Abstract: A media device and methods that identify playback states reachable from a current content playback state and identify a reachable state that is likely to occur, are disclosed. A memory associated with the media device may receive frames that enable a smooth transition between the playback state and the reachable state. The media device may receive frames that correspond to points in the content that are separated by an amount of time that is proportional to the playback rate of the likely state. The frames may be frames corresponding to an image that may be played back at the playback rate of the likely state.

Abstract: A video may be presented with a timeline representation of the video. The timeline representation may enable a user to jump to different parts of the video. An action curve for the video may be presented along the timeline representation. The action curve may include values that represent different actions taken/experienced by an image capture device while capturing the video. The action curve may help the user identify/locate different parts of the video.

Abstract: A method performed by user equipment for video synchronous display includes playing a first video, receiving an indication of starting synchronous display with a target device, in response to the synchronous display indication, obtaining status information of the first video, where the video status information is used by the target device and the user equipment to synchronously play an image of the first video, and sending the video status information to the target device. The video status information may include video identification information and video playing progress information, or the video status information may include user posture data.

Abstract: A request to play a media content item is received. It is determined whether the play request is ambiguous. Responsive to determining that the play request is ambiguous, then it is determined whether to play a suspended media content item or an alternate media content item. The determination can be made based on a length of time that the suspended media content item has been suspended, a media content item type, or a state, among other factors. Responsive to the determination, playback of the suspended or alternate media content item is initiated.

Abstract: A hardware media items scheduling and packaging system, which schedules and distributes channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, extracts contextual data from program-specific information associated with programming media content of a channel received from a distribution source device. A plurality of potential non-programming media items is determined for a plurality of users based on a match between a sentiment type of each of a plurality of non-programming media items and the extracted contextual data. Based on at least the extracted contextual data and the sentiment type of each of the plurality of potential non-programming media items, a plurality of candidate spots in the programming media content is determined. Based on at least a set of constraints and user estimation data associated with the plurality of users, a schedule of non-programming media item(s) is dynamically generated for at least one candidate spot in the programming media content.

Abstract: In one implementation a method of transmitting a multimedia file over a data network is provided that involves receiving from a device in a data network a first message in a first protocol that request first data associated with the multimedia file, the first data being useable by the device to establish a streaming session that involves a transmission of the multimedia file. The first message includes identifying data of a referring site. The method also involves transmitting to the device the first data and optionally the identifying data of the referring site and then receiving from the device a second message in a second protocol for the purpose of creating a streaming session associated with the multimedia file. A streaming session is then created for transmitting the multimedia file to the device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, providing media content to a communication device. The communication device provides a playback of a presentation of the media content. Further embodiments can include receiving an indication from the communication device that indicates a pause in the presentation of the media content, and determining a plurality of attributes associated with the pause. Additional embodiments can include providing instructions according to the plurality of attributes associated with the pause to the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system operative to provide a user interface for selecting content from at least a first content domain and a second different content domain, configured to drive a display device to display one or more content item identifiers (184) identifying content items of said first content domain and content item identifiers (192) identifying one or more content items of said second content domain in a common display arrangement (180). The invention also relates to an apparatus and method.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of segments of media content, each of the plurality of segments including a plurality of media frames, generating segment metadata for each of the plurality of segments, the segment metadata including a segment identifier, transmitting a broadcast stream including the plurality of segments and the segment metadata for each of the plurality of segments, and making the plurality of segments available for retrieval via a unicast stream using the segment identifiers.

Abstract: A process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting a video cue frame within the multimedia data. The video cue frame has an image portion including alternative multimedia content and an encoded message, wherein the alternative multimedia content is imperceptible at a display device during a normal display rate presentation. The alternative multimedia content is obtained from the video cue frame responsive to receiving a first selection of a first alternative display rate that differs from the normal display rate. The alternative multimedia content is provided for display at a display device based on the encoded message. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A video play method, a terminal device, and a storage medium for switching bitstream in a video play. The video play method includes obtaining a first image frame sequence and a second image frame sequence in response to a switch instruction to switch from a first video stream to a second video stream, the first image frame sequence in a form of the first video stream and the second image frame sequence in a form of the second video stream; determining a first image frame as a switching point in the first image frame sequence and a second image frame matching the first image frame in the second image frame sequence; determining the second image frame as a starting point in the second image frame sequence; and playing the first image frame sequence until the switching point, and playing the second image frame sequence from the starting point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and apparatus for recommending a video. A specific implementation of the method includes: finding a recommended video corresponding to a target video from all candidate videos based on similarities of content characteristics of the videos, the target video being a video to be played on a terminal of a user; and sending play information of the recommended video corresponding to the target video to the terminal of the user. The method finds a video similar on video content to the target video that the user desires to view based on the content characteristic of the video, and recommends the video similar on video content to the target video that the user desires to view to the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments for securely reconfiguring a media playback device. For example, a method may include determining whether a media playback device is being controlled by a user. In response to determining that the media playback device is not being controlled by the user, the method may further include: causing display of a pictograph that includes an encrypted payload with information for wirelessly connecting to the media playback device and is configured to be scanned by a client device; determining whether a request from the client device to wirelessly connect to the media playback device is a valid request; in response to the request being valid, wirelessly connecting the client device to the media playback device via a soft access point; and receiving, at the media playback device, information for reconfiguring the media playback device.

Abstract: Virtual resources may be provisioned in a manner that is aware of, and respects, underlying implementation resource boundaries. A customer of the virtual resource provider may specify that particular virtual resources are to be implemented with implementation resources that are dedicated to the customer. Dedicating an implementation resource to a particular customer of a virtual resource provider may establish one or more information barriers between the particular customer and other customers of the virtual resource provider. Implementation resources may require transition procedures, including custom transition procedures, to enter and exit dedicated implementation resource pools. Costs corresponding to active and inactive implementation resources in a dedicated pools associated with a particular customer may be accounted for, and presented to, the customer in a variety of ways including explicit, adjusted per customer and adjusted per type of virtual resource and/or implementation resource.

Abstract: In one implementation a method of transmitting a multimedia file over a data network is provided that involves receiving from a device in a data network a first message in a first protocol that request first data associated with the multimedia file, the first data being useable by the device to establish a streaming session that involves a transmission of the multimedia file. The first message includes identifying data of a referring site. The method also involves transmitting to the device the first data and optionally the identifying data of the referring site and then receiving from the device a second message in a second protocol for the purpose of creating a streaming session associated with the multimedia file. A streaming session is then created for transmitting the multimedia file to the device.

Abstract: A video packaging and origination service can process requests for content segments from requesting user devices. The video packaging and origination service can processing video attributes, audio attributes and social media feeds to dynamically determine insertion points for supplemental content. Additionally, the video packaging and origination service can identify supplemental content utilizing the same attribute information.

Abstract: A set-top box and a method of operating the same are provided. The set-top box, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a communication system configured to receive media content from a broadcast content source and communicate with a personal electronic device, and a media continuity system configured to receive, from the communication system, an indication that a user is watching media content through an over the top source on the personal electronic device, buffer the media content from the broadcast content source in a memory, determine, when the set-top box receives a request to play the media content, a difference between a timestamp associated with the media content as broadcast by the over the top source and the media content as broadcast by the broadcast content source, and output the media content using the buffer based upon the difference in the timestamp when the user returns home.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that includes a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, where the operations include receiving a request from a viewer of a content stream to invoke a trick mode to seek another viewing location in the content stream, displaying a trick mode screen, requesting an advertisement to display during the trick mode, retrieving content for the advertisement, and displaying the advertisement after completion of the trick mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing video content collected by a home automation system. According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for accessing video content collected by a home automation system includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory which are executable by a processor to receive video content associated with an event, determine a priority level of the video content based on at least one predetermined criteria, and store the video content for a period of time based on the priority level.

Abstract: Media content delivery method and systems are provided for transmitting media content to a mobile client device in a format automatically selected from alternative versions of the media content based on one or more dynamically variable resource parameters. The variable resource parameters can include historical device and/or network performance corresponding to one or more current attributes applicable to a request for media content delivery from the mobile client device, such as a current location of the device and/or a time value for the requested media content delivery. Similar media content can thus be delivered to similar mobile client device in different formats depending on, say, the time and location of respective requests for receiving the media content.

Abstract: A request to play a media content item is received. It is determined whether the play request is ambiguous. Responsive to determining that the play request is ambiguous, then it is determined whether to play a suspended media content item or an alternate media content item. The determination can be made based on a length of time that the suspended media content item has been suspended, a media content item type, or a state, among other factors. Responsive to the determination, playback of the suspended or alternate media content item is initiated.

Abstract: Techniques are described for optimizing the use of computing resources in connection with providing online services. A user interface (UI) executes in the cloud and is streamed as video to a client device. When the user navigates away from the UI, the connection between the client and the computing resource is terminated and the resource is placed back in the pool. The most recent state of the UI is retained so that when the user navigates back to the UI, a new resource is allocated and the UI begins executing at or near the point where the user last interacted with the UI.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to filling video ad requests with video ad content that begins in a format incompatible with the mobile device that is requesting the ad content. In particular, it relates to accessing available on ad content, transcoding the ad content to a video stream and publishing the video stream to the mobile device that requested the head content. This sometimes requires synchronization between a player on the mobile device and the video stream transcoder.

Abstract: A hardware media items scheduling and packaging system, which schedules and distributes channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, extracts contextual data from program-specific information associated with programming media content of a channel received from a distribution source device. A plurality of potential non-programming media items is determined for a plurality of users based on a match between a sentiment type of each of a plurality of non-programming media items and the extracted contextual data. Based on at least the extracted contextual data and the sentiment type of each of the plurality of potential non-programming media items, a plurality of candidate spots in the programming media content is determined. Based on at least a set of constraints and user estimation data associated with the plurality of users, a schedule of non-programming media item(s) is dynamically generated for at least one candidate spot in the programming media content.

Abstract: A method of controlling a virtual camera within a three-dimensional volume associated with a scene. A virtual camera position within the three-dimensional volume is determined. Coverage, by a plurality of physical cameras, of at least a portion of the scene as viewed from a plurality of viewpoints associated with the virtual camera position, is determined. The virtual camera is controlled to generate a view of the scene, based on the determined coverage, in response to receiving a user command changing at least one viewpoint attribute of the virtual camera.

Abstract: A hardware media items scheduling and packaging system, which schedules and distributes channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, extracts contextual data from program-specific information associated with programming media content of a channel received from a distribution source device. A plurality of potential non-programming media items is determined for a plurality of users based on a match between a sentiment type of each of a plurality of non-programming media items and the extracted contextual data. Based on at least the extracted contextual data and the sentiment type of each of the plurality of potential non-programming media items, a plurality of candidate spots in the programming media content is determined. Based on at least a set of constraints and user estimation data associated with the plurality of users, a schedule of non-programming media item(s) is dynamically generated for at least one candidate spot in the programming media content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a file uploading and downloading method based on a smart device. According to which a unique ID of the smart device is obtained and entered into a mobile device, whereby a communication connection is established between the mobile device and the smart device through a proxy service. As such, the mobile device can download the relevant files within the smart device through the web service and the proxy service, while the smart device can also obtain the files uploaded by the mobile device through the proxy service and the web service.

Abstract: A hardware media items scheduling and packaging system, which schedules and distributes channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, extracts contextual data from program-specific information associated with programming media content of a channel received from a distribution source device. A plurality of potential non-programming media items is determined for a plurality of users based on a match between a sentiment type of each of a plurality of non-programming media items and the extracted contextual data. Based on at least the extracted contextual data and the sentiment type of each of the plurality of potential non-programming media items, a plurality of candidate spots in the programming media content is determined. Based on at least a set of constraints and user estimation data associated with the plurality of users, a schedule of non-programming media item(s) is dynamically generated for at least one candidate spot in the programming media content.

Abstract: Provided is an interactive system in which program processing which is performed by a server apparatus in response to a request from a terminal apparatus can be preserved in a desired condition. An interactive system includes a terminal apparatus that is connected to a server apparatus via a network, requests the server apparatus to perform program processing, receives a processing result from the server apparatus, and displays the processing result, and the server apparatus that performs program processing in response to a request from the terminal apparatus, and transmits a processing result to the terminal apparatus, in which the terminal apparatus determines a predetermined condition in which execution of a display process of displaying the processing result from the server apparatus is suspended, and transmits a suspension signal to the server apparatus.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer implemented method for determining network delay values comprises receiving, by a management server that is communicatively coupled via one or more networks or internetworks to a first router and a second router, two or more first timestamp values from the first router at first times at which two or more packets associated with a particular packet flow are received at the first router; receiving by the management server two or more second timestamp values from the second router at second times at which the same two or more packets associated with the same particular packet flow are received at the second router; determining one or more of: a one-way delay time in which the particular packet flow travels between the first router and the second router based on the first timestamp values and the second timestamp values; an inferred round-trip time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to enable replacement, in a packaged content stream, of a first encoded content stream with a second encoded content stream, without requiring decoding of the encoded content streams. A controller can receive a request to replace the first encoded content stream with the second encoded content stream at a specified location (e.g., a particular time). The controller can then instruct encoders associated with the respective content streams to insert a splice point frame into the respective content streams at the specified location, which splice point frame breaks inter frame dependency before and after the splice point frame. A packager can then replace the first encoded content stream with the second encoded content stream at the location of the splice point frame in the packaged content stream, without introducing errors into the packaged content stream as a result of broken inter frame dependency.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for presenting media content are provided. In some implementations, a system for presenting media content is provided, the system comprising: a hardware processor that is programmed to: establish a connection with a media playback device; respond to a discovery request from a computing device presenting a media content item; establish a persistent communication channel with the computing device over a network in response to a request from the computing device to establish the persistent communication channel; receive identifying information of the media content item being presented by the computing device and identifying information of a source of the media content item being presented by the computing device; request the media content item from the identified source of the media content item as a stream of media content; and cause the media content item to be presented using the media playback device.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a system and method for dynamically triggering display of recommendations during an end-of-show period. A digital receiver identifies an end-of-show period for a piece of digital content. The end-of-show period indicates a portion at an end of the piece of digital content during which display of recommendations can be triggered. The digital receiver monitors for a motion indication signal from a remote control device. In response to both playback of the piece of digital content being within the end-of-show period and a determination that the motion indication signal is received, the digital receiver causes immediate display of one or more recommendations of further digital content.

Abstract: A system and method are set forth which combine an ability to view a motion video with an ability to simultaneously access computer programs. In certain embodiments, the media system provides access to movies, music and photos in a visually appealing three dimensional environment. In certain environments, the media system presents a three dimensional navigation tool (such as a three dimensional wheel) on which thumbnails are presented. A required resource value corresponding to system resources required to present individual thumbnails is generated, followed by the generation of an available resource value corresponding to system resources available to present media associated with the selected thumbnail. The available resource value and one or more required resource values are then processed to generate a consumed resource value, which is then used to limit the number of thumbnails presented.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, providing multiple video content streams to a display for presentation. The display comprises a primary screen region that presents a first video content stream of the multiple video content streams and multiple auxiliary screen regions that present a subset of the multiple video content streams. Further aspects may include providing a message to the display responsive to receiving a first user-generated input instructing the display to present a second video content stream on the primary screen region. Additional aspects may include recording the first video content stream from a point of departure of the first video content stream. Also, aspects may include providing the recorded first video content stream to the display responsive to obtaining a second user-generated input. The recorded first video content stream is presented on the primary screen region from the point of departure. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A content reproduction system includes: a video recording apparatus for recording a content item; and a terminal apparatus for reproducing the content item. The terminal apparatus includes: a display; an acceptor that accepts an operation of a user; a list storage that stores a bookmark list; a managing controller; a display controller; and a reproduction controller. In a case of having been notified of reproduction position update information from the reproduction controller, the managing controller updates the reproduction position information, which indicates a reproduction position of the content item and is included in the bookmark list, based on the reproduction position update information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cloud digital video recorder system includes a broadcast content receiver operative to receive broadcast content, a spill agent operative to generate a plurality of different time-period, non-user initiated, recording requests, and a content recorder operative to receive a plurality of user-initiated recording requests of a plurality of users, receive the plurality of different time-period, non-user initiated, recording requests of the spill agent, record the broadcast content into a content storage according to the plurality of user-initiated recording requests and the plurality of different time-period, non-user initiated, recording requests, receive a user-initiated retroactive recording request for a first portion of the broadcast content which has already been recorded to the content storage, and generate a pseudo-recording from the first portion of the broadcast content stored in the content storage according to the user-initiated retroactive recording request.

Abstract: Television transmissions are received at multiple locations across a large area. Advertisements may be identified, harvested and tagged from within in the television transmissions. The advertisements may be assigned identifiers; media plans may be determined. Advertisement representations (e.g. fingerprints) may be used to identify advertisements in television content received by the smart TVs. The smart TVs may report the fingerprints along with other identifiers or samples thereof. Television content and advertisements therein as rendered by the smart TVs may be categorized as live, timeshifted, on-demand, over-the-top, and the like. The advertisements may be categorized as occurring in national or local/regional ad slots. The data from the smart TVs may be used to determine ad impressions, gross rating points, and target rating points. View rates for advertisements may also be determined and variations of advertisement may also be prepared.

Abstract: In one implementation a method of transmitting a multimedia file over a data network is provided that involves receiving from a device in a data network a first message in a first protocol that request first data associated with the multimedia file, the first data being useable by the device to establish a streaming session that involves a transmission of the multimedia file. The first message includes identifying data of a referring site. The method also involves transmitting to the device the first data and optionally the identifying data of the referring site and then receiving from the device a second message in a second protocol for the purpose of creating a streaming session associated with the multimedia file. A streaming session is then created for transmitting the multimedia file to the device.

Abstract: A method is implemented to move media content display between two media output devices. A server system determines in a voice message recorded by an electronic device a media transfer request that includes a user voice command to transfer media content to a destination media output device and a user voice designation of the destination media output device. The server system then obtains from a source cast device instant media play information including information of a media play application, the media content that is being played, and a temporal position. The server system further identifies a destination cast device associated in a user domain coupled to the destination media output device, and sends to the destination cast device a media play request including the instant media play information, thereby enabling the destination cast device to execute the media play application for playing the media content from the temporal location.

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: Methods and systems for enabling client-controlled streaming of segmented content are described. In one example, the client-controlled streaming is on the basis of a manifest file, the manifest file including one or more segments identifiers and one or more associated segment locators, In one example, a method involves: requesting the delivery of at least one segment on the basis of a first segment identifier selected from the manifest file; on the basis of the first requested segment, selecting a second at least one segment identifier from the manifest file, the second segment identifier being associated with an expected future segment request; and pre-resolving a first segment locator associated with the selected second segment identifier for obtaining network information associated with the first segment locator.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a decoding device that decodes and replays, at a suitable timing, sequentially transmitted information; a reception device; a transmission device; a transmission/reception system; a decoding method; and a storage medium having a decoding program stored therein. [Solution] A decoding unit 21 that decodes packets sent from a transmission device 10. A decoding timing determination unit 22 determines the timing that the decoding unit 21 decodes packets, on the basis of adjustment information that is included in the packet and corresponds to time adjustment for making Coordinated Universal Time approach Universal Time. A packet includes processing interval information indicating the processing interval for an access unit being a set including the packet.

Abstract: A method for generating a summary video sequence from a source video sequence is disclosed. The method comprises: identifying, in the source video sequence, event video sequences, wherein each event video sequence comprises consecutive video frames in which one or more objects of interest are present; extracting, from video frames of one or more event video sequences of the event video sequences, pixels depicting the respective one or more objects of interest; while keeping spatial and temporal relations of the extracted pixels as in the source video sequence, overlaying the extracted pixels of the video frames of the one or more event video sequences onto video frames of a main event video sequence of the event video sequences, thereby generating the summary video sequence. A video processing device configured to generate the summary video sequence is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device and system for maintaining the continuity of a group communication service, for solving the problem in the prior art that the service continuity requirement of group communication may not be satisfied due to the switching of network service from multicast transmission to unicast transmission in an MBSFN domain. The method comprises: when determining that group communication service needs to be switched from multicast transmission to unicast transmission, a GCSE-AS notifies a terminal served by the GCSE-AS that the GCSE-AS is going to switch the group communication service from multicast transmission to unicast transmission; and after receiving a first notification message transmitted by the terminal, the GCSE-AS transmits the group communication service over a unicast carrier established by the terminal for unicast transmission, and stops transmitting the communication service in multicast mode.

Abstract: A method for generating a summary video sequence from a source video sequence is disclosed. The method comprises: identifying, in the source video sequence, event video sequences, wherein each event video sequence comprises consecutive video frames in which one or more objects of interest are present; extracting, from video frames of one or more event video sequences of the event video sequences, pixels depicting the respective one or more objects of interest; while keeping spatial and temporal relations of the extracted pixels as in the source video sequence, overlaying the extracted pixels of the video frames of the one or more event video sequences onto video frames of a main event video sequence of the event video sequences, thereby generating the summary video sequence. A video processing device configured to generate the summary video sequence is also disclosed.

Abstract: A content rental system includes one data store for storing rental content. The content rental system also includes a content server for transferring content to one viewing device based upon a received request. The content server is further configured to authorize the transfer of the content from the viewing device to another viewing device.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a decoding device that decodes and replays, at a suitable timing, sequentially transmitted information; a reception device; a transmission device; a transmission/reception system; a decoding method; and a storage medium having a decoding program stored therein. [Solution] A decoding unit 21 that decodes packets sent from a transmission device 10. A decoding timing determination unit 22 determines the timing that the decoding unit 21 decodes packets, on the basis of adjustment information that is included in the packet and corresponds to time adjustment for making Coordinated Universal Time approach Universal Time. A packet includes processing interval information indicating the processing interval for an access unit being a set including the packet.

Abstract: A constrained variable rate coding technique limits the number of bits used in an encoding process. A quality setting indicates a maximum level of quality to be used in the encoding process which limits the number of bits used in the encoding process. A bandwidth reclamation factor which indicates an amount of bandwidth to conserve may also be used with the quality setting. The constrained variable rate coding technique using a lower quality encoding process for less complex video data and a higher quality encoding technique for higher quality video data.