Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for satellite communication are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include a receiver that handles digital broadcasting. The receiver may be enabled to dynamically vary spacing between two or more pilots and/or the size of one or more pilots within at least one frame based on a determined symbol rate. The size of each of a plurality of received programs may be determined and the spacing between two or more pilots may be dynamically varied based on the determined size of each of the plurality of received programs.

Abstract: A method for maximizing revenue in a video-on-demand (VOD) system operated by a service provider is disclosed. For a plurality of VOD content items, an expected revenue value to the service provider for each content item is calculated, based on an estimated value of revenue for the content item, weighted by an estimated probability that a subscriber will select the content item for viewing. The one or more highest ranked content items of the plurality of VOD content items is selected, rank being determined such that content items having higher expected revenue values are ranked higher than content items having lower expected revenue values. Identifying information about the one or more highest ranked content items is delivered to a set-top device associated with the subscriber, for presentation to the subscriber on a menu from which the one or more highest ranked content items can be selected for viewing.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

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: An image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the image processing apparatus, are provided. The method includes: receiving a user command to select contents; searching for image quality control information which corresponds to contents selected according to the user command; and performing an image quality control according to the searched image quality control information. The apparatus includes a user interface (UI) unit which receives a user command to select contents; and a controller which searches for image quality control information which corresponds to contents selected according to the user command and performs an image quality control according to the searched image quality control information.

Abstract: Metadata are provided to video generators using a syndication protocol, so that the video generators may produce interactive video content for television subscribers. Metadata relating to source media content are transformed in a computer process from a storage format into a syndication format. Relevant metadata to transform are chosen to reflect the type of interactivity desired by a television service provider and the demands of the video generation process. The transformed metadata are published according to a syndication protocol, so that another computer process that participates in the protocol may generate the interactive video content using the metadata, the source media content, and subscriber commands.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for dynamically switching between unicast and broadcast carriers for delivering content in a mobile network. A first listing of channels is provided to a client mobile device, wherein a first unicast content stream is associated with a first channel. A determination is made to provide an event through a broadcast carrier over the first channel. The first content stream is disassociated with the first channel, and the broadcast event is associated with the first channel. A broadcast alert is communicated to the client mobile device to indicate the change. A second listing of channels is provided to the client mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for content-based non-linear control of video data playback. A multimedia database having multimedia data including multimedia content data is searched based on a user query to determine a first set of multimedia data. The multimedia data includes indexes to and condensed representations of corresponding video data stored in a video database. A portion of the first set of multimedia data is displayed at a control device in response to the user query. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for video playback and video data corresponding to the element delivered to a video device for playback. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for additional information and a second set of multimedia data corresponding to the element delivered to the control device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in various embodiments, are methods and apparatus incorporating, among other things, the concept of using, in particular but without limitation, traditionally non-commercial programming as a medium for selling products or services on-line, and again in particular over the Internet. Using this concept, for example, an element identified in motion picture programming can be made identifiable by a viewer of the motion picture programming, and thereby enabling a viewer to determine the source, location, or other information referred to by the element. Using this concept, for example, a viewer viewing a soap opera is able to use a device to electronically select a element identified in the broadcast. In turn, information referred to by the content element can be displayed to the viewer, including purchase information.

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 system of selecting assets for display in an interactive media guidance application includes receiving a user input indicating interest in a media item; generating a list of media assets related to the media item, selecting, based on priority rules, a subset of the media assets to display in an interactive media guidance application, and displaying an identifier for each of the subset of media assets in the interactive media guidance application screen. The priority rules may assign a first priority to one type of media asset and a second priority to a second type of media asset, and may be based on: whether the media asset has been viewed, and a respective time associated with the media asset.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to display an interactive search graphical user interface having at least a first viewing pane and a second viewing pane. A user may input a sequence of at least one character into the first viewing pane. A search results list including at least one entry based the character sequence and corresponding to at least one media content instance may then be displayed within the second viewing pane. When an entry within the search results list is selected by the user, the media content processing subsystem is configured to transfer the display of the search results list to the first viewing pane and display information corresponding to the selected entry within the second viewing pane.

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 set-top box for an Internet protocol television (IPTV) network includes a radio interface module, a remote control interface module, and a display interface module. The radio interface module accesses an Internet radio service on the IPTV network and outputs a list of Internet radio stations received from the Internet radio service to a particular IPTV channel on the display interface module, receives a selection of an Internet radio station from the remote control interface module, retrieves an Internet radio stream associated with the selected Internet radio station from the Internet radio service in response to receiving the first selection, and outputs the Internet radio steam on the particular IPTV channel of the display interface module.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a receiving unit for receiving broadcast data and supplementary information data associated with the broadcast data, a controller for retrieving and synchronizing the supplementary information data with the broadcast data for output, and an output unit for outputting the synchronized supplementary information data and the broadcast data in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media system having a controller element that contextually associates a plurality of portals with a corresponding plurality of multimedia broadcast channels as an aggregated service offering. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In embodiments of an object model for domain-based content mobility, a client object model architecture (146) is configured for scalable and adaptive implementation to interface a mobile client device (128) with a media server (126) for wireless, secure download of media content (136) to the mobile client device. The client object model architecture can be implemented for domain-based control of a software application that invokes a media player (142) on the mobile client device, and interfaces with the media server that communicates the media content to the mobile client device. The client object model architecture also controls domain discovery of the media server, domain-based registration of the mobile client device with the media server, channel change requests, and solicited and unsolicited channel changes.

Abstract: A system and method is described for providing a dynamic interactive skin to at least one communications device. The dynamic interactive skin can be used to select one or more items. The items may be selected to send a message to at least one contact, send a vote for at least one contestant in a media program, send a vote for at least one ending of a media program, purchase an item in a store, preorder a product such as a meal or preorder a service such as a movie ticket, and perform various other wireless commerce functions.

Abstract: Alternative-channel user selectivity is provided when a user tunes to a broadcast channel for which the desired broadcast station corresponding to such broadcast channel has been reassigned. In one embodiment, after tuning to broadcast channel in response to a user input, it may first be determined if in fact the desired broadcast station corresponding to the tuned broadcast channel has been reassigned. If so, one or more alternative broadcast channels corresponding to the desired broadcast station may be identified, and an alternative channel availability indicator may then be displayed to the user to provide alternative-channel user selectivity.

Abstract: A receiving device embodiment receives a user command from an external source. The user command is directed to a remote target destination. A first interactive programming command communicator embodiment generates a mobile device command from the received user command, and communicates the mobile device command to a mobile device. A second interactive programming command communicator embodiment receives the mobile device command from the receiving device. A target destination is identified from information in the mobile device command, and information from the mobile device command is communicated to the target destination.

Abstract: An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.

Abstract: A remote control system of the present invention is provided with a TV apparatus and a remote controller, and performs two-way communication. The remote controller is provided with a microphone and a speaker, and generates and outputs sound source data. Furthermore, by the use of wireless communication modules, the sound source data produced by the remote controller is transmitted to the TV apparatus, and the sound source data is transmitted from the TV apparatus to the remote controller, that is, the sound source data is exchanged, with the result that the sound source data is outputted from the TV apparatus and the remote controller.

Abstract: A viewer may directly interact with a 3D object that is virtually placed in a physical location in a video scene. Initially, the object appears as an integral part of the original video scene and does not interfere with the general viewer's experience of the program. A viewer may initiate interaction with the object using an input device. An interested viewer may navigate through the object's architecture based on the viewer's interest. For example, the viewer may drag the object to a new physical insertion point in the scene. The user may rotate the 3D object into different orientations and zoom in. Each orientation of the object, if selected by the viewer, may invoke a new linked object in the predefined architecture. For example, the viewer may walk through the linked objects in the predefined architecture or observe an object at an increasing level of detail.

Abstract: A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content and closed captioning content associated with the video content; obtain, based on the request, device information that identifies a first video format that is supported by the user device; obtain the video content and the closed captioning content, where the video content conforms to a second video format, and where the closed captioning content conforms to a text format; convert the video content from the second video format to the first video format and the closed captioning content from the text format to the first video format; and transmit the converted video content and the converted closed captioning to the user device, where the converted video content and the converted closed captioning content enable the user device to play the converted video content and the converted closed captioning content without modifying the user device.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to providing an interactive video viewing experience. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes receiving an interactive video program that comprises a first video segment and one or more branch video segments that each corresponds to a branch along a decision path. The method includes pre-buffering a transition portion of a corresponding branch video segment for each possible user input of one or more possible user inputs along the decision path. The method includes sending the first video segment to a display device and, based upon an actual user input, branching from the first video segment to a transition portion of a branch video segment that corresponds to the actual user input.

Abstract: A method of triggering the recording of a programming stream includes: receiving a request to monitor for an unscheduled event; determining search strings associated with the unscheduled event; monitoring a programming stream; analyzing closed captioning information contained in the programming stream to determine the occurrence of the search strings; and recording the programming stream upon the occurrence of the search strings.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system is described for reproducing and displaying information and control options. It comprises means for information reproduction (10) and user operating means for selecting one of the control options. There is a primary display (20,50) arranged in the front of the vehicle and at least a secondary display (40) for the rear seat passengers. Information adapting means (60,95) adapt the information to be displayed on the primary display (20,50) to a limited version including the control options. A full version of the information is displayed on the secondary display. In this way, the driver can control the system without being too much distracted by the information and the rear seat passengers see the complete version of the information.

Abstract: There is provided a communication system, a data terminal apparatus, a server apparatus, and a menu screen updating method that succeed in enhancing the ease-of-use of a menu screen with additional functions. The service server transmits to the receiving apparatus additional menu data for permitting selection of additional functions. In the receiving apparatus, on the basis of initial menu data for permitting selection of initial functions and the additional menu data obtained as the second menu data, menu display data is produced. On the basis of the menu display data, a menu screen is created. The menu screen is outputted to the display device so that it shows up on the display section of the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a contents sharing method and a image display device using the same, wherein the method comprises displaying an object for sharing a content that is being reproduced with an external image display device, when the object is selected searching for external image display devices capable of sharing contents, indicating a sharing device list including at least one of the searched external image display devices, selecting at least one external image display device from the displayed sharing device list, and displaying shared state information on at least one of the image display device and the selected external image display device.

Abstract: A method includes requesting most-watched program information from a subscription television service and identifying the most-watched program for a current time slot. The method further includes receiving a channel identification for the most-watched program for the current time slot, automatically tuning to the most-watched program based on the channel identification, and displaying the most-watched program. The most-watched program may be tuned at the start of a set-top box initialization sequence to give perception of a fast start time.

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 for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring an interactive walkthrough 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: Systems and methods for providing custom video mosaic pages are provided. The custom pages may be locally-generated, remotely-generated, or partially locally-generated and partially remotely-generated. The custom pages may include local content, such as content recorded to a digital video recorder (DVR), overlaid on a multi-video composite feed. A local compositing system may render the mosaic pages and dynamically customize the pages based on user profile data, user preferences, and active user monitoring.

Abstract: Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity.

Abstract: This display includes a control portion controlling a selected screen portion to display a program other than a program displayed on a nonselected screen portion if a program subsequently displayed on the selected screen portion and the program displayed on the nonselected screen portion are identical to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods of authoring a multimedia file are described. In one method of authoring a multimedia file, a collection of media objects, including a reference media object of indexed temporally-ordered data structures, is accessed. The reference media object is rendered. While the reference media object is being rendered, a media object in the collection is linked to the reference media object with a rendering time synchronized to the rendering of the reference media object. In another multimedia file authoring method, a collection of inter-linked media objects is accessed. Media objects are sequentially rendered in accordance with a sequence of media object links selected by a user while media objects are being rendered. The sequence of selected media object links and synchronization data are stored to enable reproduction of media object rendering experienced by the user.

Abstract: Method and system of distributing advertisements for storage in a network. The stored advertisements being retrievable for insertion within or other association with services provided to a network subscriber. Identifying characteristics of the advertisement may be used to facilitate the storage thereof and identifying characteristics of the customs may be used to facilitate advertisements associated with services accessed thereby.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: A digital multifunction peripheral provided with a scanner portion, an operation portion, an image forming portion, a device control portion, a fax modem, a communications portion, a management portion, and a hard disk (HD) is connected to a server apparatus via an external network. A large-format display is attached integrally to a rear face of a case of the digital multifunction peripheral, with a first display screen facing toward the outside. The device control portion is connected to the server apparatus via the external network, and displays various pieces of provided information managed by the server apparatus on the first display screen.

Abstract: An online ordering system for ordering of items of real time availability in inventory online employs An interactive TV system connected to a plurality of TV equipment units via a TV services platform, whereby a TV viewer can view an advertisement for a transactable item on the TV display and send a request for ordering the item by signals sent by the TV remote control unit to the TV services platform. A transaction-ordering web server is co-located with and operatively connected to the TV services platform for processing requests from TV viewers into web orders sent online via Internet connection to online ordering websites for processing against real time vendor inventories and confirming transactions of ordered items. The TV system may be a hotel in-room TV system coupled to a hotel purchase management system to manage guest billings for purchases. The hotel in-room TV system can provide guests with updates of activities and advertisements for guest activities on the in-room TV.

Abstract: An approach is provided for content aggregation in support of virtual channels. Query information and authentication information of a user are received from a media application associated with a set-top box. A query request is generated for media content from a content provider using the query information, the authentication information, and an identifier of a service provider. Transmission of the query request is initiated to the content provider system. One or more search results are received in response to the query request. Transmission of the one or more search results is initiated to the media application.

Abstract: A method and system that provides a television service via a customer device; receives a customer input to invoke an interactive mode pertaining to the television service; retrieves a graphical user interface that includes an interactive and program half-screen comprising an interactive half-screen and a program half-screen, wherein the interactive half-screen is substantially a same size as a program half-screen, and the interactive half-screen and the program half-screen occupy an entire size of the graphical user interface; and displays the graphical user interface via the customer device, wherein the interactive half-screen includes one or more interactive graphical elements and the program half-screen includes a program window to display a program.

Abstract: Disclosed are a display apparatus displaying broadcasting information of a three-dimensional (3D) image and a control method thereof, the display apparatus including: a signal receiver which receives broadcasting information of each channel comprised in a broadcasting signal; an image processor which processes the broadcasting signal to display an image; a display unit which displays thereon an image and broadcasting information based on the broadcasting signal; and a controller which searches the received broadcasting information of each channel, identifies a 3D image among the broadcasting information, displays the broadcasting information of the 3D image by channel on the display unit and changes into a channel selected by a user, upon receiving a user request for displaying a 3D broadcasting list. Accordingly, users are capable of changing into a desired broadcasting channel for viewing by extracting broadcasting information of a 3D image only and displaying broadcasting information of each channel.

Abstract: In a subscriber television system, assigning categories to a channel as an entity reduces the searching requirements associated with searching a database of thousands of individual program records, identifying the channel on which an identified program will be displayed, and then sorting the resultant information. The channel information is searched for the assigned category information and the associated program information for just those channels is retrieved. This reduces the processor requirements for searching the thousands of records in the program records database. With the reduced processor requirements and the increased efficiency of information organization for searching, a single machine state change is possible between viewing full screen video and a browse banner or between viewing full screen program information and video with a browse banner.

Abstract: To provide a content playback device capable of, when playing back a content distributed in a streaming format via a network whose view mode is selectable among a plurality of view modes, presenting to a user the switchability between the view modes, thereby to improve the user's convenience. The content playback device includes a reception unit that receives, from the content distribution system, control information indicating a plurality of view modes selectable for viewing the video content, a presentation unit that presents, to a user, the view modes as options of a view mode for viewing the video content, an input reception unit that receives an input selecting one view mode among the view modes from the user; and a request unit that requests the content distribution system to distribute the video content in the streaming format, by transmitting information indicating the selected view mode to the content distribution system.

Abstract: A broadcast system provides consumers with inducement to consume portions in which they may not have an active interest, such as commercials. To dissuade consumers from leaving the vicinity of the broadcast receiver or from switching to other broadcasts while a first broadcast airs such a portion, the first broadcast is augmented by a second content entity calculated to be of interest to the consumer. Interaction is required of the consumer in order for him to receive the second content entity, which necessitates his presence and attention.

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: This application describes a method of referencing content in an application. The method comprises, for a content element, creating a reference to the content element and associating that reference with the content element. This enables the content element (for example, text or images) to be dissociated from other features related to content; for example, its presentation on the screen. In this way, control over presentation may be achieved separately from control of the content itself. In an example, a Content Provider provides referenced content to an Operator. A Program Provider sends referenced scenarios to the Operator. The Operator resolves the reference and sends data for broadcast by the Broadcaster.

Abstract: A computing device receives selection of television content from a device associated with a user, and collects metadata associated with the selected television content. The computing device also collects information associated with commercials associated with the television content, and determines an interactive product/service listing based on the collected metadata and commercial information. The device further provides the interactive product/service listing to the device for display to the user.