Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable media for managing a compute environment are disclosed. The method includes importing identity information from an identity manager into a module performs workload management and scheduling for a compute environment and, unless a conflict exists, modifying the behavior of the workload management and scheduling module to incorporate the imported identity information such that access to and use of the compute environment occurs according to the imported identity information. The compute environment may be a cluster or a grid wherein multiple compute environments communicate with multiple identity managers.

Abstract: Techniques are described for expanding and/or improving the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 television protocol in robustly delivering the next generation broadcast television services. A USB driver communicates I2C through a JAVA® application with a USB dongle implementing for example an ATSC 3.0 tuner, with the JAVA application simply passing I2C communication between the dongle and driver such that the driver is platform independent.

Abstract: A recommendation engine generates contextually relevant media programs tailored to the specific context of the user. The recommendation engine interfaces with one or more Internet-of-Things (IoT) appliances to determine one or more food items stored within the IoT appliance(s) and/or one or more cooking capabilities associated with the IoT appliance(s). The recommendation engine also gathers profile data that reflects a set of preferences associated with the user. Based on the gathered data, the recommendation engine queries a database of cooking program data associated with various cooking programs. The recommendation engine obtains cooking program data that is contextually relevant to the user and then generates a contextual cooking program that describes how to perform a given recipe. During playback of the contextual cooking program, the recommendation engine can modify the contextual cooking program based on the progress of the user in following the recipe.

Abstract: Methods, systems and media for presenting media content that was advertised on a second screen device using a primary screen device are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a conflict between viewing selections of two users. In some aspects, the method comprises generating for display a first media asset on a user equipment device, receiving a second request from a second user to generate for display a second media asset on the user equipment device, determining a first priority and a second priority associated with the first user and the second user, and based on determining that a first scheduled time period of the first media asset and a second scheduled time period of the first media asset overlap and the first priority is higher than the second priority, generating for display on the user equipment device an indication of a conflict between the first request and the second request.

Abstract: Embodiments concern a dynamic authorization framework. Security Classification Process (SCP) is the process of classifying raw data, information extracted from raw data, content or code from security-value perspective. Security Achievability Determination Process (SADP) is a process based on a SV/SC that has been assigned, the RHE may determine the Security Requirements and how the security requirements may be achieved. During the Security Achievability Listing Process (SALP), the RHE uploads onto the Resource Listing Entity (RLE) the URI of the resource, the SAM associated with the resource and optionally a digital certificate associated with the resource. During the SAM Assessment Process (SAMAP) process, a Client evaluates the security mechanisms that must be carried out in order to meet the SAM that was provided as part of the Discovery Process (DP). Based on the SAM obtained from the RLE, the Client may initiate a Security Achievability Enabling Process (SAEP).

Abstract: A device can provide a first instruction to display a grid-based programming guide in a graphical user interface (GUI). The grid-based programming guide can include a plurality of time-scheduled content providers and a plurality of time-scheduled content elements, and a plurality of on-demand content providers and a plurality of on-demand content elements. The device can receive an input associated with a first on-demand content provider, can establish, based on receiving the input, a session with a content platform associated with the first on-demand content provider, and can provide, based on establishing the session with the content provider, a second instruction to display the content in the GUI via the session with the content provider.

Abstract: Various arrangements generating a customized channel are presented. A customized channel may be generated for a user. The programming for the customized channel may be gathered from different sources. The programming may be selected and scheduled based on user preferences, interests, and viewing habits of the user. The user viewing habits and preferences for programming may be used to refine the schedule and programming of the customized channel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described to provide a content-focused television receiver that allows viewers to select programming from multiple broadcast, stored media, video on demand or other sources based upon the program content itself rather than the source of the program. A set top box or other television receiver device receives a viewer input that identifies a particular television program for viewing. The television receiver device queries for information that identifies one of the different sources that is able to provide the particular television program for viewing, and obtains the program from the identified source for playback to the viewer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing content to a portable device are describe. The systems and methods provide corresponding content to the portable device across different network connections.

Abstract: The various examples described herein generally provide systems and methods for generating a hybrid electronic programming guide (EPG) that includes both broadcast content and other types of content, such as over-the-top (OTT) content. In examples, broadcast content may be content provided by a satellite, terrestrial, or cable television provider. Other types of content, e.g., the OTT content, may be content that is delivered over an open network, such as the Internet. In examples, a secure processor may be employed to determine if a subscriber is authorized to access the OTT content based on subscription information received via a broadcast transmission.

Abstract: A method for presenting feedback to a user when a command is received is provided. The method receives, at a content retransmitter, a command for navigating audio/video content selections for retransmission to a user device; transmits the received command to a set-top box for execution, wherein execution of the command at the set-top box produces a result; while gradually receiving the result at the content retransmitter, creates a period of latency when the result is only partially available for retransmission; during the period of latency, retrieves a still-image frame associated with execution of the command; and transmits the still-image frame to the user device for presentation until the result is completely available for retransmission.

Abstract: A method for controlling a broadcast receiving device includes receiving a first electronic program guide (EPG) via a broadcasting network via and a second EPG via the Internet, and combining first broadcast-related information generated from the first EPG and second broadcast-related information generated from the second EPG to generate and output third broadcast-related information.

Abstract: A method for presenting feedback to a user when a command is received is provided. The method receives, at a content retransmitter, a command for navigating audio/video content selections for retransmission to a user device; transmits the received command to a set-top box for execution, wherein execution of the command at the set-top box produces a result; while gradually receiving the result at the content retransmitter, creates a period of latency when the result is only partially available for retransmission; during the period of latency, retrieves a still-image frame associated with execution of the command; and transmits the still-image frame to the user device for presentation until the result is completely available for retransmission.

Abstract: A system and method for determining unauthorized use of a set top box includes a set top box that receives a profile of weather conditions in a geographic area, generating a weather log, comparing the weather log and the profile and disabling the set top box from receiving signals in response to comparing. A head end and a plurality of other set top boxes may be used to gather the weather data to form the profile.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

Abstract: A display device having a network function according to an exemplary embodiment is configured to include: a network interface unit that performs data communication with external displays through a network; and a controller that transmits access request signals to the external display devices through the network interface unit and receives a list of input sources information that access is permitted based on the access permission or not according to the access request, wherein the controller transmits a request signal of an image program according to specific input sources based on the received list to the external display devices.

Abstract: A communication device is configured to access, based on summary location data, content summary data, which includes at least titles of a plurality of pieces of content, location data representing locations of the plurality of pieces of content and description data representing a part of each of the plurality of pieces of content. A first memory stores a plurality of pieces of storing summary data, and a second memory stores a predetermined number of pieces of storing summary data selected from among the plurality of pieces of storing summary data stored in the first memory. A first display unit displays the predetermined number of pieces of storing summary data in a list and in a scrolled manner. A transmission unit transmits the content location data included in the storing summary data corresponding to the selected title to a data display device that is communicably connected with the communication device.

Abstract: A user device presents, to a user, media content provided from multiple providers and logs the presented media content from the multiple providers. The user device indicates, based on the multiple providers, proportions of the presented media content from the multiple providers during a particular reporting period and determines whether particular presented media content, of the presented media content from the particular reporting period, was available for presentation from another of the multiple providers. The user device generates a report, for the user, that indicates if the presented media content could have been consolidated among fewer of the multiple providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting service discovery information in a multimedia transmission system. Service discovery information, including service access information for reception of a service, is generated. The service discovery information is transmitted after being classified into a plurality of levels.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate home automation via a receiving device. In one embodiment, a home device manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The home device manager is configured to discover home devices and to obtain device control information from the discovered devices. The home device manager is further configured to, based on the obtained device control information, present a user interface operable by a user to specify commands for controlling a home device, receive a specified command, and control the home device by transmitting the specified command to the home device. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method for displaying data from a program guide. Based on program metadata from a program guide, a display is caused to be presented on a display device that identifies a current status of a first media controller and a second media controller. The current status includes data identifying a first program currently being provided by the first media controller and a second program currently being provided by a second media controller.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: An approach is provided for simulating a connection to a head-end system to enable execution of content and features of a set-top box. A simulation platform stores a plurality of control data signals associated with a head-end system. In response to a determined loss of connectivity to the head-end system, the platform invokes a head-end simulation process using the control data signals, including timing information, dynamic data and channel map data.

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

Abstract: A 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 virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system 1) providing a program guide view of a program guide for display within a viewing area of a display screen, the program guide comprising a navigable user axis representative of a plurality of users selected by a main user as being of interest to the main user and a time axis representative of a plurality of time slots, and 2) presenting, within the program guide view, information identifying one or more media content instances designated for access during one or more time slots included in the plurality of time slots by one or more users included in the plurality of users. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing digital content to televisions or other devices having media playback capabilities over a network infrastructure using virtual set top boxes (VSTBs).

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing, by a system comprising a processor, a content display configuration corresponding to a plurality of feed selections from a plurality of media content feeds, 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, and transmitting a plurality of displayable content streams according to the content display configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a request for media content from a set top box of an Internet Protocol Television System, perform a search of one or more storage devices associated with other set top boxes for the media content based at least in part on a user profile associated with the set top box where the other set top boxes are located remotely from the set top box, receive the media content, and adjust a format of the media content prior to delivery to the set top box based at least in part on the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a first headend that is connected to one or more receivers. The receivers are assigned to a particular priority set of many priority sets for the identified first headend.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A hybrid, expandable electronic programming guide that may allow broadcast programming customers to view both broadcast programming options and over-the-top service options in a single electronic programming guide.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: The following description relates to an e-commerce system using content platform independent product broadcasting which combines a channel map for pay TV broadcasts provided over a broadcasting network with a channel map for product broadcasts provided over the Internet to thereby generate an integrated channel map. Using the integrated channel map, a user is able to easily connect to or change a product broadcast provided over the Internet with simple manipulation so as to perform an e-commerce transaction using content platform independent product broadcasting.

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

Abstract: 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: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for channel surfing through multiple sources based on user-definable preferences includes accessing a user-definable preferences list that identifies a plurality of channels from a plurality of different sources. One of the plurality of identified channels is selected for provision to a user.

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 virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

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: A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available cable channels and over-the-top video content sources.

Abstract: A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video content sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available channels and OTT video content sources.