Abstract: A network device includes an electronic program guide (EPG) component configured to receive EPG data associated with an EPG from an external EPG server. The network device further includes a manager component comprising a pre-loader configured to pre-render and send first EPG images, associated with the EPG, that are frequently re-used to multiple client devices; a graphics interceptor configured to generate one or more second EPG images based on a graphics call, wherein the graphics call causes a first one of multiple client devices to display the one or more second EPG images; and a window manager configured to track changes in the one or more second EPG images and send a modified EPG image that includes the changes, or a modified portion of an EPG image that includes the changes, to the first one of the multiple client devices.

Abstract: A controlling method for recording digital television programs is disclosed herein. The controlling method includes steps as follows. A service information packet is received from a digital television system terminal. The service information packet is valid within a time limitation and the service information packet includes an event information table corresponding to a plurality of program episodes. When one of the program episodes is assigned to be a first recording target and a predetermined recording period exceeds the time limitation, the service information packet is demodulated to obtain an event information section of the first recording target from the event information table. When the service information packet is updated, a matching procedure is performed on the event information section of the first recording target with the updated service information packet. A matched program episode is added into a scheduled recording target list automatically.

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: A playback device for playing back a program, including a program information acquisition unit configured to acquire program identification information for identifying a program; and a memory unit configured to store an adjustment item setting file for setting an adjustment item related to playback of a program for each program identification information.

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: An approach is provided for enabling direct user interaction with specific items of content as presented by a content delivery system. Content is presented via a set-top box concurrently with a widget, indicating one or more items specified in content. User input relating to selection of one of the items is received. An interactive platform, in response to the input, generates a request specifying the selected item for purchase.

Abstract: A method for controlling an inactive channel for building a channel map in an internet protocol television (IPTV) receiver and the IPTV receiver thereof are provided. The method includes receiving a master service information (SI) table including a first element defining location of a virtual channel map table, parsing the first element in the received master SI table, receiving the virtual channel map table including a second element defining location of a virtual channel description table based on the parsed location element, parsing the second element in the received virtual channel map table, receiving the virtual channel description table, which includes a third element indicating designation of times when a virtual channel service is active, based on the parsed second element, parsing the third element in the received virtual channel description table, and controlling display of a virtual channel according to the parsed third element.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device which automatically detects whether digital channels are scrambled according to a command and a method for searching channels thereof are provided. The broadcast receiving device includes a channel map storage unit which stores broadcast channel data regarding broadcast channel, an input unit which receives a command, and a channel searching unit which scans digital channels among the broadcast channel data according to the command and detects whether the digital channels are scrambled.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a start and end broadcast time. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The system schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The system allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital television (DTV) signal in a DTV receiver, the method includes receiving a digital television signal including a plurality of extended text table (ETT) instances that appear in transport stream packets with common PID values, the ETT instances having common table ID values, each ETT instance comprising a section header and a message body, the section header containing a table identification (ID) extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT instance, the message body containing an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT instance, wherein the section header further contains a protocol version field indicating a protocol version and a last section number field indicating a last section number, demodulating the digital television signal; and identifying at least one pertinent ETT instance from the plurality of ETT instances.

Abstract: A method includes displaying content on a television, detecting a personal display device in proximity of the television, detecting a selection of content displayed on the television, detecting an instruction associated with the selection, displaying, based on the instruction, information associated with the selection on the personal display device and displaying on the television an alert indicating that the information associated with the selection is on the personal display device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: The availability of a new information service is publicized by displaying an icon in an EPG when the presence of a new information service is detected. A list of new services is then displayed responsive to a user command. When one of the new services is displayed instead of the list.

Abstract: A channel control method and apparatus of a broadcast reception system are provided for facilitating channel selection by providing multiple broadcast channel images on a screen. A method of managing channels for a channel control device includes receiving video images of plural channels from a content delivery device, displaying the video images of plural channels on a screen simultaneously, receiving an input for selecting at least one of the plural channels; and transmitting a channel selection request indicating the selected channel to the content delivery device. The channel control method and apparatus are capable of facilitating a user to search for broadcast channels, resulting in improvement of the user's convenience.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing and provisioning a new Internet Video Link (IVL) category. The new IVL category has video content located on a local device as well as retrieved from any internet URL provided by a user. The IVL category is built in the background and contains a category as a directory of video content and channels as sub-directories containing subsets of the category's video content. The user may carry out keyword searching video content to establish a mix of video content concatenated into a single mix channel. Alternatively, the mix channel may be provisioned by locating and mixing together video content that has similar metadata tags associated with the user preferred video content. The user may also receive recommendations for IVL content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver downloads graphic images, corresponding to DSS programs, from a DSS communication medium or the Internet into a local memory. The graphic images are periodically updated by the DSS service provider or Internet service provider. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a selectable DSS program listing that displays DSS programs that are currently being broadcast or that will be broadcasted in the future. If a user selects a currently broadcasted program, the DSS/WebTV receiver displays the selected program on the television.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining viewership information are provided. A method of determining viewership information includes determining viewership information from multicast routing table data associated with one or more edge routers of a media content delivery service. Each edge router of the one or more edge routers is adapted to transmit media content streams to multiple devices via a first network. The method also includes sending data related to the viewership information to a requesting device via a second network.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus. The method includes receiving content from a content source, and displaying the received content on a display. A first trigger is extracted from closed caption data associated with the received content. The reception apparatus retrieves a trigger parameters table (TPT) based on the extracted first trigger. The TPT includes at least one event associated with one or a combination of a trigger identifier and a first media time of the received content, and is stored in a memory of the reception apparatus. Further, the reception apparatus processes the event based on one or a combination of a second trigger including the trigger identifier and the first media time equaling a current media time of the received content.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a processing circuitry to make a request to a server so as to acquire a channel list via a communication network, to compare a first channel list acquired newly with a second channel list acquired previously, and, if the second channel list is to be updated with the first channel list, to acquire first program information corresponding to the first channel list from the server, and to generate a program guide by using the first channel list and the first program information.

Abstract: A system and method for preordering content includes a content processing system and a user device in communication with the content processing system. The content processing system receives program guide data for linear channels and receives future available content data at the user device. The future available content data comprises an availability window having an availability start time and an availability end time. The user device stores the program guide data in the user device storing the future available content data in a memory of the user device, forms a future content selection, and stores the future content selection in a queue until the availability window is reached. When within the availability window, the user device communicates a material identification to the content processing system. The content processing system communicates the content corresponding to the material identification to the user 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: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

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 apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A method of receiving and processing a broadcast signal including a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service in a broadcast receiver, the method comprises receiving and processing first signaling information including content access information and second signaling information including content detail information, receiving and processing third signaling information including content update information, receiving and storing a content including at least one file through NRT based on the first signaling information and the second signaling information, identifying update availability of the content based on the content update information included in the third signaling information, and receiving at least one file included in the content by accessing a File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) session transmitting the content when the update is available.

Abstract: A method of processing EPG metadata in a network according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of performing a services discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider and processing an EPG metadata.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Guide acquisition method and apparatus for receiving a satellite broadcast stream containing guide data, encapsulating said broadcast stream containing guide data in a network communication protocol, assigning a multicast address to said broadcast stream containing guide data, transmitting said broadcast stream containing guide data, receiving a request for said guide data wherein said request comprises a satellite network identifier and transmitting a said multicast address in response to said request.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modifying metadata associated with content that is improperly formatted. In one configuration a metadata pre-processor receives metadata from a remote source, determines whether the received metadata is properly formatted, and, if it is not, modifies the metadata based on information received from a second remote source. In one configuration the modified metadata is then used to identify information associated with the content.

Abstract: Provided are method and apparatus for generating a digital multimedia broadcasting application format. The apparatus includes: generating metadata for DMB contents; and combining the generated metadata and the DMB contents, wherein the metadata includes copyright information for the metadata, user information for a user who consumes the DMB contents, and package table information for describing a package related to the DMB contents.

Abstract: A display device according to the proposed embodiment includes a broadcasting signal receiving unit that receives a broadcasting signal; a broadcasting signal) separation unit that separates the broadcasting signal received through the broadcasting signal receiving unit into video, audio, and data signals; a controller that analyzes the data signal separated through the broadcasting signal separation unit to comprehend whether data broadcasting is serviced and the kind of the data broadcasting; and a memory that stores information on a channel on which the data broadcasting is serviced according to a control signal of the controller and information on the kind of the serviced data broadcasting, wherein the broadcasting receiving unit sequentially receives and outputs broadcasting signals of an entire channel according to the control signal of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A method for delivering audio announcements, includes: receiving an announcement package, the announcement package including a package identity, a package update time, and one or more announcement items; and presenting the announcement package to an audio player. Each announcement item includes an item identity, and a summary part, where the summary part includes audio information. The audio information includes an audio data type and audio data. Updates for the announcement package can be received, where the announcement package is modified according to the update. A content of the announcement package can be replaced, deleted, or added. The announcement item can be presented to the audio player once, repeatedly, or periodically. In this manner, audio announcements are delivered in an effective and timely manner.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for renewing a program are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining programs associated with a set renewed program according to the renewed program; using one or more of the obtained associated programs as successive programs to the renewed program; and renewing the successive programs automatically. The present invention brings the following benefits: Programs in multiple series or programs associated with a program can be renewed automatically, which overcomes the problems in the prior art, namely, separate renewal of every episode of a program series or separate renewal of programs associated with a renewed program, complicated user operations, and poor user experiences.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.