Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A digital video recording system is provided that comprises a plurality of digital video recorders in communication with a digital video recorder proxy system. Each of the plurality of digital video recorders is connected to a network and the digital video recorders are configured to send its status to the digital video recorder proxy system when a status change to its local resources occurs. The system further includes a digital video recorder proxy system configured to consolidate program guide information from each of the plurality of digital video recorders. The program guide information is stored in a database. Finally, the digital video recorder proxy system is configured to display the consolidated program guide information.

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 linked information system employing evolutionary media content links is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a media content distribution system includes selected media content accessible to remotely located users in an electronic format over a computer network. A further aspect of the present invention selects media content during the course of a human analysis based on relevance to tracked topics.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

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: Providing a program guide for digital and analog broadcast television channels specific to a geographic region. A computing device sends a program guide request including a geographic identifier to another computing device. In response, the other computing device filters a master program guide as a function of the geographic identifier to create the requested program guide. The created program guide includes a call sign, physical channel, major channel, and content listing for each of the digital broadcast television channels. In one embodiment, the digital broadcast television channels conform the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standard.

Abstract: An electronic program guide that assists a user to navigate through a variety of digital and analog feeds made available by digital television technology is provided. Features such as allowing the user to purchase items, allowing the user to choose the content of the display screen, enabling more efficient use of black areas, among others are provided. Default settings based on prior user settings is provided to allow for an automatically customized environment. This automatic customization may entail, for example, the automatic resizing of windows based on the user's prior preferences. Also provided is a feature that allows for the automatic activation of a local or remote application through the user's set-top box based on the content currently being viewed.

Abstract: An electronic program guide system and a method for generating an electronic program guide are disclosed. A first information handling system obtains programming information from a program information source and generates a program guide based upon the obtained program information. A second information handling system receives the program from the first information handling system via downloading or transmission. The first information handling system searches a worldwide network for information regarding a transitory broadcast event and incorporates the transitory event information into the generated program guide prior to transmitting the program guide to the second information handling system. The transitory broadcast event information may be added to the program guide as additional, temporary channels that include links to the nodes from which the transitory broadcast event may be obtained. The program guide is thereby augmented with the additional, transitory broadcast event information.

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: Advanced features for interactive television applications are described, including a back feature, a forward feature, a history feature, a go to feature, an extras feature, a reminder feature, a favorites feature, a parental control feature, and a search feature. Features may be inter-resource. Support for multiple data paths, Internet access, interactive services, and user profiles are also described.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system enables presentation of supplemental interactive content along side traditional broadcast video programs, such as television shows and movies. The programs are broadcast in a conventional manner. The supplemental content is supplied as part of the same program signal over the broadcast network, or separately over another distribution network. A viewer computing unit is located at the viewer's home to present the program and supplemental content to a viewer. When the viewer tunes to a particular channel, the viewer computing unit consults an electronic programming guide (EPG) to determine if the present program carried on the channel is interactive. If it is, the viewer computing unit launches a browser. The browser uses a target specification stored in the EPG to activate a target resource containing the supplemental content for enhancing the broadcast program.

Abstract: Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many, new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses.

Abstract: Provided is an access mediator system for mediating convergence services of communication and broadcasting using a non-communicative appliance. The access mediator system includes: a non-communicative appliance access interface unit performing an interface function so as to converge a non-communicative appliance comprising an interface supporting image and voice multimedia data but not including a communication function; a broadband convergence network access interface unit performing an interface function so as to access a broadband convergence network connected to various service provider servers via wire and wireless interfaces; and a main processor accessing a selected service provider server via the broadband convergence network access interface unit to mediate the selected service provider server and the non-communicative appliance.

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, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and other 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/buttons on the remote controller to navigate web on TV.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel having a plurality of pixels on a display line. A set of drivers drives a set of pixels, the set of drivers receiving display data and providing video signals to the set of pixels. A clock provides a clock signal to the set of drivers to latch the display data based on a frequency of the clock signal, and receives a feedback signal from the set of drivers prior to an end of the display data received by the set of drivers. A delay circuit stops the clock signal to the set of drivers, based on the feedback signal, after delaying for a first time period that is no less than a predetermined time period between the feedback signal and the end of the display data received by the set of drivers.

Abstract: A multimedia system has multiple media sources switchable under user control to a common set of output presentation devices. A table stores parameter values for each media source separately, so that selection of a source changes the parameters of the displayed media to values appropriate for that source. A user input device has selection keys, and also has keys for modifying the values of the parameters. The modified parameter values are stored in the table, so that they persist when the same media device is selected at a later time.

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: The broadcast receiver includes a storage unit configured to store first broadcast information for specifying a broadcast channel and/or program viewable on the broadcast receiver, an acquisition unit configured to acquire second broadcast information from the other broadcast receiver for specifying a broadcast channel and/or program viewable on the other broadcast receiver, an extraction unit configured to extract a broadcast channel and/or program from the first and second broadcast information not viewable on the broadcast receiver and viewable on the other broadcast receiver, and a generation unit configured to generate an electronic program guide that a user can distinguish a broadcast channel and/or program extracted from a broadcast channel and/or program that is viewable on the broadcast receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An RSS (really simple syndication) feed based EPG (electronic program guide) processing system includes: a plurality of user devices; a plurality of television program servers for providing EPG information of television channels via the Internet; and an EPG processing server for receiving a user's demand from a user device and for providing to the user device user-specific EPG information according to the user's demand. In the EPG processing system, a plurality of first RSS feeds, for interoperating with the television program servers via the Internet, are registered to the EPG processing server. The EPG processing server obtains and stores the EPG information of each television channel by using each of the first RSS feeds, generates the user-specific EPG information corresponding to the user's demand by searching for the stored EPG information according to the user's demand, and provides the user-specific EPG information to the user device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiving apparatus is equipped with a server function so as to cause a client terminal to recognize the broadcast receiving apparatus as a server on a network and to select a channel for the broadcast receiving apparatus by way of a user operation. The broadcast receiving apparatus incorporate the image of the channel selected by the client terminal in the GUI image generated by the client terminal without transmitting the actual image of the channel on the network.

Abstract: A decoder performance management portion manages performance of a plurality of decoders provided in an AV stream reproducing apparatus. A display portion changes, in accordance with an instruction from the user, an output state of an image display frame on a screen of an output portion, and notifies it to a decoder management portion. The decoder management portion controls a decoder switching portion so that decoders used for decoding AV streams acquired by a communication portion (106) and a TV receiving portion are switched as appropriate, based on the notification from the display changing portion.

Abstract: A system and method for providing program guide information to subscribers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is applied to a satellite broadcasting system having a first satellite broadcasting a first signal having a first set of program material and first program guide information describing at least a portion of said set of program material, and a second satellite broadcasting a second signal having a second set of program material and second program guide information describing at least a portion of said second set of program material, wherein the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal each include service channels uniquely described by a service channel identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-to-search program guide having efficient display contents of program information when receiving digital broadcasting from plural transmission media. A program information extracting unit extracts program information for channels receivable from a first and a second transmission media, and stores the extracted program information of individual channels in a storing unit. A program information integrating unit, when integrating program information of the first transmission media and program information of the second transmission media, compares program information stored in the storing unit, and integrates duplicate program information of a same channel, if any, into one piece of program information. A display contents creating unit creates a program guide based on the integrated program information, and displays it in a display unit.

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 computer and internet-based system and method for providing television and radio programming information and channel assignments to users, which is based upon a household level determination of a location of the user.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing selected content can include receiving a list of content separate from a video stream. The list of content can include content previously recorded according to a user-defined recording schedule. The method can further include sending a request for content selected from the list of content, receiving the content through a network, and displaying the content.

Abstract: An automatic recording apparatus for content includes a preference operation history managing unit operable to generate 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 by using a preference value parameter for each kind of these operations; a preference information managing unit operable to generate and renew preference information including a preference value with respect to a plurality of elements relating to a preference for the content according to the history information; and a content recommending unit operable to calculate a preference degree for the content according to the preference information and the explanation information with respect to the content and to make a content record reservation according to the preference degree; wherein the content is recorded according to the content record reservation.

Abstract: A method for selectively recording or replaying partial scenes of a broadcasting program includes the steps of: receiving a broadcasting program and a corresponding supplementary information; determining whether or not information on pre-selected scenes or user-selected scenes of the broadcasting program is contained in the supplementary information; and if so recording the pre-selected or user-selected scenes of the broadcasting program.

Abstract: An improved interactive network system is provided that allows the Network Operator to control the transfer of information to and from the network end users, the system preferably using triggers or markers embedded within the programming broadcast to users via the network. As a consequence of this system, the Network Operator is able to efficiently garner revenues from third parties transacting business over the network and to control the look and feel of programming offered to network users. Additionally the system can be used as a means of limiting network access, filtering programming, providing on-screen graphics or audible signals for particular programming types or providers, bookmarking programming, profiling network users, targeting advertising, and simplifying network transactions.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus in which television channel setting processing and provider setting processing can be completed expeditiously. The information processing apparatus has the function of connecting to the Internet and the function of receiving television broadcast from the broadcasting stations. If, when the broadcast territory of using the information processing apparatus is set and registered, and the Internet service provider is to be set, the Internet service providers are demonstrated in the display unit of the information processing apparatus beginning from those geographically closest to the user's territory.

Abstract: A portable communication device and method for sharing electronic program information from one mobile device to another device includes an electronic program guide (EPG) application and an EPG sharing application for transparently embedding metadata into communication that may be sent to a recipient via a communications network. The embedded metadata may be used to add the broadcast program to the recipient's EPG. The message or communication may contain a text message, short video message, or other MMS message indicative of the general nature of the program and/or the reasons that the program has been recommended or sent to the recipient.

Abstract: A system (100) for displaying information on a display device (104) comprises; receiving means (202) for receiving services; user interface means (220) for making a user selection of a type of information to be displayed on the display device (104); a filter (206) for selecting a data-element of a first one of the services on basis of the user selection; and rendering means (208) for calculating an output image to be displayed on the display device (104), on basis of output of the filter (206). The system (100) is designed to apply the filter (206) for selecting a second data-element of the second one of the services, on basis of the user selection, when being switched from the first one of the services to a second one of the services, with the data-element and the second data-element being mutually semantically related.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session.

Abstract: There is provided a digital broadcasting receiver capable of making channel selection without making a user conscious of the difference between a physical channel number and a virtual channel number. A CPU uses an OSD display circuit, for example, to display a menu screen, and causes a user to select either a first mode or a second mode. The first mode is a mode for making channel selection by the physical channel number in which a frequency is assigned to a channel by the physical channel number in accordance with a rule, and a second mode is a mode for making channel selection by the virtual channel number in which a frequency corresponds to a channel on the side of the receiver. The CPU automatically makes, when no channel selection can be made by the entered channel number in the selected mode, an attempt to make channel selection corresponding to the other mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing in-band messaging through a video switch or other functional element forming a multiplexed content stream prior to transport processing and/or transmission of the multiplexed content stream via an in-band communications channel.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide accurate EPG lineup construction and PVR scheduling for users, regardless of their geographic location. In accordance with the described embodiments, the guide retrieves and aggregates data from multiple available sources, particularly in-band scanning and EPG metadata download. Services are then identified and sorted into logically equivalent groups. Once the services are grouped, in accordance with one embodiment, an analysis is conducted the outcome of which is directed to selecting which services to use for tuning and which services to use for scheduling on a given channel/preset. In addition, various embodiments can, in an automated fashion, assign services to presets/channels, as well as provide a user interface and methods for editing a lineup, modifying tuning information and personalizing presets/channels.

Abstract: The invention aims to protect content copyright and reduce the load on a stream server device in a stream distribution system having the stream server device, which stores bitstreams that include contents and control information necessary for image playback of contents, a plurality of terminal devices that playback received bitstreams, and a cache server device that mediates between these devices. A header separation unit in the stream server device separates header information, which is control information, from a bitstream stored in a storage unit. A data transmitting unit transmits the bitstream from which header information has been removed to the cache server device before a predetermined time, and transmits the header information to the cache server device at the predetermined time. The cache server device transmits a bitstream that combines the bitstream, which was received first, and the header information, which was received later, to a terminal device.

Abstract: Various embodiments pertain to methods and systems for providing multi-source content in electronic program guides (EPGs). In at least some embodiments, various techniques can present the viewer with a user interface, such as a grid, that is efficiently and intelligently assembled and managed to foster a desirable user experience.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting method and apparatus providing digital broadcast signals based on different broadcasting standards to the audiences. The digital broadcasting apparatus includes a plurality of tuners which can receive the broadcast signals based on the different broadcasting standards. A data broadcast signal based on one broadcasting standard is received through one of the tuners and displayed. In a state that a data broadcast signal based on one broadcasting standard is being displayed, the data broadcast signal being displayed is replaced with the data broadcast signal based on the different broadcasting standard in response to the audience's request. Accordingly, the audiences can view the desired data broadcast signal without regard to the broadcasting standards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote control and/or monitoring of a multimedia system includes processing that begins when a hand held device transmits a remote control/monitoring request to a server. The processing continues once a communication path is established between the hand held device and the server by having the server determine remote control and monitoring privileges of the hand held device. If the hand held device has at least a minimum level of remote control and monitoring privileges, the processing continues as the server processes the remote control/monitoring request with respect to at least one client to produce operational monitoring data. The processing continues as the server provides the operational monitoring data to the hand held device via the communication path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content mapping are described. Information regarding available content may be received from a plurality of content sources. A plurality of available content selections may be provided for presentation. The plurality of available content selections may be in accordance with the received information. A selection of content may be received from a user. The selection may be from the plurality of available content selections. The content may be associated with a selected content source from the plurality of content sources. The selected content source may be of a source type. A channel may be mapped to the content in accordance with the source type to create a mapped channel. The mapped channel may be added to an electronic program guide.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive program guide (IPG) includes receiving from a user a request for an IPG, and providing the user with an IPG that includes listings that were received by a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) via a subscriber television network, as well as other listings that were not received by the DHCT via the subscriber television network.

Abstract: A video decoder system collates program guide information acquired from a variety of local and remote sources. Program guide information is received from a first source and a selectable program guide menu icon is displayed. A category of program guide information items from the first source is collated by a display attribute in response to selection of the menu icon and the collated program guide information items are displayed. The display attribute allocated to the category of program guide information items is common to both the category of items and to the menu icon. Codes identifying program categories may be converted to other codes using equivalence mapping information for classifying programs according to a master set of program categories. Composite program map information may be formed including new data identifiers allocated to program guide information items for use in retrieving the items from a second source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing information related to available broadcast programs, such as Electronic Program Guides or parts thereof, in a mobile communication network comprising a plurality of cells, with respective base stations. The cells with their base stations are part of a broadcast zone managed by a server. The server identifies the available broadcast programs and transmits the information via the base stations to access terminals that are serviced by those base stations. The base stations establish a specific EPG broadcast connection and transmit the information to the access terminals being serviced by them, over the specific EPG broadcast connection.

Abstract: A system and method to provide navigation screens during remote control of devices. A matrix is used to relate button depression and navigation screen to a particular activity. Generic buttons on the remote control can be dynamically defined according to the content of the navigation screens and the configuration of the devices under the control of the remote control.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content management system 221 determining broadband content availability, and a transport processing system 250 dividing the broadband content availability into broadband content availability packets. The transport processing system 250 communicates the broadband availability packets to a user device through a satellite 106 or 108.

Abstract: There is disclosed a receiving apparatus provided with reception means for receiving a television signal, plural input means for entering program information data relating to the television broadcasting, display means for displaying an image relating to the television signal received by the reception means and program information relating to the program information data entered by the input means, and control means for controlling the display means so as to display plural program information relating to the plural program information data entered by the plural input means, on a same image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus and an information providing apparatus. Images which are consecutive in time series are sequentially enlarged and displayed such that the enlarged images are continuous spirally in the time-series order from the inner circumferential side. In this manner, according to the present invention, it is possible to understand easily a before-after relationship between a large number of images which are consecutive in time series by applying the present invention to a set-top box for digital satellite broadcasting, for example.