Abstract: A system and a corresponding method for temporal modification of audio signals, to increase or reduce the playback rates of an audio and/or a video file in a client-server environment. The system and method improve the efficiency of serving streaming media to a client so that the client can select an arbitrary time-speedup factor. The speedup system performs many of the pre-calculations once, at the server, so that the bandwidth needs are reduced and the client's computational load is minimized. The final time-scale-modification can be either done completely on the server, thus reducing the client's needs, or partly on the client's computer to minimize latency, and to reduce on-the-fly computational load from the server that serves multiple clients concurrently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform trickplay processing by a client computing system during the playback of a downloaded media file, regardless of how far along the download has progressed. The client computing system determines whether it is configured to play the media file in trickplay mode and identifies, by a keyframe identifier module, a first keyframe in the media file. The keyframe is retrieved using index information contained within the media file and displayed on a display as part of the trickplay processing. If the client computing system is still in trickplay mode, the next keyframe is identified and the process repeats. Once the client computing system has exited trickplay mode, the keyframe identifier module identifies the closest keyframe to the current position in the media file and begins normal playback of the media file at the location of the closest keyframe.

Abstract: PVR functionality is enabled on a media player of a placeshifting system, which allows a user to record media programs from locations that are physically remote from a source of the media programs. The media player may receive program schedule information and present the program schedule information to the user. Based on user input, the media player identifies a media program and associated schedule information. When the media program is scheduled to play, the media player requests a media broadcasting device to receive the media program; to digitize, transcode, and/or transrate the media program, if necessary; and to transmit the media program to the media player. The media program may be recorded in a local storage of the media broadcasting device or the media player.

Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

Abstract: A Distributed Video System provides a scalable and interactive video-on-demand service with VCR operations over a communication network includes a video server and video clients, each of which includes a memory buffer, called a client buffer. The System provides a method of managing video frames of client buffers in a cooperative way with video frames held in the video server allows the video frames of the client buffers to be shared among the video clients. Requests for a video are primarily served by the video clients that have the requested video frames in their client buffers and only requests that the video clients are unable to attend to will be provided by the video server.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

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

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for providing for user-selection of objects in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: Live television broadcast and other information and entertainment programs, e.g., videos-on-demand (VOD), are provided to a user through a communications network, e.g., a cable network. A processing unit is employed at an headend of the communications network to respond to user requests for PVR-like functions, e.g., pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, to be performed on the program content being viewed. The processing unit in accordance with the invention causes a delivery of an appropriate version of the program content to meet such user requests.

Abstract: A media control profile is described herein. The media control profile provides a number of selectable pre-defined and/or user-defined settings to manipulate the functionality of a hybrid telecommunications and entertainment mobile device. Three basic modes of operation, namely a telecommunications-only device mode, an entertainment-only device mode, and a hybrid telecommunications and entertainment device mode are provided. Setting associated with one or more of these basic modes are combined to form a media control profile for the hybrid mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a media file on-demand method, comprising: the server, upon receiving the media on-demand request from the client, provides the index information in the self-defining media file to the client; the server, upon receiving the playing progress request from said client, according to the requested time in the playing progress request, searches for the starting offset position of the media data corresponding to the requested time in the index information; the server, according to the starting offset position of the media data, reads out the media data corresponding to the requested time in the self-defining media file, and provides the media data to the client.

Abstract: A method is provided for equalizing latency among a group of connections that are being used by the same latency-sensitive application, such as for multi-player network gaming. Delay is added to the packet flow in each connection as necessary at the provider edge router connecting the application server to the network. An NMS connected to the provider edge router continuously monitors the round-trip delay of each connection, determines the additional delay of each connection required to equalize the delays, and informs the provider edge router. The provider edge router buffers traffic on each connection for the respective duration as indicated by the NMS. The NMS may also reroute some of the connections over higher latency resources to reduce the amount of buffering required, which provides the additional advantage of using what might otherwise be less used or economically less valued resources.

Abstract: A media server in a home entertainment network allows a media rendering device to act as a digital media receiver. The media server enables trick mode functions such as scan forward or reverse, slow motion, pause, and seek on rendering devices with capabilities limited to 1× playback. The media server receives commands from user input at the rendering device transmitted over the network to the media server. The media server manipulates the media stream before transmission over the network by deleting or adding frames to the media stream as necessary to emulate the desired playback functions and replacing frame timestamps to create a media stream that appears to the media rendering device as a sequential 1× stream. The transmitted media stream may not contain all of the media content stored in the corresponding media file on the media server, thus avoiding limitations on the download bandwidth and local client storage.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus is installed on a network through which communication with a terminal device is enabled. The recording and reproducing apparatus includes: a recording reservation section that receives a recording reservation request for video data from the terminal device via the network; a communication section that receives the video data which is distributed to the terminal device by using at least one of multicast, broadcast, and unicast; a video recording section that records the received video data based on the recording reservation request; and a video distribution section that distributes the recorded video data to a terminal device that has made a reproduction request for the relevant video data via the network.

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: A content playback device has a processor, a memory, a data acquisition portion that acquires streaming data for content from a data transmission device, and a storage portion that stores the acquired streaming data in a storage medium. The content playback device also has a playback portion that plays back the content based on the stored streaming data, a playback control portion that causes the playback portion to halt playback of the content in response to a halt playback request, and an acquisition control portion. The acquisition control portion causes the data acquisition portion to stop acquisition of the streaming data in response to the halt playback request, and causes the data acquisition portion to restart acquisition of the streaming data in response to a resume playback request. The storage portion stores, in the storage medium, the streaming data acquired in response to the resume playback request, starting from a position at which acquisition of the streaming data was stopped.

Abstract: A video on demand system includes a head-end coupled through a proxy server to plural client terminals. The proxy server performs (or cooperates with another component in performing) various functions, including user interface definition, security, system administration (e.g. channel management, load distribution, and failover), and protocol translation.

Abstract: A method of storing digital video content to facilitate trick play consistent with certain embodiments involves storing inter-coded frames of the content in a first file and storing intra-coded frames of the content in a second file. A set of forward indices are used to address the intra coded frames in a forward direction such that playback of the second file in the order of the forward indices simulates a fast-forward playback. A set of reverse indices are used to address the intra-coded frames in a reverse direction such that playback of the second file in the order of the reverse indices simulates a fast-reverse playback. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A digital video playback architecture utilizes review speed adjustment markers to enable viewer recognition of an event in a video program during fast advance of the video, either in a fast-forward advance mode or a rewind advance mode. A review speed adjustment marker gives the viewer time to recognize, or otherwise ascertain, an event in the video and stop the fast advance to review the video content, or other information, associated with the review speed adjustment marker at a normal playback speed.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: A server apparatus used in a system that delivers, to a reception apparatus via a network, a commercial stream of a content prior to a delivery of a main-program stream of the content, the server apparatus including: a reproduction control information storage section to store reproduction control information for the commercial stream, that includes at least first setting information that sets whether to restrict a trick reproduction in the reception apparatus; and a reproduction control information transmission section to extract, in response to a first reproduction control information acquisition request from the reception apparatus, the reproduction control information for the commercial stream from the reproduction control information storage section and transmit the reproduction control information for the commercial stream to the reception apparatus.

Abstract: A method for locking communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them; and locking the ICDs to send wireless data exclusively to that DIR and/or ICD; and/or the DIR and/or ICD locking itself for exclusive communication with the locked ICDs, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide for supporting programming blackouts is provided. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may unschedule the reminding and recording of blacked-out programs that have been scheduled by a user for reminding or recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from scheduling blacked-out programs for reminding and recording. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may prevent a user from ordering blacked-out pay-per-view programs. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide blackout information in information displays. In some embodiments, the interactive television program guide may provide replacement media for blacked-out programs.

Abstract: A method for inserting advertisements in a content stream in IPTV comprises: notifying an external decision point of advertisement insertion opportunities in the content stream; receiving, in response to the notification, advertisements selected by the external decision point, to be inserted in the advertisement insertion opportunities; and transmitting to a controlling node policies relative to the selected advertisements for insertion in the content stream. The method is carried out in a system, which comprises an advertisement management service for notifying the external decision point about the advertisement insertion opportunities, an input module, in response to the notification, for receiving the selected advertisements and an output module for transmitting to the controlling node the policies relative to the selected advertisements for insertion in the content stream.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for receiving a program by a user location is disclosed. The program is sent from a content provider. In one step, at least a first segment of each of a first number of programs sent from the content provider before any user request for any of the first number of programs is recorded. The user request for one of the first number of programs is detected. At least a second segment of each of a second number of programs sent from the content provider is also recorded if the user request is not detected before a stagger period expires. The one of the first number of programs is recorded if the user request is detected before the stagger period expires.

Abstract: A resident application and a second application are provided in a set-top terminal to receive a TV broadcast service and network personal video recorder (NPVR) service, respectively. The resident application is suspended in favor of the second application when a user changes from a broadcast channel to an NPVR enabled channel, and vice versa. In an embodiment where a digital video recorder (DVR) set-top terminal is used, a DVR server therein provides trick mode functions (pause, rewind and fast-forward) before an NPVR session, e.g., a Look Back session, is established. In another embodiment, during an NPVR session the DVR server plays back recorded programming content downloaded from a communications network, and provides trick mode functions as well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring user information between different terminals are disclosed. The method includes saving by a first terminal, when a change is made to user information during playback of content, the changed user information in a scene history, performing a terminal change from the first terminal to a second terminal, and resuming, by the second terminal, playback of the content from a continued scene after the last scene played back by the first terminal. Consequently, in a terminal change, the user may use the second terminal to play back the same content from the continued scene using the same content usage environment as the first terminal.

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: An implementation of trick mode methodology receives a first request to stream media for presentation at a first normal playback rate; streams a first media stream configured to the first normal playback rate; receives a second request to stream the media for presentation at a second greater playback rate; and performs one of the following responsive to receiving the second request: switching from streaming the first media stream to streaming from an appropriate position in a second media stream that corresponds to the second greater playback rate; or in an event that a second media stream corresponding to the second greater playback rate is not available, then streaming the first media stream at a higher bit rate in an attempt to comply with the second request.

Abstract: A base server apparatus of the present invention includes a data distribution control unit for receiving a pause request signal that requests to pause playing the data from a terminal, and a data accumulation unit for starting to record data transmitted from a distribution center after receiving the pause request signal. The data distribution control unit includes a distribution unit that transfers the data transmitted from the distribution center to the terminal not requesting to pause playing the data, and if a resume request signal requesting to resume playing the data is received from the terminal requesting to pause playing the data, the distribution unit distributes the data recorded in the data accumulation unit to the terminal.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing a cross frame playing mode in media-on-demand in a peer to peer network, comprising the following steps of: (a) partitioning a requested media file into blocks and encapsulating the blocks into a media content file, and recording a number of a block where each media key frame is located so that a frame index file is formed; (b) distributing said media content file and said frame index file in the peer to peer network; (c) when requesting a media, a client acquiring said frame index file and media blocks in said media content file from a source node; (d) when cross frame playing is required, the client calculating the number of a block where a next key frame is located according to said frame index file, and acquiring a corresponding media block to de-encapsulate, decode and play.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) performing a trick mode on a video signal containing a plurality of original pictures. The method includes the steps of selectively skipping (214) at least one of the original pictures to convert the video signal to a trick mode video signal in response to a trick mode command and selectively inserting (224) at least one dummy bidirectional predictive picture in the trick mode video signal using field-based prediction. The method can also include the steps of monitoring (220) the trick mode video signal in which the step of selectively inserting at least one dummy bidirectional predictive picture in the trick mode video signal can be done if the bit rate of the trick mode video signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a message in compressed content comprising at least one key frame and at least one non-key frame, the method comprising embedding a message in the at least one key frame. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for broadcasting information to a client device, which device utilizes presentation rates to present information at various presentation rates, and which method includes: (a) broadcasting information; and (b) broadcasting guidance information used to determine presentation rates for use by the client device in presentation of the information; wherein the guidance information is transmitted at or not at a time of broadcast of the broadcast information.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods for forming highlight content, the apparatus including a receiving unit receiving a highlight content formation command which requests formation of the highlight content; an event detection unit detecting an event generation point-in-time for each event of a program from which the highlight content is to be formed, wherein the event generation point-in-time is a point of time at which an event occurs; and a highlight content generation unit forming highlight content for each event from content corresponding to a predetermined period of time ranging before and after the event generation point-in-time.

Abstract: A method for device-independent access to multimedia contents is specified in which a marker information item is provided by a first terminal. The marker information contains at least one marker in a multimedia content. The marker information is stored and a request for access to the multimedia content is provided. A transmission information item is ascertained on the basis of the request for the purpose of transmitting the multimedia content starting from the at least one marker to a second terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for distributing a program sent by a content distributor to a user location is described. A command from the content distributor is received and processed that requests storage of the program at the user location. The user location receives the program and stores the program. The storing is performed in response to at least the processing of the command. A user action related to the program is detected after storage of the program.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that support variable play speed control for media streams. The variable play speed control for media streams discussed herein provides an end-to-end solution for media stream delivery, playback, and user interface that enables end users and software developers to dynamically control the playback speed of media streams without losing the ability to comprehend the media content.

Abstract: A content player which receives a broadcast content and an information content and plays back a video image concerning a content, comprises a channel selection unit configured to select a channel to view the broadcast content; an acquisition unit configured to acquire location information of an information content corresponding to the broadcast content on the channel selected by the channel selection unit; a detection unit configured to detect that the broadcast content on the selected channel has been viewed starting halfway; a determination unit configured to, if the detection unit has detected that the broadcast content has been viewed starting halfway, determine whether to notify that it is possible to view, from the beginning, the broadcast content that has been viewed starting halfway; and a notification unit configured to generate a notification image for notification when the determination unit has determined to notify.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents.

Abstract: Multi-DVR node communication is described. In an embodiment, television-based client devices are each a node of a multi-DVR system where the nodes are implemented for communication with each other. A node status can be communicated from a node of the multi-DVR system to the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system. A node status can include a media content identifier of media content being rendered at the node of the multi-DVR system. Additionally, node status updates can be received from each of the television-based client devices at the respective nodes of the multi-DVR system such that one or more of the television-based client devices can request to playback the media content identified in a node status update.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying substitute media while fast forwarding past advertisements are provided. When a user reaches the advertisement, the interactive media guidance application may receive an instruction to fast forward the advertisement. In response to the fast forward instruction, the interactive media guidance application may identify and display substitute media instead of the advertisement. The substitute media may be an image, a video frame/clip, a graphic, an animated graphic, or any other suitable media. The substitute media may be distributed in the advertisement using any suitable method. For example, the substitute media may be incorporated in the video frames of the advertisement (e.g., overlaid in the video frames of the advertisement), added as hidden video frames distributed in the advertisement, or any other suitable approach.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an event in accordance with the playback of playback data includes a playback processor performing playback processing on the playback data, an acquisition unit acquiring playback section information associated with the playback data to specify a target playback section of the playback data, an end time point specifying unit specifying an end time point of the event in relation to the playback data on the basis of the playback section information, a time period specifying unit specifying a time period from the start to the end of the event, a start time point specifying unit specifying a start time point of the event on the basis of the end time point and the time period, and a controller controlling the event to be started at the start time point of the event by monitoring a playback status of the playback data.

Abstract: In-program content telescoping can enable a subscriber to telescope into content that is specially associated with a broadcast program. The selectable content is stored as video-on-demand (VOD) assets that are related to particular portions of broadcast programs. In a described implementation, content providers created association linkages between broadcast programs and the VOD assets. Each association links a VOD asset to a broadcast program and a specific trigger location within the associated broadcast program. The association linkage may be include in VOD asset metadata and in trigger information. In a described operation, a client device detects trigger information in a media transport stream. In response to a request, the client receives asset representation indicators for the VOD assets that are associated with the upcoming trigger location. Upon arrival of the trigger location in the media transport stream, the client displays the asset representation indicators for consideration by the subscriber.

Abstract: A method of producing an audio/video format recording in a venue includes correlating multiple unique viewing position in the venue to viewers. An event is then recorded the venue that viewers are attending. Multiple custom versions of recordings or productions are created corresponding to the viewers. Such custom versions are then made available to corresponding viewers.

Abstract: A method of providing rebroadcast programming includes encoding a rebroadcast program, specifying a preferred play time, and providing a broadcast that fits the preferred play time. The encoding of the rebroadcast program can use a replay plan which prioritizes portions of the rebroadcast. A priority can be assigned to commercials which have been made to be shortened or dropped, or an alternative commercial substituted, depending on time limitations. A rebroadcast packaging and playlist are provided.

Abstract: Multicast groups provide a mechanism to deliver simultaneous media content to a plurality of users. In streaming media systems, such as audio and video systems, each multicast recipient simultaneously receives similar content. Accordingly, each recipient must initiate transmission at the same time. A data communications device delivers multiple media streams of similar content to each of a plurality of users by converging a set of media streams and merging the converged streams onto a single stream for simultaneous delivery to each of the plurality of users from a single media stream resource. A convergence processor identifies a set of streams carrying similar content in a slightly time-shifted manner with respect to the other streams. The convergence processor filters certain streams to augment the streams to converge at a particular point, at which time the streams align respect to media content therein, and merge onto a multicast stream for the duration.

Abstract: Techniques involving anonymous content promotion are described. In an implementation, content, which may include one or more advertisements embedded by a content provider, is promoted to clients who anonymously indicate behaviors. A client may generate behavior data matching behaviors of the client to unique codes. The client communicates the behavior data having the matched behaviors/unique codes anonymously to a network operator. A network operator collects behavior data from multiple clients. The network operator associates unique codes corresponding to a behavior to content to promote the content to clients who anonymously indicate the behavior through the unique codes in the behavior data. The network operator may output a promotion having the associated unique codes to multiple clients to enable each client to identify its own unique codes and obtain corresponding content recommendations and/or content.

Abstract: An information on demand system provides a user of a terminal (subscriber) information through a network such as CATV such that the user pays an adequate charge to a server (information provider). According to the information on demand system, the received information can be recorded in a recording medium under control of the terminal equipment. Cases in which 1) the subscriber merely watches a program on a television receiver and; 2) the subscriber records the program and watches it by reproducing the recorded information at another time are distinguished and the subscriber is charged a different amount by the server accordingly.