Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device presents representations of items of content available for playback on the electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents selectable options for playing an item of content in accordance with the manners in which the item of content is available to be played on the electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents representations of episodes in a series of episodic content. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents an enhanced preview of content. In some embodiments, an electronic device presents a control panel. In some embodiments, an electronic device switches the active user profile of a device. In some embodiments, an electronic device enters into a picture-in-picture mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for submitting video evidence. A request is received from a user of a security device to submit an identified video clip as video evidence to an agency, and the identified video clip and corresponding metadata is retrieved from a database of video clips. Additional information about content of the video clip is interactively collected from the owner and a digital signature is received from the owner. A video evidence file is generated to include the content of the identified video clip, information regarding capture of the video clip based upon the metadata, the additional information, and the digital signature. The video evidence file is then communicated to the agency.

Abstract: Metadata for a plurality of media content items is received. The metadata identifies a thumbnail representation of each of the plurality of media content items. The plurality of media content items are displayed in an overview area in an electronic program guide (EPG) in a user interface. The overview area comprises a plurality of cells aligned in one or more rows. The plurality of cells comprise a subset of the metadata for a respective media content item. An input of a selection of one of the plurality of media content items displayed at the EPG in the user interface is received. The selected media content item is displayed in a focus area in the EPG. The focus area comprises a rectangular area that is located near the overview area. The focus area comprises expanded metadata of the selected media content item for presentation in the focus area.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product facilitate the viewing of a storyline defined in a video. In regards to a method, viewing by a user of different sequential areas of a video over time is monitored. The different sequential areas of the video over time define a storyline. If the storyline is followed, the video continues to be presented. However, if the storyline is not followed in that a next sequential area of the video is not viewed, a portion of the video prior to the next sequential area is caused to be repeatedly replayed in a loop. Following this repeated replay of the portion of the video, the repeated replay of the portion of the video is ceased and the presentation of the video is resumed if the storyline is followed and the next sequential area of the video in the storyline is viewed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving a request to forecast allocations for a new descriptor, the new descriptor differing from preexisting descriptors, each of the preexisting descriptors being associated with a subset of locations of a network of locations, each location corresponding to an electronic segment in electronic canvases, and the new descriptor being associated with a new subset of locations of the network of locations, identifying one or more affected descriptors having one or more overlapping subsets of locations of the network of locations and one or more non-overlapping subsets of locations of the network of locations, determining a forecast of allocated locations in each of the one or more affected descriptors; identifying, according to the forecast, at least a portion of allocated locations in the one or more overlapping subsets of locations that are displaceable resulting in a number of displaceable allocations, and determining, according to the number of di

Abstract: A computer-implemented user notification method includes displaying, in a status area near a perimeter of a graphical interface, a notification of a recent alert event for a mobile device, receiving a user selection in the status area, and in response to the receipt of the user selection, displaying, in a central zone of the graphical interface, detail regarding a plurality of recent messaging events for the mobile device.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a system and method for configuring remote control devices to display application dependent control frames of a remote control user interface. A digital receiver runs a plurality of applications at the receiver device. The digital receiver detects a switch command. The switch command causes a background application to become a primary application, whereby the primary application is the application in focus on a display device. The digital receiver switches the background application into the primary application, the switching causing a previous primary application to become a new background application.

Abstract: Disclosed are a terminal and operating method thereof. The present invention includes obtaining an input for selecting at least one video, displaying a polyhedron displaying a preview image of the selected at least one video on each of a plurality of faces, obtaining an input for selecting at least one of a plurality of the faces included in the displayed polyhedron, and outputting a video corresponding to the selected face.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide features for managing and editing content items. In particular, one or more embodiments enable one or more users to access and modify content items from one of multiple client devices without requiring storage of the content item locally on the client device. Additionally, one or more embodiments enable storing reduced resolution content items on multiple client devices in a way that saves storage space on the client devices while providing access to a content item without requiring constant network access to a central system. Further, one or more embodiments enable globally applying local edits to a content item and corresponding reduced resolution content items on multiple client devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a program listing include storing user profile data and a user identifier for a user; storing an association of the user identifier with user identifiers for each of the plurality of social contacts of the user; receiving program identifier data representing programs currently being viewed by the social contacts; ranking the program identifier data for each of the plurality of social contacts based at least in part on the user profile data; and sending display data representing the program identifier data for display in an order based on the ranking.

Abstract: Provided is a reception device including a reception unit configured to receive AV content, a feature value extraction unit configured to extract a feature value from data of the received AV content, an identification result acquisition unit configured to acquire an identification result of the AV content identified using the extracted feature value, a command acquisition unit configured to acquire a command for controlling an operation of an application program that is executed in linkage with the AV content according to the acquired identification result, a control unit configured to control the operation of the application program according to the acquired command, and a detection unit configured to detect switching of the AV content being viewed. When the switching of the AV content is detected, the control unit closes the application program that has been executed in linkage with the AV content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for interactive broadcasting of information such as Internet web pages, television program guide, user account information, or the like on dedicated downstream channels in a cable television system. One embodiment provides picture-in-picture capability using a single tuner. More specifically, a headend includes a scaler application that reduces the size of the video program or a content related web page, which are then combined at the headend in a picture-in-picture format and transmitted over a distribution network to a user.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, system and method are described controlling a video stream. For example, a data processing apparatus according to one embodiment has a memory for storing program code and a processor for processing the program code to generate a graphical user interface (“GUI”) comprising: a plurality of video thumbnails arranged in a pattern, each of the video thumbnails rendering a compressed version of a real-time video of a particular movie, television series, game, or other type of video content; and a selection graphic highlighting a currently-selected video thumbnail, the thumbnails moving within the GUI in relation to the selection graphic in response to user input from an input device.

Abstract: Items of video content offered for viewing on a video-on-demand (VOD) platform of a digital TV service provider are each assigned a respective title and hierarchical address corresponding to hierarchically-arranged categories and subcategories within which the title for the video content is to be categorized. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. The EPG dynamically adjust its display listings of each level of categories, subcategories, and titles in order to minimize the number of remote control keypresses needed for a viewer to navigate to a title of interest.

Abstract: A cloud service device includes a data center that stores video preview images. A first message requesting previewing multiple images from is received from a multimedia device. Multiple offsets corresponding to the multiple images according to the first time interval and the first image number are calculated and time points corresponding to the multiple images according to the multiple offsets and the first preview time point are calculated. The multiple images from the data center according to the calculated time points are obtained and transmitted to the multimedia device to preview.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating an image display device includes displaying, on a display of the image display device, a selectable area and a pointer, the selectable area movable in a first direction, automatically changing a display state of the pointer when the pointer is located within the selectable area to indicate movement information of the selectable area, receiving, from a pointing device, a signal to move the selectable area using the pointer on the display in a second direction, wherein the second direction is within a predetermined range of the first direction, and moving the pointer and the selectable area in the second direction in response to the signal in accordance with the movement information of the selectable area.

Abstract: A user is enabled to assign channel numbers to his favorite content, including TV stations, Internet sites, local applications, and recorded content. In this way, the user's favorite content sources are grouped so that they can be quickly accessed using channel up/down commands regardless of, e.g., the actual channel number of a favorite TV station.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a genre-based video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable services network system. A cable services head end periodically searches a database for a genre descriptor identifying a type of programming broadcast in the cable services network, selects a group of video sources associated with the genre descriptor which are currently being broadcast in the cable services network, and generates a mosaic including the group of video sources associated with the genre descriptor which are currently being broadcast in the cable services network. A set-top box receives the mosaic from the head end, executes an application program enabling a subscriber to selectively tune the video sources in the mosaic, and displays the mosaic on a broadcast channel in the cable services network.

Abstract: A channelization method of digital content and an audio-video server system are provided. A received operational behavior is packaged as an execution module, and the execution module is associated with a channel number. A correlation between the channel number and the execution module is recorded in a local channel list. Accordingly, when a switch command that contains the channel number is received, the execution module corresponding to the channel number is obtained from the local channel list, so as to perform the operational behavior to use the digital content.

Abstract: Embodiments of keyframe analysis and distribution from broadcast television are disclosed. For example, embodiments include methods and systems of sharing video frame data over a data network to provide features that may include improved program guides, parental or other monitoring of televisions or other video receivers, and sharing of user identified frames or scenes of video programs.

Abstract: A method for operating an image display apparatus having a first display and a second display different from the first display includes displaying an image on the first display, displaying a search window on the second display, and displaying search results matching a search term entered in the search window.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for determining location information from real-time bid requests are provided. In some implementations, a method for determining device locations is provided, the method comprising: receiving a real-time data stream that includes location proxies corresponding to devices; generating a movement graph of interconnected nodes and edges, wherein each node represents one of the location proxies and wherein each edge represents movement information between the location proxies; calculating, for a node in the movement graph, location information by applying a predictive model having weights based on the movement information; and assigning, for the node in the movement graph, a census-based identifier to the calculated location information. The census-based identifier can be used, for example, to supplement or enrich bid requests within the real-time data stream.

Abstract: An electronic meeting tool and method for communicating arbitrary media content from users at a meeting comprises a node configuration means adapted to operate a display node of a communications network, the display node being coupled to a first display. The node configuration means is adapted to receive user selected arbitrary media content and to control display of the user selected arbitrary media content on the first display. A peripheral device adapted to communicate the user selected arbitrary media content via the communications network is a connection unit comprising a connector adapted to couple to a port of a processing device having a second display, a memory and an operating system, and a transmitter. A program is adapted to obtain user selected arbitrary media content, said program leaving a zero footprint on termination. The user may trigger a transfer of said user selected arbitrary media content to said transmitter.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, a first software program implementer, a second software program implementer, an area dependent shortcut icon modification implementer, and a weather dependent shortcut icon modification implementer.

Abstract: A method for virtual channel management is provided. The method includes the following steps. In response to a command, a control unit of a network-based multimedia reproduction system determines whether the command is associated with virtual channel switching. When the command is associated with virtual channel switching, the control unit checks whether a channel value corresponding to the command exists in an application virtual channel table. When the channel value exists in the application virtual channel table, the control unit determines an application corresponding to the channel number from the application virtual channel table, and executes the application. According to a first operation parameter set corresponding to the application, the control unit sets the executed application to retrieve digital contents through a network unit of the network-based multimedia reproduction system.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and computer-readable medium for acquiring a channel map in a cable receiver. The channel map associates physical analog and digital channels in an RF spectrum to channel identification data, where the channel identification data includes physical RF channel numbers, modulation type, virtual channels, and channel names. The method obtains a list of available channels from an electronic program guide service provider, and initializes the channel map based on the list of available channels. The method performs a channel scan to detect clear channels, and collect identification information for each detected clear channel. Based on the identification information, the method updates the channel map for each detected channel. The method receives changes to the channel map from a user of the cable receiver device, updates the channel map based on the changes to the channel map from the user, and uploads the channel map to the electronic program guide service provider.

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

Abstract: In an instant messaging system, message latency is reduced by initiating traffic channel set-up at a receiving device concurrently while a sending device is generating the instant message. When a user begins generating an instant message, the sending device transmits a service request to a payload and connection server to indicate that an instant message is pending. Upon receipt of the service request, the payload and connection server notifies the receiving device so that the receiving device can initiate traffic channel set-up concurrently while the instant message is being recorded. When the traffic channel is established, the receiving device polls the server. If the instant message is not yet received by the payload and connection server when the polling request is received, the payload and connection server waits a predetermined period of time to receive the pending instant message and forwards the instant message when it is received.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. A video feed is harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. The feed items are filtered to remove those that do not link to video content. A criteria specified by the user is used to filter the feed items.

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, wherein the first set of video previews is 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: Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to establish a group presence session between at least a first device associated with a first network and a second device associated with a second network. During the group presence session, multimedia content is provided to the first device and to the second device at substantially the same time, and first presence information from the first device is provided to the second device at substantially the same time as second presence information from the second device is provided to the first device. The method further includes synchronizing the multimedia content, the first presence information, and the second presence information based on a first device capability, a second device capability, information associated with the first network, and information associated with the second network. Synchronized content streams that include the multimedia content and presence information are transmitted to the devices via the respective networks.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a broadcast in processing a viewing-reserved broadcast program and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes displaying a first broadcast program (102), checking whether a second broadcast program set for a viewing reservation exists (104) while the first broadcast program is displayed, if the viewing-reserved second broadcast program exists, displaying the second broadcast program instead of the first broadcast program at a timing point of setting the viewing reservation, and while the second broadcast program is displayed, storing the first broadcast program (106) having a progress overlapped with that of the second broadcast program. Accordingly, the present invention is able to avoid missing important contents of the previously displayed broadcast program according to the display switching attributed to the overlapped viewing reservation. And, it is also unnecessary to switch the channels to view the previously displayed broadcast program again.

Abstract: In a method for selecting one of a plurality of channels, a channel selecting device that is coupled to a television device stores at least a channel statistical data of total watching time of each of the channels. In the method, immediately after the television device is turned on, the channel selecting device selects a preferred channel from the plurality of channels, which has been watched most frequently, according to the channel statistical data.

Abstract: A user interface for a network media channel allows subscribers to share media files according to ad-hoc specification via kernels. The user interface may be accessed via a device and it may be utilized to create and/or modify media files and/or kernels and to transmit them to one or more networks including one or more servers that stores the media files according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to receive one or more media files and to display them according to the kernels. The user interface may be used further to navigate thru the media files by clicking (activating) the media files.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate generation, distribution, and presentation of category-based predefined channel lists. In one embodiment, an electronic program guide (“EPG”) manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The EPG manager receives from a program distributor a predefined channel list that includes multiple channels that carry related programming. The channel list includes an associated category and indicators of the multiple channels, the multiple channels each carrying at least some programming in the associated category. The EPG manager presents to a user at least some of the multiple channels in an electronic program guide. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced channel flipping are disclosed. A user may selectively mark and unmark channels as temporary favorite channels. These channels may be dynamically added or removed from the channel changing or channel flipping sequence. Unauthorized channels and channels locked by parental controls may also be automatically removed from the channel flipping sequence. A plurality of custom channel flipping sequences may be maintained on the user equipment device. Users may access any of these custom channel flipping sequences in order to flip only through the channels associated with the custom sequence. Channels in the flipping sequence may also be pre-tuned in order to reduce delays associated with tuning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a TV box, where the TV box is connected to a display via lined connection or wireless connection, and the TV box includes a control unit, a network interface circuit and an output unit. The control unit connects to a first external server and an audio/video source via the network interface circuit, the control unit obtains a channel list from the first external server, and obtain audio/video information from the audio/video source by referring to a user inputted command and the channel list, where contents of the channel list is allowed to be edited by a user, and the control unit transmits the audio/video information to the display via the output unit.

Abstract: An operating method of application for the television apparatus is provided. Wherein, the operating method includes: receiving a channel selecting instruction; reading a channel list, the channel list includes a plurality of applications (APPs) and a plurality of physical channels corresponding to a plurality of channel numbers, wherein each of the APPs is assigned to one of the channel numbers respectively; mapping the channel selection instruction to one of the plurality of channel numbers in the channel list; and launching and executing a selected APP if the channel selection instruction is corresponding to the channel number of the selected APP.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to generation of dynamic content interfaces based on device capabilities and user entitlements. Multiple devices associated with a user account may each request a content interface. Generation of the content interfaces may be based on capability information of the devices and a tier entitlement associated with the user account. A service included in both the content interfaces may be assigned a same virtual channel in each of the content interfaces.

Abstract: A system for scheduling content includes a scheduling system having a plurality of queues each having a priority level and a block type. The scheduling system assigns content to one of the plurality of queues. The scheduling system obtains a channel block from a schedule manager and assigns the plurality of queues to the channel block based on the priority level and block type. A communication system communicates the plurality of channel blocks to a user device through a channel using the channel blocks.

Abstract: A system for creating and maintaining subscribable channel collections includes a computer-readable storage medium having encoded thereon a program of instructions for generating and maintaining channel collections, and a processor that executes the program of instructions to: display a channel collection configuration interface, receive two or more channel selections through the channel collection interface to populate a channel collection to include multiple channels, one or more of the multiple channels comprising multiple content items, using a channel creation operation, create a subscribable, channel collection, and receive a subscription request from a media device and using a channel collection subscription operation, create a channel collection subscription linked to the media device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to present a plurality of unassociated media programs from a single presentation device having overlapping presentation periods, and cause the single presentation device to present a user interface for one of the plurality of unassociated media programs responsive to detecting a request for the user interface. Each of the plurality of unassociated media programs can be viewable only with a viewing apparatus. The viewing apparatus can be configured for viewing one of the unassociated media programs at a time. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for integration of a set top box and an automation system is described. In one configuration, subscriber program content is provided. An aspect of a premises is monitored via one or more sensors. A monitor channel may be provided to display the monitored aspect of the premises. The monitor channel may be displayed in a channel guide among channels of the subscriber program content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device, a first selection of first video content. The method also includes sending the first video content to a display device. The method further includes adding a first element corresponding to the first video content to a list. The list includes multiple elements and each element of the list corresponds to respective previously displayed video content. The method includes sending the list to the display device. The elements of the list are ordered based on display times of the corresponding video content.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.