Abstract: A content library may be provided. First, a video on demand content program may be received. Then, video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be added to a video on demand information list. The video on demand information corresponding to the video on demand content program may be maintained in the video on demand information list after a rental window for the video on demand content program is over.

Abstract: A method for providing channel information is illustrated. The method includes: receiving a command for switching channels when a first channel content is displayed on a display unit; determining whether the command indicates a continuous switching mode or a discrete switching mode; displaying the first channel content and descriptive information of a plurality of channels being switched until a second channel among the channels being switched is selected at the continuous switching mode; displaying preview information of the second channel to replace the first channel content and loading the second channel content when the second channel is selected at the continuous switching mode or when the second channel is switched according to the command at the discrete switching mode; displaying the second channel content when loading completed. The data quantity of the preview information is larger than that of the description information.

Abstract: A multimedia processing device (MPD) includes a relevance engine that is adapted to track a user's viewing preferences over time and to automatically determine which of the programs available in a given time slot is most probably preferred by that user. The relevance engine can then create a sequential play list, with each entry in the list corresponding to the program the user most likely wants to watch at that time. The user can thus be provided with a personalized multimedia channel (PMC) with the play list providing the program for each time slot. The user may be enabled to “tune” to the PMC like any other channel. When the user “tunes” to the PMC, the MPD will take the appropriate action to display the program selected by the PMC.

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: The present invention relates an interactive media guidance application that provides channel groups. Channel groups may include media channels, such as television channels, radio stations, Internet web sites, etc. Channel groups may be organized around a common characteristic, by utilizing user profile information, and by human editorial selection (e.g., by a service provider or by a user). The guidance application provides information on the channel groups, including media listings, reminders, pending and completed recordings, purchased programs, and previously accessed programs for the channel group. The guidance application enables the user to focus a guidance application function on the channel group. In response to a user initiation to execute the function on the channel group, the function may be executed on all the media channels belonging to the channel group.

Abstract: An interactive video/multimedia application (IVM application) may specify one or more media assets for playback. The IVM application may define the rendering, composition, and interactivity of one or more the assets, such as video. Video multimedia application data (IVMA data may) be used to define the behavior of the IVM application. The IVMA data may be embodied as a standalone file in a text or binary, compressed format. Alternatively, the IVMA data may be embedded within other media content. A video asset used in the IVM application may include embedded, content-aware metadata that is tightly coupled to the asset. The IVM application may reference the content-aware metadata embedded within the asset to define the rendering and composition of application display elements and user-interactivity features. The interactive video/multimedia application (defined by the video and multimedia application data) may be presented to a viewer in a player application.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a television viewer with relevant program suggestions while the viewer browses an electronic program guide (EPG). A viewer profile is used in conjunction with the viewer's usage of the EPG as a basis for program suggestions. In this way, relevant program suggestions may be provided, and optionally displayed within a picture-in-picture window on the screen of a television.

Abstract: A method of controlling a display includes displaying a first window on the display, setting the first window to receive commands, and displaying a second window on the display. When the second window is displayed, a portion of the first window is kept being displayed, and the first window is kept being set to receive commands.

Abstract: The presentation of user interface content via a media player is disclosed. In one embodiment, a media player detects a triggering event, and, upon detecting the triggering event, requests and receives a user interface content slide deck comprising one or more user interface content slides. The media player then retrieves user interface content for a slide in the slide deck, and displays the user interface content for the slide in the slide deck to a user along with media content.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating channels dedicated to a particular type of content. The method includes acquiring seed content and using the seed content in the creation or updating of a content list. Additional content for the channel is acquired based on the common features of the content list.

Abstract: A profit redistribution device, profit redistribution method, program storage medium, profit redistribution system, content providing device, content providing method, program storage media, and content providing system are disclosed. Profit redistribution processing is performed according to the accumulated points proportionate to the number of times the content with a commercial video is provided to a client PC. Thus, a fair profit redistribution can be easily performed. A preset content with a commercial video is provided to a user when requested from the client PC, and it is possible to provide advertisement information without the user being aware of the commercial.

Abstract: Systems and methods to process program wish list data are provided. A system includes a media receiver adapted to receive media content from a media distribution system and a recording module responsive to the media receiver. The system also includes a program guide module to receive a published program guide identifying media content available to be distributed via the media distribution system. The system further includes a wish list module to generate wish list data including identifying information associated with at least one program. The at least one program is not listed in the published program guide when the wish list data is generated. The system also includes a reporting module to report information related to the wish list data to a remote network element.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering content includes a first device having an ordering interactive interface having available content. The first device forms a content selection corresponding to the available content from the ordering interactive interface and communicates the content selection to a content processing system. The content processing system generates an unencrypted control word comprising instructions for locating the available content from a user device and communicates the unencrypted control word to the user device. The user device receives the unencrypted control word to enable storing the available content corresponding to the content selection in response to the instructions contained in the unencrypted control word and stores the available content in a storage device of the user device.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for automating user input in an interactive television system. An interactive application is conveyed concurrently with a broadcast programming stream in an interactive television system to a receiver. The interactive application is configured to provide added content to a television viewer upon a request by the viewer. In order to request the display of the available added content, a viewer may provide an indication that the use of a script is desired. Subsequently, a script corresponding to the interactive application is utilized to provide input to the interactive application in lieu of the viewer actively providing the input necessary to display the added content. In addition, a viewer may configure the receiver to indicate default preferences for the use of scripts. The receiver may then utilize a standardized script to provide input to interactive applications having added content available for viewing.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods in a digital broadcast transmission system for transmitting information on a type of service or program and/or interactivity or interaction information for the service or program. In one example, a parameter or attribute is provided in an ESG fragment for indicating the type of program or service and the type of interaction associated with the program or service. In another example, a first parameter is provided for indicating the type of program or service and a second parameter is provided for indicating the type of interaction associated with the program or service. The parameter or attribute may be included in metadata of the ESG fragment.

Abstract: A user interface for interactive television services is represented as a visual overlay that provides a viewer with knowledge of a library of available content relating to a currently tuned to television channel and navigation options for selecting desired portions of the available content from the library, the available content being designated according to business rules specified by a provider of the interactive television services. The visual overlay may be displayed over full-screen or embedded television programming, which may be broadcast television programming or on-demand television programming.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

Abstract: Described are computerized methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for providing electronic program guide services. The method includes storing an active media object list identifying media objects in an active state, receiving one or more tag requests identifying one or more programs, and updating a tag list to identify the one or more programs identified by the one or more tag requests. Each of the one or more programs are associated with one or more media objects. The method also includes generating a user navigation list comprising source identifiers of a plurality of selected media objects and a plurality of titles associated with each of the plurality of selected media objects. The plurality of selected media objects are each associated with at least one of the one or more programs identified in the tag list and included in the active media object list.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that provide a user with efficient video-rich navigation (VRN) of media assets in an interactive media guidance application, such as an interactive program guide. A user can select a displayed video asset and perform an action on the selectable video asset, for example, using a remote control. The manner in which the video assets are displayed and the actions enabled for the particular video assets are defined by screen data transmitted to the user equipment in a VRN data feed.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and/or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service provider system 1) providing for display in a media program browse view on a display screen, a cover art image object representing a media program within a grid of cover art image objects representing a plurality of media programs accessible through a media program distribution service, 2) determining a media distribution model by way of which the media program represented by the cover art image object is accessible through the media program distribution service, and 3) providing, for display in the media program browse view together with the cover art image object, an accessibility indicator that indicates the media distribution model by way of which the media program is accessible. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service provider system 1) detecting a request for information about a media program, 2) providing, for display on a display screen in response to the request, an information view for the media program that includes the information about the media program, 3) providing, for display in the information view, a first user-selectable icon associated with one or more options for accessing the media program by way of a first media distribution channel, and 4) providing, for display in the information view, a second user-selectable icon positioned adjacent to the first user-selectable icon and associated with one or more options for accessing the media program by way of a second media distribution channel that is different from the first media distribution channel. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media service provider system 1) generating, based on a first set of most-accessed media programs of a first media distribution model of a media service and a second set of most-accessed media programs of a second media distribution model of the media service, data representative of a merged set of most-accessed media programs that includes at least one media program from the first set of most-accessed media programs and at least one media program from the second set of most-accessed media programs and 2) providing, for display, user interface content representing the merged set of most-accessed media programs. In the method, the first media distribution model includes a digital media distribution model that utilizes a digital media distribution channel, and the second media distribution model includes a physical media distribution model that utilizes a physical media distribution channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for auto-subscription in a network environment. A method is provided that includes determining an affiliate associated with a device, and identifying a package associated with the affiliate. The method also includes generating system information parameters that identify the package, and transmitting the system information parameters to the device. The method also includes receiving a subscription request from the device, wherein the subscription request requests that the device be automatically subscribed to receive the package.

Abstract: A method for reserving television programs is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: receiving a reservation command, intercepting an image of a reservation program; transforming the image to reservation information; prompting the reservation information when reaching preset time or receiving a user prompt command. A corresponding system for reserving television programs is also disclosed. By transforming the image to reservation information and prompting the reservation information, it could modify transformed wrong part, realizing to automatically reserve program information. Another method for reserving television programs includes: receiving a reservation command, intercepting an image of a reservation program; storing the image; displaying the image when reaching a preset time or receiving a user prompt command. It also provides a corresponding system for reserving television programs.

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: Two-tuner media device systems and methods are operable to pre-tune a second tuner in anticipation of a channel surfing activity. An exemplary embodiment receives a first content stream associated with a currently presented channel at a first tuner, determines an anticipated channel based upon the currently presented channel and a historical channel surfing pattern, receives a second content stream associated with the anticipated channel at a second tuner, detects an initiation of a channel surfing activity, and presents at least a video portion of the second content stream associated with the anticipated channel in response to detecting the initiation of the channel surfing activity.

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

Abstract: A set of user content items, such as a set of photographs or audio or video recordings, is used to identify recommended locations. Each item of user content in the set includes a geographical identifier and a time-stamp indicative of the location and time of origin of the item. The items of user content are placed in time-order, and a route is determined that links, in time-order, the locations identified by the geographical identifiers. A recommended location is then identified, from a database of recommended locations, that is located near the determined route but is not geographically coincident with the locations of any of the items of user content. Information for a map containing the route and an illustration of the identified location are sent to a terminal device for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Provided are a method of browsing a recorded news program and a browsing apparatus for performing the method. The method includes grouping moving picture news reports included in a plurality of news programs according to news report, and selecting one moving picture news report from among each of a plurality of groups according to preference information input by a user, thereby reproducing only a user desired part from contents of a moving picture news report. Thus, the method can be used to rapidly and efficiently browse the plurality of news programs.

Abstract: A set-top box is constructed including a processor, an input port, an auxiliary input port, and an output port. The input port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive first control signals from a remote control. The auxiliary input port is also electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive second control signals from an auxiliary remote control and send the second control signals to the processor. The output port is electrically coupled to the processor, and is configured to send graphical representations of a remote control to a display. The processor is configured to compose a graphical representation of the remote control, receive a second control signal, modify the graphical representation of the remote control in response to the second control signal, and send the graphical representation to the output port for display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive movie located at a server via a network and displaying the same at a user station, which comprises: (a) a display unit at the user station for displaying movie frames; (b) a control device at the user station for enabling the user to navigate within the movie; (c) a map of the movie describing the links between the individual movie frames and the index of each movie frame, said map also maintains at any given time the present virtual location of the user within the map; and (d) a prediction unit for receiving inputs from said map and from a user control device, and based on said inputs predicting those future frames that may be required for view by the user, and instructing the server to convey said predicted future frames to the user station.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide a first interactive graphical user interface to a display for presentation to a user in response to a transmission of an input command, provide an end interactive graphical user interface to the display for presentation to the user in response to a repeat transmission of the input command, and perform an action corresponding to a selected entry within the end interactive graphical user interface in response to another repeat transmission of the input command. The first interactive graphical user interface corresponds to a first content level within a navigation thread and the end interactive graphical user interface corresponds to an end content level within the navigation thread.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for managing communication between a display device and a remote server or services is provided. A remote server provides access to widget applications that are to be used on the display device. The method includes receiving a request from the display device, and the request includes data that identifies attributes of the display device. Then, examining the data to authorize access a specific application widget gallery. The specific widget gallery includes widget applications that have passing filter parameters for the request. Then, returning to the display device data for populating attributes or widget application data for rendering on the display device. Furthermore, the methods and systems for providing access to, installing, administering and rendering web-based applications (e.g., widgets) on a display device, which connects to a server, are provided.

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

Abstract: A computer system includes a touch-screen display that displays an electronic program guide to a user. The EPG includes a list of television programs scheduled to be shown at a current time as well as a timeline and an indicator. The television programs in the EPG have a substantially fixed size, independent of the program duration. The user can adjust the relevant time in the EPG by manipulating the timeline and the indicator so that they slide relative to one another. The EPG is updated to include a list of television programs at a new time according to the new position of the indicator on the timeline. A selectable icon is provided to enable the user to return the EPG to a current time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing parental control support in video mosaic environment are disclosed. Upon receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data, which may include parental control information, is received. The screen data may identify the video assets in the video mosaic page. A determination is made whether the video assets in the video mosaic page are locked or unlocked by parental controls in force on the user equipment. Locked assets may be masked and individually unlocked upon verification of a parental control access code or PIN. Unlocked assets may be presented in cells, or windows, in the video mosaic page and may also be individually locked and subsequently masked. A separate set of parental control settings may be maintained for video mosaic pages or the mosaic parental control commands may be resolved with system parental control settings.

Abstract: A method for personalized virtual channel management includes: determining whether a received command is associated with virtual channel switching, wherein a network-based multimedia reproduction system is in mode of a first channel zone of a personalized channel zone; if yes, checking whether a channel value corresponding to the command exists in the first channel zone; if yes, executing an application corresponding to the channel value in the first channel zone to retrieve digital contents and display the digital contents on a screen of the network-based multimedia reproduction system; determining a desired channel zone if the command is associated with switching of the personalized channel zone; checking whether at least one log-in command matches log-in information of the desired channel zone; if yes, switching the network-based multimedia reproduction system to a mode of the desired channel zone in the personalized channel zone.

Abstract: An augmented broadcasting stream transmission device and method and an augmented broadcasting service providing device and method capable of ensuring that augmented broadcasting metadata arrive at a receive terminal in a time more rapid as compared to a corresponding video frame by a predetermined time are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced consumer access to information sources and controllable entities. An Access device can be a stand alone device such as a DVD player in which the DVD disk contains the back-end information network. Other Access devices obtain the back-end information network from remote sources. By way of a specific example, the consumer can then view a game and interactively select every television camera located at the game venue.

Abstract: A device receives, from a user device, a search query for video content listings in a video catalog. The device identifies, based on the search query, a set of relevant video assets from an index of the catalog content and determines dimensional values of the search query. The device determines a subset of the relevant video assets based on filtering usage metrics, for the set of relevant video assets, against the dimensional values. The device calculates a popularity value for each video asset in the subset of the relevant video assets and ranks each video asset in the subset of the relevant video assets to form a ranked list. The device sends, to the user device, a response to the search query that includes the ranked list.

Abstract: A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and/or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices.

Abstract: In a method and system for accessing content, a selection of a media content item having at least one set of episodes is received. Each of the at least one set of episodes is displayed as a user-selectable element in a user interface. A selection of a user-selectable element corresponding to a set of the at least one set of episodes is received. The display of the selected user-selectable element is expanded to display the episodes of the set within the selected user-selectable element, with each episode of the episodes of the set being represented by an additional user-selectable element. A selection of an episode from the set of episodes is received. At least one content source from which the selected episode is available to be retrieved is displayed. A content source of the at least one content source from which the selected episode is to be retrieved is received.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method receiving a request for a media program from a user device. The method then determines a set of visual representations of captions for the media program and determines video information for the media program. Visual representations from the set of visual representations of captions are sent with the video information over a network to the user device where text for the captions has been pre-rendered in the sent visual representations before sending of the visual representations to the user device. Also, the user device is configured to directly render and overlay a visual representation of a caption from the visual representations over a portion of the video information without rendering of the text for caption on the portion of the video information at the user device.

Abstract: In at least one example embodiment, in connection with a device having a user interface (UI), a method may include transmitting a request for VOD (video on demand) content to a content provider; receiving, from the content provider, a UI stream and the requested VOD content, the UI stream including a VOD header and a plurality of UI videos corresponding to the VOD content; playing a first UI video from among the plurality of UI videos; receiving a first user input; selecting a second UI video from among the plurality of UI videos based at least in part on the first user input; and playing the second UI video.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for processing viewer profiles and program metadata from a number of sources to provide viewing suggestions and recommendations to one or more viewers.