Abstract: A client-side component in a real-time bidding (RTB) system for video advertisements configures the client device to, in response to a request for a video advertisement sent by the client device to the real-time bidding system, receive a first set of information associated with the video advertisement, parse the received first set of information to obtain the video advertisement and associated pixel firing information, provide the video advertisement to a video player on the client device, and fire a first pixel upon occurrence of a first predefined event associated with the video advertisement.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate the configuration of a display screen, such as an idle screen, a home screen, etc. The method provides for presentation of a setup screen defining a plurality of display channels and a time scale for the display channels. The method also receives an indication of a user interface component configured to generate information to be presented in a respective display channel commencing at a respective time. Further, the method provides for presentation of a display screen that includes a plurality of display channels and further includes information generated by the user interface component in the respective display channel commencing at the respective time. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: Technologies are presented for providing a suggestion list presenting options for posting information related to viewed content on a communication network. In some examples, a user may desire to contribute to posted content by adding comments and other relevant information. A system may identify one or more key terms included in the viewed content, and may compare the key terms with content, such as files, emails, websites, images and media content, on computing devices and web browser histories associated with the user to identify information that may be related to the viewed content. If the system identifies information related to the key terms of the viewed content, the system may present the identified information associated with key terms to the user, and may enable selection from a posting suggestion list for automatically posting.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for reducing input processing latency for remotely executed applications. An application is executed in a hosted environment, and a video signal generated by the application is encoded into a media stream. The media stream is sent to a client by way of a network. User input data for the application is obtained from the client computing device by way of the network. The user input data is processed server side, rather than client side, at a latency-compensating processing rate.

Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and a computer system for scheduling downloads based on metadata in a client-server topology. A server receives from a client application a request for scheduling a download of a file, wherein the request for scheduling the download of the file comprises a requirement of a time period for downloading the file. The server fetches information from one or more metadata sources. The server determines an optimal time for downloading the file, based on the requirement of the time period and information from one or more metadata sources. The server sends a response with the optimal time and information for downloading the file. The server receives from the client a request for downloading the file at the optimal time. The server serves, at the optimal time, the file to the client application.

Abstract: Methods and systems are used to share data as authorized by a provider for review by a recipient. Rich content, such as video, still images and audio, may be captured and automatically uploaded to a network-accessible location. The uploaded rich content may then be shared with a recipient (e.g., a recipient designated by the provider, etc.). As the recipient reviews the uploaded rich content, the amount of the rich content played by the recipient can be tracked, and the provider may be notified of whether or not the recipient has accessed the shared information and/or the extent to which the shared information was reviewed.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to deliver messages between a television distributor and groups of television receivers. A data processing system provides a message exchange service that routes messages to any number of queues based upon various routing keys. Each of the customer-operated television receivers establishes a queue with the routing service that is bound to any number of routing keys. Keys may be selected based upon characteristics of the receiver, geographic factors, demographic factors, subscribed services, customer preferences or the like. When a service wants to send a message to a particular group, it sends the message to the group's routing key, and the routing service delivers the messages to each of the receivers bound to that particular key.

Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual interactions are described. One or more users can view or listen to media, react to the media and share such media experience virtually with others. The media experience can take place synchronously, asynchronously or both.

Abstract: A system receives, from a first user device associated with a giver, a request for a video-on-demand (VOD) gift, wherein the request identifies a recipient and a VOD selection. The system creates a billing event corresponding to the VOD gift, for an account associated with the giver, and generates a coupon code for the VOD gift. The coupon code is associated with the identified recipient and the VOD selection. The system sends, to a second user device associated with the recipient, an indication of the VOD gift that includes the coupon code. The system receives, from a third user device associated with the recipient, the coupon code and provides, to the third user device, information to enable access to VOD content corresponding to the coupon code.

Abstract: A communication device includes a Session Management Module (SMM) that controls data that is communicated via a first communication link and the data that is communicated via a second communication link and causes the following steps to be performed: discovering a second device via a first communication link, establishing a communication session between the communication device and the second device over a first subset of the communication links (the selection of the first subset of the communication links is a function of a communication link selection rule), exchanging a first type of data over the at least one of the first subset of communication links (the at least one of the first subset of communication links is selected in accordance with a communication link data selection rule), and ending the communication session between the communication device and the second device.

Abstract: Multiple device recording may be provided. First, a recording device may be added to a network. Next, in response to adding the recording device to the network, recording device attribute data and recording device metadata may be received from the recording device. The received recording device metadata may then be translated. Then, using the translated metadata, asset data corresponding to assets on the recording device may be displayed. The asset data may be displayed in such a way to indicate which assets on the recording device are supported and which assets on the recording device are not supported.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for recommending a display device for media consumption. The location and media content preference of the user is determined and used to recommend the location of a display device that is currently displaying content relevant to the user. For example, if a user walks into a restaurant and indicates that he wishes to watch one of the televisions, he is directed to a television at the far side of the room which is already playing the sports (e.g., basketball) game with his favorite team. This helps ensure that users are able to find and consume content that is meaningful to them in public spaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, a terminal, and a method for dynamically adjusting a video. The system includes: a session control unit, configured to: in a video playing process, receive operation control signaling sent by a user proxy, and generate a transcoding instruction according to the operation control signaling, where the transcoding instruction includes an updated transcoding parameter; and a transcoding unit, configured to receive the transcoding instruction sent by a session control unit, transcode, according to the updated transcoding parameter, an original video image received from a video source so as to generate a transcoded video image, and send the transcoded video image to the user proxy.

Abstract: Systems and processes are disclosed for providing a video output of a subset of an encoded video file. In one example, a process includes accessing an encoded video file that includes an initial frame and scanning the encoded video file for a start frame of a video clip. This process can also include decoding the video clip of the encoded video file to generate decoded video data corresponding to the video clip and populating memory with the decoded video data. Further, the process can include setting a playout pointer that indicates a location in the memory populated with the decoded video data and corresponding to the start frame of the video clip. In addition, the process can include causing a video player to read, beginning at the playout pointer, from the decoded video data in the memory so as to output, via an output port of the video playout card, a video stream of the video clip.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus configured to transmit, to a receiving apparatus, metadata indicating segment data that the receiving apparatus is allowed to acquire among a plurality of segment data constituting content includes a receiving unit configured to receive, from the receiving apparatus, a request for acquisition of the metadata and an end instruction to end a state in which transmission of the segment data to the receiving apparatus is allowed, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, when the receiving unit receives the end instruction, the metadata containing termination information indicating termination of transmission of the segment data to the receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing dynamic transcoder rate adaption for an adaptive bit streaming function is described. In a first embodiment, a client may select from all available bit rates during the encoding session, wherein the bit rates are provided to the client via a manifest file from a media gateway. In a second embodiment, a subset of the bit rates are provided to the client, from which a client chooses a selected bit rate. The encoding session continues until a request for a new bit rate is received from the client, at which time a new subset of bit rates are generated. This new subset of bit rates is presented to the client, and this loop continues until the termination of the encoding session.

Abstract: A method of handling advertisements in an adaptive bitrate stream is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving an adaptive bitrate stream playlist listing chunk identifiers pointing to a plurality of media chunks, analyzing the playlist to find one or more advertising chunks, modifying the adaptive bitrate stream playlist with a client device when the client device has been set to skip advertisements by deleting chunk identifiers associated with advertising chunks from the playlist, retrieving and playing back media chunks according to the playlist, and setting a no-trick-play flag at the client device during playback of the one or more advertising chunks when the client device has not been set to skip advertisements, such that trick-plays through and over media chunks are allowed when the no-trick-play flag is not set and are not allowed when the no-trick-play flag is set.

Abstract: A method is described for streaming video data within a network, wherein the video data includes a sequence of frames. The method includes encoding the sequence of frames and generating a plurality of substreams from the encoded frames in this embodiment. Each of the plurality of substreams is assigned an identifier, and each substream includes a common encoded frame and a non-overlapping portion of the encoded sequence. The non-overlapping portion of the encoded sequence of each substream is selected from the encoded frames based on the identifier of the respective substream. The method also includes transmitting the plurality of substreams to a receiver in an embodiment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically obtaining cost-efficient access to a media content collection are provided. A user selection of a media content collection, which consists of a number of media assets, is received. A first price is determined for receiving access to the entire media content collection using a single transaction. For each media asset of the media content collection a set of providers of the media asset are identified, and the lowest price for receiving access to each media asset is determined. The lowest price for receiving access to each media asset of the media content collection is accumulated to determine a second price for receiving access to the media content collection using multiple transactions. The first and the second price are compared, and access to the media content collection is received based on this comparison.

Abstract: Computer-implemented techniques that leverage available CPU resources to incrementally improve quality and compression of media for faster transfer over data networks for improved viewing are described.

Abstract: A venue display system displayings recipient gifts for display at the venue display and includes a server that communicates with a box and includes a processor which receives a recipient gift from a first party that is then sent to a recipient, with the first party or recipient creating a created recipient gift to be displayed at the venue display. A content server is part of a screen management system (SMS). A venue display management system, a digital projector and a storage device are included.

Abstract: A venue display system has a server that communicates with a box and includes a processor. A content server is part of a screen management system (SMS). A venue display management system, a digital projector, and a storage device are provided. The system provides a timeline of media content to be triggered.

Abstract: A venue display system displays personalized messages from a client and includes a playlist containing a sequence of composition playlists (CPLs) that can have the personalized messages. Also included are: a box, a server that communicates with the box and includes a processor to perform a validation of a received personalized message for compliance with a standard, and if complaint, then it is validated and a notification sent to the client. If the client fails to make the personalized message compliant, in a selected time period, the venue display system releases a screening slot of the personalized message in the playlist. A content server is part of a screen management system (SMS). Also included are a venue display management system, a digital projector and a storage device.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying a personalized messaged at a venue display system. A playlist is accessed that contains a sequence of composition playlists (CPLs) that include a personalized message. Communication is made with a box and a processor. A determination is made if the personalized message is compliant with a standard. A validation is made to see if the personalized message is complaint with the standard. A notification is provided to the client if the personalized message is not compliant. A screening shot is released for the personalized message if the client fails to make the personalized message compliant in a selected time period. A venue display system displays personalized messages from a client and includes a playlist containing a sequence of composition playlists (CPLs) that can have the personalized messages.

Abstract: A resource management system may use information regarding the bandwidth status of a downstream communication path to determine what portion of queued content should be sent in the current available bandwidth timeslot. In some embodiments, multiple versions of the same requested content may be available, and the system may select a lower-quality version to send if needed to meet a time deadline included in the original content request.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for assignment and switching of content sources for a streaming content session are described. Embodiments may include the generation and use of content source rankings for improving playback quality of content streams. In embodiments, a merchant system may collect and aggregate multiple quality metrics for different content streams that various content sources provide to various clients. The merchant system may utilize the quality metrics to generate rankings of content sources for clients. The merchant system may provide such rankings to clients to improve the content stream playback experience on the client. For instance, at content acquisition time, a client may request a content stream from a content resource ranked highest on a content source ranking provided by the merchant. If the content stream degrades, the client may source subsequent portions of the content stream from another highly ranked content source of the ranking.

Abstract: A multi-description-based video encoding and decoding method, device and system, comprising the following steps: separating odd frames from even frames to generate and encode an initial description; utilizing the correlation of macro-block levels between different descriptions to generate and encode the side information of different modes; and transmitting via a channel. The present invention may be used in a real-time video transmission scenario.

Abstract: Systems and methods for switching between multiple video sources output to output a video stream via a single physical output are disclosed. An example method can include decoding a first encoded video file and populating a memory with corresponding first decoded video data. The process can include decoding a second encoded video file and populating the memory with corresponding second decoded video data at a particular location of the memory. The process can include causing a video player to read from the memory so as to output a video stream, via the single physical output, corresponding to the first decoded video data, and then causing the video player to switch to read from the particular location of the memory such that the video stream switches to corresponding to the second decoded video data.

Abstract: A communication interface device and method for operating the same includes a communication module receiving a request for a content list from a first user device and a list module generating a content list. The communication module communicates the content list device to the first user device and receives a content selection from the user device. A control module initiates a transfer of content corresponding to the content selection from a content storage device. The communication module receives the content at the communication interface device from the content storage device and communicates the content to the first user device.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for determining a user's potential exposure to defined audio content (e.g., television and audio advertisements) using a mobile device. In one example, a method includes receiving first audio content. The method further includes generating a first digital representation of the first audio content. The method also includes accessing a data structure, wherein the data structure contains at least a second digital representation of at least second audio content. The method also includes comparing the first digital representation to at least the second digital representation contained in the data structure and if there is a match between the first digital representation and at least the second digital representation contained in the data structure, transmitting a message to a remote server indicating the match.

Abstract: A management system in which a plurality of managed apparatuses and a managing apparatus managing the plurality of managed apparatuses are connected so that they communicate via an HTTP server, wherein each of the managed apparatus includes: a communication section accessing the HTTP server and writing apparatus information indicating status of apparatus itself; a timing setting section setting a timing of accessing the HTTP server based on a unique value of apparatus itself set in advance; and a communication control section making the communication section operate periodically based on set timing information; wherein the managing apparatus includes; a communication section accessing the HTTP server and reading out the apparatus information of each of the managed apparatuses.

Abstract: One or more remote content-displaying devices are represented on a display of a content-pushing device. A user of the content-pushing device is thus enabled to select which remote content-displaying device(s) is to receive and display the content.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to pacing on-demand linear advertisement entries to appear as being live entries, to generating a sequential segment map from a parallel playlist and to consolidating linear ad and main content portions into a single linear chunklist. In one embodiment, a computer system receives video content updates for a portion of live video programming, and generates a parallel playlist with parallel playlist entries that identify a presentation that is to be played. The computer system then generates a sequential segment map from the parallel playlist that identifies which parallel playlist entry is to be played, monitors a live position for new media, determines that an on-demand linear advertisement is to be played at the live position, and appends on-demand linear advertisement chunks to a chunklist to replace the main content chunks and play the on-demand linear advertisement entries in a pseudo-live format as if they were live.

Abstract: A method for performing trick-mode operations with decreased latency for transcode streaming includes receiving and recording a stream of video data. A single transcoder may transcode the stream of video data and generate output video data in an output buffer following. Segmentation index information may be generated that refers to the output data in the output buffer. Skip-backwards, skip-ahead, and resume requests received from a client device are responded by retrieving transcoded video data from the output buffer or retrieving and transcoding video data from an input storage. A method for performing skip-ahead trick-mode operation with decreased latency may use two transcoders such as two threads of the single transcoder to transcode temporally current content and forward content. The forward content may be associated with a forward time offset with respect to the temporally current content. The transcoded forward content is provided in response to skip-ahead trick mode request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. A remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. Users may access the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. Users may access the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. A user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder using a graphical user interface installed in the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder.

Abstract: A software system is provided which links a broadcast station operating system or playback system via the internet to an external data source, such as a separate audience participation system for providing audience interaction with broadcast programming, and specifically radio programming to allow the automation system of the broadcast system operating system to play externally chosen; such as by audience participation, selections automatically and in real time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.

Abstract: A user device receives a video-on-demand (VOD) selection from a user and determines that current network streaming conditions are not adequate to provide high-quality VOD content. The user device presents an option, to the user, to delay presentation of the VOD content and receives a selection to delay presentation. Based on the selection to delay, the user device obtains the VOD content from a content delivery system and obtains encryption keys for the VOD content from a license server. In a manner transparent to the content delivery system, the user device stores the VOD content and encryption keys to create stored VOD content and stored encryption keys. The user device notifies the user that the VOD content is available to view and presents the stored VOD content using the stored encryption keys. The user device deletes the stored content and stored encryption keys per a VOD viewing policy.

Abstract: A method for displaying data is disclosed. The method may include displaying an application on a mobile electronic communication device. The method may further include contacting at least one media server configured to store media data and receiving, at the mobile electronic communication device, first available media data from the at least one media server. The method may further include displaying the received available media data in a media stream within the application. The method may also include contacting, after a predetermined amount of time, the at least one media server and receiving, in response to the contacting, at the mobile electronic communication device, second available media data from the at least one media server. The method may further include displaying the second available media data in the media stream.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for implementing adaptive video stream testing are presented. In particular, installation of a digital rights management (DRM) client is validated. Furthermore, a decrypted video stream at a particular bitrate is received in response to validating a DRM client. Data throttling is implemented to simulate one or more network speeds for the decrypted video stream. Additionally, video playback time is measured for a codec at the one or more network speeds and it is determined whether the video playback time for the codec exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A test report is generated that lists the codec and the video playback time for the codec at the one or more network speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing content published on-line so as to identify each item in a unique manner. In some implementations, an RSS feed is received from a publisher and a unique identifier is identified for each item in the feed. Each item then has third party content or advertisements associated with the item based on the unique identifier. The feed is then stored and, when appropriate, updated. The augmented feed, which contains the third party content and the items in the feed, is provided to user devices.

Abstract: A method in a server for providing various Internet Protocol television signal qualities involves an IPTV signal having a first signal quality that is transmitted over a first network connection to a first device. A request to receive the IPTV signal over a second network connection at a second device with the IPTV signal having a second signal quality is received. A determination is made that the second network connection has sufficient bandwidth to transmit the IPTV signal at the second signal quality, and that the second device is capable of receiving IPTV signal. The transmission of the IPTV signal over the first network connection to the first device is ended. An endpoint for the transmission of the IPTV signal to the first device is determined. The IPTV signal is transmitted over the second network connection to the second device at the second signal quality beginning at the determined endpoint.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for assignment and switching of content sources for a streaming content session are described. Embodiments may include the generation and use of content source rankings for improving playback quality of content streams. In embodiments, a merchant system may collect and aggregate multiple quality metrics for different content streams that various content sources provide to various clients. The merchant system may utilize the quality metrics to generate rankings of content sources for clients. The merchant system may provide such rankings to clients to improve the content stream playback experience on the client. For instance, at content acquisition time, a client may request a content stream from a content resource ranked highest on a content source ranking provided by the merchant. If the content stream degrades, the client may source subsequent portions of the content stream from another highly ranked content source of the ranking.

Abstract: Methods and system deliver media to users of media presentation systems. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a media server communicates with a media presentation system, such as a media player for streaming video and audio, to present subscription and non-subscription media to the user of the media presentation system. Subscription media may include multi-tiered media packages and individual media offerings as selected by the user. The media may be presented in various formats, including video, a graphical display, an audio presentation, a graphical and audio presentation, URL links, and interactive windows. Information about the user, the user's subscription status, the user's media presentation system and information about the media providers and the media offered by the media providers are maintained by the media server.

Abstract: Monitoring user activity on a mobile device is described. In one aspect, video content is received and played to a user of the mobile device. The monitoring activity detects an interruption of playback of the video content and determines an event associated with the interruption. The event is stored in the mobile device and communicated to a remote device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a mashup service based on the content of media content are provided. The system and method infer tasks related to the content of media content that a user is currently viewing based on user profile information, and create and provide a personalized mashup service to execute a selected task, thereby overcoming restrictions and limitations in providing information in the existing content reproducing environment and improving user's viewing environment for media content.

Abstract: A system that enables an event or moments within an event to be captured and provided in a record that preserves at least some aspects of the participant's perspective of the event. In particular, the present invention involves centralized recording of the event in one or more modes including video, audio, and still image recordings and a system that enables a participant (i.e., one who perceives the event) to select portions of the event recording substantially contemporaneously with the event occurrence. A personalized record is made by duplicating the selected portions from the event record. In a particular example, the personalized record is recorded on a digital media such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of management of trick mode commands destined to control a digital content streaming server. In order to manage the transmission of trick mode commands from multiple trick mode command issuers, the method comprises: a step of reception of at least one trick mode command from at least one command issuer, a step of determination of elapsed time between the received command and a last transmitted command, and a step of transmission of the received command to the at least a digital content streaming server if none of determined conditions applies, whereby the determined conditions comprises: if the elapsed time is smaller than a determined first delay; and if the command issuer of the received command does not have highest issuer rights allowing the issuer to derogate from respecting of the determined first delay.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for interactive content at a mediation device, the request sent from a set-top box device via a secure network. The method also includes receiving the interactive content at the mediation device from at least one content provider via an unsecured network. The method also includes removing at least one unapproved element from the interactive content. The method also includes sending the interactive content to the set-top box device via a video head-end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for adaptive media playback based on destination. The method for adaptive media playback comprises determining one or more destinations, collecting media content that is relevant to or describes the one or more destinations, assembling the media content into a program, and outputting the program. In various embodiments, media content may be advertising, consumer-generated, based on real-time events, based on a schedule, or assembled to fit within an estimated available time. Media content may be assembled using an adaptation engine that selects a plurality of media segments that fit in the estimated available time, orders the plurality of media segments, alters at least one of the plurality of media segments to fit the estimated available time, if necessary, and creates a playlist of selected media content containing the plurality of media segments.