Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.

Abstract: A television set (100) includes a determination section (330) and a notification section (340). The determination section (330) determines, as program information to be notified to a user, a plurality of pieces of program information each of which matches a search condition set beforehand, from among a plurality of pieces of program information. The notification section (340) notifies the user of the television set (100) of the plurality of pieces of program information thus determined by the determination section (330).

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an input unit configured to input moving image data, a recording unit configured to record the moving image data input by the input unit to a plurality of recording media, an output unit configured to output information to a display device, a selection unit configured to select any of a plurality of modes including a first mode for simultaneously recording the moving image data input by the input unit to the plurality of recording media, and a control unit configured, when a last clip is recorded in the first mode from the moving image data of a plurality of clips recorded to the plurality of recording media, to control the output unit to output a selection screen for selecting any of the plurality of recording media, and erase the moving image data of the last clip from the selected recording medium.

Abstract: A system and method for using information codes for recording television programs. Information codes may be published in magazines, newspapers, and the like, much like VCR Plus+™ codes. When a user desires to record one or more television programs based on information codes, the user selects an appropriate command button on his or her input device, and enters the information code that identifies a desired filter category (e.g. an actor filter represented as “01”) followed by a desired filter identifier (e.g. Richard Gere represented as “1234”). A processor receiving the user input searches an electronic program guide database for programs matching the filter information. The identified programs are then stored in a record memory for recording at an appropriate time. The identified programs may be further displayed for verification prior to storage in the record memory. Programs recommended to the viewers may also be identified via information codes.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.

Abstract: A device and a method for providing information of image data stored in a digital image display apparatus and a recording medium recorded with a program for realizing the same are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device for providing information of image data stored in the digital image display apparatus can include a channel list generating unit, which searches for a broadcast channel received through the digital image display apparatus and generates channel list data, and a link unit, which links image data and information data, respectively, included in broadcast data, stored in the digital image display apparatus according to a broadcast selecting signal and a broadcast data storing signal, with the channel list data.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a user interface including an electronic program guide and scrollable visual directories.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling display of a broadcast program for use in a system including an electronic device with a communication function and an external display device is provided. The broadcast playback control method of an electronic device includes displaying program information including a schedule registration icon, scheduling, when the schedule registration icon is selected, a broadcast program slotted to play at a broadcast time included in the program information, and controlling playback of the registered program at the broadcast time.

Abstract: A system and method for resolving scheduling conflicts in multi-tuner devices. A multi-tuner device generates an interactive graphical display representing a current schedule for tuner usage. A user may identify a program for viewing or recording and conditionally reserve a tuner to provide the requested service. The multi-tuner device identifies any scheduling conflicts arising from the requested service and provides an updated graphical display showing a new schedule for tuner usage, which schedule is subjet to selection by the requesting user. Upon selection of the new schedule, the new schedule becomes the current schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling Internet users to schedule recordings of electronic programming content. One method includes displaying on a web page, over the Internet, a user interface element associated with an advertisement for electronic programming content; wherein selection of the user interface element, by a user of a web browsing device, initiates a recording device of the user, separate from the web browsing device, to schedule a recording of the electronic programming content. Another method for enabling Internet users to request television content includes displaying on a web page, over the Internet, a user interface element associated with an advertisement for television content; wherein a user's selection of the user interface element initiates a request for the advertised television content from a carrier that provides television service to the user.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to detect a media device operating externally to the communication device actively engaged in presenting media content, detect an incoming communication session initiated by another communication device, present a notice identifying the media device and the media content being presented by the media device, detect a directive to modify an operation of the media device to mitigate interrupting a communication session with the other communication device, and instruct the media device to modify its operation according to the directive. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for a plurality of devices to share a channel map of digital broadcast in a home network is provided. In a system and method for sharing a channel map of digital broadcast in a home network according to the present invention, a Remote User Interface Server (RUIS) stores a channel map including an occupied count field for indicating a number of devices using each of a plurality of digital broadcast channels and an occupier indicator field including indicators of the devices using corresponding digital broadcast channels, and at least one Remote User Interface Client (RUIC) as one of the devices receives and displays the channels for which occupier indicator fields include the occupier indicator of the RUIC.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting media content to a set-top box. The media content includes an advertisement having a selectable reminder indicator related to an event. The method further includes receiving an input selection related to the selectable reminder indicator from the set-top box, sending a first menu to the set-top box including at least one option to schedule a reminder associated with the event, and sending a second menu to the set-top box in response to receiving a selection of the at least one option. The second menu includes a device menu including an option to specify a device order in which to send the reminder to a plurality of devices.

Abstract: Back channel communications are contemplated. The back channel communications may relate to facilitating signaling from a primary device to one or more secondary devices. One contemplated type of back channel communication may include a service provider carrying the desired signaling to the secondary devices. This may occur without the primary device being aware of the secondary devices and/or without requiring the primary device to identify the secondary devices to the service provider.

Abstract: A method of presenting content to a viewer is described. The method includes: receiving a schedule of content at a client operable by the viewer, the schedule of content including a directed graph, the directed graph including a plurality of nodes, wherein each node in the plurality of nodes is connected to one or more other nodes in the plurality of nodes by one or more paths, wherein each path represents content presentable to the viewer; traversing the directed graph by following a route between nodes and along paths of the directed graph, wherein at each node the client determines a path to follow according to state information accessible by the client; and presenting content to the viewer as each path is followed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at an electronic device, a first input from a user identifying a program and a viewing time and creating a first calendar event corresponding to the viewing time in an electronic calendar associated with the user. The method also includes determining a first device to deliver the program to, where the first device is associated with the user. The determination is based on the viewing time and a second calendar event in the electronic calendar. Further, the method includes delivering the program to the first device.

Abstract: Digital television channels are preemptively cached based on a modeling of a user to reduce delays while switching channels. A current television channel is selected using a first tuner. A future television channel selection of the user is then predicted based on a modeling of the user. The recorded content of the predicted future television channel is preemptively cached using a second tuner. A buffer of the recorded content of the predicted future television channel is displayed when the user switches from the current television channel to the predicted future television channel. The modeling of the user is updated and stored in storage.

Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing audio or video content to a mobile handset is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing and displaying enhanced banners and other objects on a communication device. The banner file may comprise ancillary data, such as calendar appointment details, other event details, or contact details, embedded within the file itself, or comprised in an envelope wrapping the banner file. When the banner is displayed on the communication device, the user may invoke a context menu to create an event, such as a calendar event, on the device using the embedded ancillary data. In other embodiments, the communication device uses geolocation services to determine whether the user is likely to be in attendance at an event, and if not, to issue alerts or initiate a further action, such as initiating recording of a television program the user is about to miss, over the network. In other embodiments, the banner file's ancillary data includes recommendation data, identifying a banner as being recommended by a contact of the user's.

Abstract: In many aspects, systems and methods for recording overlapping media content using interactive media guidance applications are provided. The systems and methods for recording overlapping media content generally relate to cropping overlapping portions of the media content thereby allowing a user to enjoy most of the recording while only forgoing a portion of the beginning or the end of a program.

Abstract: A screen time control device includes a source interface for receiving a video signal, a processor connected to the video source interface for overlaying the video signal with a translucent signal to produce an overlaid video signal, and a device interface connected to the processor for receiving the overlaid video signal and providing the overlaid video signal to the display device. The processor substitutes the translucent signal in the overlaid video signal with a parental signal, where the parental signal can be a substantially opaque overlay signal that masks an image on the screen of the display device to prohibit viewing of the screen, a textual message, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, schedule recordings to a PVR, configure recordings, view a list of scheduled recordings, configure recording settings, or select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming. Television content may be automatically paused when a user is using the application. Multiple IPGs for different users of a PVR may be implemented.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a reminder notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that determines a reminder notification rule for a recipient with at least one descriptor of media content received by a set-top box, queries a database for one or more selections of scheduled media content in accordance with the reminder notification rule, and sends a reminder notification to the recipient based on a query result. Another embodiment is disclosed that receives a request for a usage information of a set-top box in accordance with a reminder notification preference that has a reminder notification rule with at least one descriptor of media content received by a set-top box, and sends the usage information for the set-top box based upon the reminder notification preference.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for receiving electronic programming guide (EPG) selections entered via a separate wireless remote, storing the EPG selections on a storage device, and transmitting the EPG selections to be displayed when requested. In one embodiment, the EPG selections are transmitted to one or more separate wireless remotes to be displayed on the wireless remotes when requested. In addition, in one embodiment, one or more programs are also transmitted to be separately displayed concurrently with displaying the EPG selections.

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: Near real time downloading and verifying of a subscriber's remote record request is provided to control a DVR using the existing satellite network. The insertion of the programming request into the continuous broadcast stream enables near real time processing of the request by a subscriber IRD to accommodate same day and even last minute remote programming requests. The use of a back channel to verify the request provides the subscriber with assurance that the request has been processed successfully and flexibility to change services on the fly.

Abstract: A method for watching a missed television (TV) program and a user terminal are provided. The method includes the following steps. Electronic program guide (EPG) information distributed by a headend is received, and a local table of missed programs and current time are obtained. It is determined that a missed program exits when the user terminal is in a non-working status according to the local table of missed programs and the current time. Information of the missed program in the local table of missed programs is updated according to the EPG information. It is detected whether the missed program is played currently, and if yes, a service of watching a missed program is implemented. By using the method for making up for watching the missed TV program and the user terminal, when the missed program of the user is played in a system, the user is reminded in time of watching the missed program, and a trouble that the user searches the missed program through the EPG is avoided.

Abstract: A method and network connected rendering apparatus (130) are described. The network connected rendering apparatus (130) receives a command to play a content item and/or the content item to be played from another network connected device (110). Instead of automatically interrupting the current rendering activities of the rendering apparatus for playing the content item, the content item is added to a list of scheduled content items (140).

Abstract: In a DVR recording apparatus, a program and EPG data are received, and the EPG data and a reservation list, which relates to a reservation status of program recording, are stored. In addition, reserved recording, for recording a program in accordance with the reservation list, is carried out. Further, in the DVR, EPG data or the reservation list is transmitted in accordance with a request from a portable telephone. On one hand, in the portable telephone, in accordance with an operation of a user, a request of the EPG data or reservation list is transmitted, and in accordance with the request, the EPG data or reservation list transmitted from the DVR is received. Then, the EPG data or reservation list is presented in the portable telephone to a user.

Abstract: In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, apparatus is provided for searching the listing for specific user-entered information, and upon successful conclusion to the search, the apparatus schedules the tuning of the desired program, or in the alternative, notifies the viewer of the availability of the program. In those instances where descriptive text accompanies the program listing, apparatus of the invention performs a search of the text for a particular text string which may relate to the title, the star, the director, or the context of the program, among other search criteria.

Abstract: Variables incorporated into a hypertext markup language program guide enable location of hypertext elements. Once the variable is located, the information contained within the identified hypertext element may be used to tune to a particular channel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a user input identifying a video signal, recording the video signal to the video data file and sending an instruction to a backup server. The instruction causes the backup server to concurrently record the video signal to a second video data file. The backup server can also record a second video signal to a second video data file based on a second instruction. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user to display descriptors of media programming content for a time period; identifying people associated with the user employing information stored in a computer database, and identifying time-associated media programs electronically scheduled on behalf of the identified people; and providing for display, to the user, the descriptions of the identified people and of the time-associated media programs.

Abstract: A programming recorder receives information after receiving at least two programming event recording requests, detects a conflict between the programming event recording requests based on the received information, creates a ranked list of alternative sources for the programming event recording requests, and resolves the conflict by fulfilling at least one of the at least two programming event recording requests utilizing an alternative source. The alternative source may be automatically selected or selected by a user. The ranked list of alternative sources may be ordered utilizing a set of one or more priority criteria. The programming event recording requests and/or the received programming information may include metadata and determining alternative sources may comprise comparing the metadata. The programming recorder may display an indication that the conflict between the at least two programming event recording requests was detected and resolved.

Abstract: A method for recording multiple pieces of content with a single tuner. A content delivery network can include multiple channels organized into bands with several channels per band. These bands can be transmitted on an up-link such as to a satellite. The bands can be relayed to receivers at the end user locations. The end user receivers can tune to one, two, or some other fraction of the total number of transmitted bands. When a user selects a program to view and/or record, a tuner of the receiver tunes to the band that includes the channel that includes the program. The method prompts the user regarding the other channels that form the set of channels on that band, and solicits input for recording one or more concurrent programs of the band, which can all be recorded on the single receiving tuner.

Abstract: When a user selects a topic tag included in a posted article on a display of a timeline obtained from an SNS server, an SNS client looks up an information channel related word table registering correspondence between a TV channel and a term related to the TV channel, searches a TV channel registering correspondence with a term and the topic tag, and causes the TV control to receive the searched TV channel and display and output the received program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a first video display coupled with a receiving system to display a video broadcast, and a computing device having a second display displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) corresponding to the video broadcast, wherein the EPG and the video broadcast are displayed concurrently.

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: An interactive television program guide system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. In addition, other options may be provided that allow the user to determine, for example, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all channels on which the program airs or only on a selected channels, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for all episodes including reruns or only new episodes, whether to schedule reminders/recordings for network or syndicated episodes, and whether to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all days or only on selected days of the week. Before the scheduled broadcast time of each episode of each selected program series, the system sends a reminder message to the user that reminds the user of the program episode or sends a record command to a videocassette recorder to initiate recording of the episode.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller element to receive a tout message associated with a media content item, and present the tout message with a selectable Internet link having one or more instructions for directing a set-top box (STB) receiver of a subscriber of the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A program recording device including an input port, a processor memory, a processor, a selector, and a storage element is configured to receive command data and program data through the input port. The selector receives command data and program data from the input port and outputs the command data to the processor memory and the program data to the storage element. The processor uses this command data to control the selector and storage element to automatically record a program influenced by user preferences onto the storage element without requiring any user input.

Abstract: A method and system for managing multiple user locks and deletion requests on a digital video recorder (DVR) is disclosed. Files associated with the DVR can be protected from deletion by allowing users to lock a recorded file utilizing a number of locking strategies. The recorded file can also be locked by multiple users and the recording can be deleted when the users specifically remove the lock. A simpler interface for each user can be provided to prevent other users from deleting recorded files, which have not yet been viewed. Such an approach allows for an administrative override to prevent users from locking recordings and never unlocking in order to prevent the DVR exhausting disk space.

Abstract: A system and method for extending recording time over an allocated time slot for a A/V recording device including receiving, at a programming content server, a request for one or more programs and transmitting, via the programming content server, the request for one or more programs to at least one of a linear content system and a digital content system. Also, the system and method may include receiving, at the programming content server, the one or more requested programs from at least one of the linear content system and the digital content system; and transmitting, via the programming content server, one or more programming content identification messages to a set-top box in the event that the one or more requested programs extend over an allocated time slot.

Abstract: A device receives an identification of a series to schedule automatic recording of episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, receives an instruction to automatically retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series based on the scheduling of the automatic recording of the episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future. The device searches content, based on receipt of the instruction, to retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series. The device records at least one episode of the scheduled series, and presents the recorded at least one episode of the scheduled series and the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series such that a user may select and play the at least one episode of the scheduled series or the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series.

Abstract: A method for enhancing digital video recorder television advertising viewership provides a method wherein the first or last number of seconds of a commercial break are carefully authored to provide a “teaser” to entice the viewer to watch multiple commercials during the commercial break instead of skipping the commercial break using the fast forward or jump functions of the DVR. A bookending function displays an advertisement before and/or after a program that has been recorded on the DVR's storage device is played to the viewer. The viewer selects a recorded program from the DVR's storage device to playback. Before the program is played back, an advertisement is retrieved from the storage device and is displayed before the program is run. Another advertisement is retrieved and then played after the program is over.

Abstract: A system for handling data and transactions involving data through the use of a virtual transaction zone, which virtual transaction zone removes the dependency of such transaction on the delivery medium of the product. The invention may reside and operate on a variety of electronic devices such as televisions, VCRs, DVDs, personal computers, WebTV, any other known electronic recorder/player, or as a stand alone unit. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for combining mediums, data feeds, and manipulation of those feeds. The transaction zone also provides a mechanism for controlling the content, delivery, and timing of delivery of the end consumer's product.

Abstract: An approach is provided for utilizing dynamic bandwidth allocation for recording content. A recording manager generates a request for bandwidth for a future recording of a programming content to be delivered to a set-top box. The recording manager then receives a response indicating a dynamic bandwidth allocation for the future recording and schedules the future recording of the programming content based on the dynamic bandwidth allocation.

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.