Abstract: A system communicates video information including television content associated with a plurality of channels and ancillary information. Information may be transmitted with the ancillary information that is indicative of the type of content included in the ancillary information. This provides the user, in one embodiment of the present invention, with a visual indication of the type of information that accompanies television content. This helps the user to decide whether the user wishes to view the ancillary information and provides the opportunity to select that enhancement for viewing.

Abstract: A method of operation of a composite broadcast system includes: receiving a client AV stream from a user station and a user profile associated with the client AV stream; receiving a user interaction from the user station; approving the client AV stream for airing based on the user interaction and the user profile; receiving a program AV stream; generating a visualization based on the user interaction and the user profile; and mixing the client AV stream, the program AV stream, and the visualization for broadcasting to multiple devices.

Abstract: A method for providing widgets and a TV using the same are disclosed. The method for providing widgets includes searching for widgets related to a certain keyword or a broadcast program among widgets provided by a plurality of content providers, and displaying the searched widgets on a widget search list classified according to content provider. A user can thereby search for and use the widgets provided from various content providers more easily.

Abstract: Using a TV, a viewer watching broadcast TV or Internet video content on a display can select a “Video Search” application indicating viewer desire to obtain information about a currently playing video program. The application is invoked to send a name of the currently playing video program to a server on the Internet and associated with a database to cause the server to execute a search only of the database associated with the Internet server and not to execute a search of the Internet. The server returns metadata related to the currently playing vided program, which is presented on the display along with the currently playing video program.

Abstract: A method, system API and computer product for adapting reverse data channel (RDC) utilization by selectively restricting the reporting of statistics data from client devices using a client-side filter adapted in response to configuration data from a file or other source file.

Abstract: A method and system for centrally producing user-specific user interfaces for controlling and selecting interactive media applications are provided. The system has, at each user end, an input unit used to input control signals for controlling and selecting the interactive media applications, and an output unit used to display an appropriate user-specific user interface. Following registration of the input and output units, the control signals are transmitted via a communication network to a central user interface server in the system. The user interface server initiates a user interface production unit which takes the control signals as a basis for generating user-specific elements for the user interface. A mixing component in the system adds non-user-specific elements provided by a database in the system. The user-specific user interface produced is then forwarded from a central streaming server in the system to the output unit and is displayed by the latter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a selection of a channel at a set-top box device. In response to the selection of the channel, a still image associated with a program is displayed at a display device. The method further includes receiving a multicast stream of video content associated with the selected channel at the set-top box device. At least a portion of the multicast stream is received while the still image is displayed at the display device. The method also includes transmitting the video content to the display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to preferred embodiments enable a subscriber to participate in fantasy league competitions with other subscribers of the service, and to view other broadcasts simultaneously with fantasy league data on one or more televisions. A service provider enables the creation of a fantasy league related to real activities. One or more teams are associated with the fantasy league and players are then assigned to each of the created teams. In one embodiment, the teams are configured via a television interface and a remote control. Fantasy league data is tracked for each team based on participation of the team's assigned players in the real activities. Television broadcasts are then displayed simultaneously with fantasy league data on the television, a service that is not possible or practical in conventional television systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating access to content using availability information. Content programs are determined based at least in part on a prior selection of one or more of the content programs from a content catalog by a user. Content availability data is obtained from multiple content providers. Availabilities of each content program are determined based at least in part on the content availability data. A user interface is generated that presents the respective availabilities of each of the content programs through the corresponding interfaces of some or all of the content providers.

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 the Internet 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. Other exemplary embodiments allow users to become certified, charging them for services without requiring constant inputting of coinage or credit card information. 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.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for frequency optimization of advertisement streams. The methods and systems described in this specification may enable determination of an optimal presentation frequency of an ad stream, or a number of times the ad stream is to be broadcast and/or rebroadcast, prior to the audience becoming interested in the ad, or acting on the ad to generate a conversion event.

Abstract: A broadcasting receiving apparatus capable of communicating with a secondary device includes a receiving module configured to receive application information relating to a selected program; and a control module configured to receive a control command from a control device, wherein the control module, in response to a predetermined control signal, controls the secondary device to execute an application identified by the application information, when the secondary device is registered in order to communicate with the broadcast receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques to create, generate, and deliver customized interactive program guide (custom-IPG). In one embodiment, selections indicative of a set of channels to be included in the custom-IPG are received. In response, one or more custom-IPG screens including the set of selected channels are rendered at a headend. Custom-IPG screens can be formed as subsets of the regular IPG screens, or as new screens. The rendered custom-IPG screens are provided from the head end to a set top terminal upon receiving a viewer request for the custom-IPG. Commands indicative of a particular location at which to overlay the custom-IPG screens may also be received, and the custom-IPG screens are re-rendered at the indicated location. Custom-IPG screens can be overlaid on a video sequence provided on a particular channel being viewed, used to carry regular program guide, or a channel independent of the channel used to carry regular programming and program guide.

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 system and method are disclosed for session continuity in multimedia services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a multimedia services system has a plurality of service centers each capable of offering one or more multimedia services to an end user, and a controller for managing operations of the service centers. The controller can be programmed to monitor the end user's use of multimedia services from said service centers, detect a change in use by the end user, and offer the end user a multimedia service adapted to the change in use.

Abstract: A integrated content guide for multiple sources is provided with hyper-text type links to allow for the selection of various programs. The hyper-text links are provided for a transmitted and then stored digital bit stream. This allows for the embedding within the content guide what could be additional commercial information. The embedding may also be as to additional information for other related television or radio shows or the like. Information can be additional television shows, related information or activities on on-line services or automatic telephone ordering of products or services being displayed.

Abstract: A content playback device reduces user discomfort, relative to conventional devices, when playback is interrupted and resumed after switching viewing modes, pieces of content representing different viewing modes for a common product, and differing in video length or having other differences. The content playback device receives and plays back streaming content from a content server delivering two pieces of content having different viewing modes for the common product, and comprises: a selection unit selecting a viewing mode; a determination unit determining whether playback of a first piece of content not having the selected viewing mode was interrupted; a conversion unit converting, when the determination unit has determined affirmatively, a playback interrupt position into a corresponding position in a second piece of content having the selected viewing mode; and a request unit making a request to the content server for transmission of the second piece of content from the corresponding position.

Abstract: In an example, a system for distributed video creation is provided. In an example, the system enables users to create the ideas that they and others might film and/or upload. These may be single scene ideas, or multiple scene ideas. These ideas may be as part of a broader, existing video work, or a new video work. These ideas may be manifested as text (such as descriptions or instructions) or verbal (audio), or through pictures or video.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an indicator from a service provider via a network. The indicator is received with first media content and includes data to cause a selectable image to be displayed with the first media content. The selectable image indicates an availability of second media content that is different than the first media content. The method includes, in response to receipt of the indicator, displaying the selectable image with the first media content at a display device. The method further includes, in response to receiving a removal message before receiving an input indicating a selection of the selectable image, removing the selectable image from display at the display device.

Abstract: A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device.

Abstract: In the field of media transmission technologies, a method and an apparatus for transmitting Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) media are provided, which solve a problem that a specific capability mode to be used cannot be determined when both a server and a client have enhanced functions. In the method and system for transmitting the HTTP media, the respective information of HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and by the client are obtained. According to the obtained information of the HTTP streaming media capabilities supported by the server and supported by the client, the HTTP streaming media capability used by the server or the client in a subsequent media transmission procedure is determined. The server provides media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability; or the client obtains the media services according to the determined HTTP streaming media capability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting advertising data at an end user device, the method comprising monitoring a plurality of advertising data items in a first video data stream at the end user device; correlating advertising characterization data for the advertising data item with end user profile data for an end user at the end user device; and selecting based on the correlating at least one of the plurality of advertising data items for presentation during display of a second video data stream at the end user device. A system is disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed for containing data used by the system and method.

Abstract: In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing video content on a data network connected device having a display and a device display controller including a player. The method comprises the steps of a data network connected device, accesses a reference file including a plurality of player control parameter values and linking data for one or more content sources. Play control commands are provided to the player based on the play control parameter values. Content data is acquired by the player from one or more content sources via the data network using the linking data, and the content acquired from each source played on the display in accordance with the player control commands. The reference file may be a pre-existing reference file or a reference file created in response to a request to play the video content data. A reference file compiler is provided for generating the reference file.

Abstract: Metadata associated with television commercials and television programs are received and stored in a local database at a customer premise. When received at the customer premise, those television commercials and television programs identified by the metadata are augmented with on-screen options that are user-selectable using a remote control device. A first option is to automatically record an upcoming broadcast of a first program advertised in a first commercial. A second option is to purchase a media product that includes the first program. A third option is to order a product or a service shown during a second program or a second commercial. A fourth option is to initiate a search of an inventory of a local retailer for the product or the service shown during the second program or the second commercial. A fifth option is to place a VoIP call to a vendor of the product or the service.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device having a controller programmed to store a subscriber selectable preference for advertisements and for video channel distribution to send to a set top box (STB) and receive a signal from a broadcast stream indicating the location for insertion of an advertisement based on the subscriber selectable preference. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An initiating viewer identifies a multimedia channel and submits a request to share the multimedia channel with at least one recipient viewer at another viewer premises. This request is processed by the multimedia receiver of the initiating viewer so as to generate a channel change request for submission to a service provider. In response to the channel share request, the service provider queries the recipient viewer to determine whether the recipient viewer accepts or rejects the offered multimedia channel. If the recipient viewer accepts the multimedia channel, the multimedia channel can be provided to the multimedia receiver of the recipient viewer either for storage for later playback or for immediate playback concurrent with the provision of the multimedia channel to the initiating viewer. Billing for costs associated with the shared multimedia channel is conducted based on billing feedback provided by the initiating viewer.

Abstract: A method includes supplying a video stream to a primary display device, detecting an information request associated with the video stream, identifying a portion of the video stream corresponding to the time of detecting, supplying to a secondary display device choices corresponding to the information request, receiving selected choices and supplying to the secondary display device information corresponding to the selected choices.

Abstract: The present invention is a video production and control system that uses a touch screen display and user interface, managed by a controller, for video switching. The system is used to select Preview and Program video feeds from a set of video input feeds. The video source configuration for some of the feeds may have been selected using touch screen video source control technology. Over time, the user can use the touch screen controls to switch which feeds are then designated as the Preview and Program feeds. The evolving Program signal is sent to a Program output connection for consumers of the Program, possibly after some reformatting. The current Program feed may be promoted from the current Preview feed. User controls determine the type of transition, such as cut or crossfade, that will apply to a transition from Preview to Program.

Abstract: A multi-image switching method is provided. The switching method includes steps of: establishing a connection between a portable device and a smart device, and fetching a program source list from the smart device; transmitting a watch request message to the smart device according to a user-selected program source from the program source list, wherein the watch request message includes program source identification information; and receiving program information, which is corresponding to the program source identification information and replied by the smart device in response to the watch request message, and providing the program information to the portable device for display. Therefore, according to the embodiments, the same or different program information may be simultaneously viewed on the portable device and the smart device after establishing the connection between the portable device and the smart device through a handshake protocol.

Abstract: In some implementations, closed captioning streams of textual data are extracted from video signals received by a client device. The closed captioning streams may be searched for occurrences of textual data in the closed captioning streams that match one or more search terms. When the number of matches between the search terms and a particular closed captioning stream exceeds a threshold number, a notification may be sent indicating that content programming determined to be of interest to a viewer has been located and/or the content programming may be recorded.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) terminal and to receive participation information for participating in an interactive service from the IPTV terminal, an output unit configured to output the received participation information for the interactive service, a user input unit configured to receive an input of response information corresponding to the output participation information for the interactive service, and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit to transmit the input response information to the IPTV terminal or to a IPTV related server performing the interactive service with the IPTV terminal, and to receive information corresponding to the interactive service.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for ordering entertainment programs from different programming transmission sources. A selection is received from an entertainment system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The purchase is automatically coordinated and the upgraded media feature is automatically provided for the programming by a server system. The server system bills a client for services performed by the server system and provides billing information about the client to at least one of a plurality of programming transmission sources that provided the programming transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing and receiving media programming information including providing programming package information comprising attributes of a package of media presentation channels. Further, a subscription characteristic is defined that determines an ability subscribe to the package and to present the programming package information on a device. The device operates to compare the subscription characteristic with device-related subscription information. A subscription is allowed and/or the programming package information is presented on the device based on a predetermined relationship between the subscription characteristic and the device subscription information.

Abstract: A method for providing a notification includes receiving a notification request at a central location. The notification request includes an audible message, a notification time, and a destination. The audible message is stored at the central location and associated with the notification time and destination. A current time is determined and compared with the determined notification time. The method further includes connecting a telephone call to the destination based on the determination and transmitting the stored audible message to the destination during the telephone call based on the connection.

Abstract: iTV content is created and deployed using a server component adapted to allow content developers to create applications according to an authoring specification that describes a framework for same; a transport component including an operator-deployed application management system configured to optimize and deliver the applications to one or more clients; and a client component adapted to render the applications through a television so as to permit user interaction therewith. The authoring specification provides for the presentation of content through one or more templates defined therein, allowing application definition and behavior to remain common across multiple client device types, middleware platforms, and/or iTV operating environments.

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 method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.

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

Abstract: An interactive media guidance system with program series reminder and recording capabilities is provided. The system allows a user to set a reminder or schedule a recording for a single episode or for each episode of a program series. Options may be provided that allow the user to schedule reminders/recordings for episodes on all or selected channels for some or all episodes including reruns new episodes, network or syndicated episodes, on all days or only on selected days.

Abstract: A method comprises a second electrical device receiving a request via a network from a first electrical device to cause a file to be downloaded. The method further comprise the second electrical device causing the file to be downloaded from a server via the network to the second electrical device.

Abstract: The present technology concerns cell phones and similar devices, and their use in conjunction with media content (electronic and physical) and other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology particularly concern “second screen” applications that sense a television program being watched by a user, and present menus of complementary content on the phone touchscreen from which the user can select. This complementary content can include other video content, associated web pages, opportunities to buy merchandise related to the program, etc. This complementary content can be identified by a provider of the television program, or can be identified otherwise (e.g., by crowd-sourcing). In some embodiments, the phone instructs a remote DVR to record content of interest for later viewing. The technology also provides features for making TV watching a social experience—involving remote friends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the distribution of electronic media for distribution to employees of a subscriber. The system includes a controller having a storage on which an electronic media collection is stored, and a display connected to the controller for displaying selected electronic media collection. The display is provided with a first and a second frame where each frame displays selected electronic media from the electronic media collection. The system provides for a customer to set the electronic media collection. The system may further include a code, presented on the display that may be scanned and present additional information to the viewer. The additional information may be pushed to the scanning device, or the scanning device may be navigated to a website where the information may be presented.

Abstract: A television system comprises a remote touch-controlled device and a television receiver apparatus. A graphical user interface (GUI) is run on the touch-controlled device to provide a display that matches at least partially with the display of the GUI run on the television receiver apparatus. A user can thereby intuitively manipulates the touch-controlled device assisted by its GUI to remotely control the operation of the television receiver apparatus.

Abstract: An information receiving terminal includes a designation information transmitting portion to transmit designation information designating a program and a related information receiving portion. The information providing apparatus includes a related information storage portion to store related information containing a plurality of information to which each provision period is settable in association with a program, a designation information receiving portion, a related information extracting portion to extract the related information appropriate for a designated program, and a related information transmitting portion to transmit the extracted related information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and unpausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.

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

Abstract: An iTV user interface includes a navigable menu area through which a user can select from among a variety of services and a content display area in which formatted data associated with a selected menu service are displayed to the user. The formatted data is displayed in a rotating or ticker fashion having both a passive mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence independent of any selection operations by a television viewer, and active mode, in which the formatted data is displayed in a sequence that depends on selection operations by the television viewer. Advertisements and/or promotions may be interspersed among the content items. The navigable menu area and the content display area may be displayed to the viewer at the same time as television programming is displayed on the television.

Abstract: A method of generating a file at a header metadata creator apparatus, the method including: generating, at the header metadata creator apparatus, a file, the file including: a file header, a file body, and a file footer, wherein the file header includes at least KLV encoded header metadata, the KLV encoded header metadata including at least a universal label, length data and variable length data, the variable length data including a plurality of KLV encoded metadata sets, each one of the KLV encoded metadata sets includes a predetermined universal label, essence length data and a plurality of KLV encoded metadata items, and each KLV encoded metadata item includes at least an item universal label, variable item length data and item value data.

Abstract: A subscriber or other user is provided with access to a subscription service of a signal distribution system at a location remote from a home location of the user. The subscription service comprises a plurality of selectable channels available to the user at the home location. The user is assigned one of a plurality of program streams utilizable for delivery of content from the head end equipment servicing the remote location to an interface device at the remote location. By way of example, the program streams may be part of existing unicast infrastructure in the head end equipment. The head end equipment obtains content for a first channel of the subscription service available to the user at the home location, and inserts the content for the first channel into the assigned program stream to thereby make that content accessible to the user at the remote location via the interface device.