Abstract: A video clip is captured from a television broadcast on each of a plurality of channels. The captured video clips are provided to a display interface, which successively displays the captured video clips within a focus area of a user interface in response to an initiating action by a user. The display interface then discontinues the successive display of video clips to show a particular video clip corresponding to a selected channel in response to a terminating action by the user.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system enables presentation of supplemental interactive content along side traditional broadcast video programs, such as television shows and movies. The programs are broadcast in a conventional manner. The supplemental content is supplied as part of the same program signal over the broadcast network, or separately over another distribution network. A viewer computing unit is located at the viewer's home to present the program and supplemental content to a viewer. When the viewer tunes to a particular channel, the viewer computing unit consults an electronic programming guide (EPG) to determine if the present program carried on the channel is interactive. If it is, the viewer computing unit launches a browser. The browser uses a target specification stored in the EPG to activate a target resource containing the supplemental content for enhancing the broadcast program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital television system where access rights to a programme or channel are received analyzed by the decoder in determining whether to permit or prohibit full audio and visual access by the user to that programme or channel when displayed in respective windows of a mosaic formation.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling users to perform self-service operations in interactive TV environments. In one embodiment, the method enables users to select and activate programming packages via a set-top box, thereby eliminating the need for the users to have to call a call center to activate the unit. Using a set of interactive screens, the user is enabled to view various programming package information, including comparative information. In one embodiment, the method assists users who are moving to activate/reactive broadcast services. For example, options are provided to enable the user to schedule service work, disconnect and activate services, and other activities connected with the move. In another embodiment, the method enables a user to select a programming package based on packages that are recommended by the system. Historic usage patterns, including viewing habits and attempts to access unavailable content are analyzed to determine which programming packages should be recommended for the user.

Abstract: A sports spectating method is composed of input means (score maker system) such as a mobile terminal capable of electronically inputting states of a sports event successively, the step of successively inputting motions of players and the other information using the input terminal and transmitting their real-time data, filming means for filming the states of the sports event, the step of encoding and transmitting the states of the sports event, means for digitizing the input data and recorded image and sound data, a recording medium such as a data server for storing the digitized real-time data therein, a recording medium such as an image server for storing the digitized image therein, a recording medium such as a sound server for storing the digitized sounds therein, a mobile network system such as PDC or/and PHS and gateway and internet for converting protocol, and a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone with high function and high performance.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is used to enable interactive functions via network generated overlays. This invention enables network operators to launch interactive functionality without requiring changes to existing equipment that exists in the field on the client end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “bundle” of event-related multi-media content items provided to a customer of the event. The customer navigates through the bundle, tracks down selections of interest to himself, and “consumes” them. In some embodiments, the multi-media content items include recorded video clips, interviews, and other background information. Other content items can be live video feeds of the event taken from various viewpoints. Advertising for merchandise related to the event can be included. Some of the multi-media content items are designed to enhance the customer's experience of the event or to build loyalty. The media bundle is updated during the course of the event, removing items no longer of interest and adding new ones to keep the customer engaged. When the event is over, the media bundle can continue to operate to provide event recaps, post-event interviews, schedules for future events, and opportunities to purchase tickets for those future events.

Abstract: A system for displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) to a viewer. The system includes displaying one or more data slices representative of broadcast programming to a viewer. In response to input from the viewer, the displayed number of data slices is increased, for example, from one slice to two slices. In browser mode the viewer can scroll through multiple EPG data slices without selecting to view full mode EPG, while in full mode the EPG can expand from a single column of data slices to multiple columns of data slices based upon viewer selections. The EPGs of the present invention can display programming that a viewer is more likely to watch at a particular time than other programming. A data slice representing the predicted programming can be inserted into the EPG so that the viewer can identify programming that is likely to be of interest.

Abstract: An approach is provided for the creation of a media playlist for managing and scheduling content from a variety of media sources including broadcast and online sources. The playlist creation process facilitates efficient resolution of media scheduling conflicts by automatically identifying conflicts and generating alternate playlists to overcome them. The approach also enables a user to share the media playlist seamlessly with other devices and users.

Abstract: Method for retrieving online content in an interactive environment. The method is executable by a computing device. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of descriptive information elements; parsing at least some of the descriptive information elements into one or more subsets of information elements associated with respective information categories; retrieving online content for each of the one or more subsets of information elements; and causing the retrieved online content to be presented to a user.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for combining media from multiple sources for display and viewer interaction The disclosed Multi-Media Overlay System provides a mechanism and a process for consumers to combine media from various sources to create the appearance of a single media The Multi-Media Overlay System applies “overlay content,” such as text, images, and interaction to some “primary content,” such as a DVD movie The timing, location, and presentation of the overlay content are developed with the primary content in mind. The Multi-Media Overlay System comprises a device that accepts media from various sources and allows the execution of a Primary Software Application to perform the overlay function, allows user interaction with the generated content, and displays the generated content.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitated generating a broadcast schedule of content based on user feedback. Users can provide feedback such as ratings, interest (e.g., like or dislike), comments, reviews, critiques and so on regarding content available on a media distribution system. The feedback can be utilized to determine a schedule or order of content that is delivered via a broadcast mechanism. In addition, users can supply contemporaneous feedback during broadcast. Contemporaneous feedback can be employed to enable dynamic adjustment and/or reconfigurations of the broadcast schedule.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to receive broadcast content information, a display unit configured to display the received broadcast content information, an input unit configured to generate a selection signal indicating a selection of a broadcast product included in the displayed broadcast content information, a memory unit configured to store user-specific personal information, and a controller configured to extract broadcast product subscription information about the selected broadcast product from the broadcast content information, to extract user-specific personal purchase information for purchasing the broadcast product from the user-specific personal information stored in the memory unit of the mobile terminal, to create a message including the extracted broadcast product subscription information and the extracted user-specific personal information, and to control the wireless communication unit to transmit the created message using a messaging service to a server

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating one or more playlists of a predefined length. The invention allows dynamic creation of different playlists for differing times, locations, and other circumstances and also provides for the dynamic selection of products for inclusion in a playlist based on the content of one or more of the individual products. Creation of a playlist may be based on a priority scheme with priority values indicating the relative importance of the products. Creation may also involve determining or adjusting the lengths of one or more products selected for the playlist so that the total length of the playlist will equal a set, predetermined, or otherwise predefined playlist length. Methods and systems according to the present invention provide flexible, efficient, and manageable techniques for creating different playlists of similar product types for both varying circumstances (e.g., time, location, etc.) and varying products of those product types (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an interactive display having indicators of video-on-demand programs are described. The systems and methods select indicators for inclusion in the interactive display according to a promotional selection algorithm.

Abstract: As a movie/television show, etc. is being watched, a viewer is able to purchase items viewed during a presentation. A viewer may stop the presentation either to purchase merchandise or services or alternatively, save items for later in a “virtual group shopping mall.” A voice or written message may be added to allow more content to be placed with each saved item. A group may be identified and given access to the virtual shopping mall. This enables members of the group, such as friends, to see shopping preferences of others in a group. Further, shopping lists may be generated for group members based upon items placed in the virtual mall, thereby enabling a list of “must haves” for the group. Purchases may be made using M-commerce or a potential purchaser may be directed to a store having a product or service desired for purchase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing more flexible multi-user media content access using index points is provided. A plurality of custom index points are maintained in a multi-user or multi-room media system. After receiving a request to view an asset, a listing of the index points associated with the requested asset is presented to the user. Each index point may be associated with a current viewing location within the asset. After receiving a selection of an index point, the asset is accessed at the viewing position referenced by the index point, and the index point is updated based on the user's progress through the asset. Users may assign custom names and descriptions to the index points and be presented with cached video around the index point in order to more easily identify the relevance of the index point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an ordered list of items of supplemental content to a consumer comprising determining a context of a portion of media selected for consumption, determining consumer preference information corresponding to the consumer, generating the ordered list of items of supplemental content as a function of the context and of the consumer preference information.

Abstract: In an interactive content reproduction apparatus, user information is stored in the content reproduction apparatus, which is not at a server but at a client, and the content reproduction apparatus selects unit contents of specific levels from among interactive content according to the user information and reproduces a user-adaptive story in which the selected level-specific unit contents are connected in real time or non-real time.

Abstract: A television program selection system and method for selecting television programs for viewing or recording utilizing a guide schedule list which is received from a cable or satellite broadcaster for example, and comprises characteristics such as topic-theme, relevancy, and broadcast time data. The user can select a time period and optionally in addition a selection mode, which corresponds to one of the alternative algorithms used to sort the programs in the schedule and generate a list of suggested television programs to be displayed for the user to select a program. The default selection mode can use a conventional selection algorithm, and the optional selection mode can eliminate all programs which have any characteristics having a zero weighting.

Abstract: A system interactively controlled by a TV viewer remote control transmitter displays current or future programming information superimposed over the normal programming displayed on any channel accessible to the viewer's display screen. Identification signal data are accessed and generated by the computer for durations defined in the identification signal data either automatically or in response to the TV viewer remote. Information signal data are accessed and generated by the computer in response to the TV viewer remote. A signal combiner superimposes the identification signal or the information signal over the viewer usable signal of any selected channel from the tuner. The identification signal may include data defining an icon or textual matter alerting a viewer to the availability of information data.

Abstract: A satellite transponder switch (STS) maintains a table that maps set-top boxes (STBs) to carrier frequencies. The STS receives a first request from a first STB for a first transponder band and a second request from a second STB for a second transponder band. The STS accesses a first satellite feed and polarity based on the first request, and a second satellite feed and polarity based on the second request. The STS band-pass filters the first and second transponder bands from the first and second satellite feed and polarity, respectively. The STS frequency shifts the first transponder band to a first carrier frequency assigned to the first STB and the second transponder band to a second carrier frequency assigned to the second STB. The STS outputs a signal that comprises the frequency-shifted first and second transponder bands to the first STB and the second STB.

Abstract: Quasi on-demand programming is dynamically scheduled in a broadcast television network to improve customer service, enhance programming flexibility and increase the value proposition of the service provider. A Program Offer including a “delivery window” for each program and an initial Playlist for broadcasting regular, PPV and offered programming are created. Customer demand for individual programs in the offering is surveyed. This information is used to reoptimize the Playlist prior to broadcast and to update a “rolling” Program Offer to better manage network capacity and improve custom satisfaction.

Abstract: A portable multimedia player is used to wirelessly access and control a media server that is streaming digital media by way of a wireless interface to a media unit such as a stereo/speakers in the case of streaming digital audio. In one embodiment, the portable multimedia player is wirelessly synchronized to a selected one(s) of a number of digital media files stored on the media server in such a way that digital media file metadata (song title, author, etc.) associated with the selected digital media file(s) only is transferred from the media server to be stored in the portable media player.

Abstract: A method to separately assign and modify multiple attributes of information and structure to an individual block or to a larger unitary whole comprised of multiple blocks is disclosed. A number of block instances of a block is determined. Each block instance is associated with one or more structure attributes. A number of data elements is determined. Each data element is associated with one or more information attributes. The data elements are mapped to the block instances. The mapped block instances are displayed contiguously.

Abstract: Embodiments of keyframe analysis and distribution from broadcast television are disclosed. For example, embodiments include methods and systems of sharing video frame data over a data network to provide features that may include improved program guides, parental or other monitoring of televisions or other video receivers, and sharing of user identified frames or scenes of video programs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an interactive event using a remote control device. In one embodiment, a remote control device contains either a display or a bright light, or both, which can create a visual alert to let a user know that an interactive function is available. The nature of the function may be displayed on a screen attached to the remote control device.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a set-top box (STB) to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, detect from the one or more responses a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus with improved operatability in which the user is capable of watching a television program and connecting to the Internet. An index panel shows channel buttons operated to select a desired program, a first site button provides access to site A available on the Internet and a second site button provides access to site B on the Internet. The user is able to watch a television program and can have access to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, which can be connected to the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method for smart trick mode display which is aware of content and metadata, user context and user interests, and selects frames to display during trick mode that may be of interest to the user, and filters frames that the user might not wish to see even inadvertently. More specifically, the media system and method for smart trick mode display analyzes a recorded video content during a trick mode playback of the recorded video; and identifies segments of the content that are least one of interest to the user or should not be displayed to the user. The system may then select keyframes or a short sub-segment of the segment of interest to the user and then either displays the keyframes or sub-segments in a manner so as to catch the user's attention, or specifically not display any keyframes or sub-segments having content that the user does not wish to see.

Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) and personal video recorder (PVR) information as navigable three-dimensional images is described. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is formed in which EPG data is presented on one surface of a three dimensional image and PVR data is presented on at least one other surface of the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.

Abstract: A community-based recommendation engine is provided. In one example embodiment, a system to provide community-based recommendation engine comprises a recommendation detector and a decision module. The recommendation detector is configured to receive, at a viewer's system, a recommendation for a content item from a contact of a viewer. The decision module may be configured to determine an action to be performed at the viewer's system, based on the recommendation and on one or more rules, accept the recommendation as an instruction to perform the action, and initiate the action at the viewer's system.

Abstract: Methods and systems enable viewers of mobile TV to interact and communicate with one another in real time regarding programs being viewed. Viewers may search other viewers on the mobile TV system. Viewers may invite other viewers to join them in viewing a program or to chat. Viewers may write programs with rating since the broadcast network provider for tallying and broadcast to others. Viewers may set reminders for programs and share those reminders with other viewers. Programs may be hosted by individuals who may control the broadcast stream and communicate with viewers of the program. Viewers may also create ad hoc channels in which they can share their favorite programs with other viewers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a dimmable user interface. A user interface is simultaneously displayed with video content or other data in the same window of a display device. The user interface has a level of transparency that is user adjustable. The user can thus make the user interface either more or less visible with respect to the video content. At the same time, the video content is correspondingly made less or more visible. Each item included in the user interface may also have a level of transparency that can be adjusted independently of the level of transparency of the user interface.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive radio programming. A moderator of an interactive radio program uses a moderator client to digitize and transmit a radio program with enhanced content to a moderator server through a wide area network. The moderator server uses the digitized radio program and the enhanced content to generate an interactive radio program for transmission to participants in the interactive radio program. The complete interactive radio program is transmitted to participant clients over the wide area network. An audio portion of the interactive radio program may be transmitted over a conventional radio network as well.

Abstract: A method of displaying menus on a screen of a television using a set-top terminal connected to the television is described. The method receives a video signal including video of a plurality of programs transmitted from a source remote from the television and the set-top terminal, generates a submenu that includes a plurality of selectable program listings, each program listing corresponding to one of the plurality of programs, displays the submenu on the screen during broadcast of the plurality of programs, displays the video of one of the plurality of programs on the screen in response to a user selection of the corresponding program listing, generates an overlay menu that includes selectable options, and displays the overlay menu together with the displayed video of the program on the screen.

Abstract: An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in a user interface unit memory and is executable on the processor of the user interface unit to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over an interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI. When a viewer activates a hyperlink within the EPG, the user interface unit launches the browser to activate the target resource specified by the hyperlink. The instruction might cause the visual display unit to tune to the program or channel represented by the particular label, or to initiate procedures to record the program when it begins playing, or to jump to a related target resource, such as a Web site.

Abstract: A broadcasting program viewing system using an electronic program guide and a method for the same, includes the steps of storing the EPG for guiding broadcasting programs and a tag for downloading the broadcasting programs guided to the EPG from the corresponding broadcasting program, displaying the stored EPG on the screen according to a request of a viewer and displaying the broadcasting program selected from the corresponding broadcasting station server on a screen on the basis of the tag corresponding to the selected broadcasting program when the viewer selects a specific broadcasting program from the EPG displayed on the screen and therefore, viewers can watch the preferred broadcasting programs by easily selecting them.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for realizing a Pay Per View (PPV) purchasing mechanism.

Abstract: A distributed electronic entertainment method and apparatus are described. In one embodiment, a central management resource is coupled to multiple out-of-home venues through a wide area network (WAN). The central management resource stores content and performs management, monitoring and entertainment content delivery functions. At each venue at least one entertainment unit is coupled to the WAN. Multiple entertainment units in a venue are coupled to each other through a local area network (LAN). In one embodiment, an entertainment unit includes a user interface that comprises at least one graphical user interface (GUI). The entertainment unit further comprises a local memory device that stores entertainment content comprising music, a peripheral interface, and a user input device.

Abstract: A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array.

Abstract: The PIP system enables display of a mosaic of favorite channels in a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) format to a subscriber terminal. Picture-in-Picture support is efficiently provided by sending only I-Frames of the secondary video channel to the end-user. That is, any unnecessary packets (null, B-P frames, audio, etc.) in the secondary video channel are stripped away. This method uses very little bandwidth and is STB agnostic.

Abstract: A method of searching for a broadcasting channel of a specific program in a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) receiving terminal. The method includes detecting a program number input by a user, determining whether particular bits in a header of a received transport stream (TS) packet are identical to fixed values for the particular bits in the header, if the particular bits in the header are identical to the fixed values for the particular bits in the header, determining whether particular bits in a payload of the TS packet are identical to fixed values for the particular bits in the payload, and if the particular bits in the payload are identical to the fixed values for the particular bits in the payload, determining that the TS packet has program map table (PMT) information, and analyzing the PMT information to detect a packet identifier (PID) of an audio/video packetized elementary stream (PES) constituting the specific program.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a reception unit configured to receive a television broadcast including a television-program broadcast and a plurality of commercial-message broadcast transmitted during the television-program broadcast. A detecting unit detects whether a commercial-message broadcast is included in the received television broadcast. A recording unit records an image of the received television-program broadcast according to the detecting. A display-control unit produces the image of the received television broadcast and produces a summary image for a predetermined display time during reception of the commercial-message broadcast.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the delivery of assets and/or content to set top terminals within a heterogeneous information distribution system based on graphics and/or processing capability of set top terminals receiving the assets and/or content.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for communicating and processing data in communication networks, e.g., cable networks and/or interactive television networks. Selective use of different data streams and encoding techniques enable sophisticated user interfaces to be generated on client devices having varying processing capabilities. MPEG encoding techniques have reduced complexity to enable better response time to user requests. Specialized user interface features, such as hoverzooming, are enabled.

Abstract: Program identifiers from an electronic programming guide are added to a wish list. The wish list may be created automatically from user preferences or from manual user selections. In some embodiments, the wish list is available from different platforms including set-top boxes, personal computers, and mobile telephones. Users are not required to scroll through an entire list of available on-demand movie titles, for example, to choose those that may later be selected for viewing. Instead, a user may scroll through an entire list once and move any items of interest to a wish list for later consideration.