Abstract: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: receiving a request from a client device to join a room, the room associate with a plurality of other client devices streaming multimedia content; adding the client device to the room in response to the request; computing a synchronization time for the client based on time values associated with the client device and the other client devices; and transmitting the synchronization time to the client device, causing the client device to adjust playback of the multimedia content based on the synchronization time.

Abstract: Provided are an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program for generating an image indicative of play status of a game in which two-dimensional objects representative of information to be offered to a viewing audience at the destination of delivery are clearly expressed. An image acquisition section acquires a game image indicative of the content to be displayed on a display device, the game image representing at least the play status of a game in which a virtual three-dimensional object placed in a virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from a point of view in the virtual three-dimensional space. The image acquisition section also acquires a delivery target two-dimensional image indicating a two-dimensional object targeted for delivery, the delivery target two-dimensional image having the same resolution as that of an image to be delivered.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to automate receivability updates for media crediting. At least one non-transitory machine-readable medium comprises instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor to at least identify a station identifier associated with at least one of a signature or a code, the at least one of the signature or the code collected at a panelist household. The instructions, when executed, cause at least one processor to further determine whether a household receivability table includes the station identifier, to determine, in response to a determination that the household receivability table does not include a station corresponding to the station identifier, whether the station is receivable at the panelist household, and to update the household receivability table, the update in response to a determination that the station corresponding to the station identifier is receivable at the panelist household.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for realizing dynamic scheduling for a cinema and controlling playing of a movie. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to dynamic scheduling of content presentation in a cinema by collecting user preferences of a plurality of users, wherein the user preference specifies at least a movie that a user desires to watch, a time for watching the movie, a cinema for watching the movie, and a number of people watching the movie; generating, based on the collected user preferences, a respective dynamic schedule for at least one cinema of a plurality of cinemas according to one of a plurality of scheduling schemes; and transmitting the generated respective dynamic schedule to at least one second electronic apparatus corresponding to the at least one cinema.

Abstract: Techniques described herein include evaluation and management of device hardware, software, and network resources during streaming, downloading, or playback of video resources on client devices from remote locations. Certain aspects relate to evaluating the current resources available at a client device, such as memory, processing capacity, device battery status, network availability and/or network data quotas, in view of a video resource request. Based on the evaluation of the client device's resources, and estimations of the effects that video streaming/downloading and playback may have on the client device's resources, the client device may control, customize, and/or alter the retrieval or playback of requested video resources.

Abstract: A method of determining a conversion rate of a targeted message associated with a point of interest (POI) includes determining a plurality of users using wireless devices that have been exposed to a targeted message associated with the POI within a first pre-determined time period and receiving a plurality of sets of local area communication features of the local area communication modules of the wireless devices. These features are inputted into a Machine Learning Algorithm (MLA) trained using a set of heuristics applied to training sets of local area communication features of training wireless devices. The MLA outputs, based on the set of local area communication features of the local area communication module of the wireless device, a plurality of indications of the conversion rate of the targeted message. A server for executing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for low latency broadcast of animation frames includes a frame extractor stored in memory and executable to access frame data generated by a rendering pipeline of a frame generation engine. During runtime of the frame generation engine, the frame extractor exports the frame data for use external to the frame generation engine.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 television protocol and more specifically to a dongle that converts HDMI, USB, or VGA from a computer to ATSC 3.0 packets and wirelessly transmits the packets to a display.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a plurality of wireless communication modules for connecting apparatus to a server that manages the apparatus via a plurality of networks different from one another; storage that stores, for each of the networks, a characteristic regarding communication; acquirer that acquires communication information indicating, for each of communication modules, whether communication via the communication module is possible; identifier that identifies a specific communication module from among communication modules, the specific communication module being indicated by the communication information as being a communication module via which communication is possible, and being selected based on the characteristic; and controller that causes the specific communication module identified by identifier to connect to the server to enable communication.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus includes: a digital broadcast receiver configured to receive digital broadcasting in which contents are transmitted; a network transceiver configured to execute network communication; a data string converter configured to perform a mixing process for creating a new coded data string based on a coded data string of the received contents and a coded data string acquired by the network transceiver; a digital interface configured to output the contents to external equipment; and a controller configured to determine a state of the network communication of the external equipment. The state of the network communication of the external equipment includes a first state in which the network communication is in a communicable state and a second state in which the network communication is in an uncommunicable state. In accordance with the determined state of the network communication, the digital interface performs three types of output operations.

Abstract: A content moving device which enables providing content stored on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The content moving device identifies content on the first user device as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and receives the candidate content from the DVR. The content moving device transcodes the candidate content at times independent of a request from the PMP for the content. The content moving device may provide a list of available transcoded content to the PMP for selection, and provide selected content to the PMP. The content moving device may also provide information relating to any protection schemes of the content provided to the PMP, such as DRM rights and decryption keys.

Abstract: A method is performed at a first electronic device associated with a user. The method includes displaying a webpage including a control element associated with media content provided by a media server. The webpage originates from a webpage server distinct from the media server. The method includes receiving a user input selecting the control element, and, in response to the user input: sending a media control request to the media server, the media control request configured to cause the media server to perform a media control operation to control presentation of the media content at a second electronic device associated with the user, wherein the second electronic device is distinct from the first electronic device; and sending, to the second electronic device, a local media control request via a local network. The local media control request is configured to cause performance of the same media control operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a cloud-based content management and displays for community facilities. Content is curated to be displayed on the appropriate monitor. Cloud-based software is coupled with an application that supports the hosting, streaming, management and deployment of digital content to display devices in an organized and reliable manner. The content narrowcast engages residents and supports residents with escalating levels of personalized sounds, images and texts. The system provides a Digital Community Collage, a Digital Memory Box, a Digital Window, and a Digital Care Snapshot.

Abstract: A lighting system utilizes intelligent system elements, such as lighting devices, user interfaces for lighting control or the like and possibly sensors. The system also has a data communication network. Some number of the intelligent lighting system elements, including at least two of the lighting devices, also support communication with non-lighting-system devices at the premises. Each such element has a communication interface system configured to provide a data communication link for use by non-lighting-system devices at the premises in proximity to the respective intelligent system element. Also, in such an element, the processor is configured to control communications via the communication interface system so as to provide access to the data network and through the data network to the wide area network outside the premises for non-lighting related communications of the non-lighting-system devices.

Abstract: A method of facilitating audience interaction comprising determining a user-current state, based on at least one of user-entered input to be provided by a user on a device that is to be worn by the user and movement data to be received from the device. The determination of the user-current state includes determining a choice and a reaction of the user, and generating the user-current state, based on the determination.

Abstract: A system and method for streaming a Video on Demand (VOD) asset includes receiving, at a host, a VOD asset request from a client over an internal network, and sending the VOD asset request from the host over an external network using a client/host address that includes a host address and a client address. The VOD asset targeted for the client including the client/host address is received at the host over the external network, and the VOD asset is streamed from the host to the client over the internal network.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) content delivery network delivers select data files to an end user. The content delivery network provides a client, a P2P gateway server, and a Resource Name Server (RNS) within a computer-populated network. The RNS caches data resource locations within the computer-populated network and resolves resource requests with optimal data resource locations within the computer-populated network. The gateway server requests and receives optimal data resource locations via the RNS; requests and receives data files from the computer-populated network via the optimal data resource locations; and processing received data files for data file delivery to the client. The network thus enables an origin-agnostic data delivery method for optimally delivering select data files to an end user.

Abstract: A residential gateway includes an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) network communication port and a first isolation transformer circuit. The IPTV network communication port is configured to receive a signal from an ITPV network. The first isolation transformer circuit is in communication with the IPTV network communication port. The isolation transformer is configured to receive the signal from the IPTV network communication port, and to transform a ground of the signal to float at a ground potential of a power source of the residential gateway.

Abstract: System and method for displaying and managing content includes a database of content that a user may access, select and pay for. The content is distributed to a projection device and the user is able to control the projection with the use of a pointing device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein that provide a TV receiver that supports a set of existing iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. Further, the TV receiver can be extended to support additional iTV standards and proprietary iTV implementations. A digital television data stream is received and processed by a client. The digital television data stream is analyzed to determine which interactive television format is present. A registry of interactive television virtual machines is searched to determine whether a virtual machine is registered for the interactive television format. Each of the interactive television virtual machines is adapted for one of the interactive television formats. If a virtual machine that matches the interactive television format is found, it is loaded and hosted. Hosting the virtual includes providing services to the virtual machine through common application programming interfaces (APIs) machine includes. The common APIs may be used by any virtual machine that is loaded.

Abstract: An integrated multimedia, entertainment, communications and control system. The system is based on a general purpose computer and is capable of interfacing with, controlling or managing a wide variety of audio, video, telecommunications, data communications or other devices. The system includes a programming environment for creating services or user experiences that may incorporate features or functionalities of several devices that are conventionally operated as separate, standalone devices.

Abstract: A multi-vision virtualization system includes a multi-vision virtualization server and two or more scene clients. The multi-vision virtualization server includes a multi-vision virtualization server configured to generate virtual machines for decoding processes based on image content segments, generate synchronous reproduction information for synchronization between two or more scene clients, transmit the generated synchronous reproduction information to a first scene client among the two or more scene clients, and decode the image content segments to generate decoded image segments; and the two or more scene clients including the first scene client that parses the received synchronous reproduction information, and shares the parsed synchronous reproduction information with remaining scene clients, and being configured to reproduce the decoded image segments on screens based on the parsed synchronous reproduction information.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary method includes an expansion media content processing device receiving media content in a format not supported by a set-top box to which the expansion media content processing device is communicatively connected by a local communication link, converting the media content from the format not supported by the set-top box to a format supported by the set-top box, and providing the media content in the format supported by the set-top box to the set-top box by way of the local communication link. In some examples, the method further includes the set-top box receiving and using the media content in the format supported by the set-top box to provide the media content to an output device for presentation.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a server, channel change request data from a media device. The channel change request data specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams. Each multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams has a corresponding content format. The method includes determining, at the server, an available bandwidth of a service to a premises associated with the media device. The method includes selecting, at the server, a particular content format based on the available bandwidth and a multimedia stream of the plurality of multimedia streams that has the particular content format. The method also includes sending an identification of the multimedia stream from the server to the media device.

Abstract: An approach provides management of digital assets. A digital asset is transmitted to one of a plurality of devices configured to support instant communications. The digital asset can be shared among the devices within the instant communications environment. A portal is provided for users of the devices to manage respective instant communications accounts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for recording media content. For example, in one embodiment, a method for recording media content is disclosed that includes communicating with a home gateway to determine whether a device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space to store a media content in response to a determination that an internal data storage unit of a set top box does not have sufficient free storage space to store the media content. In one embodiment, the method routes the storage of the media content to the device via the home gateway in response to a determination that the device connected to the home gateway has sufficient free storage space to store the media content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for media content at a residential gateway from a device coupled to the residential gateway and sending a media content request to a server based on the request. The method includes receiving a video data stream of the media content at the residential gateway. Data packets of the video data stream enable generation of the media content at a first resolution. A first subset of the data packets include tags that enable identification of particular data packets usable to generate the media content at a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution. The method also includes determining a display characteristic of a display device coupled to the device and sending the particular data packets to the device when the display characteristic indicates that the device is to receive the media content at the second resolution.

Abstract: An approach is provided for simulating a connection to a head-end system to enable execution of content and features of a set-top box. A simulation platform stores a plurality of control data signals associated with a head-end system. In response to a determined loss of connectivity to the head-end system, the platform invokes a head-end simulation process using the control data signals, including timing information, dynamic data and channel map data.

Abstract: A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a video reproduction system that can synchronize the reproduction timing of plural videos when contemporaneously reproducing the plural videos. One or plural video distribution devices each give, to a frame image included in a distribution video to be distributed to a video reproduction device, timing information indicating the generation timing of this frame image, and distribute the distribution video given this timing information. The video reproduction device receives plural distribution videos distributed from the one or plural video distribution devices and reproduces the received plural distribution videos in synchronization based on the timing information included in each of the plural distribution videos.

Abstract: A redirection device for remote streaming media reroutes media content sent to the receiving device, typically located in the home of the subscriber, to the subscriber's mobile device such as a laptop or smartphone. Remote media streaming provides media recipients with capabilities for out-of-home (OOH) viewing for remotely rendering media content from a subscriber based receiving device to a personal electronic device. The remote streaming redirects media that has already been received by the subscription based receiving device, such that the redirection device forwards a rendering signal including the requested content to the rendering device based on the reported location. The redirected media stream therefore emanates from the redirection device as an independent transmission of content already received by the receiving device, and not as a separate transmission of media content from the content provider.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide load balanced signal distribution to client devices in a network, such as a digital home network. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the methods includes the steps of receiving a request from a client device for downloading video from one of a plurality of video sources, receiving respective load indicators from first and second video receiving devices capable of receiving the plurality of video sources, selecting one of the first and second video receiving devices according to the load indicators, and instructing the selected video receiving device to transmit the video from the one of the plurality of video sources using an address known by the client device.

Abstract: Vehicular entertainment systems where devices in the systems can each utilize a common type of storage units are presented. A vehicular entertainment system can include a media server head unit in communication over a network with a plurality of media players that are installed about the cabin of a vehicle. Media content can be stored on a plurality of field replaceable storage units where each of the storage units can be installed in any one of the players or the server. Each of the storage units can store a substantially identical content set including passenger content, player content, server content, crew content, or other types of content. The server or players can be restricted from accessing content to which they lack rights, possibly based on a location identifier that indicates roles or responsibilities of the players at their installed location.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a centralized broadband gateway for a wireless communication system, including: a router/gateway module which receives encoded compressed audio/video (A/V) streams and distributes the encoded compressed audio/video A/V streams; multiple audio/video decoders which receive the encoded compressed A/V streams from the a router/gateway module, decode the encoded compressed A/V streams, and output uncompressed A/V streams; and an integrated Wireless High Definition Multimedia Interface (WHDMI) which receives the uncompressed A/V streams from the multiple audio/video decoders and transmits the uncompressed A/V streams wirelessly to media devices, without deploying individual media processors at each media device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of presenting still image data on multiple display devices using a wireless home entertainment hub comprises obtaining a registration of a plurality of devices with the wireless home entertainment hub, where the plurality of devices includes at least two display devices. An assignment of a zone for each display device of the at least two display devices is received. Still image data is caused to be displayed on a subset of the at least two display devices.

Abstract: A system includes a server in communication with a first set top box and a second set top box. The server receives a request from the first set top box to access an available tuner of the second set top box, accesses account information associated with the first set top box, and commands the second set top box to stream content from the available tuner to the first set top box according to the account information. A method includes identifying available tuners of set top boxes assigned to different customers, receiving a request from a first set top box to access an available tuner of a second set top box, accessing account information associated with the first set top box, and commanding the second set top box to stream content to the first set top box according to the account information of the first set top box.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: A control device that interacts with a television system. The control device may receive a user input identifying a video selection. At least one module of the control device may display video information corresponding to the video selection. The control device may alternately, or in addition, cause display of the video information on a television system. The control device may respond to a second user input identifying a storage selection by triggering storage of the video information in a storage unit corresponding to the storage selection. The control device may also receive a third user input identifying a replay request for other video information that may be selected from a plurality of stored videos. The control device may direct display of the other video information on the television system and/or on a display of the control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

Abstract: A content upload system includes: a content distributing server that is installed in an airplane and distributes audio-video contents into the airplane; and a plurality of content accumulating servers that are installed in a plurality of airports, in which the airplane is parked, and transmit the audio-video contents to the content distributing server through a network. The content distributing server selectively writes audio-video contents that have not been stored in the content distributing server of audio-video contents transmitted from the content accumulating server while the airplane is parked on the airport.

Abstract: A method for presenting data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for one or more source devices and for one or more sink devices. An indication is received at the wireless home entertainment hub that one of the source devices has become active. Data is received from the active source device. One or more sink devices are selected to receive the data from the active source device, and the data is transmitted to one or more of the sink devices.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus to configure a system of content access devices and direct signals, content, and communications between devices are described. Capabilities of one or more devices are obtained, content formats of a requested content item are obtained, and a source device and a receiving device are determined based on the obtained capabilities and the obtained content formats. A signal and/or content item are directed from the source device to the receiving device.

Abstract: A method of registering a device with a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes broadcasting by a wireless home entertainment hub a request for a reply from at least one unregistered device. The reply is received from at least one of the unregistered devices and a list of the at least one unregistered device is presented to a user for the purpose of the user selecting a device to register. An indication of the registration of the device selected by the user for registration is stored, and the selected device is removed from the list of unregistered devices after the indication of the registration is stored.

Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling one or more set-top boxes. Communications is established among a plurality of set-top boxes. One of the set-top boxes is designated as a master set-top box that is configured to control one or more of remaining ones of the set-top boxes. A control message is generated to configure the remaining ones of the set-top boxes as child set-top boxes.

Abstract: A device-specific and application-specific computing device, a playback device and a method for controlling the playback device using the computing device is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a user may control the playback device using a control information generated according to a device configuration information of the computing device in his/her possession.

Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a guest interactive portal as well as a housekeeping interactive portal for a guest and housekeeper, respectively. Each of the portals provides relevant feedback on the condition of the room to a server associated with the hotel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a content proxy in a wireless network. A set of media is provided to an edge proxy server located at a wireless site using satellite communications and stored by the edge proxy server independent of a local mobile station request for media in the set of media. Mobile stations can access live streams of media selected from the set of media by wireless communications with a wireless node and as mobile station move from one wireless site to another, the live media stream can be provided uninterrupted to the mobile station.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a main information receiver which receives main information; a video processor which processes a main video corresponding to the received main information; a display unit which displays the main video thereon; a sub information communicator which receives sub information comprising at least one of a video, an audio and text through Internet Protocol; and a controller which controls the video processor to process a sub video corresponding to the sub information received through the sub information communicator and display the sub video on the display unit.