Abstract: A computing device displays an electronic programming guide. The computing device receives a multi-axis scrolling command. In response to the command, the device scrolls the EPG along both a time axis and a channel axis based on the multi-axis scrolling command.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for control of one or more feeds of a multi-feed channel. Such control may implement functions such as pausing, playing, rewinding, fast forwarding, slowing, replaying and zooming. The control may be selectively applied to the feeds so that one, selected ones or all of the feeds are controlled. Thus, implementations may allow a user to selectively interact with video feeds, as well as corresponding audio feeds, while viewing the multi-feed channel.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for providing and using content advisory (CA) information on Internet contents. A method of providing CA information by using a CA information server, includes receiving a request for the CA information on a content, from an Internet Protocol television (IPTV); searching for CA information on the content; and transmitting the found CA information to the IPTV. A method of using CA information when an IPTV reproduces a content not having the CA information, according to the present invention, includes transmitting a request for CA information, to a CA information server; receiving the CA information from the CA information server; analyzing the CA information; and applying the CA information.

Abstract: An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are disclosed. An image display apparatus as embodied and broadly disclosed herein may include a video image displayed in a first area of the display module. A first and second card objects may be displayed in a second and third areas of the display module. The first and second card objects may include at least one link for connecting to a content provider or to a storage device or at least one link for retrieving the video image. The first or second card objects may be scrolled across the display module to cause a third card object to be scrolled onto the display. The third card object may be displayed in the second or third areas of the display if the third card object is scrolled onto the display module a prescribed amount.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a setting unit configured to set an order of priority for attributes of a reproducing device, for each content attribute, based on user instructions, a first obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the reproducing device, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the content selected by the user, and a determining unit configured to determine an order of priority for the reproducing device regarding which attributes have been obtained by the first obtaining unit, based on the set order of priority, obtained attributes of the reproducing device, and obtained attributes of the content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for updating thumbnail images in a thumbnail list. A plurality of thumbnail images may be generated based on television channels. A thumbnail list including a portion or all of the plurality of the generated thumbnail images may be provided for output to a display. The thumbnail list may be updated such that an image of at least one thumbnail image is changed. A frequency of change in the image of the at least one thumbnail image is greater than other thumbnail images in the thumbnail list during a prescribed time period. The updated thumbnail list may be provided for output to a display.

Abstract: Digital maps of roads are labeled with features based on information from images of road signs. A segment of a road network with an unlabeled feature is identified, and a street view image of the road segment taken from a known location is generated. An image of a road sign is captured from within the generated street view image and presented in association with the road segment to a user. A label for the unlabeled feature of the road segment is received and stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include providing, to a user device, first content corresponding to a first channel of a plurality of channels; receiving, from the user device or a device associated with the user device, selection of a second channel, of the plurality of channels, when advertising content is present in the first content; providing, to the user device and responsive to the selection, second content corresponding to the second channel; identifying a conclusion of the advertising content; and generating a notification indicative of the conclusion of the advertising content.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) on a display generated by a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. The electronic program guide is presented in at least a portion of the display. A resize indicator is also provided on the display so that viewer inputs corresponding to the resize indicator can be received. The size of the electronic program guide presented on the display can be adjusted in response to the viewer input corresponding to the resize indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 and method is provided for generating an EPG. The apparatus 100 is configured to output data to generate an EPG in which upcoming programs are shown as tiles with a uniform size, regardless of the duration of the program or how much of the program has elapsed. The EPG also has a highlighted portion that is associated with a particular channel at any given time. When a command is received to move forwards or backwards through the EPG, data is output to move the highlighted portion of the EPG in the corresponding direction. The tiles representing programs in the EPG are also shifted so as to be based on the start time of the next or previous (depending on the user input) program on the channel associated with the highlighted portion.

Abstract: A computing device provides a display of a plurality of channel previews for a plurality of channels in a channel control area in a user interface, the display distinguishing a first channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a first channel of the plurality of channels. The computing device further provides a display of a first set of video previews for a first set of videos in a video control area in the user interface, the first set of video previews being associated with the first channel preview. Responsive to the computing device receiving an input identifying a second channel preview of the plurality of channel previews that pertains to a second channel of the plurality of channels, the computing device replaces the first set of video previews in the video control area with a second set of video previews associated with the second channel preview.

Abstract: There is provided a display apparatus including display means for displaying images, electronic program guide display means for causing the display means to display an electronic program guide, selection means for draggably & droppably selecting the part of the electronic program guide displayed by the electronic program guide display means, icon display means for, when the part selected by the selection means is dragged, causing icons corresponding to the part to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide, and execution means for, when the part is dropped onto the icon caused by the icon display means to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide while the part displayed in the electronic program guide being dragged by the selection means, causing a function associated with the icon to be executed.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to display an interactive search graphical user interface having at least a first viewing pane and a second viewing pane. A user may input a sequence of at least one character into the first viewing pane. A search results list including at least one entry based the character sequence and corresponding to at least one media content instance may then be displayed within the second viewing pane. When an entry within the search results list is selected by the user, the media content processing subsystem is configured to transfer the display of the search results list to the first viewing pane and display information corresponding to the selected entry within the second viewing pane.

Abstract: The multimedia content presentation system and method includes a preparation component, a deployment component, an interface component and a metrics component. Multimedia content assets and targeted advertising are placed by the preparation component with a hierarchal N×M matrix of display cells. The deployment component uses conventional transmission networks, such as the Internet, broadband cable and wireless phone systems to transmit to the interface component a configuration file defining a matrix of display tiles. The interface component presents and navigates the user through a hierarchy of display palettes, multimedia assets and targeted advertisements on a variety of platforms, such as televisions, personal computers, personal digital assistants and cell phones. The interface component further collects usage data and provides the data to the metrics component for use by the preparation component and the deployment component for targeted content and advertisements.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a receiving unit for receiving broadcast data and supplementary information data associated with the broadcast data, a controller for retrieving and synchronizing the supplementary information data with the broadcast data for output, and an output unit for outputting the synchronized supplementary information data and the broadcast data in real time.

Abstract: A television program guide is displayed having a station identifier portion in a first location. A determination is made as to when a user navigates in the television program guide between past programs and future programs. In response to the user navigating in the television program guide between the past programs and the future programs, the station identifier portion is changed to a second location.

Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.

Abstract: A browser application and toolbar are described according to some embodiments. The browser application presents wagering game content in a toolbar. Some embodiments are directed to determining that a first player account uses the toolbar to access the wagering game content, determining that a second player account referred the first player account in response to determination that the first player account uses the toolbar, and providing a referral award to the second player account for referring the first player account.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: A method for updating broadcasting program information in a mobile terminal, the terminal capable of receiving the broadcasting program from a plurality of frequency bands is disclosed, the method includes selecting at least one frequency band including the plurality of broadcasting channels or a broadcasting channel in the plurality of frequency bands; and attempting an update on the broadcasting program information of the entire broadcasting channel within the selected frequency band or the selected broadcasting channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a cloud-based user menu are provided. The method and the apparatus for providing a cloud-based user menu according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is separately structured such that a cloud server connected to a broadcast receiving terminal configures the user menu and the broadcast receiving terminal merely renders the user menu when digital broadcasting is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a scheduling order per category is disclosed. A scheduling order can be designated for the delivery and playback of multimedia content (e.g., music, news, other audio, advertising, etc) with respect to particular slots within the scheduling order. The scheduling order can be configured to include a forward order per category or a reverse order per category with respect to the playback of the multimedia content in order to control the scheduling order for the eventual airplay of the multimedia content over a radio station or network of associated radio stations. A reverse scheduling technique provides an ideal rotation of songs when a pre-programmed show interferes with a normal rotation. Any rotational compromises can be buried in off-peak audience listening hours of the programming day using the disclosed reverse scheduling technique.

Abstract: An interface for an interactive television application includes a graphical representation of a channel changing apparatus and is configured such that in response to a channel change request a channel change event limited to a channel change within a designated family of television channels is initiated. The graphical element may be labeled so as to indicate the presently viewed family of television channels. In various embodiment, the channel content may be scaled to fit within a window or may be full screen, in which latter case the interface may be overlaid on top of the full screen video. In one example, the graphical representation of the channel changing apparatus resembles a pair of channel up/down buttons.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a user interface. First, a first input may be received and a currently displayed programming content may be shrunken. Next, the shrunken programming content may be displayed. Then, in response to the received first input and concurrent with the shrunken programming content, a media guide comprising at least three display elements may be displayed. Each one of the three display elements may include a first content element, a second content element, a third content element, a fourth content element, or a fifth content element. The first content element may display available programming channels. The second content element may display programs available on the available programming channels. The third content element may display description information. The fourth content element may display actions that can be taken. The fifth content element may display an advertisement or information relative to one of the actions.

Abstract: A system may include logic to provide a video program to a video display, logic to provide interactive content to indicate that a snapshot of the video program can be captured, and snapshot capturing logic to capture a video frame of the video program.

Abstract: A scan transport bar is disclosed. The scan transport bar includes a number of cells indicating programs within the scan. The scan transport bar is displayed with the currently-tuned program. The scan transport bar includes tuning sequence numbers for allowing users to easily tune to programs within the scan. A countdown timer is also provided that indicates the amount of time until the next tune in the scan.

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

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

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

Abstract: Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide a program guide including a matrix of cells associated with a plurality of media content instances, and a selector object within the program guide. The selector object is configured to select one of the cells such that the cells in the matrix include a selected cell and at least one unselected cell. The subsystem is further configured to provide at least one image object within the at least one unselected cell. The image object represents the media content instance associated with the unselected cell. In certain embodiments, the image object includes a video content stream. The subsystem is further configured to provide a graphical user interface to a display for presentation to a user, the graphical user interface including at least a portion of the program guide and the image object.

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an active device configured to utilize content; identify the content and a current location of the content; detect an idle device configured to selectively deliver the content; detect a transition parameter for determining a transition to the idle device; and transition the content from the active device to the idle device wherein the idle device is capable of utilizing the content based on the transition parameter.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media are provided for presenting a group of available broadcast channels utilizing a wireless network upon initiation of a channel-viewing graphical user interface (GUI). The group comprises channels that can be broadcast most efficiently to the mobile device. After initiating the channel-viewing GUI on the mobile device, requests are communicated to elements on the network to retrieve lists of currently broadcast channels in the area and currently viewed channels throughout the wireless network. A list also is retrieved of recently viewed channels on the mobile device. At least a portion of each list is then presented on the channel-viewing GUI. The lists can be sent by a first video media proxy (VMP) server and a broadcast management server (BMS).

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of selecting and providing content while reducing the load on a user are provided. A controlled device is determined based on content identification information. Control information corresponding to the determined controlled device is generated and output to, for example, a remote controller, and device control is performed based on a control signal from the remote controller. The user can output and view content without performing processing necessary to output the content, such as processing on a control device, a channel operation to the control device, and searching for the content storage location. Further, content cards recording content information are displayed as a card group and content information of a card at a position of a cursor is displayed.

Abstract: In a subscriber television system, assigning categories to a channel as an entity reduces the searching requirements associated with searching a database of thousands of individual program records, identifying the channel on which an identified program will be displayed, and then sorting the resultant information. The channel information is searched for the assigned category information and the associated program information for just those channels is retrieved. This reduces the processor requirements for searching the thousands of records in the program records database. With the reduced processor requirements and the increased efficiency of information organization for searching, a single machine state change is possible between viewing full screen video and a browse banner or between viewing full screen program information and video with a browse banner.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.

Abstract: An express content metadata system (“ECM”) may provide functionality for uploading, querying and downloading game content without heavy coding requirements on the part of the developers. The ECM may provide fast indexing, searching and data retrieval of content. The ECM may manage evolving changes to content definitions by providing flexible and efficient versioning control over content definitions that allows multiple versions of game content to coexist and be independently searchable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a content item receiver module and method. The content item receiver module is operative for a content item distribution system, configured to operate in a first and second mode: said first mode operative to drive a display apparatus to display a received content item; said second mode operative for a specified time window to drive said display apparatus to display a sequence of linked content items and to respond to user input to initiate transition from display of a currently displayed linked content item to display of another linked content item in said sequence of linked content items prior to an end of said currently displayed linked content item.

Abstract: A method and system for performing an alphabetic search using a single application of keys is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for selecting a program title using an alpha-numeric keypad, comprises gathering one or more searchable items from a broadcast source; generating a dynamic directory of the one or more searchable items by a set-top box; narrowing the scope of the dynamic directory upon receiving a narrowing command from the keypad; receiving a partial program title from the keypad at the set-top box; returning a list of possible selections by the set-top box, wherein the list includes the program title; and receiving a subselector key selector signal from the keypad at the set-top box, wherein the subselector key selector signal selects the program title.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an information processing apparatus, a method thereof, and a program for allowing the audience to easily search for intended television programs. A server stores characteristic words extracted from television program information in a characteristic word file 103. The server also stores the extracted characteristic words associated with IDs for identifying television programs in an association file 102. When the audience selects a characteristic word as an interested word from the characteristic word file 103, the server reads the ID of a television program corresponding to the selected characteristic word from the association file 102. The server reads television program information corresponding to the read ID from a television program information file 101. The server then provides the read television program information to the audience. The present invention can be applied to a recording/reproducing apparatus and a television receiver to provide intended television programs.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a controller apparatus for controlling an electronic device by sensing and processing a user's interactions with an object and, particularly, for controlling and interacting with a media guidance application implemented on an interactive user equipment device. The controller apparatus may include a platform, a liquid container, and a stirring rod. The platform may include sensors of various kinds for detecting a user's interactions with any one of the components of the user interface system. The controller apparatus may also include sensors for sensing environmental conditions and use the sensed conditions to interact with the media guidance application or any other applications or electronic devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a television schedule system and process that allows an electronic programming guide designer to add a capability to change program listing appearance adaptively, based on a signal from a user or broadcaster.

Abstract: A system for media content selection. In one embodiment, a home entertainment system for accessing content includes a processor for executing instructions adapted for: (i) receiving a request from a user input for selecting a content title; (ii) displaying formats of the content title, with one format stored in a home network and another stored external to the home network; (iii) receiving a request from the user input device to select one of the formats; and (iv) presenting the selected content in the selected format. The content can be a song in a digital format, for example. Selecting the content can include consideration of user preference information and using one or more of: a content manager, a device manager, a network controller, a purchase controller, a device supporter, a content directory, a connection manager, and a digital rights management (DRM) controller. The user input device can include, for example, a remote control device for a home entertainment system.

Abstract: An interface receives a file containing information about a plurality of characteristic words representing characteristics of television programs. A display section of an information processing apparatus displays one of the plurality of characteristic words in a different color than an other of the plurality of characteristic words. A communication section allows a selection of the one of the plurality of characteristic words. The interface transmits information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words to a recording and playback apparatus upon the selection. Further, the interface receives television program information about one of the television programs from the recording and playback apparatus in response to the information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words.

Abstract: In a method and system for accessing content, a selection of a media content item having at least one set of episodes is received. Each of the at least one set of episodes is displayed as a user-selectable element in a user interface. A selection of a user-selectable element corresponding to a set of the at least one set of episodes is received. The display of the selected user-selectable element is expanded to display the episodes of the set within the selected user-selectable element, with each episode of the episodes of the set being represented by an additional user-selectable element. A selection of an episode from the set of episodes is received. At least one content source from which the selected episode is available to be retrieved is displayed. A content source of the at least one content source from which the selected episode is to be retrieved is received.