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: The present invention provides a remote control device, a far-end device, a multimedia system and a control method thereof. Said remote control device comprising: a communication unit for establishing a connection with a far-end device and performing communication; an operating unit for operating a specific program in said far-end device by the operation of the user; and a mode change unit for switching a operating mode in said remote control device according to feedback information associated with the specific program which is fed back by said far-end device in response to the operation in said operating unit. Through the remote control device, the far-end device, the multimedia system and the control method thereof, it may be operated in any device possessing communication function in despite of the hardware and system configuration of said device.

Abstract: A reservation system for watching online video is used in wireless communication equipment to watch online video via network. The reservation system contains: at least one network server linking to an instant video platform for storing live video medias and for facilitating a user to view and click a desired live video media; a user login interface linking to the plurality of live video medias so as to login and to confirm a user identity; a playing session schedule served to reserve a playing time and a playing session; an online traffic seating chart linking with the playing session schedule so as to confirm viewer's number of the playing time and the playing session, such that the user confirms booking; and a playback information transmission unit linking with the online traffic seating chart and generating playing information based on a booking confirmation and transmitting the playing information to the user.

Abstract: A Personal TV System receives a plurality of video segments constituting a TV program and information describing each segment, and controls the display of the segments to a viewer in accordance with preferences of the viewer and with the description of each segment. Segments may be omitted or replaced with substitute segments. The viewer may review his preferences and edit or replace them. In a multi-viewer household, the system may prompt a viewer to confirm her preferences. A TV program may contain interactive segments, and when the viewer chooses to interact with a particular segment, the system automatically stores all subsequently received segments for later viewing while the viewer interacts with the selected segment. The system may present TV program choices to the viewer selected and arranged in accordance with her preferences.

Abstract: A method of processing additional information related to an announced service or content in a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and the broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of providing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service in a broadcasting receiver includes receiving a service map table (SMT) and a first descriptor through a service signaling channel, identifying an image identifier and an image type of an image for an NRT service based upon the first descriptor, receiving the image via a flute session and displaying the image when corresponding service is played, wherein the image is logo or icon data for the NRT service. The method may further include connecting a service signaling channel, parsing the received SMT and the first descriptor, determining whether a service is the NRT service based upon the parsed SMT and storing the received image.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing channels. A user selection of a channel and a time associated with media content is received. The current time is determined. A display is powered on in response to determining the display is off. A display is automatically changed to the channel in response to the current time matching the selected time. The media content received through the channel is displayed.

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

Abstract: A method of processing a non-real time service of a broadcast receiver, which receives and processes a service being transmitted in non-real time, and a broadcast receiver are disclosed.

Abstract: An Internet television program guide system is provided that allows a user at a multimedia system to access information related to television programs over an Internet communications link. The user can view television program guide listings and related video stills and video clips. The user can perform database searches on the program guide listings (e.g., to search for a particular type of television program). The user can set a reminder message for a television program that is transmitted prior to the transmission time of the program. If desired, the user can select an option that directs the multimedia system to tune directly to a television channel for a selected program or to a related television program guide or movie guide service on a television channel. The user can order pay-per-view events using the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for recording broadband content are provided. A user command to record desired content included in broadband content output by a service provider may be received by a programming processing component configured to receive the output broadband content. The programming processing component may determine whether the desired content will be recorded by the programming processing component. If it is determined that the desired content will be recorded by the programming processing component, then the desired content may be stored by the programming processing component in at least one memory. If it is determined that the desired content will not be recorded by the programming processing component, then a request to record the desired content may be communicated by the programming processing component to a content recording server.

Abstract: A viewer of an episode of a series such as a television series may wish to access episodes of the series that the viewer missed when they were originally broadcast. Interactive applications may receive the viewer's indication of interest to record missed episodes of the incomplete series, which may include instructions regarding recording options for including the missed episodes in a series aggregation. Interactive applications may identify the episodes to be included in the series aggregation, and record the missed episodes, which may then be stored and organized to create a series aggregation, in the order that they were first broadcast with episodes that the viewer may already have available. Interactive applications way present the episodes of the series aggregation in the order that they were originally broadcast, by providing the viewer with options on how to access the episodes.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a signal receiver configured to receive a broadcasting signal that includes content of a channel and information about content overlapped channels, a signal processor configured to extract the content and the information about the content overlapped channels from the received broadcasting signal, a display configured to display an image of an extracted content, and a controller configured to perform a control operation based on the extracted information about the content overlapped channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for setting a timer via an interactive trigger. The interactive trigger may be combined with a video stream and detected when the video stream is to be displayed. Based on the detection, a selectable display object associated with the interactive trigger may be displayed with the display of the video stream. Selection of the selectable display object may enable a timer to be set based on the interactive trigger. The timer enabled by the interactive trigger may be a recording timer, an auto-tune timer or a reminder timer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user.

Abstract: Cable and satellite television systems, televisions, and universal remotes are used to provide interactive financial self-services to users. The cable or satellite system provides a connection between a user and a financial services company. A television or other display device connects to the cable or satellite system and displays content from the financial services company to a user. The user may enter data and navigate through the content via a back channel using a universal remote or other input device. The user may thus complete the content, such as completing a loan application, opening a bank account, or purchasing insurance. The user may provide authentication information to receive personalized content.

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: A display device includes a memory, a display module, a network interface configured to access a Video On Demand (VOD) server, and a controller configured to register a program for a rerun notification service, display a VOD program guide by receiving an additional information on a plurality of VOD program from a VOD server via the network interface, detect whether the additional information on the registered program exists in the VOD program guide, and output a message indicating that the program is uploaded in the VOD program guide via the rerun notification service if the additional information on the registered program exists in the VOD program guide.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting channels to at least one digital video recorder is described. A server receives at least one recording schedule from a plurality of digital video recorders (step 304). A subset of channels is selected from the channels associated with the at least one program identification of the received at least one recording schedule (step 306). Information is transmitted from the server to at least one of the plurality of digital video recorders, the information indicating channels associated with the at least one program identification of the at least one recording schedule that were not selected (step 308). The selected subset of channels is also transmitted from the server to at least one of the plurality of digital video recorders (step 310).

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: Methods, computer program products, and apparatuses are provided for allowing a user to communicate with a set top box and a media content server through a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone. The user may be able to request and receive a customer specific interactive programming guide through the mobile communication device. The interactive programming guide may allow the user to search and record media programs, including sending recording commands to a set top box to record a particular media program. The interactive programming guide may also allow the user to order and receive media programs to the mobile communication device. Embodiments may provide a personal video recorder proxy server as an interface between the mobile communication device and the set top box and the media content server.

Abstract: A device uses received electronic program guide data to present an electronic program guide in a display of the device. The displayed electronic program guide includes at least one selectable user interface element corresponding to the at least one currently available media, e.g., a currently airing television program, and at least one user interface element corresponding to at least one yet-to-be available media, e.g., a future airing television program. When a user selects the at least one user interface element corresponding to the at least one currently available media the portable electronic device is caused to issue one or more commands to cause at least one controllable device to access the currently available media. When a user selects the at least one user interface element corresponding to the at least one yet-to be available media data related to the yet-to-be available media is transferred to a calendar application resident on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system is provided in which an interactive television program guide application and non-program-guide applications are at least partially implemented on user television equipment. A program guide program application interface is provided that is used to maintain a consistent user interface between the program guide application and the non-program-guide applications. The user may select certain non-program-guide applications as favorites and may set parental controls for certain non-program-guide applications. While the non-program-guide application operates, the program guide may check for events that require immediate attention. When such an event is detected, operation of the non-program-guide application may be suspended and the user may be asked whether the detected event should take place or whether operation of the non-program-guide application should be resumed. The program application interface may perform authentication and access rights determination functions.

Abstract: In a media server, a storage unit 50 records content. A status management unit 32 acquires status information related to the media server from inside or outside. By referencing an icon table, an icon selection unit 34 selects an icon image corresponding to the acquired status information. When an icon providing unit 36 provides the selected icon image to an information processing device, the information processing device displays the provided icon image on a menu screen.

Abstract: A customized content calendar may include reminders or invitations to access particular media content, where the reminders or invitations may be pushed to the content calendar based on user-specific preferences.

Abstract: A content player accesses content via a content access list shared by a network of players. The content is stored by one or more of the players. One or more of the players may be thin clients that can access content stored by other players but cannot themselves store content. The content access list lists available stored content. The content player associates a bookmark with the content and includes identification information that identifies the requestor related to generation of the bookmark. When the content player presents the content access list, bookmarks associated with content included in list are also be along with the identification information. In some implementations, the requestor related to generation of the respective bookmark may be the content player that generated the bookmark, the specific user that entered input that prompted generation of the bookmark, and/or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording overrun and underrun scheduling system provides a system for adjusting the start and end times of a broadcast program's recording schedule that has a start and end broadcast time. The viewer selects a particular broadcast program to record from the program guide using a remote input device. The system schedules the broadcast program to be recorded by inserting the program's information such as program identifier, start and end times, and storage duration into a recording schedule database. The system allows the viewer to adjust the scheduled start and/or end recording times for a broadcast program by specifying the time increment to add or subtract from the start and/or end recording times of a specific program or series of programs.

Abstract: A network system in which a terminal apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a server apparatus are connectable via a network is disclosed. The server apparatus includes a service processing unit performing a service of reserving recording of a content to the recording apparatus by a request from the terminal apparatus, and an available service information provision unit managing information on the service available to the recording apparatus as available service information and transmitting the available service information to the terminal apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: The present invention allows users to interact with people, who have interacted with other people, and obtain media files and recommendations from those having common interests, thereby creating interactive media communities and spawning electronic social networks based on media and other types of electronic entertainment.

Abstract: A viewer of an episode of a series such as a television series may wish to access episodes of the series that the viewer missed when they were originally broadcast. Interactive applications may receive the viewer's indication of interest to record missed episodes of the incomplete series, which may include instructions regarding recording options for including the missed episodes in a series aggregation. Interactive applications may identify the episodes to be included in the series aggregation, and record the missed episodes, which may then be stored and organized to create a series aggregation, in the order that they were first broadcast with episodes that the viewer may already have available. Interactive applications may present the episodes of the series aggregation in the order that they were originally broadcast, by providing the viewer with options on how to access the episodes.

Abstract: A system measures viewership of multimedia programs such as television programs, pay-per-view sporting events, and video-on-demand movies. Viewership data from a plurality of multimedia programs may be compared to determine ratings for the multimedia programs. Multimedia streams en route to set top boxes may be monitored using packet inspection to identify the multimedia program or programs included in the multimedia streams. An electronic table or array may be stored and updated with viewership statistics of monitored multimedia programs. Some embodiments track the total number of households or televisions that are powered on in a viewing area. Ratings are available substantially in real time by accessing a stored table with viewership information or by frequently polling a plurality of stored values to determine which multimedia program is being viewed by all or substantially all viewers in an area.

Abstract: Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user.

Abstract: A broadcasting recording apparatus for making a recording reservation with good usability includes a batch recording accepting unit for accepting a batch recording reservation based on an operational input accepted via a remote controller, the batch recording reservation being an operational input for making a set of recording reservations of TV programs corresponding to a TV program recorded in a predetermined period of time that is set in advance, a name extracting unit for extracting recorded program name information from a video storage unit when the batch recording reservation is accepted, the recorded program name information being program name information of the TV program recorded in the predetermined period of time among video information stored in the video storage unit, a TV program decision unit for deciding whether or not the electronic program guide includes program name information matching with the recorded program name information, and a recording reservation unit for making a recording reser

Abstract: Media device systems and methods are operable to automatically present a program at its beginning while a remaining portion of the program is being received at the media device. An exemplary embodiment receives a program in a media content stream; receives a presentation request to present the program, wherein the presentation request is received after an initial portion of the program has been received and wherein the presentation request is received before a conclusion of the program; accesses a stored initial portion of the program from a memory medium; and initiates presentation at a beginning of the program residing in the accessed initial portion of the program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing cost efficient media asset recording on a user equipment device are provided. A first instance of a media asset is identified for recording. A media asset schedule database is searched to identify a second instance of the media asset. A determination, based on cost of power consumption information, is made as to whether recording the first instance of the media asset will cost less than recording the second instance of the media asset. Either the first instance of the media asset or the second instance of the media asset is selected for recording based on the determination.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video embedded with a plurality of motion touch enabled objects, each of the motion touch enabled objects corresponding to a given item featured in the video at one or more specific frames of the video. The method comprises providing playback of a motion touch enabled video to a viewer and presenting a plurality of touch objects encoded within the video to the viewer, where each of the plurality of touch objects configured to accept a touch from the viewer. The method further comprises receiving a touch for a given one of the plurality of touch objects from the viewer, presenting a touch feedback to the viewer upon receiving the touch for the given one of the plurality of touch objects, and recording the given touch object.

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 system may process metadata associated with video assets; generate, based on the metadata, a first listing of the video assets, where the first listing is compatible with a first type of user device that corresponds to a set top box; and provide the first listing to the first type of user device. The system may further generate, based on the metadata, a second listing of the video assets, where the second listing is formatted to be compatible with a second type of user device that is a different type than the set top box; and provide the second listing to the second type of user device.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for setting a timer via an interactive trigger. The interactive trigger may be combined with a video stream and detected when the video stream is to be displayed. Based on the detection, a selectable display object associated with the interactive trigger may be displayed with the display of the video stream. Selection of the selectable display object may enable a timer to be set based on the interactive trigger. The timer enabled by the interactive trigger may be a recording timer, an auto-tune timer or a reminder timer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: A system for communicating resource information may include a resource reservation proxy module to receive a first signal including resource request information. The resource reservation proxy module may be associated with a first environment associated with a requesting application. The resource reservation proxy module may process the received resource request information into a resource request packet, and communicate the resource request packet utilizing an environmentally independent communication protocol. A resource reservation handler module may receive the communicated resource request packet. The resource reservation handler module may be associated with a second environment associated with a resource management application. The resource reservation handler module may process the received resource request packet into a second signal including the resource request information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electronic program guide for television or radio programs includes presenting listing of present or future programs on-screen, presenting listings of past programs on-screen and indicating whether the past program is available again at a future time. Also, a system and method for handling information controllable from an electronic program guide for television or radio programs comprises receiving information in a user's system, storing the received information in the user's system, displaying access to the stored information by means of a user interface and enabling the user to select one of a plurality of management options for controlling the operation of the stored information through the user interface.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Abstract: An approach provides indexing of media content capable of effectively controlling playback availability of the vast variety of media content. A recording of a video session associated with a media stream is initiated. A portion of the video session is selected. And an index for playback of the selected portion and for playback of the video session is configured, wherein the selected portion is played back when the video session is unavailable for playback.

Abstract: A disclosed example method to manage network bandwidth allocation in a media delivery environment involves detecting insufficient bandwidth available to deliver requested media to a media receiver and presenting user-selectable options via the media receiver to allocate bandwidth to deliver the requested media to the media receiver. The example method also involves receiving a first user selection of one of the user-selectable options and implementing the selected one of the user-selectable options specifying a second user selection identifying a particular media stream to be delivered at a media quality that is lower than a higher media quality previously selected for that particular media stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating media asset access conflicts using a time bar in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention are provided. A media guide display that includes at least some media asset listings and a time bar is generated. A first portion of the time bar representing a first time interval during which media assets, for which a respective media guidance function has been assigned, are scheduled for transmission is identified. A second portion, within the first portion of the time bar, which represents a second time interval during which the scheduled transmission times of the media assets overlap is identified. A first indicator is generated, for display in the first portion, to represent the first time interval. A second indicator is generated, for display in the second portion, to represent the second time interval during which the scheduled transmission times of the media assets overlap.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for renewing a program are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining programs associated with a set renewed program according to the renewed program; using one or more of the obtained associated programs as successive programs to the renewed program; and renewing the successive programs automatically. The present invention brings the following benefits: Programs in multiple series or programs associated with a program can be renewed automatically, which overcomes the problems in the prior art, namely, separate renewal of every episode of a program series or separate renewal of programs associated with a renewed program, complicated user operations, and poor user experiences.

Abstract: An improved television guide system. According to one embodiment of the invention, television guide information is provided that includes multiple occurrences of a single show. The guide system of the present invention allows the user to identify a show and, thereafter, identify when the identified show will be played again. Accordingly, the user may more easily select shows for viewing or recordation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording content from a different source when previous content runs over are provided. A recording of a first media asset from a first content source is scheduled. The first media asset is scheduled for transmission from the first content source at a start time following a scheduled transmission end time of a second media asset from the first content source. Transmission of the second media asset from the first content source is determined to run past the scheduled end time. A determination is made, based on a visual component and/or an audible component of the second media asset, that transmission of the first media asset at the start time from the first content source has been changed to a second content source. The recording of the first media asset is modified to record the first media asset at the start time from the second content source.