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: The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to systems and methods of navigating previously viewed channels. In a particular embodiment, a method may include maintaining a channel list in a memory, the channel list comprising multiple previously viewed channels. The method may also include receiving a first signal to select a first selected channel in the channel list. The method may also include tuning a channel tuner to the first selected channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content recording and indexing are described. Content may be accessed from a content source. The content may be processed to generate an index of the content. Programming data for future content may be accessed. A content selection guide may be generated in accordance with the index and the programming data. The content selection guide may include a listing of the indexed content and the future content.

Abstract: Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for providing remotely defined security data to an application extension on a client device. A sequence of instructions and at least one permission indicator associated with the sequence of instructions are received. A first permission indicator is associated with a code extension to a software application adapted to execute at least a portion of the sequence of instructions. The code extension is adapted to perform one or more operations that supplement the operations supported by the software application. An instruction within the sequence of instructions associated with adapted for execution by the code extension and with an activity is identified. The first permission indicator is provided to the code extension. The code extension determines whether performance of the activity is permitted based, at least in part, on the first permission indicator.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for configuring video ports on a computer. An operating system is used to generate a visual user interface comprising a plurality of icons representing video input sources coupled to a tuner and a plurality of icons representing tuner output channels. A user provides input data to associate individual video input sources with individual tuner output channels, thereby generating a set of predetermined video source-channel associations. Appropriate control signals are then used to process video data in accordance with said predetermined video source-channel associations.

Abstract: A method and a system for video collection management are provided. The method and the system can gather related videos in a network, classify the videos into multiple channels and recommend the channels to be viewed by the user. The method and the system can check the videos of the channels periodically to determine whether the videos are valid or invalid and search for other videos to replace the invalid videos. The method and the system also provide continuous, cross-apparatus and cross-channel video replay.

Abstract: Methods and devices that, in some embodiments, comprise: determining that a first portion of guide listings corresponding to guidance information for a first amount of time has been displayed on the user equipment device; automatically requesting a second portion of guide listings corresponding to guidance information for a second amount of time from a database having guidance information in response to determining that the first portion of guide listings has been displayed, wherein the second amount of time succeeds the first amount of time in time order and wherein the second portion of guide listings is stored in a cache located between the database and the user equipment device; receiving an indication that a user has requested at least one guide listing within the second portion of guide listings; and receiving the second portion of guide listings from the cache in response to receiving the indication from the user.

Abstract: A system may present video content with a data scroll on a video display device. The data scroll may include data scroll items that are automatically and consecutively presented on the video display device. Each of the data scroll items may include information associated with a particular topic. The system may receive a selection of a softkey corresponding to one of the data scroll items, retrieve, in response to receiving the selection of the softkey, additional content corresponding to the particular topic associated with the one of the data scroll items, and present the additional content on the video display device.

Abstract: A broadcast reception apparatus minimizes an access load on a network distribution service provider without complex coordination between a broadcast station and the network distribution service provider. A program information storage stores program information showing the broadcast schedule, a distribution schedule acquirer acquires distribution schedule information for programs scheduled to be distributed, and a judger judges whether to acquire current distribution status information showing the network distribution status, according to the distribution schedule information. When the judger judges that current distribution status information is to be acquired, a distribution status acquirer acquires the current distribution status information, and a program guide creator uses the program information, distribution schedule information, and current distribution status information to create a program guide including information showing the network distribution status in addition to the program information.

Abstract: Certain embodiments for supporting communication of media may comprise establishing a private television channel to be showed by a first television at a first home and a second television at a second home. Personal media associated with the private television channel may be displayed along with content of a media broadcast on the first and/or second television. The personal media may be communicated over the private television channel between the televisions. An identifier associated with the first television and/or the second television may be determined and the private television channel may be established based one more identifiers. A representation of the private television channel may be presented in a channel guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television. A representation of the associated personal media for the private television channel may be presented in a media guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television.

Abstract: A system and method for processing syndication information for a mobile device that includes: identifying a plurality of syndication servers to which a user of the mobile device subscribes; polling, at a first predetermined interval, the plurality of syndication servers to determine if syndication information on each the syndication server has been updated; if the syndication information has been updated, requesting and receiving updated syndication information; adapting the updated syndication information into a predetermined format, and sending the adapted syndication information to the mobile device. The sending of the adapted syndication information may also be performed at a predetermined interval. The predetermined format preferably uses less data and requires less processing than the original format.

Abstract: A method of processing channel information of a transmitter/receiver and a receiver are disclosed. The method of processing channel information of the transmitter includes service provider identification information in service provider discovery information, includes content provider identification information and content service identification information in service discovery information and transmitting the resulting service discovery information, and transmits the resulting service provider discovery information and service discovery information to the receiver.

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 processing channel information of a transmitter/receiver, and a receiver are disclosed. The method of processing channel information in the receiver receives at least two of provider identification information, region identification information, content source identification information, content genre identification information, content data characteristic identification information, channel level identification information and content existing channel number identification information, forms multi-part channel information using the received identification information according to a preset channel information format, and connects to a content service server providing content service corresponding to the multi-part channel information.

Abstract: One of a plurality of video channels is selected for viewing. A specific one of a plurality of video channels is bookmarked. An object representing said bookmarked channel is displayed. A displayed object is selected to select the bookmarked channel.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) providing apparatus and method, in which an EPG is configured as a 3D form to facilitate a search for broadcasting program information included in the EPG. The EPG providing apparatus includes an EPG screen configuring unit and a control unit. The EPG screen configuring unit configures an EPG screen such that broadcasting program information is displayed on at least three faces of a 3D polyhedron. The control unit controls the EPG screen configuring unit to configure the EPG screen such that broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel is displayed on the EPG screen based on a user input signal requesting a search for the broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel.

Abstract: Techniques are described to provide a categorized electronic program guide, as well as other user interfaces. In an implementation, each of a plurality of representations of content that is currently available via network for consumption are grouped into a respective one of the plurality of categories. An electronic program guide is output for display such that at least one of the categories, which is not have one or more items categorized of the currently available content, is not available for display in the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A digital set top box with a composite channel table has a CPU connected to a signal input unit, a video/audio output unit and a memory unit, wherein the signal input unit has a plurality of media connecting ports. The composite channel table is programmed in the CPU and divided into a default channel section and a user-defined channel section with one or more channels. The default channel section and the user-defined channel section correspond to different media connecting ports. After the media information of each channel in the user-defined channel section has been recorded, a user selects one of the media connecting ports by designating the channel number through a remote control to display media data of the selected media connecting port on a TV.

Abstract: A home entertainment system includes a home media center for providing media content to a plurality of remotely located televisions within a home. The home media center includes a user interface module to generate graphical commands usable by a separate media center extension to render a focused navigation user interface on one of the plurality of televisions.

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: A method of controlling a television receiver, and which includes receiving, via an input unit, an automatic channel setting command for automatically setting channels; searching, via a processor, television broadcast channels including television airwave and cable channels and media sources different than the television airwave and cable channels; and assigning, via the processor, preset channels to the television broadcast channels and assigning non-preset channels to the media sources found in the searching step.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and memory structures for selective delivery of content based on geolocation are disclosed.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein generally provide apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate the display of television recording information to. More particularly, television recording information is presented visually to a user in a recording information menu. The visual recording information menu includes a time axis, and recording timers associated with particular television programs are presented as visual representations along the time axis. In the case that multiple television receiving resources are available, a resource axis may separately present recording timers associated with each of the disparate television receiving resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selecting services in a television system using graphical indications displayed on a screen. The invention comprises in particular the steps of: (a) determining a first list (30) of services, the first list being a subset of a second list; (b) displaying at least a part of the first list, ordered according to a predetermined criterion; (c) selecting a service present in the second list, but not in the first list; (d) displaying a visual indicator (39) marking the relative location, according to the predetermined criterion, of the selected service in the first list (30). The invention also relates to the terminal for the implementation of the process.

Abstract: A method, computer program, reception apparatus, and information providing apparatus for providing one or more virtual channel tables corresponding to one or more content sources. The reception apparatus includes an input unit and a processor. The input unit receives a channel selection from a user. The processor determines a source of content associated with the channel selection based on at least one virtual channel table stored in a memory. Based on the determined source of content, the processor controls a first communication interface to receive first content or a second communication interface to receive second content. The processor controls the first communication interface to receive the first content when the selected channel is determined to be associated with a first source, and controls the second communication interface to receive the second content when the selected channel is determined to be associated with a second source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering video content for use in video rich user interfaces are disclosed. A mosaic channel may be generated, comprised of multiple video tiles each located at a different position within the mosaic channel, and transmitted to a receiving device. Audio for each video tile may also be provided. The receiving device may, using a 3D graphics engine (e.g., OpenGL), generate a video rich user interface navigable by a user to preview any of the different videos or other content included within the mosaic channel. The content included within the mosaic channel may be altered as the user is navigating the video rich user interface so that the user can continuously preview different content.

Abstract: In the field of media transmission technologies, a method and an apparatus for transmitting Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) media are provided, which solve a problem that a specific capability mode to be used cannot be determined when both a server and a client have enhanced functions. In the method and system for transmitting the HTTP media, the respective information of HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and by the client are obtained. According to the obtained information of the HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and supported by the client, the HTTP streaming media capability used by the server or the client in a subsequent media transmission procedure is determined. The server provides media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability; or the client obtains the media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi media video streams via high speed internet to a worldwide audience by using a specialized automation system with audio and video switching capabilities. This system provides video media streams to multiple platforms such as, cell phones, internet websites, and cable television subscribers.

Abstract: A video switcher (10) advantageously affords the capability of executing a video effect following recall that avoids visible artifacts upon transitioning from one effect to another. At the outset, the switcher identifies active elements within the video effect, the comprising those elements that undergo a change during execution of the video effect, as opposed to those that remain inert during effect execution. The switcher then dynamically calculates offset for application to an initial key frame value for the video effect to avoid any change in value to active elements upon initial effect recall. The offset value is applied to each subsequent interpolation of the video effect, thereby creating the desired result of applying only relative changes to the active elements of the video effect.

Abstract: A setting and modifying method of a user operating interface is used between a user device and a digital audio/video signal receiving and processing device through a network. The setting and modifying method includes the following steps. Firstly, the user device acquires a first user operating interface setting information from the digital audio/video signal receiving and processing device. Then, the contents of the first user operating interface setting information are modified to generate a second user operating interface setting information. Afterwards, the second user operating interface setting information is transmitted from the user device to the digital audio/video signal receiving and processing device through the network for setting the user operating interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a client device, determining a maximum number of channels based on the client device and selecting different targeted channels from a set of available channels. At least one of the different targeted channels is selected to form a preloaded channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Abstract: A digital television (DTV) receiver retrieves, from a memory, a standardized hostname and a standardized filename for a web-based service for providing a channel map associated with service providers. The DTV receiver adds, to the standardized hostname, a name for a particular service provider and sends, to a data server, a request for channel map information, where the request is based on the standardized hostname, the name for the particular service provider, and the standardized filename. The DTV receiver receivers, from the data server, a channel map file based on the standardized filename and extracts information from the channel map file to present to a user.

Abstract: A method comprises a second electrical device receiving a request via a network from a first electrical device to cause a file to be downloaded. The method further comprise the second electrical device causing the file to be downloaded from a server via the network to the second electrical device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for operating an electronic program guide system. The method comprises displaying a first view wherein graphical indicators each of which corresponds to a broadcast channel are displayed on a display; detecting input selecting one of the graphical indicators; and displaying a second view in response to the detected input, wherein programming information relating to a channel corresponding to the selected graphical indicator is displayed on the display.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an operation detection module, a first menu display module, a first instruction module, a second menu display module, and a second instruction module. The operation detection module detects first and second operation. The first and second menu display module display first and second menu on a display in accordance with the first and second operation. The first instruction module instructs display of content corresponding to a first display area displayed at a first predetermined position in the first menu. The second instruction module instructs display of content corresponding to a second display area displayed at a second predetermined position in the second menu.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing separate user classifications and interfaces to multiple users of a set-top box of the television system. Each user classification may be configurable to provide different interfaces, menus and available features to the users of the set-top box. Further, each user classification may include several sub-classifications to further personalize the set-top box to the various users of the system. Also, each user classification may also monitor the habits and usage of each class and store such information for use by the set-top box to suggest settings of the set-top box that the user may be interested in, such as a favorite channel list.

Abstract: A user interface, such as a graphical user interface or other electronic displayable interface, is contemplated. The user interface may include a reading lens portion configured to facilitate providing expanded viewing of content from other portions of the display. The reading lens portion may be displayed according to a non-linear timeline as to facilitate identifying upcoming contents without being constrained by a linear timeline used in other portions of the user interface.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an acquisition unit acquiring a viewing log including information representing content of an operation for viewing content and time of the operation, a learning unit learning, based on the viewing log acquired by the acquisition unit, a viewing behavior model which is a stochastic state transition model representing a viewing behavior of a user, a recognition unit recognizing, using the viewing behavior model obtained through learning by the learning unit, a current viewing state of the user, a prediction unit predicting, using the viewing behavior model, the viewing behavior of the user after a predetermined period of time with the current viewing state of the user recognized by the recognition unit as a starting point, and a display control unit displaying information relating to content predicted to be viewed through the viewing behavior predicted by the prediction unit.

Abstract: A server controlling method is disclosed. The server controlling method includes receiving uploading of a preferable channel list, and reconfiguring a preferable channel list based on location information received from a user and providing the reconfigured preferable channel list, in a case where there is a request by the user.

Abstract: Systems and method for receiving user channel search criteria, searching for channels based on representative content information, and presenting the channel results to the user. The interactive media guidance application prompts the user to enter channel search criteria by selecting categories or inputting keywords. The interactive media guidance application gathers information about channels in the form of channel attribute data. The channel attributed data identifies attributes of the typical programs provided by the channel over time. The application compares the channel attribute data for each channel with the user-entered channel search criteria. Matches or lack thereof are then displayed to the user by the interactive media guidance application.

Abstract: A push scheduler for communicating push and carousel content and method for operating the same includes a block manager that receives content channel data from the channel listing system and forming a channel block having a channel and a time period associated therewith based on the channel data. The scheduler further includes a schedule manager that forms an assignment by assigning push and carousel content data to the channel block with a predetermined recurrence rate within the block and a material manager that controls the communication of push and carousel content based on the channel block.

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: 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: 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.