Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for controlling a broadcast displays information on an interactive service associated with a broadcast program, the information provided prior to displaying the associated broadcast program. The present invention includes a wireless communication unit receiving interactive service information, an input unit selecting an interactive service using the received interactive service information, and a controller scheduling the execution of the selected interactive service.

Abstract: Viewing episodes of a video series in order allows for a good viewing experience and understanding of episode content of the individual episodes. Functionality can be implemented in a video recording device and/or at a content provider to collect data about viewing behavior to determine if a user(s) tends to view episodes of a series in order. The video recording device and/or content provider can also keep track of partially or fully viewed episodes and episodes that are ready for viewing to avoid acquiring already viewed episodes Being able to quickly catch up on missed episodes will allow for easier introduction to a video series and prevent viewers from abandoning programs. In addition, requests for particular episodes can be leveraged for dynamic episode scheduling and dynamic setting of advertisement rates.

Abstract: An interactive media guidance 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. Options may be provided that allow the user to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all or selected channels for some or all episodes including reruns, new episodes, network or syndicated episodes, on all or only on selected days.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which a user can use an interactive television application to establish time-based settings. The user may set television program reminders, advance-order pay-per-view programs, schedule programs for recording, and establish parental controls to prevent television viewing during certain times on certain channels. The interactive television application may be used to support video recorder functions such as personal video recorder functions implemented locally on the user's set-top box or other equipment and network-based video recorder functions implemented using servers at cable television headends and other network locations. The interactive television application may also be used to deliver video-on-demand content. When the user requests that video be delivered, conflicts may arise between the requested video delivery and the previously-established time-based settings.

Abstract: To provide a program viewing-recording system which executes program viewing or recording without a failure when a program is viewed or recorded using a program list created by a third party. In response to a user operation or an instruction from an application (107), a program information adjustment unit (110) obtains program information included in a program list from a program list management unit (109), compares the program information with broadcast program information held by a broadcast program information management unit (106), and corrects the program information on the basis of terminal setting data. When it is determined that the program information cannot be corrected using the information held by the broadcast program information management unit, the program information adjustment unit sends the program information and the terminal setting data to an external program information correction server (400) and requests the server to correct the program information.

Abstract: A system and methods for acquiring scheduled television programs with coinciding program times. One method includes initially identifying that a conflict exists to acquire the scheduled television programs. Once the conflict is identified, the method identifies one or more alternate sources that contain the scheduled television programs. Acquisition schedules are generated and optimized. Then, at least one of the scheduled television programs are recorded from one of the alternate sources. A user may set user preferences to customize how the system will generate potential acquisition schedules.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box or other multimedia receiver suitable for use in a multimedia distribution network includes a remote control interface operable to receive a signal from a remote control device and extract a remote control command from the signal, a processor coupled to the remote control interface and operable to detect the remote control command, and a machine readable storage resource containing computer executable instructions operable to: invoke an aural indication application that returns an audio stream suitable for processing by an audio output device, wherein the audio stream, when processed by the audio output device, causes the audio output device to produce an audibly detectable signal indicative of a function corresponding to the remote control command. The application may generate the audio stream by invoking a speech synthesis module or by retrieving an audio file.

Abstract: Extended television (TV) reminders enable a user to add a reminder about a TV program or other content in a communication network, a reminder that can be connected to either an event from the EPG or just a time and date. If the user is logged in on an Internet protocol (IP) TV system, the reminder can be displayed on the user's TV display, and if the user is not logged in, a message can be sent to a user device, e.g., a Short Message Service (SMS), text, or other message. Choices presented to the user when a reminder occurs can include accept, snooze (for a configurable amount of time), and delete, among others. If the reminder is connected to a linear TV program, an option to record the program can also be presented (if allowed by the user's subscription and equipment). Reminders are preferably stored in the network, e.g., as a part of a user's service profile.

Abstract: A media guidance application is provided by which users can define rules for assigning user equipment devices as destinations for media content. For example, a user may define a rule by which selected media content having attributes that satisfy a user-defined condition are downloaded, recorded, or streamed to a particular, user-specified user equipment device. The user may define and manage rules using media guidance menus, and may restrict other users from accessing the rules (e.g., parents restricting children).

Abstract: An interactive media guidance 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. Options may be provided that allow the user to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all or selected channels for some or all episodes including reruns new episodes, network or syndicated episodes, on all days or only on selected days.

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: A method according to one embodiment includes causing a message to be sent from a remote site to a user device, the message including information about a pay-per-view show and a hyperlink associated with the pay-per-view show for selection by a user; receiving data corresponding to a selection of the hyperlink in the message; outputting a webpage having a second hyperlink upon receiving the data corresponding to the selection of hyperlink; receiving data corresponding to a selection of the second hyperlink on the webpage; and performing an action in response to receiving the data corresponding to a selection of the second hyperlink on the webpage, the action comprising at least one of: ordering the pay-per-view show associated with the first or second hyperlink, and sending an instruction to a recording device to record the pay-per-view show.

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: A method for outputting content information and a display apparatus enabling the same are disclosed. The method for outputting contents information of a display apparatus includes identifying whether predetermined contents are series or single, generating a content information display object according to the result of the identification, and outputting the content information display object in a display screen, wherein a content information display object corresponding to the series contents is different from a content information display object corresponding to the single contents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for recording television content. For example, in one embodiment, a method performed by a digital video recorder is disclosed that includes communicating with a home gateway to determine whether a device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space to store a television program in the event that the digital video recorder determines that an internal data storage unit associated with the digital video recorder has enough free storage space to store the television program. In one embodiment, the method routes the storage of a recording of the television program to the device via the home gateway in response to a determination that the device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space on the data storage unit associated with the device to store the television content.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a broadcasting-wave receiving device which receives broadcasting waves containing identification information for specifying program and video and audio information of program, a program reservation device which prepares, when setting of a program contained in broadcasting waves is received, reservation information containing identification information of program of which setting is received and information concerning setting, a wireless terminal, a communication device of the wireless terminal which transmits and receives reservation information and a recording device which records video and audio information of program identified by identification information contained in reservation information on the basis of information concerning setting.

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: Provided is a program reception terminal that can more kindly remind the user of the existence of a forgot-to-view program. The program reception terminal comprises: a want-to-view program identifying unit 149 that identifies a want-to-view program of a viewer based on the viewing history; a not-yet-viewed program extracting unit 301 that extracts not-yet-viewed programs; a forgot-to-view program determining unit 148 that searches whether there is a want-to-view program in the not-yet-viewed programs and that determines the program found out by the searching as the forgot-to-view program; a related program determining unit 154 that determines whether a related program identified from the forgot-to-view program based on a predetermined rule exists in a program group in a predetermined period later than the predetermined time; and a program guide display control unit 144 that displays the existence of the forgot-to-view program if the related program exists.

Abstract: There is provided a display apparatus including display means for displaying images, electronic program guide display means for causing the display means to display an electronic program guide, selection means for draggably & droppably selecting the part of the electronic program guide displayed by the electronic program guide display means, icon display means for, when the part selected by the selection means is dragged, causing icons corresponding to the part to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide, and execution means for, when the part is dropped onto the icon caused by the icon display means to be displayed by being superimposed on the electronic program guide while the part displayed in the electronic program guide being dragged by the selection means, causing a function associated with the icon to be executed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receiving apparatus for receiving digital broadcast having a plurality of channels including a transition unit configured to transit a mode for controlling channel selection from a normal mode to a warning mode in the case that a determining unit determines that the broadcasting program is allowed to obtain a right to receive a reward, and a notifying unit configured to notify, in the warning mode, that the right to receive the reward will be lost, in the case that a detecting unit detects a channel selection operation that selects another channel from the viewing channel broadcasting a broadcast program which is allowed to obtain the right to receive the reward.

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: An interactive media guidance 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. Options may be provided that allow the user to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all or selected channels for some or all episodes including reruns, new episodes, network or syndicated episodes, on all or only on selected days.

Abstract: A method for monetizing third-party recommended content is provided. The method includes receiving a programming feed from a recommender, receiving information regarding one or more items of advertising content from one or more advertising publishers, scheduling recording of video content identified in the programming feed for a user that follows the programming feed, sending the information regarding the one or more items of advertising content to a client device of the user, and receiving information regarding user playback actions that occurred during presentation of the video content identified in the programming feed and the advertising content.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between two devices, such as a set-top box and a mobile device. The user of the mobile device may view the transmitted data as it is received by the mobile device. The data may be transmitted via UMTS. Additionally, the user may be allowed to view data because the user has a subscription to access the data through the set-top box. Furthermore, the set-top box may send a notification to the user to query whether the set-top box should transmit the data to the mobile device. In the case that the user responds and requests the data to be transmitted to the mobile device, the set-top box may transmit the requested data to the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for embedding event notification into multimedia content being reproduced on an electronic device are provided herein. The method may include causing reproduction of multimedia content on said electronic device, detecting an event that requires notification of a user of said electronic device and responsive thereto applying a modification to said reproduction of said multimedia content, according to said event, wherein said modification achieves a user-perceivable variation in said reproduced multimedia content.

Abstract: A client-side multimedia content targeting system schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The viewer may also explicitly express preferences using appurtenances provided through the viewer interface. Preferences may additionally be inferred from viewing patterns. The viewer's client system locally retains the viewer's preferences and other personal information that the viewer has entered and is sent targeting information relating to program guide objects by a server.

Abstract: A method, program product and system are provided for optimizing recording requests to minimize electricity usage for a network of DVRs. The disclosed methodology analyzes upcoming recording requests against a schedule guide including both local and networked DVRs. Overlaps in requested recordings and broadcasts during same or close proximity time slots are identified. Requested recordings are then rescheduled to optimally overlap recording times based upon the number of tuners in each DVR system. Changes in recording schedules are then communicated to other interconnected DVRs in a network.

Abstract: A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release.

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: Methods of operating a communications system comprise inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an embed, encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program stream. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. The receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: Techniques described herein enable searching for multimedia content and for downloading or scheduling the recording of the multimedia content. The multimedia content may have been previously stored on one or more databases. The client device may download or schedule the recording of multimedia content in one step, for example, in one touch. When desired multimedia content is not available, the multimedia content is added to the client device's wish list. When the client device's does not have a wish list, the client device's wish list may be created on the spot. During the scheduling of the recording, a tag associated with the multimedia content is checked to determine whether the multimedia content is live or delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is live or delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add extra time to the end of the recording of the multimedia content.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing electronic program guide of an image display device. A system for displaying an electronic program guide includes a management server and an image display device. The management server collects recommended program-related information from at least one image display device connected through a network, and compiles the same. The image display device receives the compiled recommended program-related information from the management server, and reflects the received recommended program-related information to the electronic program guide to reconstruct the electronic program guide.

Abstract: A TV receiver transmits video data from its tuner unit to its monitor unit via wireless transmission by using a channel shared with radar. When the tuner unit receives a program to be viewed, a recorder/player starts recording of the received program. When wireless transmission of the received program cannot be started on time at the program start time because of detecting an unused channel for wireless transmission, or when a radar wave in the shared channel is detected after starting wireless transmission and then wireless data transmission is interrupted, the recorder/player plays back on a time-shift basis the program recorded on the recording medium, and the program data played back is transmitted to the monitor unit. The TV receiver is capable of preventing the user from missing a program that he wants to view even when wireless data transmission is interrupted.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, identification information identifying a specified broadcast content is converted into identification information identifying another broadcast content corresponding to the originally specified broadcast content, in accordance with table information indicating a correspondence among a plurality of pieces of identification information respectively identifying broadcast contents thereby indicating a correspondence among the broadcast contents.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: A media guidance application is provided by which users can define rules for assigning user equipment devices as destinations for media content. For example, a user may define a rule by which selected media content having attributes that satisfy a user-defined condition are downloaded, recorded, or streamed to a particular, user-specified user equipment device. The user may define and manage rules using media guidance menus, and may restrict other users from accessing the rules (e.g., parents restricting children).

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: There is provided a preference event reservation system of a broadcasting program including: a head end inserting event information into a broadcasting program sued broadcasting the broadcasting program containing the event information and an event information list; and a client terminal. The client terminal includes a controller displaying the event information list transferred from the head end, controlling a reservation for a preference event out of the event information list, and controlling execution of the reservation when event information that corresponds to the preference event is transferred from the head end; and a memory storing the reservation for the preference event.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, a text information receiving unit receives text information, and a received text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information. An extraction unit extracts text information of a subtitle included in a program. A subtitle text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information of the subtitle. A similarity calculation unit calculates the similarity between a keyword included in a result of the received text morphological analysis performed by the received text morphological analysis unit and a keyword included in a result of the subtitle text morphological analysis performed by the subtitle text morphological analysis unit. A comparison unit compares the similarity with a predetermined threshold value.

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: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method of extending a recording in a media content receiver of a media event that is delayed. In the method, a recording of media content is begun at an expected start time for the media event based on a recording timer, wherein the recording timer indicates the expected start time and an expected end time for the media event. After beginning the recording, the media content being recorded is analyzed to determine an actual start time for the media event. The actual start time is then compared with the expected start time. If the difference between the actual start time and the expected start time exceeds some predetermined value, the expected end time is adjusted to extend the recording. The recording is then ended at the adjusted end time.

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic program guide system comprising: receiving means for receiving at least one electronic program guide corresponding to a broadcast program; selecting means for selecting a desired program from said electronic program guide; notification means for creating a notification for the program selected from said electronic program guide; communication means for access to a communications network; transmission means for transmitting a notification of the program selected from said electronic program guide to at least one remote electronic program guide system using said communications network; and reception means for receiving a notification from a remote electronic program guide system.

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 service distribution apparatus and method are provided. The service distribution apparatus includes a service module that provides a plurality of separable services; a storage module that stores group information of service reproduction apparatuses which reproduce the services, and a service control module that distributes requested services to different service reproduction apparatuses, respectively, based on the group information.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes processing, at a network computing device, media content received from a media source to generate processed media content based on one or more settings received via a user interface. The user interface includes an option to add forward error correction to the processed media content. The method further includes initiating storage of the processed media content at a memory device.

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: 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.

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.