media and to display listings in a user-friendly way. A user interface for an online media guidance application is also provided. The user interface allows a user to narrow down the large amount of Internet-delivered media in a systematic way according to criteria that interests a user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs for implementing radio frequency (RF) and Internet Protocol (IP) virtual channel maps (VCM) in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver (DVR) are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for managing virtual channel information in an integrated RF/IP digital video receiver. One such method comprises: receiving a data set associated with at least one IP transport stream; determining at least one virtual channel number (VCN) and at least one corresponding delivery parameter associated with the IP transport stream; and associating the VCN with the delivery parameter in a virtual channel map (VCM).

Abstract: A streaming video server includes a virtual file system that receives a request for a selected one of the plurality of video programs from a client device. The selected one of the plurality of video program is retrieved from the at least one video source in response to the request. A plurality of encoded segments are generated from the selected one of the plurality of video programs, based on at least one encoding parameter that is adjusted in response to context data relating to the streaming session for the selected one of the plurality of video programs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication device comprising switching means in a packet switched networks, preferably in professional video production and broadcast environments. The present invention more particularly concerns a communication device in a packet-switched communication network, comprising means for: receiving streams provided by various sources; transmitting one or several streams selected from the set of incoming ones; comprising means for switching from a given set of incoming streams to a different set of outgoing streams, said switching being based on time based information and information concerning the structure of the manipulated streams. The present invention also concerns a method of switching in a packet-switched communication network comprising a plurality of sources of data, a communication device and at least one destination device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a search interface for an electronic device including a tuner configured to tune the electronic device to receive scheduled programming content. A search query is received and one or more data sources including information about media content are searched based, at least in part, on the search query. The results of the search are presented on a user interface using a time-based axis and a time-independent axis.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (“EPG”) coordinates the display of availability metadata representing the availability of listed multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The EPG presents multimedia programs available from a primary content source. A system identifies alternative content sources for one or more multimedia programs listed in the EPG, estimates availability parameters from these alternative content sources, and supplements the EPG with availability metadata that represent the determined availability parameters of the versions of the multimedia programs from one or more alternative content sources. The system estimates missing availability parameters based on application of one or more availability rule sets, which can reflect, for example, a contractual agreement or arrangement, a data analysis performed on historical availability data for the multimedia program or the content provider, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosure is generally directed to a television receiver with multiple inputs, some accepting a local broadcast and some accepting satellite transmissions or transmissions across another network. The television receiver may pass local transmissions through to a display in their original form and at their original frequency, while retuning the display to receive the transmission at its original frequency. The television receiver may also receive, process and provide satellite or other types of programming to the television as necessary. The output of the receiver's modulator may switch back and forth as a user changes between local broadcast and satellite channels. Further, an EPG may be provided that includes information for both programming sources in an integrated fashion.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.