Abstract: Described is a system and method of receiving content on a portable mobile communications device from a mobile TV service provider. A mobile pointer record is created and stored within the portable mobile communications device that contains data that identifies content to be delivered from the mobile TV service provider. The mobile pointer record data is sent to a content server maintained by the mobile TV service provider where a corresponding content server pointer record is created and stored such that the mobile TV service provider associates the content server pointer record with stored content. When desired, a request is sent to the mobile TV service provider from the portable mobile communications device by selecting the desired mobile pointer record for the content. The mobile TV service provider identifies the content via the corresponding content server pointer record and delivers the requested stored content to the portable mobile communications device.

Abstract: A designated program is recorded in a hard disk by a hard disk controller according to a program reservation database. A unique number is indicated at the head block of a video cassette tape for identifying the tape, and a genre of programs is recorded in the subsequent block of the tape. When the video cassette tape is loaded, the information concerning the genre is read, and if there is record information of the same genre as that of the tape contained in the hard disk, it is additionally recorded in the video cassette tape.

Abstract: A system, method, and user interface for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) and personal video recorder (PVR) information as navigable three-dimensional images is described. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is formed in which EPG data is presented on one surface of a three dimensional image and PVR data is presented on at least one other surface of the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that can advantageously alter a playback rate of a multimedia presentation, such as a video clip. One embodiment of the invention permits a multimedia presentation to be sped up or slowed down with a controlled change in pitch of the sped up or slowed down audio. In one embodiment, this controlled change in the pitch permits the sped up or slowed down audio to retain a same sounding pitch as at normal playback speeds. In one embodiment, a duration is specified and playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback within the specified duration. In another embodiment, a finish by a time is specified, and the playback of the video clip is advantageously sped to complete playback by the specified time.

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 synchronized media experience is described. A media server identifies a group of two or more remote media entertainment systems through which user-controlled play of media content may be presented. The server generates and transmits one or more synchronization commands to the remote media entertainment systems to synchronize presentation of a particular media content through the two or more remote media entertainment systems. A control command entered by a user of one of the remote media entertainment systems may be communicated to each of the two or more remote media entertainment systems to enable synchronized, user controlled presentation of the particular media content.

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 portable media player communicates with a host computer for enabling a user of the player to manage media distribution using the control software of the host computer. The host computer can send a GUI that is displayed on the otherwise “dumb” player, and the user can view the GUI and press a single button to command the control software to download a media title to the player. The host computer can periodically poll the player to determine its status.

Abstract: Memory is allocated to record a program being broadcast proportional to its remainder in a client device having a processor in communication with a receiver. The processor executes an application to allocate space in the memory to record the remainder of the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver that has a predetermined time length. The executing application obtains the predetermined time length from the broadcast received by the receiver and derives the remainder of the broadcast of the program from the present time and the predetermined time length obtained from the broadcast. The space can be logically erased prior to its allocation. A video recorder records the broadcast of the program being received by the receiver in the space in the memory. A video playback device plays back the recorded broadcast of the program from the space in the memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for editing the content of a broadcast programming signal to provide a proprietary program signal that has been tailored to the preferences of an individual monitoring the broadcast programming signal. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the invention offer computer-integrated television monitoring.

Abstract: A method of processing content in a video on demand (VOD) system consistent with certain embodiments of the invention, wherein the content is identified by a first set of packet identifiers (PIDs), involves receiving content, the content having marked packets designating packets that are to be encrypted by a first encryption system by setting an encryption flag for all packets designated to be encrypted. Packets are selected in the content according to a selective encryption selection criterion to produce selected packets. The selected packets are duplicated to produce duplicate copies of the selected packets and these duplicate copies are identified using a second set of PIDs. The duplicate copies identified by the second set of PIDs are inserted into the content. All encryption flags in the content are cleared except for the selected packets having the first set of PIDs, so the encryption to follow is selective.

Abstract: Replaying a compressed digital video stream in fast-forward and reverse modes at varied playback rates. An index of intercoded frames, those frames not dependant on other frames for generation, is stored. The index includes the size of interceded frames and their storage location. When a specified playback rate is requested, the interceded frames are retrieved using the index. The intercoded frames then have one or more intracoded frames, frames that reference other frames for generation, placed between them to generate a frame sequence. The intracoded frames are “blank,” meaning they contain only information from their associated intercoded frame. By inserting “blank” frames specified playback rates and bit rates are generated. The index of interceded frames may also be accessed to generate playback in reverse mode, which conserves memory resources of associated systems by generating the reverse playback stream in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A system and a method to manage the presentation of video to one or more display clients are disclosed herein. The video can be presented in a fast forward presentation mode, a fast reverse presentation mode, and a reverse presentation mode. Additionally, the presentation of the video can be paused and then resumed, or shifted by a certain time or number of frames. In at least one embodiment, a frame index is utilized when changing the presentation rate or the direction of the presentation. The frame index can be used to identify and/or locate certain frames of the video. Once located and/or identified, the order of the frames can be manipulated and/or a subset of the frames can be selected to generate different presentation modes of the video.

Abstract: Provided is a streaming method and apparatus using key frames, the streaming method including: receiving from a key frame providing server a key frame table including metadata regarding a plurality of key frames of content based on a request of a client device; receiving a fast forward instruction or a fast rewind instruction; and requesting a content providing device that stores the content for a key frame corresponding to a fast forward reproduction point or a fast rewind reproduction point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting enhanced previously recorded broadcasted or streamed content are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Content Display System “ECDS,” which supports the management and presentation of previously recorded program content in a non-linear fashion and allows subscribers, using a variety of techniques, to specify which portions of programs or other content is of interest. In one embodiment, an ECDS-enabled Music Browser application includes an Intelligent Media Data Server (“IMDS”) that generates enhanced meta-data that are associated with portions of the broadcasted or streamed news-related content. Using the generated enhanced meta-data and auxiliary recorded content, the Music Browser presents music-related content along with related content segments that enrich the viewer experience.

Abstract: Program boundaries are determined through viewing behavior. More specifically, edge and/or commercial boundaries of programs may be determined by monitoring viewing behavior of different video segments using forward and backward correlations between video segments. In a described implementation, a video portion is divided into segments. To monitor the viewing of the video portion, whether each particular segment is played by a viewer (as compared to being unviewed or viewed in an accelerated manner) is tracked for a number of different viewers. For each segment, correlations with previous and subsequent segments are calculated based on viewership. The segments may then be categorized. A segment that is strongly correlated with subsequent segments but not previous segments is categorized as a starting segment. A segment that is strongly correlated with previous segments but not subsequent segments is categorized as an ending segment. Middle and island segments may also be categorized.

Abstract: A data distribution system includes a server apparatus and a decoding terminal. In the server apparatus, the access unit information of data to be transmitted is read from a data storage unit in accordance with a trick play request. The access unit information is converted for a trick play in a data conversion unit. The data to be transmitted is converted in a multiplexing unit into trick play data in accordance with the access unit information having been converted. Then, the trick play data is transmitted from the server apparatus to the decoding terminal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for enabling a plurality of users engaged in real-time voice communications over a wireless communications link to collaboratively select one or more musical media files and to jointly listen to the collaboratively selected musical media in approximate synchronicity as a mutually perceivable background musical stream. The background musical stream is audibly output to each of the plurality of users in audio combination with the exchanged real-time voice communications such that the exchanged voice communications is intelligible to each user along with the background musical stream. Each user is situated proximal to a portable communication device that enables the real-time voice communications, the collaborative selection of musical media, and the audio combination of voice communications and musical media.

Abstract: The content switching apparatus includes at least a position identifying unit (800) and a play control unit (700). In switching from a first content (broadcast program) to a second content (VOD content), the position identifying unit identifies the position of the image in the second content, the image being the same as the first image of the first content. The play control unit determines a play starting position in the second content based on the position identified by the position identifying unit. By determining the play starting position of the second content in this way, the image can be properly switched even in the case where the time length or the content configuration is different.

Abstract: In the case where the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from a content archive, and reproduces a first video content having the same content as a program being broadcast, the difference of the ending time between the first video content being played and the program being broadcast is detected (S701). In the case where there is a difference in the ending time (YES in step S702), the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from the content archive, a second video content having the same content as the next program started following the program being broadcast (S703, S704), and reproduces the second video content following the first video content being played (S705 to S709).

Abstract: A method for managing bandwidth for transmitting the content of a video to users requesting the content. The total time duration T of the video is divided into N consecutive sessions. A unicast or multicast connection in normal play mode may be created for each session only at discrete times separated by a time increment ?T equal to T/N. An overall bandwidth B is established for transmitting the content of the video to the users. The overall bandwidth B is divided into a first part B1 and a second part B2. The first part B1 is allocated to a normal play mode of the video during the N sessions such that B1=N*R, where R is the bit transmission rate of the video. The second part B2 is allocated to unicast sessions dedicated to implementation of at least one non-normal streaming mode of the video.

Abstract: Replaying a compressed digital video stream in fast-forward and reverse modes at varied playback rates. An index of intercoded frames, those frames not dependant on other frames for generation, is stored. The index includes the size of intercoded frames and their storage location. When a specified playback rate is requested, the intercoded frames are retrieved using the index. The intercoded frames then have one or more intracoded frames, frames that reference other frames for generation, placed between them to generate a frame sequence. The intracoded frames are “blank,” meaning they contain only information from their associated intercoded frame. By inserting “blank” frames specified playback rates and bit rates are generated. The index of intercoded frames may also be accessed to generate playback in reverse mode, which conserves memory resources of associated systems by generating the reverse playback stream in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling IP multimedia sub-system (IMS) terminals to access existing IPTV services, and methods for enabling the IMS terminals to access the VoD and LTV services of the existing IPTV system are disclosed. The system adds a service gateway for communications between the IMS network and the existing IPTV system, including control function of the signaling plane, as well as bearer plane function.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to content, the method comprising: receiving content in an area in which access to the content is blacked out, the content corresponding to a blacked out event; preventing display of the content at the time of receipt; recording the received content; and allowing access to the recorded content after a time criterion is met, wherein the time criterion comprises an elapse of a predetermined period of time measured from a specified one of the following: commencement of the blacked out event and termination of the blacked out event.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of streaming of digital media content made up of a stream of data frames, the method comprising: during playback in one mode of the digital media content, determining parameters associated with a defined type of frame within the digital media stream; and, based upon the determined parameters, estimating the position within the digital media stream of other of the defined type of frame within the digital media stream.

Abstract: An adding unit of a broadcasting apparatus attaches entry information to a content to be broadcast. The entry information specifies a content that is identical to the content to be broadcast out of a plurality of contents available for distribution by a distributing apparatus. A sending unit of the broadcasting apparatus broadcasts the content with the entry information attached thereto. An entry information recording unit of a recording apparatus records the entry information that is attached to the received content to a hard disk, and a requesting unit requests the distributing apparatus to distribute the content specified by the recoded entry information. A content distributing unit of the distributing apparatus receives the distribution request, and distributes the requested content to the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus plays back the distributed content.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method comprising a step which consists in comparing a label to a value counted from a transfer clock to define the transfer time on the bus of a packet read on a recording medium. The invention is characterized in that for implementing a special mode or trick mode, it further comprises the following steps: calculating a difference between two consecutive packets based on the values of recorded labels; calculating an offset value based on said difference and parameters received on the bus defining the special mode; adding said offset value to the label value of the transmitted packet to obtain a new label value defining the transfer time on the bus of the following packet to be transmitted. The invention is applicable to the storage of MPEG data.

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 video data retrieval is provided. The method comprises receiving a search criteria, the search criteria comprising an identification of an event recording system and an identification of a type of timestamp of an event record of the event recording system, retrieving from the event recording system identified by the search criteria an at least one event record, each event record comprising a timestamp identified by the search criteria, and retrieving from a digital video recorder server an at least one video record with a timing data encompassing the timestamp of the at least one event record, the timestamp of the type identified by the search criteria.

Abstract: A recording medium, method, and apparatus for reproducing text subtitle streams are disclosed. A microcomputer initially reads a set of PlayItems and a SubPlayItem included in a PlayList which is recorded on a recording medium, and it further reads synchronization information included in the SubPlayItem. Each PlayItem is configured to reproduce at least one main AV stream, and the SubPlayItem is configured to reproduce a text subtitle stream. The synchronization information indicates a presentation start time of the SubPlayItem on a global time axis of the PlayList. When the PlayList is randomly accessed at a random access time on the global time axis, the microcomputer calculates a corresponding access time on a time axis of the SubPlayItem. Then a text subtitle decoder decodes for presentation a dialog presentation segment with the closest dialog start time after the corresponding access time on the axis of the SubPlayItem.

Abstract: In a content distributed-storage system in which divided content data obtained by dividing content data of a single unit having a plurality of pieces of frame image data into a plurality of pieces is stored so as to be distributed to a plurality of node devices, unique identification information is assigned to each of the divided content data, each of the node devices can obtain the divided content data on the basis of the identification information. In the system, content catalog information having the identification information of at least one piece of the divided content data and key frame information including information indicative of an offset position of the frame image data in each of the divided content data, is stored. An instruction related to playback of the content data from the user is received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed-change playback apparatus of a digital TV which performs better fast forward and backward performances by analyzing a transport stream inputted at the time of a time shift service and a method thereof. An MPEG decoder detects I picture location information in a TP packet by analyzing a TP packet inputted at the time of a time shift service, and a time shift software module extracts a TP packet constituting the I picture from the stored TP packets by the detected I picture location information and feeds to the MPEG decoder. Therefore, fast forward and fast backward performances can be efficiently performed by adding a simple logic which analyzes the TP packet to the MPEG decoder.

Abstract: The present specification discloses is a method for providing a viewer (20) on-demand instant replay of live television (TV) being provided from a source (10) over a primary delivery channel. The method includes: obtaining a feed of the live TV supplied by the source (10); storing content from the obtained feed in a storage device (32); selecting a portion of the content from the storage device (32); and, delivering the selected portion of the content to a viewer's user equipment (UE) (24) while leaving uninterrupted the live TV provided by the source over the primary delivery channel.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for correlating a cost of receiving media to a user's exposure to advertising. A media display system including a media recorder detects and reports that a media display system user has skipped over an advertising program without watching or listening to the advertising program. A fee is calculated and charged to the user in lieu of the user's watching or listening to the advertising program. Alternatively, a user may subscribe to a service that allows the user to skip over some or all advertising programs displayed on the media display system.

Abstract: A user interacts with a data storage service which enables one or more feeds from video and or web cameras to be streamed to the data storage service. The data storage service then provides storage and/or playback services to the subscriber (e.g., for a monthly fee or a usage fee). Once the video streams have been established between at least one camera and the data storage facility, the user may access the recorded data from any one of several sources, such as a world wide web browser or a cellular phone). The interface may provide a matrix of displays such that the user can see multiple areas or multiple parts of the same area simultaneously.

Abstract: Media content is streamed from a server computer to a client computer. A media file format is used to store data for multiple timeline-altered streams that provides support for switching between the different timeline-altered streams during their presentation. In one aspect, a user can switch between different timeline-altered streams. Upon receiving a user request to switch to a particular timeline-altered stream (the target stream), the client computer accesses a time code stream data object corresponding to the current data unit being presented. The time code stream data object identifies a primary stream presentation time corresponding to the data unit. The client then uses the primary stream presentation time to index into a table of mappings to byte offsets. The table provides a mapping of the primary stream presentation time to a corresponding byte offset of the target stream.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement can present and permit navigation of media items related to another media item (such as a media item that has been selected and played). The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. Another embodiment relates to progressive searching of remote media items from a search user interface. The search user interface can, but need not, be part of the user interface arrangement. The user interface arrangement and/or the search user interface can be presented on a display device associated with a client device.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing a television broadcast program digest which stores a broadcast signal indicative of contents of at least one television broadcast program and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus pre-stores a period of time and a weight point as data for at least one attribute concerning program contents every different television broadcast program. The apparatus reads the broadcast signal and guide data of the at least one television broadcast program when a digest reproduction is performed. In accordance with the guide data, the apparatus reads a period of time and a weight point for each attribute corresponding to a television broadcast program consistent in terms of content with or similar to the at least one television broadcast program. The apparatus reproduces a partial signal having a length of time based on the weight point and the period of time.

Abstract: A digital home audiovisual Information recording and playback apparatus includes a microprocessor associated, through a digital interface, with a display, through another interface with sound playback structure and through a telecommunications interface with structure for loading audio selection or visual selection digital information. The system includes structure for controlling the display, enabling an operating mode to be selected from a menu of three modes, in which the device either plays back information stored in its mass memory, records new digitized information in its mass memory or combines analog information from a microphone with digitizer information received from the mass memory.

Abstract: A system and method for the aggregation of multimedia information storage via a broadband access gateway is disclosed. Information about storage resources accessible to a broadband access gateway may be collected and used in selecting storage capacity used for storing multimedia information such as, for example, streaming video, broadcast video, digitized video, digitized audio, text, and digitized images. The gateway may manage storage and retrieval of the multimedia information based upon user defined criteria and characteristics of the available storage resources. Multimedia information may be parsed for storage across multiple storage resources, and the location and nature of the storage resources used for storage of multimedia information items may be unknown to the user. Storage services accessible via a broadband connection may also be used as storage resources.

Abstract: An approach is provided for video view selection. Multiple video feeds, corresponding to different views of a common event, are received. A control signal specifying the desired view of the event is received. Full or a portion of the video feed(s) corresponding to the user's desired view of the event is forwarded to the display.

Abstract: A system is provided where a number of representative video snapshots are displayed on a timeline indicating a position to jump to in a video using control buttons, such as fast forward, reverse, or a timeline scroll bar. The video snapshots are obtained by opening a low resolution connection to a video server to receive forward looking video segments. The forward looking video segments are summarized and the representative video snapshots are selected and displayed to provide a reference frame for the user to select a timeline position, or snapshots directly linked to positions in the higher resolution video. Backward looking video segments may be similarly summarized from the low resolution connection, or alternatively from video previously played. As the video progresses, new forward looking video segments are received and new representative video snapshots are summarized and displayed in close proximity with the video being played.

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: 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 broadcast program is contiguously stored to a real-time storage means in a program server. The stored program is read from the real-time storage means and sent to a receiver when the receiver sends a request to the program server to send the stored program to the receiver so that the receiver may show the stored program. Retrieval of the stored program is similar to replaying a program stored on a video tape recorder.

Abstract: By storing usage history information of a recording medium for recording information, which is obtained by using the recording medium, in storing means 13, and retrieving information that matches a user's preference from a plurality of information based on the usage history information, a program that matches the user's preference can be easily retrieved without inputting key information for retrieving information, hence time and effort in retrieving information can be further reduced.

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: Systems, methods, and a storage medium for storing and securely transmitting digital media data in a networked system are provided. The method includes determining an amount of memory for storing the digital media data. The method further includes querying a plurality of network computers to determine an amount of available memory in a plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers. The method further includes receiving the digital media data and partitioning the digital media data into a plurality of digital media data sets. The method further includes encrypting the plurality of digital media data sets into a plurality of encrypted digital media data sets using at least one encryption key value. The method further includes storing the plurality of encrypted digital media data sets in at least two of the plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers.

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 search menu includes a search input field and input characters rendered on a multi-dimensional displacement surface that rotates in response to a user input. A highlight region intersects the multi-dimensional displacement surface and highlights input characters while the input characters intersect the highlight region according to the rotation of the multi-dimensional displacement surface.