Abstract: A system and method for use in a cable network to acquire electronic programming guide (EPG) content signals from one or more EPG vendors. The system includes a set-top box (STB) for receiving cable signals and EPG signals from a headend controller so that the STB can output the signals to a media output device for display. A conversion table is provided to each STB for use by the STB in determining source IDs associated with a given channel for each EPG vendor, the source IDs for use in acquiring the EPG content signals.

Abstract: A method of processing channel information of a transmitter/receiver, and a receiver are disclosed. The method of processing channel information in the receiver receives at least two of provider identification information, region identification information, content source identification information, content genre identification information, content data characteristic identification information, channel level identification information and content existing channel number identification information, forms multi-part channel information using the received identification information according to a preset channel information format, and connects to a content service server providing content service corresponding to the multi-part channel information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a content-view supporting system to recommend to a user a clear result of searched contents, based on a group of similar users' favorite programs, through a user-basis collaborative filtering process. The system selects similar users whose program view history is similar to that of a recommended user, maps the program view history in a collaborative filtering matrix registers, in the collaborative filtering matrix, a virtual user whose program view history includes a group of hit programs obtained based on a search condition served for realizing a predetermined search topic. The system also counts the numbers of reservations or views achieved by each user according to program content based on the program view history, in the collaborative filtering matrix, which counted numbers are set as matching numbers, and outputs a search result representing a recommendation list of the contents arrayed in the descending order of matching number.

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

Abstract: A method for consolidating and comparing recommendations in selecting TV content for viewing by compiling and displaying recommendation and rating values for the same TV content from Sony and a number of other recommendation and ratings providers. Presenting all recommendation values on a single visual display and providing the preferred Sony recommendation in the most prominent display position and font, and allowing the viewer to select the Sony recommendation value to select that content for viewing.

Abstract: A method of providing one-way video transmission and corresponding interactive two-audio communication to remote recipients via a world wide computer network comprising the steps of creating a source digital video signal, broadcast transmitting the source digital video signal via an internet connection, transmitting a corresponding source digital audio signal a VoIP protocol, and transmitting a recipient audio signal to the source location via an Internet connection.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: A home entertainment system includes a home media center for providing media content to a plurality of remotely located televisions within a home. The home media center includes a user interface module to generate graphical commands usable by a separate media center extension to render a focused navigation user interface on one of the plurality of televisions.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a local content aggregated system includes a switch module receiving external channel signals, user receiving devices and a local headend generating a local channel signal. The local headend communicates the local channel signal to the switch module and communicates local channel program guide data to the user receiving devices. The user receiving devices receive external program guide data corresponding to the external channels. The user receiving device selects either a first external channel signal from the external channel signals or the local channel signal at the program guide to form a selection signal corresponding to a selected channel at a first user receiving device of the user receiving devices. The user receiving device communicates the selection signal to the switch module, which is switched in response thereto. The switch module communicates the selected channel signal to the first user receiving device.

Abstract: An operating method of an image display apparatus includes displaying a screen on a display and displaying a thumbnail image screen in response to a command to display an input image list. The thumbnail-image list includes a plurality of groups of thumbnail images that respectively correspond to a plurality of input image signals on the display. Each thumbnail-image group includes one or more thumbnail images that represent different points of time in a corresponding input image signal.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided that supports newsgroup features. An interactive television application, such as an interactive television program guide, may be used to allow a user to view and post newsgroup messages to one or more newsgroup servers. The newsgroup servers may be located at a television distribution facility. The newsgroup servers may be Usenet servers accessed via the Internet. The user may use the newsgroup feature while watching television programming or while otherwise viewing other content provided by the interactive television application. Cross-referencing may be used to allow the user to access content related to a particular subject matter. Parental control features may be used to limit access to certain newsgroups. Newsgroup messages may contain links to other content made available through the interactive television application.

Abstract: A media storage and access system and methodology including a set-top box which receives and processes a plurality of signal sources and makes programming available locally through connected devices or via a data network such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. The system also integrates a multimedia storage system that allows programming content to be digitally stored. The system utilizes an integrated digital storage system and operating software to allow users to view a broadcast program (e.g., television, radio, etc.) with the option of instantly reviewing previous segments within the program. In addition, the system allows the user to store selected media programming while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another program. The system also allows stored media assets to be accessed locally via a media device connected to the unit or remotely via the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically recommends content. A preference operation history managing unit generates history information of an operation relating to a preference for a content according to a plurality of operations relating to a preference for the content and explanation information relating to the content and using preference value parameters for each kind of these operations. A preference information managing unit generates and renews preference information including preference values in which a given preference value is based on a combination of a given keyword and a preference value for that keyword. A content recommending unit calculates a preference degree for the content according to the preference information and the explanation information with respect to the content and recommends at least a portion of the content according to the preference degree.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the display of television recording information to. More particularly, television recording information is presented visually to a user in a recording information menu. The visual recording information menu includes a time axis, and recording timers associated with particular television programs are presented as visual representations along the time axis. In the case that multiple television receiving resources are available, a resource axis may separately present recording timers associated with each of the disparate television receiving resources.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating access to content using availability information. Content programs are determined based at least in part on a prior selection of one or more of the content programs from a content catalog by a user. Content availability data is obtained from multiple content providers. Availabilities of each content program are determined based at least in part on the content availability data. A user interface is generated that presents the respective availabilities of each of the content programs through the corresponding interfaces of some or all of the content providers.

Abstract: System actions such as presentation of information to a user via a remote control device are carried out in accordance with user preferences based on, e.g., observed user behavior over time. The preferences may be learned by observation of user actions and corresponding system state information, and the preferences may be verified by the user. Particular actions may then be repeated under the control of the system, when appropriate conditions are met. Repetition may be automatic, semi-automatic or user initiated. In an illustrative embodiment, information is presented to a user via a remote control device based at least in part on the determined preference. The information presented to the user via the remote control device may include, e.g.

Abstract: A method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.

Abstract: A method for processing event information from a plurality of different live TV feeds comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is provided for receiving a plurality of different live TV feed data streams. Each one of the live TV feed data streams include program content and event information corresponding to the program content. An operation is provided for extracting the event information from each one of the live TV feed data streams and an operation is provided for aggregating the event information from all of the live TV feed data streams.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a digital television receiver method for receiving non-real time (NRT) program content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time program content, NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT program content, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; an NRT metadata parser that produces NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; and where the NRT service metadata contains an indication whether or not a particular NRT service is to be offered on a subscription basis. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers.

Abstract: A video switcher (10) advantageously affords the capability of executing a video effect following recall that avoids visible artifacts upon transitioning from one effect to another. At the outset, the switcher identifies active elements within the video effect, the comprising those elements that undergo a change during execution of the video effect, as opposed to those that remain inert during effect execution. The switcher then dynamically calculates offset for application to an initial key frame value for the video effect to avoid any change in value to active elements upon initial effect recall. The offset value is applied to each subsequent interpolation of the video effect, thereby creating the desired result of applying only relative changes to the active elements of the video effect.

Abstract: Aggregating media content catalog data from a plurality of content providers. The catalog data is merged according to rules and provided to a user on a scheduled basis or on demand. In an embodiment, the merged catalog data represents an incremental update to previously delivered catalog data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating a media guidance application with multiple perspective views. A first of a plurality of media guidance objects may be displayed in a first perspective view that appears flat on the screen. A second media guidance object may be displayed in a second perspective view that appears to be going into the screen creating the appearance of a fold between the first and second media guidance application objects at a location where the first perspective view changes into the second perspective view. The second media guidance object in the second perspective view may be caused to slide through the fold into the first perspective view. The second media guidance object displayed in the first perspective view may be selected. An action may be performed for a media asset corresponding to the selected media guidance object.

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 that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor that includes a memory and a controller coupled with the memory. The controller can be operable to provide an electronic program guide for display on a video display device, where the electronic program guide includes a surveillance entry associated with a security system in communication with the controller. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial for new movie preview, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and the detail action information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys to navigate web.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving information associated with a user of media services, wherein the received information does not uniquely identify one media head end for he user, identifying a plurality of head ends responsive to the received information, and generating, for display on a client device associated with the user, information for displaying a program guide aggregating channels for the plurality of head ends.

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: An improved audiovisual device enables users to watch content delivered over a network with the same ease of operation as a television set. The device is configured to accept an input stream from an IP network connection. Audiovisual content is delivered to the device in a home environment which improves upon current delivery methods by providing the simplicity of broadcast/cable television viewing while delivering content over an IP network connection. Users are enabled to access and view video and other multimedia content in the audiovisual device by means of stored bookmarks. The audiovisual device may be configured to treat all incoming video streams as channels that are accessible to a user in a same manner as television channels. The device may be configured to display incoming signals either in a full screen format or in a format including a plurality of independent screen segments on the display.

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 system for providing interactive television program guide features and other features and information related to a specific user interest or programming category in niche hubs is provided. All of the television programming features provided by user television equipment that relate to a specific user interest or programming category may be accessed from the niche hub. For example, a movie lovers niche hub may provide programming features such as television program listings for movies, video-on-demand listings for movies, pay-per-view listings for movies, web site links related to movies, movie-related merchandise, movie news groups, movie chat groups, movie e-mail clubs, movie contests, movie trivia questions, movie actor interviews, movie reviews, movie channel package ordering, etc. The programming features of the niche hubs may be transmitted from a server, database, or other storage facility via a television distribution facility.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing information of contents possessed by audio/video (A/V) devices having network interface, which are connected with each other on a network, and efficiently controlling the execution of the contents are provided.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, streams associated with a playlist are received from a server. The playlist includes an ordering of streams that are queued for client-side playback from the server according to the ordering. Information associated with the receipt and playback of at least one of the streams is accessed. The client-side application requests to alter the streams of the playlist in response to the accessed information. The request identifies a desired playlist alteration and includes information that controls the playlist alteration. The streams of the playlist are displayed according to a playlist alteration made in response to the request.

Abstract: A mobile terminal having a digital broadcast reception function is provided. The mobile terminal includes a digital broadcast reception unit receiving one or more digital broadcasting service information having different broadcasting modes via different paths; a memory storing the digital broadcasting service information received via the digital broadcast reception unit and a metadata interface for mapping the digital broadcasting service information according to semantics; a control unit extracting the digital broadcasting service information from the memory using the metadata interface and generating a control signal for displaying the extracted result in a form that can be recognized by a user; and a display unit displaying the extracted result according to the control signal from the control unit.

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method of receiving digital television signals involves tuning a radio frequency tuner to receive a radio frequency modulated channel containing a transport stream; demodulating the channel to produce an output transport stream; the output transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, a FLUTE file description table (FDT), NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; demultiplexing the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content that is stored in an electronic storage medium, the FLUTE FDT, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; parsing the metadata to produces NRT service metadata; NRT content description text and NRT content metadata; and processing the NRT content description text derived from a Text Fragment Table (TFT). This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A server device configured to store settings information, the settings information indicating which type of operations are permitted by a user of a video client; receive a request to perform an operation associated with television content; perform a first operation to obtain program information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the first operation, the program information being a measure of popularity regarding the television content; perform the second operation to obtain performer information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the second operation, the performer information being a measure of popularity regarding the performer; perform the third operation to obtain review information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the third operation, the review information including reviews associated with the television content; and present, to the video client, the program information, the pe

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: A digital broadcast transmitter includes a first de-multiplexing unit for separating video/audio data and real-time broadcast program information from a transport stream when a digital broadcast signal carries the transport stream; a first storage unit for storing the real-time broadcast program information; a second de-multiplexing unit for separating video/audio data and download broadcast content information from a download broadcast signal when the digital broadcast signal carries the download broadcast signal; a second storage unit for storing the download broadcast content information; a program guide generating unit for converting the download broadcast content information stored in the second storage unit into the real-time broadcast program information, forming electronic program guide display data together with the real-time broadcast program information stored in the first storage unit, and outputting the formed data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver 1 capable of receiving a program broadcast by a plurality of services from among broadcast electric waves to which a single physical channel is assigned and provided with at least an I/O device (a display 18) is provided. The digital broadcast receiver includes a control unit (15) for determining whether or not there are identical services in services which the digital broadcast receiver has received in each of a plurality of regions, and for, when determining that there are identical services in the services, generating a service list for each of the regions (countries) or for each of the services (broadcast stations) while merging the physical channels, and then displaying the service list generated thereby on the I/O device to urge a viewer to perform a selection input.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus is provided. The signal processing apparatus includes: a memory unit in which a plurality of channels and Internet addresses corresponding to the channels are stored; a network connecting unit which is connectable to the Internet; and a control unit which controls the network connecting unit to connect to an Internet address corresponding to a channel selected by a user and to receive content provided from the connected Internet address.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing custom video mosaic pages are provided. The custom pages may be locally-generated, remotely-generated, or partially locally-generated and partially remotely-generated. The custom pages may include local content, such as content recorded to a digital video recorder (DVR), overlaid on a multi-video composite feed. A local compositing system may render the mosaic pages and dynamically customize the pages based on user profile data, user preferences, and active user monitoring.

Abstract: This display includes a control portion controlling a selected screen portion to display a program other than a program displayed on a nonselected screen portion if a program subsequently displayed on the selected screen portion and the program displayed on the nonselected screen portion are identical to each other.

Abstract: A user may simultaneously access sources of multimedia information via multiple wireless networks using a handheld multimedia gateway. A user interface may support the selection of information services that are each provided separate, but possibly overlapping, viewing spaces. Circuitry in the multimedia gateway manages the operation of the multiple wireless communication paths, and enables the display of visual information through two or more display devices. The user may customize the display, the size, and the location within a display of regions in which the information is presented.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a network interface configured to receive provisioning information from a service provider during SP (Service Provider) attachment, wherein the provisioning information has both first metadata on EPG provider information giving locations where EPG data from an EPG data provider can be accessed and second metadata on EPG data locator giving a location where EPG data can be accessed in a pull mode or a push mode, the first metadata having both a target service ID element giving the identifier of a service, which is covered by each of the EPG data provider's EPG data sources, and a type of target services element giving a type of service, which is covered by each of the EPG data provider's EPG data sources, and a controller configured to perform a services discovery procedure using service discovery metadata including at least two components supplied by the service provider.

Abstract: A method of operation of three dimensional (3D) stereoscopic television consistent with certain implementations involves turning on or installing a set of 3D glasses on a viewer to cause the set of 3D glasses to enter an active operational mode; and at the 3D glasses, emitting a signal to the television that causes the television to switch from a 2D display mode to a 3D display mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

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.