Abstract: Value-added information is created based on favorite information of a content user. The content is processed according to the generated value-added information. Favorite data indicating operations, such as fast-forward, pause, and rewind operations, performed while the content is being played back, and personal user information, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style, of the content user are transferred to a server via a network. The server performs statistical processing on the user favorite data to generate value-added information according to the attributes of the user, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style. Accordingly, the user is able to search for popular titles, play back only popular scenes, and skip uninteresting scenes by using a content playback apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for the management of common consumption of media in a media exchange network is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for control by a first user at a first location in a media exchange network of the simultaneous consumption of media content by other users at other locations in the media exchange network. The media content consumed may comprise audio, still pictures, video, and data. The first user may consume the media content simultaneous with the consumption of the other users, and the media content may be stored at the location of the first user, or at other locations in the media exchange network.

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

Abstract: A remote user interface transmits a digital media request through a communication link to a control which is coupled to a digital audio-visual playback device for selecting and playing a stored digital media by the playback device. The control receives the digital media request and transmits digital media selection and/or the selected digital media content directly to a selected playback device or indirectly to the selected playback device through a playback device server. The communication between the control and the playback device can be through a global communication network.

Abstract: A system for up-selling content during periods of likely viewer disinterest may include a content delivery network configured to provide media content and at least one choice of alternative content, a content viewing device, and a content processing device for interfacing the viewing device with the content delivery network. The content processing device may be configured to detect likely viewer disinterest in media content, prompt the selection of alternative content, and selectively replace the media content with the alternative content upon viewer selection. Additionally, methods for estimating a degree of likely viewer disinterest and discounting the offering price of the alternative content options are implemented by the system.

Abstract: A moving-picture distribution system, a moving-picture distribution apparatus and method, a recording mediums, and a program capable of distributing a picture having different qualities at the same time to a plurality of users specifying the different qualities are disclosed. The present disclosure can be applied to a moving-picture distribution system for distributing moving-picture data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content over network infrastructure are disclosed. In one embodiment, the network comprises a content-based (e.g., cable) network coupled to a radio or other service provider network, and a portion of the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. Mobile or other consumer devices (e.g., cellular telephones, PDAs, etc.) capable of accessing the service provider network are able to access the on-demand and related “trick mode” functionality of the content-based network, as well as make use of ancillary functions such as billing modules associated with the content network.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes receiving a selection of a channel at a set-top box device. In response to the selection of the channel, a still image associated with a program being transmitted via the selected channel is displayed at a display device. The method further includes receiving a multicast stream of video content associated with the selected channel at the set-top box device. At least a portion of the multicast stream is received while the still image is displayed at the display device. The method also includes transmitting the video content to the display device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and content have been developed for increasing the bandwidth available to a bandwidth-constrained medium for transmitting digital video content. The content that is to be transmitted is compressed in proportion to the desirability of the content. The desirability of the content is determined by obtaining human-factors data indicative of whether a selected item of content is highly desirable. A desirability score derived from the data is assigned to the content. The desirability score determines the compression level. Feedback systems change the level of compression as the desirability of the content changes with time.

Abstract: An automation server interfaces with broadcast scheduling systems of various types to automatically synchronize the behavior of interactive applications relative to various broadcast programs, such as television shows and commercials, so as to maintain the appropriate interactive application for whatever broadcast program is airing. This allows for television shows which have an associated interactive application, but which are segmented by commercials (which may have their own interactive applications) to have their interactive application displayed while the television show in on, but not during commercials, while maintaining any state information that has been created during execution of the interactive application. The automation server includes multiple channel interfaces, each having a translator and an event manager. The translator translates native control signals from the scheduling system into a fixed set of atomic commands which represent the lifecycle behavior of a broadcast program.

Abstract: Techniques are described that permit the flexible introduction of branding elements into or around video rendered by a media player. One or more sets of metadata related to the presentation of branding elements may be collected, and then one or more sets of the metadata may be selected based on business rules when the media player requests a particular piece of content. The selected metadata may indicate what branding element is to be displayed, and how it is to be displayed (e.g., position of element in video rendering window). The media player is then instructed based on the metadata to access and appropriately place the branding elements in or outside of the video rendering window (e.g., overlayed on top of the video content).

Abstract: An apparatus in a digital network receives digital packets, such as MPEG packets, included in at least one input transport stream and outputs a plurality of modulated output transport streams. The apparatus determines whether the input transport streams include packets that are for multicasting from a plurality of the modulators included within the apparatus. The apparatus also determines whether the input transport streams include unicast packets that are transmitted from only one of the output modulators of the apparatus. The apparatus identifies the unicast and multicast packets of the input transport streams and associates a modulator for each unicast packet. The associated modulator of a unicast packet is the particular modulator from which the packet is modulated and transmitted. The apparatus also associates a plurality of modulators with each multicast packet, wherein the associated plurality of modulators are the modulators from which the multicast packet is transmitted.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of managing and deploying Internet protocol television (IPTV) services. The method includes a service product offer management and deployment system. The method further includes a service product ordering subsystem to receive and process a service product order in response to service product offer. The service product order identifies a particular communication service subscriber, a service area, a service control group, a service product attribute, a facility deployment component, and a set of permitted end user device types. The method also includes a service delivery platform subsystem coupled to the service product ordering subsystem. Further, the method includes an Internet protocol television deployment subsystem coupled to the service delivery platform. The Internet protocol television deployment subsystem includes a plurality of video content packages.

Abstract: A method for providing video content in a video conference includes sending, by a conference terminal, a video content access request to a video conference system, controlling a VOD proxy server to obtain video streams from a streaming media application system and providing the video streams to the video conference system. A method for providing video content for a video conference and a VOD proxy server, a video conference system and an integrated videoconferencing service system thereof are also provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the video content in the course of a video conference is no longer subjected to the type of video sources coupled to the conference terminal. The conference terminal may introduce various video contents supported by the streaming media application system into the video conference. Accordingly, auxiliary functions of the video conference are enriched.

Abstract: An integrated group of systems, processes, and controls that enable real-time/near real-time media (video and audio) enhancement and capabilities in a gaming environment. Media from a variety of sources may be streamed or pushed to either individual gaming terminal devices, a group of these devices, or an entire network of such units. Additional system functionality allows for two-way interactive visual and audio communications between gaming terminal users/operators and call center personnel as well as providing a standard interface to interact with existing retail sales-oriented equipment that may exist at the installation location.

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 for providing video on demand service from an Application Service Provider (“ASP”) to a user over a Regional/Access Network (“RAN”) are provided. A request for a video on demand application flow may be received from the user. In response to the request, information may be obtained from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the user's Customer Premises Equipment (“CPE”). A profile may then be forwarded from the ASP to the RAN that specifies at least one policy regarding the transmission of data associated with the video on demand application flow across the RAN. The data associated with the video on demand application flow may then be forwarded across the RAN in accordance with the profile. The RAN may also be provided a default profile that specifies default policies that apply with respect to video on demand application flows that are transmitted across the RAN prior to obtaining information from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the CPE of any specific user.

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 client device selectively receives broadcast data according to any one of multiple data configurations. A broadcast data server enables broadcast of multiple data configurations by maintaining configuration definitions that define how broadcast data may be configured for presentation to a viewer. The broadcast data server also maintains region definitions that identify regions that may be associated with client devices for receiving broadcast data. The configuration definitions are mapped to region definitions, enabling a client device associated with a particular region to selectively receive broadcast data according to any one of multiple data configurations that are associated with the particular region.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating video content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes communicating a selection of a channel from a set-top box device to at least one server of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system. The method also includes receiving a still image associated with a program of the selected channel and receiving data related to the selected channel at the set-top box device. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the still image and the data related to the selected channel to a display device. Further, the method includes receiving a multicast stream of video content of the selected channel at the set-top box device and transmitting the video content to the display device, in response to a selection of an accept channel command.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing remote set-top box access functions in an Internet browser extension based on advertisement metadata is disclosed. A meta-data tag associated with an advertisement embedded on a currently viewed web page is scanned. It is determined that the meta-data tag is related to entertainment content. A media manipulation action for the entertainment content is determined. A notification that the media manipulation action is available for the entertainment content is displayed. Controls to store the media manipulation action on a user account are provided, and the manipulation action is stored to the user account.

Abstract: A collaborative information system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a media file distribution system and method. An asset management and delivery system and method for the distribution of digital files and data is provided. There are two major functions, with sub-functions within each. The system first serves as a fully automated management system for a company involved in video/file distribution, such as in video on demand (VOD) or other digital file industries. The system can ingest, prepare, schedule, transmit, track and report on any aspect of the business chain. Secondly, it also serves as a product for both content providers and recipients to be able to view, manage and run their entire content offering remotely from anywhere through the Internet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sending commands to a VOD server, e.g. using RTSP, which is local to the client, said commands comprising a reference to the relative current position. The current relative position is maintained by the receiver on the basis of PTS received in the MPEG stream, without sending a request to the server or relying on the existence of a descriptor in the stream that can be used to deal with jumps in PTS included in the stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described comprising detecting a playback operation, determining a target playback point for the playback operation and detecting a sub-clip type into which the target playback point falls. The method and apparatus also receive a streamed leading sub-clip, determine a set of needed sub-clips, locate one of the set of needed sub-clips and download the located sub-clip.

Abstract: A central server having a computer readable storage media for storing multimedia material, such as motion pictures and television programming, in digital format is connected to a communications network such as the Internet. Exhibitors, such as theaters and television stations, can access the central server, preview available programming, verify the ownership of such material, review contract provisions for obtaining and paying for the desired programming, and download the programming along with marketing materials for the program or movie. The central server loads material onto the storage media as it is received from producers and owners of such material. In addition, central server retains data regarding requests for material, such as titles requested, who requested such, and where the requesters are located geographically. This information can be used to help producers market their material more economically.

Abstract: A method for providing media to a user via an interactive media services client device coupled to a programmable media services server device includes receiving user input requesting on-screen comments to be provided with a media presentation and providing the user with a media presentation along with comments related to the media presentation.

Abstract: A request for content associated with a particular channel is received from a client device. A system identifies service information data associated with the channel. The system then determines how content associated with the channel will be provided to the client device. Instructions are sent to the client device that notify the client device how to access content associated with the channel.

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: The playback of contents in the course of progressive download is stopped depending on the information of the contents and network environments. Also, contents in the course of the playback of progressive download cannot be fast forwarded. When progressive download is indicated, a contents receiving terminal dynamically allocates resources (bus band, CPU, etc.) used in other stream processing within the receiving terminal and fast downloads a portion not downloaded to avoid the interruption of playing contents. Furthermore, the receiving terminal transmits a required communication band to a home gateway, which performs band control with other communications within a home network to allocate a maximum allocatable communication band to the contents receiving terminal.

Abstract: An audio-visual content service provider (200) processor (201) receives (102) an end user (203) selection of at least one particular Internet media content channel via an audio-visual content service provider-end user interface. The audio-visual content service provider then provides (103) on-demand access to this at least one particular Internet media content channel to this end user as a selectable viewing channel along with other televised audio-visual content channels. By one approach, the audio-visual content service provider can receive the described end user selection via a browser-based interface.

Abstract: In an image distribution system which distributes an electronically recorded image to a client terminal through a server, when a high-resolution image of a desired image requested from the client terminal is produced using a single image or plural images recorded in an image recording unit in a high-resolution processing unit on the side of the server, a desired parameter in parameters which can be specified by the client terminal is transmitted from the client terminal to the server, the parameters including a part of or all items of quality parameter for setting the image quality of the produced image for the desired image. On the side of the server, the high-resolution image whose image quality is controlled by the quality parameter is produced and distributed to the client terminal.

Abstract: An on-demand system is provided that includes a plurality of content storage nodes each having a content server on which reside media assets available to subscribers upon request. The system also includes at least one edge node in communication with the plurality of content storage nodes over a packet-switched network. The edge node is configured to provide on-demand services to the subscribers over an access network. A content management agent is associated with the edge node. The content management agent is configured to coordinate delivery to the edge node of any missing pieces of a media asset streamed to the edge node in response to a subscriber request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing media channel services are disclosed. A method includes provisioning an Internet-Protocol (IP)-enabled media channel in response to a request to create a media channel account, which includes creating an account record for the media channel account, assigning a media device identifier to the account record, assigning a network address to the IP-based media channel, and storing the network address in the account record. The method also includes populating a storage system with editable and non-editable content. The editable content is received and controlled by a user of the media channel account via a media device, and the non-editable content is controlled by a network media services application. The method further includes creating and presenting a media channel page that includes the editable and non-editable content in response to a request by the user to initiate a session for the channel.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred content. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The invention provides objects called a capture requests that are sent by the service to client systems. Capture requests reflect local storage management decisions about how the client system storage is partitioned.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multilevel information about video-on-demand services. The method comprises the steps of generating a display, on a computer display screen, of a tree having a plurality of nodes; and embedding in the nodes information about video-on-demand services. Preferably information is embedded in these nodes in the form of matrices. A wide range of information about the video-on-demand service may be embedded in the display. For instance, information may be embedded about usage patterns between the supplier of the video services and the consumer, a list of users, user statistics, satisfaction rates, failure rates, failure causes, rates of view to completion, cost monitor information, customer payment information, menus of videos, charge variations, special features and offers, user age, user education, geography, and any combination of the above.

Abstract: A method of aggregating video content receives video content data related to video content, evaluates and aggregates this information, and subsequently forwards the aggregated information to a viewing client where it can be viewed by a user. In one embodiment, the video content data contains a Universal Resource Indicator (URI) that specifies to the viewing client the location of the video content.

Abstract: A nonlinear broadcast system with improved entire resource utilization efficiency gives priority to securing hardware resources for broadcast, for preventing broadcast accidents. A hardware resource management unit determines resource allocation at reproduction start time and reproduction end time of each video data, based on a time schedule of an editing list in a HDD for reproducing plurality of video data. A hardware resource amount such as bandwidth for access to the hard disc is made varied to minimize an allocation amount to each video data. Suppose one video data transfer from the HDD for reproduction requires bandwidth 60 Mbps. In a duration where one video data is reproduced, bandwidth 60 Mpbs is secured, while in a duration where two video data are mixed and reproduced, bandwidth 120 Mbps is secured. To background processing such as network material transfer, allocation is performed by fully utilizing the remaining hardware resource after the allocation for reproduction.

Abstract: Even when the content recording and transmitting device receives requests from content receiving and reproducing devices, the content processing device including a device contention resolving manager for resolving a device contention can resolve a contention between the content receiving and reproducing devices for the devices required for the processing to be executed according to the requests. The device contention resolving manager includes: a priority level setting unit holding base priority levels of the content receiving and reproducing devices; a priority level revision processing unit deriving the priority levels corresponding to the requests; and a device contention resolving processing unit which one of the requests to be a request to be accepted, according to a priority order of the requests assigned with the priority levels, and reproduces or transmits a content according to the determined request by using the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for streaming from a distributed storage system. One method comprising the steps of receiving a content to be streamed or progressively downloaded; striping the content into small content fragments; distributing the content fragments to storage-and-computing elements according to a fragment distribution information prior to retrieving the content fragments from the storage-and-computing elements; obtaining the fragment distribution information by a retrieving storage-and-computing element; utilizing the fragment distribution information for determining from which of the storage-and-computing elements to retrieve, and retrieving the content fragments from the determined storage-and-computing elements so as to enable approximately instantaneous playing of the streaming content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a first data stream at a computer, and the first data stream includes packets of data packetized according to a packet protocol. The first data stream is segmented into segments according to a set of subscriber-specified rules stored in memory. A subscriber to a subscription service specifies the set of subscriber-specified rules, and the set of subscriber-specified rules specifies how electronic data is formatted for the subscriber. At least one segment is dispersed via a network for a subsequent processing service. A result of the processing service is received. A second data stream is assembled, and the second data stream includes at least one of i) the result of the processing service and ii) another segment. The second data stream is then communicated via the network.

Abstract: A compact signal coding method and apparatus including obtaining cumulative probabilities for successive quantized samples of a signal, determine the direct probability for the leading one of the successive quantized samples, and encode the quantized sample based at least in part on the determined direct probability.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a request for electronic data, and the request for electronic data originating from a client communications device. The availability of network routing is assessed in real-time to fulfill the request. The availability of network bandwidth is assessed in real-time to fulfill the request. A preferred scenario of segmentation, dispersion, and assemblage of electronic data is ascertained to fulfill the request. Electronic data fulfilling the request is communicated to the client communications device, with the electronic data formatted according to the preferred scenario.

Abstract: A content receiving client device has a metadata obtaining unit, a message generating unit, and a message sending unit. The metadata obtaining unit obtains metadata including information used to generate an invite message for prompting establishment of a session for receiving content from a content distribution server. The message generating unit generates, based on the metadata, the invite message. The invite message includes a destination address field storing location information specifying a location of the content. The invite message further includes a body field storing information used to establish the session. The message sending unit sends the invite message to a session control server that controls the session.

Abstract: A system and method support the exchange of media between friends, family members, and 3rd party media providers over a closed and secure media exchange network. The media may include, for example, digital video, digital audio, digital images, digital data, or any form of digital information.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Abstract: Provided are a video on demand (VOD) service method, a VOD receiver, and a VOD server. The VOD service method includes downloading a first content from a VOD server in a download-and-play mode, receiving feedback information from a client terminal during buffering the first content in order to reproduce the first content, and transmitting the feedback information to the VOD server.

Abstract: A hosting system and method are provided for sharing, analysis, and review of videos, to include sport videos and data concerning athletes and teams. The system can be used for many purposes to include athlete education, recruiting of players, scouting of teams, and coaching analysis. The system is web based where a central server or computer links to a website that is accessible to authorized users over a communications network such as the internet. Data is uploaded to the central server from the various remote users, and the data is selectively edited and shared among the authorized users.

Abstract: An on-demand system (e.g., a video on-demand system) includes a central network node on which reside media assets or programming available to subscribers upon request. A plurality of edge nodes is in communication with the central network node and with one another over a at least one packet-switched network. Each of the edge nodes includes at least one video on-demand server on which a subset of the available media assets reside. Each of the edge nodes is configured to provide on-demand services to subscribers in different geographic regions. The edge node also includes a content management agent for coordinating delivery of locally unavailable media assets from others of the edge nodes using a peer-to-peer file transfer protocol.

Abstract: A system providing search functionality supporting the exchange and consumption of media is disclosed. The searching of media on storage belonging to any of a pre-defined group of users of a personal media network is provided. In addition, media stored on designated servers may also be included in a search. The media stored may include audio, still images, video, and data. A user may search the stored media using a number of criteria including the time period of the media, the type of device, and the type of media. The system also provides support for the search of one or more media peripherals, which may be searched when the media peripherals are communicatively coupled to the system.