Abstract: In a broadband communications system, information is collected which relates to user-issued commands for accessing programming content and manipulating recorded programming content. The commands are monitored to determine when such content is accessed (i.e., requested, selected or played) and manipulated (i.e., rewound, fast-forwarded, paused, etc.) by a user. Data associated with a command to request, select or manipulate programming content is read from the user-issued command and forwarded to a processor for presentation of the programming content. The read data is stored and made available for analyzing user activity respecting programming content provided by the broadband communication system. Such analysis may relate to the popularity of specific programs, the frequency in which specific commercials are skipped or played, the most popular times that a specific program or type of program is accessed, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for presenting targeted advertisements to DVR users are described. After a DVR has finished playing a recorded television program, or in response to other specified events, the DVR presents a screen which comprises a “save or delete” menu. In addition to the “save” and “delete” options, the menu additionally comprises one or more other options. Each of these other options may correspond to a separate promotional item. For example, a user's selection of such an option may cause the DVR to display or play an advertisement on the user's television set. Additionally or alternatively, these other options, when selected by a user, may cause the DVR to display a user interface through which the user can actually purchase a product or service. The product or service advertised or offered may be one that was featured or referenced in the television program that the user was just watching.

Abstract: Method for reproducing data streams, in particular of broadcast data, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one receiving data stream (RDS); providing a reproducing data stream (PDS) on the basis of said receiving data stream (RDS) and/or of derivatives (D-RDS) thereof; reproducing said reproducing data stream (PDS); including into said reproducing data stream (PDS) and thereby reproducing at least parts (S2,1-S2,6) of a second data stream (DS2) and/or of derivatives (D-DS2) thereof instead of said receiving data stream (RDS) in response to a first control signal; and generating said derivatives (D-RDS) of at least parts (S1,1-S1,7) of said receiving data stream (RDS).

Abstract: A plurality of video-recording devices are connected via a network. A video-recording reservation processing unit registers video-recording reservation information in a video-recording reservation management table of a storage unit and notifies the other devices of the video-recording reservation registration via the network when a video-recording reservation is made with respect to the video-recording function thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least one of the received media content and the received information regarding the media content, a display device for visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media content.

Abstract: Flexibility with respect to access and enjoyment of time shifted content in a content distribution network is provided, especially with regard to content not present on a DVR. A DVR accesses a network storage device over a network for particular portions of content not available on the DVR and the network storage device provides those missing portions. The user may then rewind and playback not only already locally stored content but also that content provided by the storage device. Content can he provided through faster-than-real-time transmissions such that the content is made available to the DVR prior to it being needed for rewind functionality or playback.

Abstract: A method of transmitting a Video-on-Demand (VOD) program involves at a service provider head-end, separating VOD program data into first and second parts; transmitting the first part over a communication network to a recipient receiver for storage at a storage device as cached speculative data, where the transmitting is carried out as a data push when the communication network has available bandwidth to permit such transmitting and without regard for any order having been received for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; receiving an order for the VOD program to be sent to the receiver; and streaming the second part to the receiver for reassembly into the VOD program at the receiver by combining the second part as it is streamed with the cached speculative data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a personal video recorder (PVR) software buffer management to support the software passage are disclosed. A first plurality of receive buffer descriptors may be allocated for recording at least one received packet in at least a portion of a shared memory. The received packet may be recorded in the shared memory utilizing at least one of the allocated first plurality of receive buffer descriptors. A plurality of playback buffer descriptors may be allocated for playback of the recorded received packet from the shared memory. A first portion of the received packet may be simultaneously played back from the shared memory while recording a second portion of the received packet in the shared memory. If at least one of the recorded received packet is consumed, the playback buffer descriptors corresponding to a number of the consumed received packet may be de-allocated.

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: The present invention relates to a computerized method and systems for managing feeds so that a user's playlists may be automatically updated in accordance with a user's desired media preferences.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting progressively downloaded media programs is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a controller element to determine a length of a media program from a catalog of media programs and present according to said length a portion of the media program while it is being delivered to the STB by a media delivery system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In an internet protocol television (IPTV) system, fast channel change (FCC) transactions that experience late multicast joins are handled specially, thereby allowing the system to be provisioned for the vast majority of multicast joins that are within an expected range. During an FCC transaction, the subscriber interface device, such as a set-top box (STB), can determine how long it can wait to join the multicast stream of the new channel before a gap can be predicted to occur in the handover from the FCC unicast to the multicast. If the STB has not joined the multicast stream by the determined time, a recovery procedure is invoked in which the STB sends a RESTART request to the FCC server which, in turn, increases the rate of the FCC unicast as if the FCC transaction were restarted, thus allowing the handover to occur seamlessly. This solution reduces the demands of each FCC transaction, allowing for greater scalability and reduced cost.

Abstract: A system for delivering content to users from a content provider, the system comprising a transmission system for transmitting content in a series of segments and a plurality of receivers for receiving the series of segments transmitted from the transmission system, each of the receivers comprising a memory, a processor, and an output driver.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for enabling playback of licensed media content. The depicted embodiments provide a method to enable users to play a high-quality media file on a computing device. More specifically, the method provides a method to authenticate a high-fidelity license on a computing device to enable playback of an associated high-quality media file. Illustrative examples of high-quality media files include any media file that may contain a video and/or audio component.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing interlace artifacts during trick mode playback of pre-encoded content. The system and method operate a decoder to receive a video signal, configured as frames, with each frame having a plurality of interlaced fields, and to provide a video output in interlaced format or trick mode format. When operating in a normal mode, the decoder provides the video output in the interlaced format. When operating in trick mode, the decoder is instructed to use one of the fields of a frame as a reference field, and outputs a video output frame in the trick mode format where both fields of the video output frame are the same as the reference field. The video signal can be a streaming video or read from a medium.

Abstract: An information processing device, includes a display portion that displays video content that has been received from a server that stores the video content, a storage portion that stores a playback interruption position for the video content, and a video output portion that, in a case where a video acquisition request is received from another device that will restart playback of the video starting from the playback interruption position, acquires the video content from the server, starting from the playback interruption position, and transmits the acquired video content to the other device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a broadcast program are provided. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit which generates an audio/video (A/V) file, an application file, and a first electronic program guide (EPG) file by appropriately processing a plurality of A/V signals, application information, and EPG information, respectively, which are included in an input broadcast program transport stream; a synchronization unit which receives the A/V file, the application file, and the first EPG file from the signal processing unit, generates storage information for the A/V file and storage information for the application file, and converts the first EPG file into a second EPG file comprising the storage information for the A/V file and the storage information for the application file; and a storage unit which stores the A/V file, the application file, and the second EPG file.

Abstract: A method for recording linear content and delivering it for time-shifted viewing is described. The linear content may be recorded live by the content delivery system in response to user requests. The content delivery system divides the recording into at least two portions, the first portion of sufficient duration to permit real time continuous playback of the recorded content on the customer premises equipment (CPE) if the first portion has previously been transmitted to the CPE and the second has not been transmitted. The content delivery system transmits the first portion to the CPE prior to playback, and the second portion is streamed to the CPE after playback has begun. The playback is under control of the CPE from local storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods of deferred multimedia content delivery are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving a request from a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device to receive multimedia content. The method also includes selectively recording the multimedia content at a server based on a comparison of a measured bandwidth associated with the first CPE device and a bandwidth threshold. The method may also include delivering the multimedia content to the first CPE device from a network when measured bandwidth is available.

Abstract: The invention shows a method for connecting and sharing content over a plurality of devices, and over a plurality of networks public and private while respecting the content's Digital Rights by implementing a software layer (software alternately integrated into hardware component) that will assign a mac address and an ip address to each device and peripherals and where content can be assign to specific devices inside a network, and can be accessed directly, shared remotely, wireless, or physically connected. The software layer also integrates drivers, players, codec's that can be updated dynamically in order to keep them updated. This software layer can also “virtualizes” peripherals, devices or group of peripherals and devices into single addressable group of components that will act like one.

Abstract: A system for displaying electronic program guide information about a plurality of video items on a screen, the system including a display module to display a plurality of pages layering into the screen, each of the pages including a plurality of graphical panels associated with the video items, and a user input module to receive a user input to turn at least one of the pages such that the at least one page is peeled away from other ones of the pages in order to bring the graphical panels of the at least one page in or out of view, wherein the display module is operative to show the turning of the at least one page bringing the at least one page in or out of view. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.

Abstract: Methods and systems for live recording of video on a set-top box of a cable television system include receiving a video signal on a first channel of the set-top box. The set-top box does not include a hard disk drive. Video is displayed on a television corresponding to the video signal. The video signal received on the first channel is recorded in a buffer memory in the set-top box. The display of video on the television is then paused, the video signal being recorded in the buffer memory when the display of video is paused. The display of video on the television is then resumed, the display of the video on the television being resumed from the point at which the display of the video was paused.

Abstract: A method for transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. An identifier of a burst period is obtained from program table information of the broadcasting signal including mobile data and only the burst period in which a broadcasting program desired by a user is transmitted is received. Accordingly, when the broadcasting signal is received, only a desired burst period is received such that power consumption of the broadcasting signal receiver can be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail.

Abstract: A recording apparatus receives, with respect to an identical program, high image quality digital broadcasting data and low image quality digital broadcasting data, records the high image quality program data and the low image quality program data in a recording medium. When a cellular phone device is connected to the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus transfers the recorded low image quality program data to the cellular phone device via a communication interface. The recording apparatus transmits, to the portable cellular phone device, management information of the end of playback and deletion of the first program data whose program is identical to that of the transferred second program data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for distributing programming. A fixed linear programming schedule identifying an order of transmission for multiple programs is generated. The programs are transmitted in the order of transmission. An on-demand flag is embedded in at least one of the programs to identify it as available on an on-demand basis. An electronic program guide for the linear schedule displays the programs available on-demand with an on-demand identifier. The identified programs are then made available on an on-demand basis.

Abstract: A method for interactive delivery of multimedia content includes accepting interactive multimedia content encoded in a multiplexed data stream, the stream includes segments that at least some include control data for presentation of the content. The method also includes receiving requests from one or more terminals, at least some of the requests identifies particular segments of the multiplexed data stream, and transmitting identified segments of the multiplexed data stream to the terminals in response to the received requests.

Abstract: A meta-information-read unit, a display-cache unit, a pre-reading-cache unit, a display-state-management unit, an operation-input unit, a meta-information-pre-reading unit, and an input-operation-determination unit are provided. The meta-information-pre-reading unit changes a pre-reading condition and pre-reads meta information on the basis of a result of determination made by the input-operation-determination unit and display-state-management information managed by the display-state-management unit.

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: Various embodiments for switching programs streams using a variable speed program stream buffer coupled to a variable speed decoder are described. In one or more embodiments, the variable speed program stream buffer may be arranged to receive multiple program streams, such as video program streams, and to buffer historical frames comprising at least one anchor frame. The variable speed program stream buffer may be arranged to always comprise at least one anchor frame and may be implemented by running and/or elastic buffers corresponding to an active channel program stream and one or more alternate channel program streams. Upon detecting a channel switch point, the historical frames comprising the anchor frame up to the channel switch point may be provided to the variable speed decoder in an accelerated manner.

Abstract: Process for receiving files sent by a central server to an audiovisual data reproduction system, managed by an operating system and linked to the server, by means of a data transfer link, characterised in that the process comprises: a step consisting of initialising a link between the central server and an audiovisual data reproduction system, a step consisting of storing files sent by the central server on storage means of the audiovisual data reproduction system, each file comprising specified information representative of the type of data contained in the file, a step consisting of searching, for each file received, a specific reception function, this search step being carried out by means of the specified information representative of the type of data contained in the file, a step consisting of processing each file by the corresponding reception function, the processing comprising copying of the file received to a specified storage area.

Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of selecting a pay per view program to be transmitted to a personal video recorder having a program receiver. A schedule of pay per view programs is obtained. Each of the pay per view programs has a title and at least one transmission time and an associated transmission channel for each transmission time. A title list comprising the titles of at least one pay per view program is generated based on the schedule. The title list is provided to a display device for display to a user. A selection by title of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is received from the user. A potential transmission time of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is determined based on the at least one transmission time. Alternatively, selection of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver may be based on user's preferences or a pre-selected list of titles.

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: To provide, in a multimedia content server which stores multimedia data and transmits the stored multimedia data to a terminal, a technique which allows the terminal to properly detect and process version up of section data even when random access for trick play, and the like, is performed. Upon receiving a data transmission request from a multimedia data receiving apparatus, a multimedia data transmitting apparatus transmits the requested multimedia data and notifies data necessary for obtaining an update-point of section data included in the multimedia data or a URI which enables the obtaining of the data, to the multimedia data receiving apparatus.

Abstract: An efficient near video on demand (NVOD) service for various client environments is provided. The NVOD service method for transmitting video data including moving pictures to a plurality of clients in a network includes identifying a relative network bandwidth “m” of a client with respect to a video playout bandwidth, dividing the video data into data segments having different sizes according to the relative network bandwidth “m” and transmitting the data segments to the client through a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A recording control apparatus for controlling execution of recording in a recording apparatus, comprising, a channel selection acceptance unit configured to accept a channel selection from a user, a display controller to control a display unit to display program data which is selected among received program data via broadcast signal and is corresponding to the accepted channel selection, an obtaining unit configured to obtain reserve-recording information to be executed, and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, wherein when the determination unit determines that the program displayed on the display unit corresponds to a program according to the reserve-recording information, the display controller controls the display unit to display a query screen to inquire of the user whether to erase recorded data corresponding to the reserve-recording information in the recording appar

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of video displays on a display screen from video data which is received as an encoded MPEG stream of data and then decoded and processed to be displayed. In the invention the video display can be generated in a conventional format or at least one use selectable alternative format, known as trick mode stream, such as a fast forward or fast cue display. The method of the invention allows the amount of data to be placed into the buffer memory prior to decoding and display of the data in the alternate format, to be calculated without reference to the MPEG stream information which is unavailable in the trick mode stream of data. The method therefore minimizes delay in the commencement and end of the display of the trick mode stream display format when selected by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.

Abstract: Consistent with an embodiment of the invention, a communication device enables real-time communications by generating a representation of an analog input signal that is suitable for communication over a real-time communication channel to a remote communication device. In addition, the communication device stores and processes an alternative representation of the input, which is communicated to the remote device in a reliable, out-of band channel. Accordingly, the remote communication device initially stores the real-time data, but later automatically replaces the real-time data with the enhanced data that it receives over the reliable, out-of-band communication channel. The communication device similarly stores, and replaces, data received from the remote communication device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for acquiring files by accumulation of points. The device is designed for a user of a receiver of data of a communication network, able to earn points by accomplishing at least one predefined operation, and to acquire at least one of the files by downloading via this communication network, when the aggregate number of points reaches a predetermined level associated with this file. The device comprises an automatic control module for ordering downloading via this network to a storage space accessible to this receiver, of portions of this file, designed to order the downloading of each of these portions when the number of points earned by this user reaches a fraction of this predetermined level which corresponds to this portion.

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: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.

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: In one embodiment, an index is created by a first user for a specified video program that is applied when a second user request viewing the specified video program. The index is typically embodied by a file, which identifies one or more content segments of the video program that are not presented to the viewing user. The viewing user selects the program for viewing, typically using a video on-demand service offered by a cable service provider, and potentially indicates the index file to be applied when viewing the program. The cable service provider streams the video program to the user, but excises the one or more content segments identified in the index file, thus providing a customized viewing experience to the viewing user.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus and a method for managing a memory are provided. The method for managing a memory includes setting a part of a memory to be a first memory area to be used for a first operating system; setting a portion of the memory which is not set as the first memory area to be a second memory area; and if a second operating system uses the memory, expanding the first memory area to include at least part of the second memory area. Therefore, the broadcast receiving apparatus uses a plurality of operating systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing VOD data in a mobile station including a multimedia processor and an MSM for controlling the mobile station. The method comprises the steps of negotiating PPP option information by performing PPP negotiation for making communication with a server when the mobile station accesses to a WAP through the MSM; transmitting the PPP option information negotiated through the MSM to the multimedia processor; setting a VOD data route using the transmitted PPP option information as PPP information of the multimedia processor; processing VOD data, which are received in the MSM according to the VOD data route, up to an RLP layer of the VOD data, and then transmitting the VOD data to the multimedia processor; and processing the VOD data, which are transmitted to the multimedia processor, from a PPP layer which is a lowest layer in the multimedia processor.

Abstract: A method to transmit streamed information at a wireless tele- and data communication network by transmitting streamed high prioritized information via a secure medium, whereas low prioritized data are transmitted over a standard channel. The method combines two technologies, MMS and Streaming, to guarantee that a video client in a mobile terminal has access to high prioritized data on the right occasion. By using MMS as an initial notification for the medium, in a message just any amount of high prioritized information can be enclosed, for instance any number of I-frames. The video client in this way has a lead at the video decoding, and the streaming protocol will have more time to secure that the rest of data actually will get through.

Abstract: When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a computer and a TV is disclosed. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a TV coding unit for encoding various control signals such as a TV signal, etc.