Abstract: In an embodiment, a computing device may display a video browser screen on an output device. The video browser screen may include a list of video programs arranged as a carousel. The carousel may have a plurality of entries, where an entry may represent a video program that may be provided by a service provider. A video program represented by an entry may be, for example, a live video program, a video program available on demand, or a video program that may have been recorded by a device that may be provided by the service provider. The computing device may acquire an indication to navigate to an entry in the carousel. The computing device may navigate to the entry and acquire an indication to select the entry. The computing device may select the entry and display the video program associated with the selected entry on the output device.

Abstract: Displayed program cells may be moved on an interactive program guide during a first time period based on a received first parameter. A displayed advertisement may be kept stationary during a second time period based on a second parameter. The second time period may be related to a subset of the displayed program cells which will move past the stationary advertisement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for bounding an object in a video sequence Fx,y,t. The method includes obtaining a subset of pixels located in the object to annotate, in each frame of the video sequence. Spatio-temporal slicing is performed on the video sequence Fx,y,t, centered on the obtained subsets of pixels, resulting in a first image Fy,t obtained by an horizontal concatenation of first slices, comprising the obtained subsets of pixels, and resulting in a second image Fx,t obtained by a vertical concatenation of second slices. A trajectory of the obtained subsets of pixels is displayed on both the first Fy,t and second Fx,t image. A bounding form around the object to annotate is obtained out of four points in each frame of the video sequence, wherein the coordinates of the four points of a frame t are obtained from the coordinates of the points located in the first and second boundary of the first and second image for that frame t.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for presenting an interactive programming guide are provided. An embodiment may include providing an apparatus configured to deliver media programs and an interactive programming guide to a monitor to be viewed by a user. The interactive programming guide may list channels and media programs available to the user. The apparatus may be configured to filter the interactive programming guide by limiting the channels and media programs listed in the interactive programming guide based on one or more attributes of the media programs. The user may be able to choose the attributes to be used as the filter either through a current media program being watched by the user or through the interactive programming guide. The attributes may be identified through metadata associated with the media programs.

Abstract: A mobile terminal may continuously provide information corresponding to video data included in a region selected from a reproduction screen, even though outputting of the reproduction screen output on a touch screen is limited. The mobile terminal includes a touch screen configured to output a reproduction screen corresponding to video data, a user input unit configured to receive a user input limiting outputting of the reproduction screen, and a controller configured to output list information regarding a plurality of preset regions included in the reproduction screen when the user input is received, and extract video data corresponding to a selected region on the basis of a touch applied to the list information, wherein the controller may form a control command for outputting summary information corresponding to the extracted video data over time.

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: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a request for content information received during a presentation of a first multimedia program on equipment. The request is provided by a signal disassociated with a satellite signal to the equipment providing the multimedia satellite service. The content information is provided to a remote mobile device concurrent with the presentation of the first multimedia program at the equipment. A selection obtained from the mobile device is identified from among the content information provided to the mobile device, and the selection is provided to the equipment. Operation of a media processor of the equipment is directed based on the selection. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A content selection menu is generated and provided to a user. The content selection menu includes a plurality of audiovisual (AV) programs that are provided for user selection. The AV programs may be positioned in the content selection menu in accordance with their associated score for content attributes. Upon providing the content selection to a user, the user may select a program for viewing or the user may indicate interest in a program. If the user indicates interest in a program a second content selection menu is generated based at least in part on the attributes of the program of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that can cause a specific portion of a media asset to be stored based on a user command. For example, if the user requests the closing scene from a given movie, the media guidance application may detect the command, determine that it comprises an instruction to store a portion of a media asset, identify a source of the portion of the media asset, and cause the portion of the media asset to be stored. The media guidance application may also cause the entirety of the media asset to be stored and initiate playback at the start of the requested portion. This may allow users to store and watch portions of particular interest without requiring that the users seek through the entire media asset on their own.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving device (1) comprising at least one receiving means (2) which provides the EPG data to be received, at least one storage means (3) which provides the EPG data to be stored, at least one transmitting means (4) which transmits data to a screen (E) such that the EPG data are able to be viewed by the user.

Abstract: A system for remote user navigation of content displayed with a display device, including a screen display, is provided. A user input device may be configured to detect a user movement, including a direction and a speed. The user input device may be configured to communicate information based at least in part on the direction and the speed. The system may include a media device configured to receive communications from the user input device. The media device may be configured to process the information from the user input device and to output content to the display device in accordance with a navigation operation. The navigation operation may include moving displayed content based at least in part on the direction and the speed.

Abstract: A subscriber unit is provided and configured to receive an input media content feed of a media content program selection from a first source upon a determination that predetermined conditions exist. The subscriber unit may further be configured to receive an input media content feed of a media content program selection from a second source upon determining that certain predetermined conditions do not exist.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided that supports a program guide application and multiple non-guide applications. The program guide system has a program guide application interface that allows the non-guide applications to use both device resources and program guide resources. The application interface maintains a list of registered applications and directs control requests from various applications to the current primary application. The application interface also has a user interface input director that directs keystrokes and other user input commands to the appropriate application. If a keystroke for the program guide application is detected while a non-guide application is running, the program guide application is invoked.

Abstract: The present invention related to the domain of audio/video content distribution, where a catalog of available content is made available to end users. An aim of the invention is to ensure that the catalog has a high quality in that a search within the catalog will have a high probability of yielding a result. The invention provides a method and a system for creating useful links between elements in the catalog whenever it is deemed that such links be useful. The links between the elements are created either by adding new content to the catalog or new metadata which can be associated with the new content and existing content in the catalog.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for combining programming content in a controlled synchronized manner. The systems and methods allow for centrally generated content to be modified using local content. The centrally generated content can include data that specifies what portions of the centrally generated content can be modified by the local content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that can cause a specific portion of a media asset to be stored based on a user command. For example, if the user requests the closing scene from a given movie, the media guidance application may detect the command, determine that it comprises an instruction to store a portion of a media asset, identify a source of the portion of the media asset, and cause the portion of the media asset to be stored. The media guidance application may also cause the entirety of the media asset to be stored and initiate playback at the start of the requested portion. This may allow users to store and watch portions of particular interest without requiring that the users seek through the entire media asset on their own.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for embedding and associating triggers within a promotion or other similar content element with the event being promoted are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as a digital set-top box is used to interface between the user and an external network (such as an HFC cable network) and facilitate the user selecting and scheduling viewing or recording of a subsequent event (e.g., broadcast movie) via the promotion itself. The trigger(s) within the promotion allow the user to contemporaneously select the promoted event for viewing, recording, etc. without any further action. The trigger(s) then initiates tuning of the user's receiver to the scheduled event at the appropriate date and time. This approach obviates additional actions by the user (such as programming their DVR), and also permits the user to commit to viewing the event when their interest level is highest; i.e., contemporaneous with the promotion.

Abstract: A method in a network node for estimating a channel from a user node to the network node is provided. The network node receives first pilots. The network node receives (502) additional pilots from the user node. The network node estimates (503) the channel based on the additional pilots. The additional pilots are any one out of: pilots in an existing channel, modified to create space for the additional pilots, and an existing mechanism modified to be used as the additional pilots.

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate history-based decision making in television receivers, such as set-top boxes. In one embodiment, a history-based decision facilitator (“HBDF”) is provided. The HBDF facilitates decision making in a television receiver based on device history data received from the television receiver. In one embodiment, the HBDF receives an indication of an operation to be performed by the television receiver, the operation including one or more parameters. In response, the HBDF determines values for the one or more parameters, based on device history data received from the television receiver. The HBDF then provides the determined parameter values to the television receiver. In one example application, the HBDF can determine a tuner of the television receiver to utilize for recording a program, based on the history of the television receiver, such as that the determined tuner is typically idle during the scheduled recording time period.

Abstract: There is provided a dimming method of a display apparatus, including calculating a velocity of a content object that is displayed on the display apparatus, and adjusting the light output of a content object area at which the content object is displayed on the display apparatus or of an entire display area including the content object area, according to the velocity of the content object.

Abstract: Embodiments relates to a method for managing contents and a display apparatus using the method, and the method include: displaying at least one icon representing contents provider and icons representing user contents service; receiving a selection of a first icon corresponding to a first contents provider in the displayed icons; and storing information on user's contents in contents provided from the first contents provider to correspond to the user contents service.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for electronic program guide (EPG) sorting and automatic realignment is provided. In example embodiments, a graphical user interface having an EPG including a plurality of rows of thumbnails representing programs is presented on a device of a user. Each row of thumbnails may be navigated independent of other rows. A navigational input is received via a touchscreen of the device. The navigational input indicates an action performed on the graphical user interface that triggers a realignment of programming information presented on the EPG. An updated EPG with the realignment of the programming information indicated by the navigational input is then provided.

Abstract: In a content processing device, a set of media channels to be provided in a graphical user interface is identified. Each channel in a subset of the channels is assigned to a cell that is included in a set of cells in the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is provided to a display. Upon a predetermined indication, at least some of the subset of the channels are rotated through at least a subset of the cells, whereby the display shows each of the cells in the subset of cells to be including a channel other than a channel that was included in the cell before the rotating was performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to notify a visually impaired visual media consumer of the availability of audio description for items of visual media via one or more audible indications. Further, a catalog of items of visual media can be sorted or arranged such that items of visual media having audio description may be selected or inquired about in a quicker and more convenient manner.

Abstract: A method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics is presented. A method of presenting enriched statistical and analytical information includes receiving a catalog of a plurality of content items. Each content item has associated metacontent characterizing the content item. The method also includes receiving and storing operations of a user for interacting with one or more of the content items. The method further includes determining use and/or viewing statistics for, for example, the content items, metacontent associated with the content items, the numbers and types of devices viewing the content items, subscriber information, household information, and/or viewer demographic information for past and present time periods. The method also, optionally, includes estimating the likelihood of future user interaction operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing program-viewing experience with viewership, message, and supplemental data include receiving a program identifier for a media program to be viewed; receiving one or more of viewership, message, and/or supplemental data relating to the media program; compiling the viewership, message, and/or supplemental data with the program identifier; storing the viewership, message, and/or supplemental data in a memory in association with the program identifier; and providing display data representing the viewership, message, and/or supplemental data and the program identifier.

Abstract: An example news production system includes a scheduling system, a composite display, and a camera. The scheduling system accesses a news program schedule that specifies a sequence of actions to be performed by the news production system. The scheduling system reads entries from the news program schedule, identifies actions associated with each, and sends signals to cause the actions to be performed. The news production system may cause the composite display to render video content in accordance with a specified layout. A camera can capture video of a field of view that includes at least a portion of the composite display while the specified video content is rendered thereon. The news production system may also cause an output video stream to be based, at least in part, on the captured video.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer instructions is provided to render an on screen channel changer on a television. A request is received from a user to activate the on screen channel changer. An on screen channel changer for an Intelligent TV may include a display of a number bar, miniature (mini) electronic program guide (EPG), a dynamic EPG, and a program preview. The EPG information comes from EPG information sources including EPG information embedded in a content feed from a cable provider and EPG information from an internet source. The EPG information displayed can include a schedule of past, current, and upcoming TV programs. The on screen channel changer may be displayed on top of a TV program currently being viewed. The user changes the channel by making a channel number selection using the on screen channel changer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying information are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes obtaining, by an image display apparatus, viewing history information on a plurality of programs or channels based on a previous viewing of the plurality of programs or channels; generating priority information for the programs or channels based on the obtained viewing history information; and visually indicating, on a display unit of the apparatus, a plurality items corresponding respectively to the plurality of programs or channels to be distinct from each other according to the generated priority information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a media guidance application that can prioritize media content listings based on the real-time progression of the content associated with the listing. The media guidance application may interpret metadata concerning the progress of the content associated with the listing to determine whether or not a particular user will have, or continue to have, interest in the listing based on real-time statistical analysis.

Abstract: An Internet TV video guide shows thumbnails of video assets available from one or more providers, and one or more of the assets may represent a playlist with two or more associated video clips. When a viewer selects a playlist asset, the thumbnail is expanded to show the individual clips so that a viewer can select a desired clip for play on the TV.

Abstract: An audience selection type augmented broadcasting service providing apparatus and method is provided. The audience selection type augmented broadcasting service providing apparatus may include an augmented broadcast producing server to process a production process of augmented contents to provide the augmented broadcasting service, for broadcast contents, a broadcasting server to multiplex and transmit the broadcast contents and metadata for the augmented broadcasting service, and an augmented content receiving terminal to process the augmented contents based on the metadata for the augmented broadcasting service, while playing the broadcast contents.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for operating a user communication device are provided herein. In a first example, method of operating a user communication device is provided which includes displaying a HTTP link associated with a media resource and receiving a user selection of the displayed HTTP link. The method also includes displaying a delivery time schedule menu for the media resource responsive to the user selection of the displayed HTTP link, and receiving a delivery time schedule instruction indicating a user-acceptable time frame for receipt of the media resource. The method also includes generating and transferring an HTTP request packet with an HTTP header that indicates the user-acceptable time frame for receipt of the media resource into the user communication device, and receiving the media resource associated with the HTTP link according to the delivery time schedule instruction and responsive to the HTTP header in the transferred HTTP request packet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving channel browsing experience for users by presenting an automatically appearing and automatically scrolling program guide are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use with remote control devices with limited numbers of input buttons, e.g., under five buttons, but can be used with remote controls with more buttons. The program guide can be used to allow access to a grid guide to users of hospital remotes or other remotes with limited input keys, e.g., an up down arrow and/or a power button. The method in some embodiments uses time spent on a channel in combination with user selection of an input key to determine an action to be taken, e.g., enter or display the program grid guide and/or select a channel and/or corresponding program being displayed in the grid guide.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service provider system 1) providing an end user of an integrated media service with access to a media program by way of a plurality of different media distribution models, 2) maintaining a catalog that includes comprehensive information about the media program, the comprehensive information being an aggregate of non-redundant information about the media program obtained from a plurality of independent source catalogs corresponding to the plurality of different media distribution models, and 3) providing, based on the comprehensive information included in the catalog, a media service user interface that supports discovery of the comprehensive information about the media program regardless of a user interface context from which a user request for information about the media program is received. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and method for providing a program guide for past programming comprising receiving a user command to retrieve program data, retrieving the program data from a data source, and outputting, to a display device, the program data in response to receiving the user command. The program data may comprise information relating to previously-aired programming.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for generating an enhanced programming guide. Programming events are associated as packages of programming. The programming guide is generated as a programming grid of cells. The programming grid lists a wrapper associated with each package and each package's associated events. The wrapper surrounds all the cells in the programming grid that are associated with the events for each package.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing enhanced entertainment data. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for providing enhanced entertainment data includes receiving a request for additional information related to a selected show and displaying the additional information, which includes a list of selectable merchandise associated with the selected show, in response to the request. In one embodiment, the method presents information related to a selected merchandise and an option for a user to purchase the selected merchandise. The method may further include retrieving a billing address associated with a subscriber account associated with the user in response to receiving a purchase request for the selected merchandise and placing an order for the selected merchandise using the billing address. The method may also include billing the order as part of a monthly service charge to the user.

Abstract: A media type currently associated with a multiple media player device is determined by the multiple media player device. A current setting status associated with each of a set of adjustable options associated with the determined media type is determined. A set of option icons that each represents one of the set of adjustable options is identified. Each identified option icon is paired with the associated current setting status of each adjustable option. A menuing input is detected. An overlay user interface menu, including only one option icon and the associated current setting status pair, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An interactive television application with watch lists is provided. The user may add programs such as television programs, Internet web pages, e-commerce applications, e-mail applications, and music channels, to a watch list. The user may also select a program from the watch list to watch it or to perform some other function related to that program. The interactive television application may display, under user control, watch lists that are overlaid over television programming, scaled so as not to obscure television programming, or on touch-screen remote controls. Programs may be added by the user to the watch lists at any time, or may be automatically added or removed by the interactive television application based on user preference profiles and reminder lists.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide a program guide graphical user interface (“GUI”) to a display for presentation to a user, the program guide GUI including a portion of a program guide. The media content processing subsystem is further configured to provide at least one navigation tool to the display for presentation in the program guide GUI, the navigation tool including a plurality of selectable options for navigating the program guide. The media content processing subsystem is further configured to detect a user selection of one of the selectable options and initiate a navigation to a location in the program guide based on the selected option. In certain embodiments, the navigation tool includes at least one of a time-based navigation tool and a channel navigation tool.

Abstract: A system for preparing data and video sequences to enable a viewer to scroll content in a plurality of directions including a first and second direction, the content including at least one element in motion, the system including a video sequence preparation module to prepare the video sequences including a first and second video sequence, each video sequence including still images, each still image including at least part of the content, at least some of the still images including the at least one element, the video sequences being prepared such that playing the first and second video sequence effects scrolling the content in the first and second direction, respectively, and a switchover determination module to prepare the data including corresponding switchover points in the video sequences for switching between the video sequences and therefore for switching the direction of scrolling by the viewer. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

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: A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.

Abstract: Using a TV, a viewer watching broadcast TV or Internet video content on a display can select a “Video Search” application indicating viewer desire to obtain information about a currently playing video program. The application is invoked to send a name of the currently playing video program to a server on the Internet and associated with a database to cause the server to execute a search only of the database associated with the Internet server and not to execute a search of the Internet. The server returns metadata related to the currently playing video program, which is presented on the display along with the currently playing video program.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: A method is described for providing a navigation preview file for a video. The method may include identifying a number of content images that may be associated with a video. An arrangement of the content images may be determined that may provide a low granularity preview of the entire length of the associated video where the low granularity preview increasingly becomes more granular as the content images are received on a client device. A navigation preview file may then be constructed according to the arrangement of the content images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image display device and to a method for operating same. The method for operating the image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: replaying content; when a command for storing the replayed content exists, storing at least one portion of the replayed content; displaying a content object indicating the stored content; displaying objects indicating another user or electric device for an accessed network or another network linked to the accessed network; and, when a content object is dragged and dropped in a selected object among the objects indicating the other user or electronic device, transmitting content corresponding to a selected object and having been selected by a user or stored in a selected electronic device. Therefore, the present invention can enhance use convenience for users.

Abstract: Controlling device, multimedia device, and corresponding method for controlling a graphical user interface, comprising a receiving unit for receiving a user's intention for navigating through a three-dimensional menu structure, a computing unit for computing a menu structure seen from a point of view of the user onto a target menu bullet and a display interface unit being adapted for outputting a computational result of the illustration of the menu structure.