Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

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 and a digital broadcasting system for transmitting and receiving an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) are provided. When there are ESG fragments to be transmitted through a communication network among ESG fragments included in ESG data, a digital broadcast transmitter generates an ESG data session such that the ESG data session may include route information through the communication network of the relevant ESG fragments. Then, the digital broadcast transmitter transmits the generated ESG data session to a broadcast receiving terminal, which obtains the route information through the communication network of the relevant ESG fragments. Accordingly, a user can more easily and conveniently receive the ESG data by using the route information through the communication network obtained by the broadcast receiving terminal.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

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 digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: AN IPTV receiver and a method of discovering an IPTV service are provided. A network interface transmits and receives an IP packet through a network. An IP network stack checks a destination of the received IP packet and classifies the IP packet according to a protocol. A Service Information (SI) decoder parses a service provider discovery record included in the IP packet to read registration server address information included in the service provider discovery record and parses a provision information record included in the IP packet to read EPG discovery information included in the provision information record. An IPTV Terminal Function (ITF) operation controller controls a request of a registration to be transmitted based on the read registration server address information controlling a request of a registration to be transmitted based on the read registration server address information for receiving the provision information record.

Abstract: A service management system for an IPTV network includes a comparison module that provides a list of differences between a channel map and a change manifest, an optimizer module that receives the list and provides another IPTV channel map based on the differences, and a storage module that provides the first IPTV channel map to the comparison module and stores the second list and the second IPTV channel map. A method includes comparing a channel map with a change manifest in a comparison module, providing a list of differences between the channel map and the change manifest, evaluating the list to provide another list of services and another channel map, and storing the second list and the second channel map.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method of transmitting data having audio and video content over a broadcast network employing time-slicing, a DVB-H system and an audio and video data processor. In one embodiment the method includes: (1) identifying points of a data stream corresponding to a beginning of each time-slice of a transmission stream, having multiple time-slices, to be used to transmit the data stream via a broadcast network, the data stream including an audio and a video stream, (2) injecting a synchronization packet at the points for each of the audio and video streams and (3) transmitting the transmission stream having the synchronization packets via the broadcast network.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

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 digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine.

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 digital broadcast transmitter includes a first de-multiplexing unit for separating video/audio data and real-time broadcast program information from a transport stream when a digital broadcast signal carries the transport stream; a first storage unit for storing the real-time broadcast program information; a second de-multiplexing unit for separating video/audio data and download broadcast content information from a download broadcast signal when the digital broadcast signal carries the download broadcast signal; a second storage unit for storing the download broadcast content information; a program guide generating unit for converting the download broadcast content information stored in the second storage unit into the real-time broadcast program information, forming electronic program guide display data together with the real-time broadcast program information stored in the first storage unit, and outputting the formed data.

Abstract: Techniques for transmitting multiple “slices” of information for a particular location of a user interface, which can be used to present more information to a viewer for a limited-size viewing area. Multiple slices can be associated with a particular slice location of a user interface. In a first slice delivery and presentation scheme, multiple slices for a particular location of an interactive program guide (IPG) page are transmitted from the head-end at different times, and the slices can be appropriately time stamped for presentation at the designated times. In a second scheme, multiple slices are concurrently transmitted for a particular location of an IPG page, and one of the multiple slices can be selected for processing and display. In a third scheme, one slice is transmitted for each slice location, and additional slices can be transmitted for a particular location upon receiving a request from the terminal.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

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 method of processing EPG (Electronic Program Guide) metadata in a network device includes performing a service discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, receiving EPG metadata corresponding to a super group information element comprising both of a member element giving a group ID of another super group information element that has a higher level than a level of the super group information element and a level attribute giving a level of super group represented by the super group information element, wherein the member element is used to reference the other super group information element at a higher level, and processing the EPG metadata.

Abstract: A method of delivering an audio video asset is described.

Abstract: A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service, the method comprises receiving a broadcast signal including an NRT content and NRT service guide information, the NRT service guide information including a content fragment, identifying a File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) session delivering the NRT content from the broadcast signal, detecting a first content identification information from a File Description Table (FDT) of the FLUTE session, and detecting a second content identification information of the content fragment matched with the first content identification information.

Abstract: A method for receiving a multimedia service is provided. The method includes receiving service specific information for at least one multimedia service provided from different networks, selecting one service based on the service specific information, and receiving the selected service. The service specific information includes one of a first service map table including information about at least one service which is transmitted over a plurality of logical channels, and a second service map table including information about at least one service which is transmitted over a single logical channel. Each of the first and second service map tables includes asset-related information.

Abstract: A method to obtain visual content items matched to scheduled programs comprising: providing a program guide display that includes a grid with grid locations that identify scheduled programs, and that correspond to respective a scheduled program air times and a respective program sources; wherein the program guide extends over a time frame prior to the current date; providing an icon associated with a grid location that indicates that a visual content item matched to the program identified by the grid location currently is available; providing an identifier that is encoded in computer readable storage device and that is associated with the grid location and that indicates a location where the visual content item can be obtained; and accessing the location indicated by the identifier in response to a user selection of the grid location associated with the icon.

Abstract: A method of transmitting digital broadcasting content for providing 2D content or 3D content. The method includes: encoding content including at least one of the 2D content and the 3D content and generating an elementary stream including encoded data of the content; generating service additional information including electronic program guide (EPG) information of the digital broadcasting content and inserting, into the service additional information, at least one of 2D/3D content identification information representing a method of reproducing the 2D content or the 3D content, 2D/3D content link information representing a relationship between the 2D content and the 3D content, and EPG 3D reproduction information for reproducing an EPG screen, on which EPG information is displayed, in 3D; and generating a transport stream by multiplexing the elementary stream and the service additional information.

Abstract: A network device may receive, via a network, a request for electronic program guide content, from a user device connected to the network, and monitor, a network condition (e.g., network congestion, user device location, etc.) corresponding to the network. The network device may determine, based on the network condition, whether to provide the electronic program guide content using a first radio frequency bandwidth corresponding to the network or a second radio frequency bandwidth corresponding to the network. The user device may communicate, via the network, the electronic program guide content using the first radio frequency bandwidth or the second radio frequency bandwidth. The first radio frequency bandwidth may correspond to unicast, multicast, or broadcast services, and the second radio frequency bandwidth may correspond to a different one of unicast, multicast, or broadcast services.

Abstract: A VOD server refers to advertisement delivery information, and inserts a stream of advertising content in a stream of video content of a main part, based on advertisement inserting position information indicating an inserting position of the advertising content to be inserted into the video content of the main part, for delivery to a client terminal. When making this delivery, at least time information, such as time management information of reproduced output or decoding, to be added to the stream of the video content of the main part and the stream of the advertising content to be delivered to the client terminal, is replaced by time information in accordance with an order of the streams to be delivered to the client terminal.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) data stream includes an event information table (EIT), the EIT including: a descriptor including: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length field, and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a determination unit that determines whether an external apparatus is capable of transmitting broadcast program information about a plurality of channels via a communication unit. When the determination unit determines that the external apparatus is capable of transmitting the broadcast program information, an acquisition unit does not acquire the broadcast program information from the digital broadcast signal. The external apparatus is requested to transmit the broadcast program information. The broadcast program information is acquired from the external apparatus.

Abstract: A system includes a content management system having a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target and a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target. The system also includes a workflow system that receives the first and second targets. The work flow system obtains first content with a first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The content management system associates the first content with the first set of business rules and associates the second content with the second set of business rules. A processing system processes the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules and processes the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules. A content repository stores the first and second processed content.

Abstract: Broadcast server and method for transmitting electronic program guide data to set top boxes via a broadcast network. The broadcast server is arranged to prepare a list of unique entries and associated identifications of the text items received, and to provide a compressed list to the plurality of set top boxes. The broadcast server repeats the following steps for each text item in the list: determining whether a next text item has a number of shared consecutive characters at the start in common with a compressed text item from the compressed list, identifying said compressed text item as a source of shared consecutive characters and determining the number of shared consecutive characters; storing for the next text item an identification, a reference to the source of shared consecutive characters, the number of shared consecutive characters, and the remaining non-shared text in the compressed list.

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: 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: MPEG video encoders and MPEG audio encoders encode video signals and audio signals, respectively. An SI/EPG data generator generates program information. A transport stream multiplexer multiplexes the program information with video data and audio data. A system controller controls the data output rates of the encoding operations and the multiplexing ratio.

Abstract: The vertical blanking period is an idle period in video transmission that was originally intended for allowing the trace back of an electron beam to its point of origin. When sending the video signal over a wireless channel, the wireless channel may remain free of transmission of data during this period. However, in wireless transmission of a video signal in general, and in the transmission of an essentially uncompressed video signal in particular, there is a need to use all the bandwidth available, especially when transmitting a high-definition video signal. Therefore, a method is taught for using the vertical blanking period of a video signal for modem maintenance.

Abstract: A method for mapping signaling information to announcement information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A apparatus for processing EPG information that EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information can be read prior to display independently of an operation by an input device. The EPG information processing apparatus controls the amount of EPG information stored in a database prior to display so that the speed of acquiring EPG information and the speed of supplying EPG information indicating the frequency of using an acquired electronic program guide are kept in a predetermined relation. In response to a direction for updating an on-display electronic program guide, the EPG processing apparatus supplies new EPG information, and stores another piece of EPG information associated with the EPG information in the database prior to next display. The amount of information stored in the database in advance is decided so that the acquiring speed and supplying speed can be kept in a predetermined relation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically generating advertisements using a media guidance application are provided. In some embodiments, an advertisement database is searched to identify a stored advertisement for display in an advertisement display region of a media guidance application display screen. Upon determining that the advertisement database does not include a suitable stored advertisement, a new advertisement may be generated for display in the advertisement display region.

Abstract: A repository receives metadata from databases associated with different service providers. The repository converts the received metadata to a common format, such as MPEG7, and stores the converted metadata in a central database. The repository can also receive a query from a client device. The repository retrieves metadata associated with the query from the central database and provides it to the requesting client device. The repository can also convert the provided metadata to an appropriate format for the requesting device. Because the metadata is stored at a common location in a common format, content from different providers can be efficiently identified.

Abstract: A method of transmission of application data (97) in a digital transport stream characterized in providing an application data table (110) containing information regarding the applications (97) carried in each service (91, 92) within the transport stream. The application data table (110) may conveniently be designated by a fixed PID value and a TID extension value varying in dependence on the bouquet of services chosen. The use of a single application data table to provide information across all services within a bouquet provides a number of advantages, in particular when deciding whether or not to maintain certain applications when switching between services.

Abstract: A receiving system and a method for processing data in the receiving system are disclosed. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a first handler, and a second handler. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal through a mobile broadcast network. Herein, the broadcast signal includes mobile service data and a first signaling table. And, the first signaling table includes service guide transmission information and service guide bootstrapping information on the mobile service data. The first handler acquires the service guide bootstrapping information based upon the service guide transmission information included in the first signaling table. And, the second handler accesses a service guide by using the acquired service guide bootstrapping information.

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 digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.

Abstract: A digital cable broadcast receiver and a method for automatically processing caption data of various standards and types, is disclosed. The digital broadcast receiver includes: a demultiplexer for dividing a received broadcast stream into video data, audio data, supplementary information; a controller for determining whether caption data included in the video data is digital caption data or analog caption data on the basis of caption information included in the supplementary information, and outputting a control signal according to a result of the determining; a digital caption decoder for extracting and decoding digital caption data from the video data according to the control signal; and an analog caption decoder for extracting and decoding analog caption data from the video data according to the control signal.