Abstract: A method and apparatus for personalized time-shifted programming. Digital content is retrieved, for example, from a digital library. Once retrieved, the content is stored locally, for example, on a personal computer. The locally stored content is transferred, in whole or in part, to a playback device that allows a user to listen to the content of the playback device. In one embodiment, the user may designate portions of a playback time provided by the playback device to various selections. For example, with a playback device that provides two hours of content, a user may wish to listen to one half hour of news, one half hour of a series and one hour of an book. Thus, the user may partition one quarter of playback time to each of news and the series and one half of the playback time to the book.

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

Abstract: A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.

Abstract: A global program guide pause function in a broadcast multimedia system including a first main control configured to process multimedia content received from a packet processor, the first main control including an analyzer module for acquiring and analyzing program guide data to determine multiple time-delayed start content, a filtration module for filtering undesired content and enabling desired data streams to be saved in at least one global memory device, and a guide module for creating a program guide comprising only non-filtered programs being offered at time-delayed start times. The guide module is further configured to create multiple listings in the program guide showing a real-time versus a delayed-start time for each non-filtered program. A popular stream packet processor can be provided for saving data content corresponding to popular programs.

Abstract: A live video is directed to a display buffer of the device. The device is preferably a set top box and a live video frame stored in the display buffer is preferably displayed by a display device coupled to the set top box. The display device is preferably a television. A capture command preferably signals the set top box to store one or more frames of the currently displayed live video. Upon receiving the capture command, the live video is paused, thereby preventing the display buffer from loading subsequent live video frames. The live video is then re-directed to a capture buffer, the live video is un-paused, and a current live video frame is captured from the capture buffer. The captured frame is then stored using a conventional storage medium. After the frame is captured, the live video is re-directed from the capture buffer to the display buffer to resume display of the live video.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving, via a distribution channel, video data having an identifier that identifies a position within a video and an address defining a location of a stored playlist. The method also comprises obtaining from a server a playlist in response to a user input, where the playlist includes location information identifying a location of a stored transport stream. The method also comprises receiving the transport stream from the location identified in the playlist over a network, and displaying the obtained transport stream.

Abstract: A digital content processing apparatus and method of a digital video receiver is provided for controlling playback speed of digital content. The method includes receiving content data from a content provision server; buffering the received content data; demultiplexing the buffered content data to extract video data; indexing GOPs including specific frames in the content data; storing running times and file sizes of the GOPs as index data; demultiplexing the stored content data to extract the video data, when a request for a multiple speed playback is input; and decoding the GOPs corresponding to the multiple speed playback in the extracted video data by referencing the index data.

Abstract: A method according to the present disclosure comprises displaying a program in a first format on a first television channel to a user and automatically displaying a message to the user indicating that the program is available in a second format on a second television channel. The message may be displayed on the first television channel while the program in the first format is being displayed. Additionally, the automatic displaying of the message may be unprompted by the user. In certain embodiments, the user may be provided the option to purchase the program in the second format if the second format is not within the user's subscription.

Abstract: A contextual advertising system and method receives video data and multiple advertisements associated with the video data. The system and method identify object content in the received video data and generates a video signal representing the video data. The video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image. User interaction with the displayed video image is monitored by the system and method. An advertisement is selected from the multiple received advertisements for display to the user. The advertisement is selected based on the user interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the video data.

Abstract: A method for connecting a media player to a remote server is provided. The method comprises processing a request for connecting to an remote server while reproducing data recorded on an enhanced navigation medium, processing connection information recorded on the enhanced navigation medium to determine whether connection to the remote server is permitted, and requesting connection to the remote server, if connection to the remote server is permitted in accordance with the connection information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting video on demand requests in a system supporting hierarchical content stores, e.g., program caches, is described. Requested content is requested by a local streaming device from a remote cache when it is not available in a local cache. Content, e.g., I, P and B frames, supplied by the remote cache is tracked and content delivery is initiated prior to receipt of the full program from the remote content store. Trick play content is requested as needed from the remote content store to respond to trick play commands. Frames which are received as part of the trick play content stream are tracked and not included in normal play data subsequently obtained from the remote cache. The storage of the trick play data along with subsequent normal play data results in a full set of the program content being received and stored in a local cache for streaming in response to a VOD request.

Abstract: A computer receives broadcast content through a receiver and receives a request from a user to record a segment of broadcast content. The computer determines whether metadata associated with the segment of broadcast content includes a location from which the segment can be retrieved at a subsequent time. Responsive to determining that the metadata includes the location from which the segment can be retrieved, the computer records a first portion of the segment of broadcast content, the computer storing the first portion of the segment of broadcast content in a database. Responsive to a request to play the segment of broadcast content, the computer retrieves the first portion of the segment of broadcast content from the database and plays the first portion of the segment of broadcast content. The computer retrieves a remaining portion of the segment of broadcast content not previously recorded through a network connection.

Abstract: A hierarchical broadcasting device and method are disclosed. In the hierarchical broadcasting method, a broadcast transmitting device may transmit lower layer broadcast data for an existing broadcast to a broadcast receiving device via a first communication network, and may transmit upper layer broadcast data for an improved broadcast to the broadcast receiving device via a second communication network. In this instance, the broadcast receiving device combines the lower layer broadcast data and the upper layer broadcast data in order to display the improved broadcast.

Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (Play-Items, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.

Abstract: Targeted advertisements with associated dynamic content for response and feedback embedded into the ad's header are delivered to mobile viewing devices. The mobile viewing device records a user's response to advertisements and reports it back to an ad serving platform. The ad serving platform generates user profiles that incorporate the response data. Ads are further targeted to the user according to the user's profile data to maximize the impact of the ads. The user can select the preferred format for providing advertisement feedback.

Abstract: The present invention relates to communication networks and, more particularly, to information playback in communication networks. System and method for enabling Video Cassette Recording controls while information is being played to a user. A Media Gateway Controller indicates to a Media Server that the user could exercise Video Cassette Recording controls on the information while the information is being played to the user. The Media Server plays the information to the user and receives a Video Cassette Recording control command entered by the user. The Media Server performs an action on the information according to the Video Cassette Recording control command. The user is an Intelligent Network Application Part (INAP)/Customized Applications for Mobile networks Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) user.

Abstract: Systems, methods and/or techniques for detection of user-initiated events in relation to a media device are described, for example utilizing a content recognition system. A method may be executed in a media device that is operable to play video content. The method may include receiving user interaction with the media device and the user interaction causes initiation of a feature that affects video content that plays on the media device. The method may include receiving one or more interactive events from a content recognition system in response to the user interaction. The method may comprise executing the one or more interactive events to affect video content that is playing on the media device, and display one or more overlay windows corresponding to the affected video content. One or more video fingerprints that correspond to the affected video content may be communicated to the content recognition system.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and arrangements for accomplishing trick modes. This is achieved by assigning samples within a track to sample groups, wherein all samples within a sample group belong to one temporal level and by allowing the client to access one temporal level independently of lower temporal levels. In this way, the flexibility for the client regarding play out of different frame rates is increased which can result in a lower bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rewinding a video to a point before the video was first viewed. Video transmitted by a media source is cached by a remote server. Upon a trick-play request for the video, the server generates a rewind stream that includes the video that was transmitted by the media source before the user started to view the video. Upon receiving the rewind stream, the user's equipment may cache the rewind stream in a rewind buffer and rewind or play from the rewind buffer. The server may also generate and transmit a forward stream of the video that the media source has not yet transmitted. The user's equipment may cache the forward stream in a forward buffer. To perform trick-play operations with the video, the user's equipment may migrate the playback of the video to the rewind and forward buffers and rewind or fast-forward the video from the buffers.

Abstract: Methods and related systems related to content distribution include but are not limited to receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content; displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification; receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content; transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected; receiving said specific instance of said content; displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content; enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content; and enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user.

Abstract: A transmitting terminal can transmit a content held by itself to a specific receiving terminal having no email software as if using a mailer. The transmitting terminal (10) and the receiving terminal (20) are connected to a delivery server (30) via a network (4). The delivery server (30) comprises: a database (36) for registering the device ID that specifies the receiving terminal (20); a content storage (39) for temporarily storing a content transmitted from the transmitting terminal (10); and table (33, 37) for managing contents separately on a per device ID basis of the receiving terminal. The delivery server (30), when receiving a request from the receiving terminal (20), refers to the tables (33, 27) and transmits to the receiving terminal (20) a content, the transmission destination of which corresponds to the device ID of the receiving terminal (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to IMS networks and, more particularly, to information recording sessions in IMS networks. System and method for enabling control options while information is being recorded from a user. A Media Gateway Controller sends the control options to a Media Server. The Media Server receives a control command from the user, wherein the control command is based on the control options and the Media Server performs an action on the information based on the control command. The user is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) user. The Media Gateway Controller sends the control options to the Media Server in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INFO message using Media Server Markup Language (MSML) format.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus to process customized recording contents includes generating customized replay control information at a time of recording contents. The method also includes extracting broadcasting-associated additional information from a broadcasting stream, extracting user interaction information by matching the extracted additional information with one or more viewing preferences of a user, selectively parsing the broadcasting stream according to the user interaction information to generate stream parsing information, and generating replay control information corresponding to the broadcasting stream based on the user interaction information and stream parsing information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing personal video recording functions to a client viewing a broadcast program in a multi-client network. To provide the PVR functions, predetermined storage limits are allocated for each client in a storage device on the network. Each client is permitted to execute the PVR functions if the client's stored broadcast programming has not reached the client's predetermined storage limit. Otherwise, the client is only permitted to view the broadcast program in real time or the stored broadcast program. A client may clear space in the client's allocated portion of the storage device by fast-forwarding through stored broadcast programming.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a number of portions of a number of recorded media content instances during a single viewing session. A number of entries are defined to each correspond to one of the number of portions of the number of recorded media content instances. Each of the entries are included in a play list which is selected for viewing. The portions of the number of recorded media content instances included in the entries in the play list are then displayed during the single viewing session.

Abstract: A server apparatus includes a memory which stores a management table relating content identification information for specifying the content and a trick play request and a trick play data, and a transmitter which refers to the management table based on the content identification information and the trick play request, reads out the corresponding trick play data from the management table according to the reference result, to transmit the trick play data to the receiving apparatus from the specified reproduction starting position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for characterizing effectiveness of online advertisements inserted into media streams based at least in part on monitoring events indicative of an audience skipping ad streams inserted into the media streams. The methods and systems described in this specification enable tracking the number of impressions prior to detecting events indicative of interest or disinterest for ad streams inserted into a media stream.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifted viewing of broadcast television programs is disclosed. Simultaneous recording and playback are provided by using buffer storage as the source and destination of compressed or uncompressed digital video/audio programs, Full VCR-like control is provided for all playback within the buffer storage. Playback and control of recorded programs may be initiated by the user at any time after initiation of the broadcast program with simultaneous continuous recording of the ongoing live broadcast, Larger archival storage and removable is also provided for storing and building a library of programs. Viewer playback control data may be stored as part of the program or used as edit points prior to archival. Numerous options are provided for features such as continuous automatic recording in a circular buffer fashion, program archival, editing, Internet interfaces, multiple-channel recording and more.

Abstract: A method and system to control at least one video resource daisy-chain access system. A first embodiment is a method to operate a video resource daisy-chain access system. The method includes requesting from a coordinator access instructions to receive a broadcast stream from a broadcast source; connecting to the broadcast source, or one of the re-broadcasting clients already receiving the broadcast stream, as instructed by the coordinator; optionally registering with the coordinator as a potential re-broadcasting source for new clients; optionally accepting connection requests from new clients for re-broadcasting of the received broadcast stream; and playing back on the client the received broadcast stream. A second embodiment is a video resource daisy-chain access system.

Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (Play-Items, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.

Abstract: A technique for managing the streaming of digital video content involves providing a unicast stream to a client in response to the playout status of the unicast stream at the client. In particular, a unicast stream is provided to a client based on whether or not the unicast stream is intended for real-time playout at the client. In order to preserve valuable network resources, if the client does not intend the unicast stream for real-time playout, the unicast stream is not provided to the client. Network resources can also be conserved by utilizing one session between a stream server and a client to support more than one active unicast stream between the stream server and the client in the case where at least one of the active unicast streams is not intended for real-time playout at the client.

Abstract: As additional channels are added to a communication system for applications, such as standard density (SD) and eventually high density (HD) Video on Demand (VOD), additional capacity can be realized by reducing the time required to transmit content. A reduction of transmission time (or an increase of the transmission rate) can be achieved by bonding chancels of the communication system. The bonded channels typically provide a statistical multiplexing gain because the additional bandwidth is treated as a large single channel for the download. Bonding channels of the communication system can provide high speed downloading of content, such as video content, far in excess of the playback rate. Using bonded channels can relax the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of a data stream, such as a video stream, over an internet protocol (IP) network.

Abstract: A method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting a plurality of media clips to a viewer using a media player device. A first media clip is displayed on the media player, and an indicator corresponding to a second media clip is provided during playback of the first media clip. In response to the viewer selecting the indicator, playback of the first media clip is suspended, and information is stored about the first media clip on the media player device. The second media clip can then be subsequently displaying on the media player device. After displaying the second media clip, the stored information can be retrieved, and playback of the first media clip can resume from the point that playback was previously interrupted.

Abstract: A Video Preview Module, a fast and adaptable software module designed to generate an on-the-fly video storyboard that enhances the online video browsing experience of the user. The VP module is a client-side implementation. This allows the module to be scalable and adaptable in bringing a uniform online video browsing experience over multiple consumer devices.

Abstract: In response to a request initiated by a user at a user terminal, selected entertainment programming content, when broadcast, is recorded at a location remote from the user terminal. The request is communicated through a communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content to user terminals. The recorded programming content is stored in a storage space at the remote location, which is allocated to the user terminal. In response to a review request from the user terminal, the recorded programming content is retrieved from the storage space allocated thereto, and transmitted to the user terminal through the communications network. The presentation of the recorded programming content may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon.

Abstract: Modifying the behavior of a multimedia transport system in response to a detected capability of a client system. A client system may include the capability to perform portions of a multimedia manipulation function, such as a VCR-like function, by using components solely included in the client system. A client system may also include the capability to simultaneously receive multimedia content in excess of what the client system my essentially simultaneously output. This capability may be used to improve the bandwidth utilization of the multimedia server. This may be a result of components, such as a mass storage device or multiple signal input interfaces, being included in the client system. If a client system includes such capabilities, the underlying executable instructions associated with an input device, such as a remote control or keyboard, may be modified to utilize the detected capability.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to select a program for recording onto the digital storage device. The program guide may then provide the user a list of programs that includes at least one listing for a recorded program. The user may select a recorded program listing and the program guide will transfer the corresponding program from the digital storage device to a secondary storage device.

Abstract: In this video delivery device including: a storage device storing key frame information including a key frame number included in a contents file and offset from the beginning of a file; and a delivery control unit, which executes delivery in a predetermined cycle, the delivery control unit refers to the key frame information cycle by cycle in executing the trick play, and transmits the key frame having the offset closest to the delivery time among the key frames included in the contents file.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling trick-play video streaming. Upon receipt of a request to play video at a fast-play (e.g., fast-forward or fast-reverse) speed that is some multiple of a normal playback speed, one of multiple possible frame-rate versions of a trick-play track may be selected based on the requested fast-play speed and an available network bandwidth, and a server may stream the selected frame-rate version of the trick-play track to a client for playout. The various frame-rate versions may differ from each other in terms of a rate at which they skip I-frames of the video.

Abstract: Javascript code in an HTML Plug-In identifies a video playback event, from an application programming interface (API) of a video provider, during playback of a video in a web view instantiated within a native environment of a computing device. In response, the Javascript code generates a custom uniform resource locator (URL) for the web view that reflects the identified video playback event and provides the custom URL to native instructions executing in the native environment.

Abstract: Live media content is delivered in substantially real-time to a player device from a streamer and through a content delivery network. The streamer receives live media content and encodes and streams the content over the content delivery network. The content delivery network is configured to provide minimal buffering. A player device accessing the streaming channel receives media frames and buffers the frames while rending the received frames in order of receipt. If the buffer is loaded to the point that the currently rendered data lags the actual live feed by more than a threshold amount of time, the player skips over one or more video frames to bring the rendered content more current. For instance, the buffer can be flushed and more recent content can be received from the content delivery network.

Abstract: A software framework that allows seamless integration of generic media players into a web browser. A media player is a software module that implements specific interfaces; defines a playing state, such as playing, paused, or stopped; and associates with the playing state a current playback time. A generic media player implements interfaces, including timing interfaces and playback synchronization interfaces for exchanging timing and synchronization information with a web browser. A player-hosting peer, which is a software component built into the browser, manages generic player hosting by a web browser. The player-hosting peer negotiates playback state and rendering status between the browser and the media player. Both the media player and the player-hosting peer maintain playing state and current playback time. The relationship between the peer and the player is a master slave relationship, with the peer being the master.

Abstract: A web-based subscription service PVR system. An Internet server maintains, for each subscriber, the subscriber's aggregated content including digital rights management (DRM) rules for each piece of content as defined by the content provider. Pointers to requested content are provided.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for searching a start position of a broadcast program. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a received broadcast program is recorded in a recording medium while being output as video and audio. If a new broadcast program is started, position information regarding a start part of the new broadcast program is stored in a memory. Thus, a current broadcast program is reproduced from a start part by searching a start position of the current broadcast program recorded in the recording medium with reference to stored position information. A determination on whether the new broadcast program is started is done on the basis of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information or a change in audio and video signals. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly search and reproduce a start part of a broadcast program which is currently recorded.

Abstract: Content placeholder markers may be provided. A request to insert a placeholder marker may be received during output of a content asset to a device. If memory storage is available to record the content asset, the asset may be recorded. Otherwise, the placeholder marker may be stored and/or used to resume playback of the content asset from another source.

Abstract: A system for pulling video content over a data communications network. The system comprises at least one video display, at least one video file server containing a number of video files to be selectively displayed on the at least one video display, at least one media server to communicate with one or more video displays, a web client to communicate with each media server through a network to configure at least one playlist in the media server, each playlist including at least one identifier to select one or more of the number of video files, and each media server being adapted to pull video content from a selected video file in a selected video file server based on the playlist and to translate the pulled video content into a video output signal suitable for display on the video display.

Abstract: Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (PlayItems, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to playback of video/audio streaming media data. The media stream is available from the network at multiple bit rates. When a seek operation is performed, a playback device requests a lower bit rate media stream in order to quickly fill a playback buffer so that playback can commence more readily. After a seek start-up period is complete, the playback device can return to downloading the media stream associated with higher bit rates in order to increase the quality of the playback.