Abstract: A device receives, from one or more of a set-top box (STB) or a user device, usage information associated with video content and high definition video content, and calculates a cost factor, based on the usage information, for a customer associated with one or more of the STB or the user device. The device also compares the cost factor to a threshold, and receives, from one or more of the STB or the user device, a request for free video content. The device further one of provides reduced quality free video content to one or more of the STB or the user device when the cost factor exceeds the threshold, or blocks transmission of free high definition video content to one or more of the STB or the user device when the cost factor exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A media device and a method for outputting data stored in a wireless terminal to an external device through the media device are provided. The media device includes a radio frequency (RF) unit for communicating with the wireless terminal; a power supply unit for controlling power of the external device; a control unit for performing control operations for decoding data transmitted from the wireless terminal according to a command transmitted from the wireless terminal and transmitting the decoded data to the external device; and an output unit for transmitting the decoded data to the external device.

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

Abstract: A system and method for personal video recording (PVR) is provided for recording digitally encoded streams, and for playing back and decoding the recorded streams. The PVR system may receive the digitally encoded streams from a digital cable box or a network server. The system enables trick modes including fast forward and reverse mode displays at various speeds. The system an method for PVR may also be applied to digitally encoded streams without I-pictures, such as, for example, progressive refresh streams or HITS streams. Reverse decode and display may be implemented by starting at a suitable entry point, decoding quickly up to the point of the desired picture, and displaying the result, and repeating the process. Index tables of entry points may be used for proper operation in some modes where the entry points are entry pictures (E-pictures) which start a pattern of progressively refreshing I-slices.

Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.

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

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

Abstract: A method of transmitting data by which cipher-transmission of digital information data for which forbidden codes including timing identification codes are predetermined can be carried out with enciphered digital information data without containing undesirable forbidden code, in which digital information data contained in word sequence data which contain also time reference code data composed of the timing identification codes are subjected to enciphering process without producing the forbidden code to produce the enciphered digital information data which do not contain any forbidden code and then enciphered word sequence data are constituted with the enciphered digital information data and the time reference code data to be transmitted.

Abstract: The trend toward moving to digital content is progressing and expanding every day. With that trend comes the availability of a multitude of content from many content sources. There is a need for this content to be distributed to multiple destinations, and there is a further need to have the content synchronized among those multiple destinations. Embodiments described herein detail a method of synchronizing this content in an asynchronous environment, such as a powerline network, including using a PHY timing flag that is used to compensate for PHY-to-channel-to-PHY delays.

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: Techniques for fragmenting a file or a collection of media data are disclosed. According one aspect of the techniques, a file pertaining to a title is fragmented into a header and several tails or segments. The header is a continuous portion of the file while the segments are respective parts of the remaining portion of the file. The header is seeded substantially in all boxes, and none, one or more of the segments are distributed in each of the boxes in service. When a title is ordered, the header is instantly played back while the segments, if not locally available, are continuously fetched respectively from other boxes that have the segments.

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

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting content includes a content provider which interfaces with one or more clients through a network. The content provider includes a scheduler responsive to requests for content from clients. The scheduler provides the content in blocks by making the blocks available to requesters by a plurality of streams wherein a subsequent requester accesses blocks from previous requester's streams complemented by a subset of blocks as a stream for this requester to complete an entire set of blocks for the subsequent requester. By manipulating the scheduler as a function of user requests, this system and method is able to provide a video on demand service at a fractional bandwidth usage of a conventional VOD system.

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

Abstract: A method comprises a second electrical device receiving a request via a network from a first electrical device to cause a file to be downloaded. The method further comprise the second electrical device causing the file to be downloaded from a server via the network to the second electrical device.

Abstract: An IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels.

Abstract: This invention provides an information processing method and apparatus, which can set all extent sizes of data divisionally recorded on a disk to be equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit, and can guarantee continuous reproduction of the divisionally recorded data. Of data divisionally recorded on a recording medium (5), data which corresponds to an end portion of that data and cannot be recorded as a recording area equal to or larger than a minimum recording unit specified in the recording medium (5) due to the presence of a recording area (6) of another data, that has already been recorded on the recording medium (5), is re-recorded on a recording area equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit. At this time, new data is generated by combining data less than the minimum recording unit, and data recorded in another recording area, and the new data is re-recorded on a new recording area.

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

Abstract: A multimedia file and methods of generating, distributing and using the multimedia file are described. Multimedia files in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can contain multiple video tracks, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, a complete index that can be used to locate each data chunk in each of these tracks and an abridged index that can enable the location of a subset of the data chunks in each track, data that can be used to generate a menu interface to access the contents of the file and ‘meta data’ concerning the contents of the file. Multimedia files in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention also include references to video tracks, audio tracks, subtitle tracks and ‘meta data’ external to the file.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling trick plays during a variable bit rate (VBR) playback of a media file transmitted to a user media device as a constant bit rate (CBR) flow includes determining a plurality of access points within the media file. The media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points. A minimum buffer value is calculated for each of the plurality of access points. The minimum buffer value identifies a minimum amount of the media file to transmit to the user media device before beginning playback of the media file from each of the plurality of access points to substantially ensure that the media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points continuously and uninterruptedly at a variable bit rate.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multimedia content through a cable, satellite television or other content server system. A server facility which provides multimedia content divides formatted multimedia content into data chunks (e.g., collections of data corresponding to one minute lengths) prior to transmission to a user/subscriber receptor unit, and sends the divided data chunks according to a schedule which permits instantaneous starting and viewing of the multimedia content, such as movies, upon user/subscriber request. The user/subscriber receptor unit includes a cable box, video game device, or the like having a digital video recording capability and at least a memory capacity or disk space sufficient to store a complete unit of media content, such as full-length feature film.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for receiving video data transmitted by streaming from a transmission apparatus via a transmission path includes a video data reception unit configured to receive the video data, a reception data monitoring unit configured to monitor a processing status of the video data received by the video data reception unit, and a control request transmission unit configured to transmit a playback control request for the video data to the transmission apparatus, wherein, when the video data is played back at a playback speed, if the reception data monitoring unit determines that the playback speed exceeds a transmission capacity of the transmission path or a processing capacity of the communication apparatus, the control request transmission unit transmits to the transmission apparatus a playback control request to request only intra-picture coded video data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an appropriate video signal path is provided for delivery of video-on-demand (VOD) data to a subscriber in a VOD system. The signal path may be a portion of an hybrid fiber optic and cable (HFC) network so that other signal paths in the HFC network may service subscribers in other areas. Because each path need not service every area, the total bandwidth provided by the VOD server need not be provided to every area so that the bandwidth provided to each area can be commensurate with the needs of that area. When a subscriber requests VOD programming, the identification received by the subscriber's terminal from the VOD server is returned to the server along with the request. From the identification, the VOD server may determine the area in which the requesting subscriber is located and the VOD server may then transmit the requested programming to the area in which the subscriber is located for reception by the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a supplementary information service related to broadcast content. The system for providing a supplementary information service related to broadcast content being broadcasted to user terminal comprises a Time Information Creating Server for Identifying a start time information of the broadcast content; and a Supplementary Information Service Providing Server for receiving the start time information of the broadcast content from the Time Information Creating Server, calculating elapsed time for a specific scene based on the start time information, and providing a user terminal with an supplementary information corresponding to the scene based on the elapsed time, through a communication network.

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

Abstract: Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous transmission of a video from a server to a number of client machines over a communication network, comprising the following steps: obtaining requests from client machines, at least some of the requests obtained each specifying at least one spatial zone of interest in one or more images of the video, a spatial zone representing a set of digital data, processing the requests obtained so as to determine one or more intersections defining common data between the spatial zones of interest of the video, creating a multipoint network session for each intersection thus determined.

Abstract: A system and a method for facilitating transitions between video streams is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) receiving a primary video stream that includes a first primary video stream portion and a second primary video stream portion, wherein the second stream portion follows the first primary video stream portion; (ii) receiving a secondary video stream; processing at least one of the primary video stream and the secondary video stream to facilitate a seamless transition, at a multiple tuner device, between the first primary video stream portion and the secondary video stream; (iii) transmitting the primary video stream to a first tuner of the multiple tuner device; (iv) transmitting the secondary video stream to a second tuner of the multiple tuner device; and (v) instructing the multiple tuner device to perform a seamless transition between the first primary video stream portion to the secondary video stream.

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

Abstract: Meta-channels identify content entries and indicate an order with which to experience the content entries. The meta-channels may include a multi-source meta-channel that includes at least a first content entry that relates to first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry that relates to second content made available, over a network, by a second content provider in response to user requests. A selection of a meta-channel is received and the selection of the meta-channel is mapped to a content entry defined by the selected meta-channel. A media system is controlled to render content based on a content entry mapped to by the selected meta-channel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for dynamic bandwidth management in an IP-network, wherein a channel identifier indicating a channel for a program content is detected (S0), a state identifier indicating a high bandwidth permission for a terminal equipment is checked (S1), a high bandwidth IP address for said detected channel identifier is determined (S2), and in case a high bandwidth permission exists a joining (S3) is realized to said high bandwidth IP address to receive a high bandwidth content of said channel, or a high bandwidth permission is requested (S10) in case no high bandwidth permission exists.

Abstract: A method for trick play (fast forward, rewind, etc.) in video streams using adaptive bitrate HTTP delivery protocols includes playing only portions of a video at a current bitrate to achieve the initial trick play functionality. A new trick play bitrate is selected based on a trick play playout rate, the trick play bitrate for the duration of the trick play is retrieved, and operation is switched back to a previous bitrate when normal playback resumes. A system is also specified for implementing a client and server infrastructure in accordance with the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods process an input received from a remote control. A media stream is presented on a display, and the input from the remote control is received at a local device associated with the display. The local device may determine if the input is intended for the local device or a remote device. If the input is intended for the local device, the input may be processed at the local device. Various interface features, for example, may be managed at the local device. If the input is intended for the remote device, a signal may be transmitted from the local device to the remote device to thereby allow the remote device to respond to the input.

Abstract: A programming communication synchronizer embodiment communicates a portion of a program to a receiving device during a first time period, communicates a corresponding portion of the program to a mobile device during a second time period, and coordinates the first time period with the second time period so that the portion of the program is deliverable to a presentation device coupleable to the receiving device at approximately the same time the corresponding portion of the program is deliverable to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for interference-free, centrally controlled switchover from a first to a second program channel in a data transmission system for distributing encoded program data streams to multiple subscribers includes delivering at least two program data streams, each of which is associated with a separate program channel, to a separate, controllable encoder. The program data streams are encoded in the associated encoders. The encoded first and second program data streams are fed into a distribution network. One encoded program data stream is delivered through a routing device to at least one target subscriber. Control parameters are provisioned in a central control device which permits a synchronized activation of the controllable encoders and at least one switching device for interference-free switchover of the program channels. An interference-free switchover from the first to the second program channel is executed.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for canonical scheduling for heterogeneous content delivery. A content stream of bits is preprocessed by dividing the content stream of bits into data packets and assigning a timestamp to each data packet. The preprocessed content stream of bits is transmitted upon request from a receiver. A second timestamp based on the assigned timestamp from at least a portion of the respective data packets is established. The data packets are scheduled for transmission based on the second timestamp. The data packets are transmitted based on the schedule.

Abstract: A multimedia playback control apparatus and method for a mobile terminal are provided and include an apparatus and method for determining whether a fast forward (FF) command or a rewind (REW) command is input while replaying multimedia content, displaying, if a fast forward command or a rewind command is input, reference frames of the multimedia content, determining whether a release command is input while displaying the reference frames, and restarting the playback of the multimedia content from a playback position corresponding to an instant at which the release command is input.

Abstract: A method and system of providing media content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving media content from a content source at a set-top box device. The media content includes video data having a first playback rate and audio data having the first playback rate. The method further includes transforming the audio data via a non-linear transformation to produce modified audio data having a second playback rate, modifying the video data to produce modified video data having the second playback rate, and synchronizing the modified audio data and the modified video data to produce modified media content having the second playback rate. A network-based media content storage device and associated logic to provide adjusted rate audio content are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for providing program restart functionality in a digital video network involves receiving requests from different end-user devices to restart a program and servicing the program restart requests from the different end-user devices via a single broadcast stream. In an embodiment, program restart requests that are received within an established time interval, referred to as an aggregation interval, are serviced by the same broadcast stream. Additionally, during the aggregation interval and before the program restart begins, personalized content can be provided to the end-user devices via, for example, unicasting. Once the aggregation interval is over, all of the unicast streams are switched over to the same broadcast stream and the program broadcast is restarted. In an embodiment, a switch buffer is provided just before the restarted broadcast stream in order to ensure a smooth transition from each of the multiple unicast streams to the restarted broadcast stream.

Abstract: A method of processing a coded data stream of a current image on a receiving device, the data stream being organized into packets, comprises a step of detecting a lost packet. It further comprises: a step of estimating, prior to the decoding of the current image, an importance criterion of the lost packet, the importance criterion being determined from at least one decoded preceding image; and a step of requesting retransmission of the lost packet depending on said estimated importance criterion. Use in particular for improving the transmission of a video.

Abstract: A display configured to display a list of videos that can be reproduced on the terminal on a screen of the terminal, an input unit configured to select a specific video from the list of videos, and a controller configured to select a plurality of key frames from image frames of the specific video based on a predetermined selection criterion. Further, the display displays the plurality of key frames of the specific video.

Abstract: An interface for a multi-processor gateway apparatus and method for using the same. A user device communicates with a multi-processor gateway apparatus over a wired or wireless path. A first processor within the multi-processor gateway apparatus provides the user device a user interface. The user interface allows the user to select a function that is managed by one of the multiple processors. If the selected function is assigned to the first processor, the function is performed by the first. However, if the selected function is performed by one of the other processors, the first processor executes calls to an API layer associated with the processor assigned to perform the requested function. The requested function is performed by the processor to which it is assigned and the results reported to the first processor. The first processor then provides the results of the request to the user device via the path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aggregating the data for a plurality of individualized programs into a single channel, and allocating the channel bandwidth as-needed for provision of short video programs on an “on demand” basis, so that the total bandwidth required to provide the individualized channels and associated video clips is substantially reduced. Also provided is a real-time, single-user-targeted individualized advertising associated with the viewer selection that personalizes the user's iTV experience. The advertisements are targeted in real-time based on an immediate interest revealed by the user in a search request for content. Short duration videos are provided so as not to over-tax the individualized “on demand” channel's limited bandwidth.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for presenting a movie on demand over a network is described. According to one system and method, the network has one or more nodes, portions of a video being encoded as encoded portions each having sections, the sections for each encoded portion being distributed among segments, the segments being distributed among the one or more nodes; an apparatus including a network interface is coupled to the network; a control system is coupled to the network interface and configured to initiate a movie request and to communicate with a subset of the one or more nodes to receive a subset of the segments; and a decoder coupled to the network interface and configured to decode a subset of the sections so that less than all of the sections are used to play back the movie; and a presentation device coupled to the apparatus, the presentation device presenting the portions of the video. Each portion of the movie is played back, in its entirety, without using all of the sections of that portion.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering video content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes storing video data packets of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) channel at an access switch/router system that communicates with an IPTV access network. The method also includes receiving data at the access switch/router system indicating a selection of the IPTV channel from a set-top box device via the IPTV access network. Further, the method includes sending copies of the stored video data packets of the IPTV channel to the set-top box device via the IPTV access network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a playback apparatus, a method, and a program which can appropriately perform jump playback when content transmitted through a network is played back in real time. A terminal 3 receives stream data transmitted from a server 1, buffers the stream data, and plays back the buffered data. The terminal 3 has multiple buffers to allow content data of the positions of jump destinations that can be specified as a jump destination during jump playback to be pre-buffered in the multiple buffers. As a result, upon receiving a request for jump playback, the terminal 3 can start playback from a jump destination without delay, since the data of the jump destination has already been buffered. The present invention is applied to, for example, television receivers.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, can dynamically monitor the performance of media content rendering and adjust the rate as needed. This can involve obtaining media data, where a first type of dynamic data has a lower priority than a second type; identifying a target frame rate; monitoring a first amount of time used to process the first type of data and a second amount of time used to process the second type of data, including combining multiple first time measurements into the first amount of time and combining multiple second time measurements into the second amount of time; comparing a combination of the first amount of time and the second amount of time to the target frame rate; and modifying an allocation for processing the first type of dynamic data, if the combination fails to satisfy the target frame rate.