Abstract: A system that maps media content information to an interactive program guide displayed on a screen includes, among other things, a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to display at least one personal video recording display channel in the interactive program guide. The processor is further preferably configured with the logic to display media content instance listings in the personal video recording display channel for corresponding media content instance recordings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots. An embodiment of the present invention includes a set-top box having an internal storage device, such as a hard drive where broadcasts are transferred from a broadcast input source to the storage device. The set-top box is connected to an output device such as a television, which displays a graphical user interface (GUI) and an interactive program guide (IPG). The user has the option to extend a chosen time slot, in which a show is scheduled to be transferred to the storage device. A dialog box is used when certain types of shows are selected that commonly require timeslot extensions at the end of the show.

Abstract: A program recording completion system automatically completes an incomplete program recording of a program. A recording application creates a program recording completion event corresponding to the incomplete program recording which includes program information to automatically complete the incomplete program recording. The recording application can initiate recording a re-broadcast of the program to create a complete program recording, or the recording application can record a segment of a re-broadcast of the program and combine the program segment with the incomplete program recording to create a complete program recording.

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 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 favorite channel list for a media system is generated by observing the viewing, surfing, and recording habits of a user. The viewing habits may include the duration and frequency of viewing a channel. A user's surfing habits, including navigation habits of a guide, the method used for navigation to a channel, and information queries made during a surfing session may be used to determine which channels may be added to a favorites list. When the user has an ability to record a program and view the program later, the user's behavior in selecting programs for recording, and the behaviors of playing back and archiving recorded shows may also be used to identify favorite channels. In some embodiments, the favorites list may be customized for a user or node of a playback system, as well as time of day.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a broadcast receiver includes receiving a request for receiving a broadcast program at a scheduled time, measuring a level of a broadcast signal corresponding to the broadcast program prior to the scheduled time for the receiving of the broadcast program, and outputting an indicator, if the measured level of the broadcast signal is less than a predefined threshold level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a user schedule, the method including: receiving a reservation message from a service provider with which a service reservation by a user is registered; updating the user schedule by adding an entry to the user schedule according to information included in the reservation message; and providing the updated schedule of the user. According to the apparatus and method, the user can conveniently manage the schedule even when the user schedule information is not input manually.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an interactive television system for recording television programming. The interactive television system may include components for providing personal video recorder (PVR) functionality, such as an interactive television program guide (IPG), PVR extensions, PVR application programming interfaces (APIs), a PVR device, any suitable hardware or software, or a combination thereof. These components may be implemented in, for example, an arrangement having an integrated PVR-compliant device with a PVR device, or in an arrangement having a PVR-compliant device (e.g., a set-top box) coupled to PVR equipment (e.g., a remote PVR server or a PVR sidecar) with a PVR device. The PVR-compliant device may include software and hardware configured to implement the IPG. The PVR APIs may be a library of intelligent vendor-specific and vendor-independent APIs able to determine the type of PVR device being used.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an improved interactive television system and method for t-commerce. The data for upcoming products is pre-loaded into the system's memory. When a product becomes available, a “trigger” appears on the Vertical Blanking Interval (“VBI”) of the shopping channel that causes the system to display special graphics with which the user can interact to order a product. The displayed special graphics may include text, graphics, and/or video about the product. A user can browse a list of upcoming products and select items that he or she wishes to purchase, as soon as the products become available. The system then monitors the VBI of the shopping channel and when a trigger for a selected product appears in the VBI, the system immediately sends a message (the order form) to the order center of the shopping channel and orders the product. The system can accomplish this function unattended while the user is asleep or otherwise occupied.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server. The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive television broadcasting to generate an output signal, a signal processing unit configured to generate image data of a broadcast program using the output signal, a display unit configured to display an image represented by the image data of the broadcast program on a display apparatus, a reservation information obtaining unit configured to obtain program reservation information for reserving reception of a scheduled broadcast program, and a control unit configured to, responsive to the receiving unit receiving a program preview of a scheduled broadcast program associated with the program reservation information, control the display unit to display the program reservation information on the display apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a content playback apparatus includes a read module which reads information that is recorded in a recording medium, a clock module which is managed such that tampering is prevented, and a control module which controls the read module and the clock module. Content information and time management information is recorded in the recording medium. The time management information includes date/time recording information indicative of a date/time at which previous playback of the content information is stopped, playback allowable period information, start date/time information of a playback allowable period and end date/time information of the playback allowable period. The control module includes a time management module which corrects the start date/time information of the playback allowable period and the end date/time information of the playback allowable period, with use of time information which is acquired from the clock module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data broadcasting and power management techniques for data broadcast receiving devices are disclosed. A data broadcast receiving device receives a broadcast schedule from a data broadcast server and correlates the broadcast schedule with profile information in the data broadcast receiving device to determine a schedule for activating a receiver module in the data broadcast receiving device. The receiver is activated in accordance with the schedule. The broadcast schedule may include a content identifier that identifies content associated with a specific broadcast schedule. A data broadcast may include metadata that identifies the content of the broadcast. The receiver may use the content identifier and the metadata to determine whether the broadcast data corresponds to the data scheduled for broadcast, and may implement an error routine in the event that there is not a correspondence.

Abstract: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can be provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, allows recording and playback of multi-stream interactive television. In one approach to this technology, the service configuration for an interactive television feature is determined. Data describing this service configuration is then obtained, and a recording device is then configured to record a portion of the interactive television feature. A number of data streams associated with that portion of the interactive television feature are recorded. The recorded portion of the interactive television feature can then be displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a television delivery system for enabling a programming network or other content owner to control recording of television programs by a service provider network. The programming network transmits the television programs to the service provider network, and the service provider network records the television programs for time-shifted delivery to end users. The programming network determines scheduling information for the television programs, creates recording instructions based on the scheduling information, and injects the recording instructions as metadata in a media stream sent to the service provider network. A recording system in the service provider network extracts the metadata from the media stream, and records the television programs in accordance with the received recording instructions. The recording instructions are more accurate and up-to-date than existing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information. Additional control instructions may also be included in the metadata.

Abstract: A smart playlist system is described. In one example embodiment, a collector module obtains content utilization data from a plurality of client devices associated with respective plurality of viewers. A hot list generator module generates a list of popular content items based on the obtained content utilization data. A customization module generates a customized playlist for a target viewer from the plurality of viewers, based on the list of popular content items and a profile of the target viewer. The communications module communicates the customized playlist to a client device of the target viewer.

Abstract: A system for identifying prior selection of specific display information on an EPG. In one embodiment, a user selects an object on a screen, and upon selection of the object, an attribute of the object (e.g., color, transparency, etc.) is modified. The modified value is saved into memory so the user may later identify that the specific object was selected. Each subsequent selection will modify the attribute further, allowing the user to identity that the object was selected a number of times. In one embodiment, the attribute will continue to be modified until a specific expiration limit has been reached.

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: A method for performing an action relating to the scheduling of an event includes sending a message regarding an event from a remote site to a user device. Additionally, the method includes receiving a response to the message from the user device. Furthermore, the method includes performing one or more actions based on the response, where the actions are selected from a group consisting of purchasing a pay-per-view show, scheduling a recording of a user-selected show, and sending a reminder of the event to the user device. A method for scheduling events includes sending a message to a client regarding an event from a remote site, receiving a response at the remote site from the client. Further, the method includes sending a scheduling request or command to the client. Further still, a reminder for the event appears on the client. Additional systems, methods and products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to high definition (HD) content includes a master customer premises equipment (CPE) device enabled for prioritizing conflicting requests for HD content based on predefined priority settings associated with a plurality of client CPE devices. Access to HD content by the client CPE devices may be associated with a token and conflicting requests may be resolved in favor of the client CPE device that holds the token. Disclosed systems permit administrators to control the use of limited resources within a location by limiting access to the limited resources by secondary users.

Abstract: In order to avoid a collision of a reserved viewing of television broadcasting with a different operation mode and also to realize the avoidance by simple and easy operation, a television-equipped mobile terminal device of the present invention is composed of: a reservation storage unit 111 which holds a start time at which a television reproduction for a reserved viewing is to be started; and a control unit 122 which performs a control so that the television reproduction is started at the start time and which determines the current operation mode of the mobile terminal device. The control unit further controls the determined operation mode and the television reproduction for the reserved viewing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital broadcast reception device capable of acquiring a broadcast wave at a current position with a high probability without using position information even when moving over a broadcast area. In this device, when reservation of recording or viewing is inputted from an input unit (104), a broadcast wave which can be received by the frequency channel for which the frequency channel station selection unit (123) is specified is selected. When it is impossible to select a broadcast wave which can be received by the specified frequency channel, a station selection control unit (122) controls the frequency channel station selection unit (123), a broadcast analysis unit (124), and a service channel station selection unit (125) so as to perform channel search and acquire a broadcast wave which can be received.

Abstract: A method for setting reservation in a broadcast receiver is disclosed. In one embodiment, reservation information supposed to be applied to a second broadcast receiver for carrying out reserved playing or recording of a broadcast program is generated by a first broadcast receiver and the generated reservation information is transmitted through a network; the reservation information can comprise an identifier of a broadcast program for reserved playing or recording. The reservation information can be transmitted directly to the second broadcast receiver or transmitted to the second broadcast receiver through a server related to broadcast receivers. Before generating the reservation information, broadcast channel information which can be received by the second broadcast receiver can be received from the server and based on the received broadcast channel information, the reservation information can be generated.

Abstract: A method for producing processed media content includes receiving media content at a network computing device. The media content is obtained from a media source at a scheduled time via a public network based on a user recording request received from a user device associated with a user. The method includes processing the media content to generate processed media content at the network computing device based on user settings associated with the user recording request. The method also includes storing the processed media content at a memory device identified in the user recording request.

Abstract: Systems and methods of deferred multimedia content delivery are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a request from a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device to receive multimedia content. The method also includes selectively recording the multimedia content at a server based on a comparison of a measured bandwidth associated with the first CPE device and a bandwidth threshold. The method may also include delivering the multimedia content to the first CPE device from a network when measured bandwidth is available.

Abstract: A method of scheduling an event related to an advertisement includes transmitting media content to a set-top box. The media content includes an advertisement having a selectable reminder indicator related to the advertisement. The method further includes receiving an input selection related to the selectable reminder indicator and scheduling a reminder related to the advertisement for transmission to one or more selected devices based on the input selection.

Abstract: In a receiving device, a receiver receives extended program information. A user selects a program to be reserved by a selection operation using an operation input unit. An extended reservation manager causes an instruction receiver to transmit an extended reservation instruction based on an extended program identifier for identifying the selected program. In a recording device, a receiver receives program data, mapping information, and program information. The instruction receiver receives the extended reservation instruction transmitted from the receiver. An extended reservation executor acquires an extended program identifier from the received extended reservation instruction and acquires a program identifier corresponding to the extended program identifier on the basis of the mapping information, to store a program reservation on the basis of the program identifier. A program recorder/reproducer records and/or reproduces the program data in accordance with the stored program reservation.

Abstract: There is provided a system for facilitating updating of stored event data of a scheduling device, the event data adaptable for use in generating an event reminder message for receipt by a client resulting in corresponding response data in response to the event reminder message, the system comprising: an upload module configured for receiving a data package including the event data and at least one of a client data and service provider data associated therewith; a filter module configured for removing unnecessary data from the data package in accordance with predetermined filter settings to provide a modified data package; a communication module for configuring the modified data package for transmission to a server for use in generating the event reminder message; and a download module configured for receiving a notification package including the response data translated into a native language format of the scheduling device suitable for updating the stored event data, wherein the notification package is subse

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiving apparatus includes a receiving module configured to receive a broadcast signal; a storage configured to store audio files and video files; a reading module configured to determine whether the broadcast signal received is an audio signal or a video signal, and to read a video file or an audio file from the storage according to a result of determination; and a playing back module configured to play back audio and video on the basis of the broadcast signal and one of the video file and the audio file read by the reading module.

Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) organizes and presents programming information to the viewer and allows for creation of queries to facilitate both simple and complex searches of the programming information. The EPG is configured to automatically identify programs that a viewer is likely to prefer. The EPG collects viewing preferences of a viewer and, using these preferences; automatically develops queries for identifying programs that the viewer is likely to watch. The EPG also enables multiple viewers to merge their individual queries into one composite query or to run queries in background to periodically check for programs and notify the viewer when a program is identified. Queries are saved in an EPG database in a hierarchic structure with directories and sub-directories to make it easy for a viewer for organizing and retrieval. Also the EPG creates queries for a channel, network name or program using a 10-key keypad. The EPG is configured to interpret the data as representing all possible choices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are set forth for detecting an end of program pattern. More specifically, systems and methods are set forth for recognizing and acting upon sequential image data that contains an end of program pattern.

Abstract: The selection of favorites for a video presentation system.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface. The first device identifies a user account. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the on-demand content from the interactive interface and generates a recording priority status. The first device communicates the content selection and the recording priority status to a content processing system. The content processing system forms a queue for the user account, inserts the content selection in the queue in response to the recording priority and communicates a control word to the user device. A user device receives the content corresponding to the selection in response to the control word.

Abstract: A client system for remotely controlling a video recorder receives program data from a remote server in response to user input selecting a time sequential signal from a program schedule guide provided by the remote server, via the Internet, email, a computer-readable medium, or a broadcast signal. The user input is transmitted to the remote server over the Internet from the client system or a remote location. The client system determines when it is time to record the time sequential signal based at least in part upon the program data, which includes broadcast time, channel, and duration. Upon determining it is time to record, the client system tunes to, receives, and records the transmission of the time sequential signal.

Abstract: A content reproduction method is provided. First, a broadcast program having a program content is received and electronic program guide data including program information on the broadcast program is received. Then, a content corresponding to the program content of the broadcast program is retrieved from a network based on the electronic program guide data. Finally, identification information identifying the content is displayed with the program information.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions. An interactive television program guide system based on multiple user television equipment devices in a single household is provided. The system provides a user with an opportunity to adjust program guide settings with a given one of the interactive television program guides. Program guide setting include features related to setting program reminders, profiles, program recording features, messaging features, favorites features, parental control features, program guide set up features (e.g., audio and video and language settings), etc.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast content, a communication unit that receives power information associated with a mart grid, the power information including at least one of per-time slot electricity rate information and power demand information, and a controller that selectively performs one of an operation of outputting the broadcast content received through the broadcast receiving unit and an operation of storing the received broadcast content in an internal memory or an external memory considering the received power information.

Abstract: An electronic mail on which a control command is interpolated is transmitted through a public line, received by a modem section of a gate way, converted to a digital data, and supplied to the control section. A CPU of the control section stores the received electronic mail in a RAM, and extracts the control command contained in the electronic mail. The CPU supplies a control signal corresponding to the control command to an interface section. The interface section controls an IR transmission section to transmit a signal corresponding to the control signal supplied from the CPU or outputs a signal through a connection line, and controls a video deck.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for recording of repeated programs. Exemplary embodiments include a recording of a repeated program method, including receiving a recording request for a first program from a communications device, the recording request having a specified recording time, determining that the specified recording time is during a peak time, determining an alternate recording time for the recording request, sending a message to the communications device that there is the alternate recording time to record the first program, delivering the first program to the communications device for the specified recording time in response to receiving a rejection of the alternate recording time and delivering the first program to the communications device for the alternate recording time in response to receiving an acceptance of the alternate recording time.

Abstract: A mobile TV program management method and system are provided in the present invention, wherein the method is implemented based on a mobile phone and a program reservation server, and the management method comprises the following steps of: (a) the mobile phone sending a request including a program index set by a user to the program reservation server; (b) the program reservation server receiving the request, and searching for matched programs in a TV program menu according to the program index set by the user; (c) the program reservation server sending a search result to the mobile phone so that the user of the mobile phone can know about program information related with the program index that has been set. By applying the method and system in the present invention, the service of program information can be more flexible and personalized.

Abstract: Electronic program guide (EPG) information is updated based on watermark data conveyed with video. Such systems permit EPGs to be updated automatically to reflect changes to program scheduling caused by sporting events running long, late breaking news, etc. In one arrangement, a system identifies incoming programming by reference to watermark data, and conforms the EPG presentation to match the incoming programming. The electronic program guide paradigm can also be applied to indexing online messaging forums that are related to video programs, and access to such forums can be provided through use of watermark data.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver capable of reducing time and labor to back-up contents recorded on one recording medium to another recording medium. A digital broadcast receiver extracts the contents recorded, out of order, on a first recording medium by an extracting unit according to the titles or genres recorded in a content list, and automatically rearranges the extracted contents using an arranging unit according to video-recording date-and-hour recorded in the content list, for recording as a content list onto a second recording medium (300).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the digital consumption of media and information such as the recording of television programs, real world, or electronic merchandise from a plurality of a customer's Unique Identifiers (such as telephone numbers). The television programs are identified by specific identifiers, such as alpha-numeric indicia. Customers can register several Unique Identifier(s) with the service provider and can secure recording of specific programs from any of said registered Unique Identifier(s). Customers can also register Unique Identifier(s) such as the set top boxes at one or more locations and at the same time direct where the content will immediately or later be delivered, so that the recorded TV program can be accessed and viewed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a reservation unit reserving predetermined processing for a broadcast program, the predetermined processing being started in accordance with conditions corresponding to program information concerning the broadcast program; a processing unit starting the processing, reserved by the reservation unit, for the broadcast program in accordance with the conditions; and an acquiring unit acquiring the program information. The reservation unit obtains program information concerning another broadcast program for which the processing is reserved and which is to be broadcasted subsequent to the broadcast program, the program information being acquired by the acquiring unit, if the processing reserved for the broadcast program is started by the processing unit. The reservation unit changes the conditions of the processing reserved for the other broadcast program in accordance with the obtained program information concerning the other broadcast program.

Abstract: In an exemplary broadband video distribution network, an edge interface device at the customer premises detects a condition relating to an interruption of video service, e.g. a power outage at the premises. The interface device notifies the network, to allow identification of the point of interruption and the program being viewed. Upon resumption of service, the network offers to provide a replay of the program, starting from a point substantially corresponding to the point of interruption. If the program was pre-recorded (e.g. from a VOD server) or was automatically recorded in the network as part of another service, the replay is provided as a narrowcast transmission from the appropriate source starting at about the point of interruption. If the viewer was watching a broadcast program not otherwise recorded, it may also be necessary to activate recording of the program in a network video recorder, in response to the interruption.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide with remote access is provided. The interactive television program guide is implemented on interactive television program guide equipment. A remote program guide access device is connected to the interactive television program guide equipment by a remote access link to provide a user with remote access to program guide functions.

Abstract: A recordable media content purchasing system comprising a memory, and a processor configured with the memory to download recordable media content at one of a plurality of various download times for purchase of the recordable media content.

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