Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media content processor having a controller adapted to detect an event associated with recorded media content derived from one among a plurality of media content sources, select a communication device of a subscriber of the media content processor, retrieve a portion of the recorded media content, generate a notice describing the event, and transmit the notice with the portion of the recorded media content to the communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to store a policy specifying at least one rule relating to recording, storage or delivery of broadcast programming to a consumer of such programming, and to record, store or deliver broadcast programming in response to at least one of the rules in the policy. According to another example embodiment, a method and system provide for a subscriber requesting that at least one broadcast television program be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and further that the at least one program offered to the subscriber for saving is determined based on a policy established for the at least program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving power in a receiver includes a power savings mode selector for enabling a user input power savings mode or an automatic power savings mode based on detected battery life. When in power savings mode, a lower resolution time-advanced stream is selected and processed. The normal stream (generally at a higher resolution) is not decoded thereby requiring less power at the receiver decoder.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing closed captions for live streams are disclosed. For example, a media server may receive closed captioning data associated with a live video stream, where the closed captioning data is represented in a first format. The media server may convert the closed captioning data from the first format to a platform-independent format and convert the closed captioning data from the platform-independent format to a second format. The media server may transmit the closed captioning data in the second format to a destination device.

Abstract: A system and method for improving media delivery and display. By utilizing a memory buffer in a DVR or similar device, and broadcasting linear content at a rate other than 1×, services like video on demand or regular broadcasters can be more versatile. For example viewers can start over without launching a separate VOD session. If part of the linear content requested is not in the buffer, a switched multicast stream can be sent to with the proper section of content. Other receivers on the network may also receive the stream and buffer the content if the content is related to what a viewer is viewing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing closed captions are disclosed. For example, a media server may receive a first video stream and first closed caption data associated with the first video stream. The media server may interpret at least one command included in the first closed caption data to generate interpreted closed caption data. The media server may transmit, to a destination device, a second video stream including second closed caption data that is generated based on the interpreted closed caption data.

Abstract: Provided is a content converting method and system. The content converting method and system may extract web content elements from collected web contents, may extract domain elements from a web page including the web contents, may match the extracted elements with broadcast content elements and thus, may enable the web contents to be played in a broadcast receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Services and service components in a broadcast network may be mapped to disparate physical layer transmission channels (PLPs) using logical layer pipes (LLPs). The use of LLPs allows different service components of a single service to be mapped to physical layer transmission channels (PLPs). Accordingly, service components may be shared among different services. Additionally or alternatively, different functions (e.g., different error detection or correction protocols) may be applied to each service components of a service. A receiver may identify services, service components and corresponding PLPs based on LLP identifiers. The receiver may then access and receive desired services and service components through the identified PLPs.

Abstract: A request is sent from a client device to a host device hosting an application. A display associated with execution of the application on the host device may include a video portion and one or more non-video portions. Information may be sent from the host device to the client device over the communication network. Such information may include display information for the video portion as described by raster data and information for the non-video portions as described by vector data. Such information may be used by the client device to generate a display corresponding to the host display. The video portion of the client display may be based on the raster data, and the non-video portions of the client display may be based on the vector data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring video streams currently being displayed at a customer premises of an Internet Protocol television network. A plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams each currently being displayed by a respective one of a plurality of set-top box devices located at a customer premises and a universal resource locator being accessed at the customer premises are identified. The plurality of Internet Protocol television video streams currently being displayed by the respective set-top box devices are displayed together with the universal resource locator on a display device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffering server transfers a dynamic burst transfer of data encoded using an inter-coded compression technique. The dynamic burst transfer is timed so that an initial transfer rate is reduced to a remaining transfer rate at the same time or before a decoding endpoint joins a corresponding data stream. The decoding endpoint merges the video stream and the dynamic burst transfer to decode and quickly reconstruct a displayable video frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unified management method system for channel service as well as service on demand of stream media, which belong to the management technology of stream media service. The method comprises: receiving, by a service processing unit, an instruction of creating a channel, obtaining channel resource required by a channel service from a stream media service unit according to the instruction of creating a channel, and performing control interaction on the stream media service unit where the channel resource is located; receiving, by a service processing unit, an RTSP request, obtaining resource on demand required by a service on demand according to the RTSP request, and performing control interaction on a stream media service unit where the resource on demand is located, thereby realizing unified resource management of channel service and service on demand.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering interactive program guides includes encoding a plurality of different user interface screens of an interactive application into a series of short video segments. The video segments have associated metadata files that uniquely describe each segment, wherein the segment metadata enables the ingestion of the video segments via an asset distribution and management system into a video-on-demand server and facilitates their subsequent identification by the video-on-demand server. As viewers interact with the application, their input device key presses are processed and delivered to a mapping server that utilizes the data in a configuration file to instruct the video-on-demand server to splice the appropriate interactive application user interface digital video segment into the video stream being displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A broadcast system and method for allocating its resources includes a broadcast operation channel management system forming a database having broadcast system data from a bit rate allocation for a transponder of a satellite and a guide channel definition. The broadcast operation channel management system generates a user interface that displays a least a portion of the broadcast system data on a display. The broadcast system data is modified through the user interface.

Abstract: A moving image reproducing apparatus which receives moving image data transmitted through a network and reproduces the moving image data includes an analysis unit adapted to analyze first moving image data stored in a storage unit and additional information of the first moving image data, a determination unit adapted to determine a storage destination on the network which is configured to acquire second moving image data following the first moving image data on the basis of the analysis result on the additional information, an acquisition unit adapted to acquire the second moving image data from the storage destination of the second moving image data, and a reproducing unit adapted to reproduce the second moving image data acquired by the acquisition unit concurrently with finishing reproduction of the first moving image data.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to present bandwidth adjustments options for customer premises equipment comprising the set top box where the bandwidth adjustments options include a bandwidth limit for the customer premises equipment, receive a selection of the bandwidth adjustments options, and transmit the selection of the bandwidth adjustments options to a network device for adjusting the bandwidth limit for the customer premises equipment. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline.

Abstract: A distribution system 100 includes a transmission device 110 and a reception device 120. The transmission device transmits content data coded with a certain code rate to the reception device. The reception device, while receiving the content data transmitted by the transmission device, stores received data into a storage device and also reproduces content based on the stored data. The distribution system determines a code rate based on a remaining time before reproduction start time from a present moment and an available reproduction time, which is a time available for reproduction of the content based on the stored data. The transmission device changes the code rate of the content data to be transmitted to the determined code rate. The reception device starts reproduction of the content at the reproduction start point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for providing live television and video-on demand content to a plurality of content viewers' devices, the content viewers' devices having a plurality of disparate content viewing applications thereon. A content provider uploads content to a content server and the content server delivers that content in a streaming format upon request to the user devices. In order to upload the content, the content providers access a web page hosted by the content server with a plurality of encoders embedded into the web page. The content providers use the embedded encoders to convert the content into a plurality of streaming formats and upload the content to the content server in the streaming formats. This significantly speeds up the transfer of content to the content server, ensures that the content is made available to the user devices earlier, and obviates the need for additional expensive equipment at the content server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: A system is configured to receive a request to establish a session with a set top box device executing an application; obtaining a profile that identifies usage patterns of resources associated with the device; obtain another profile that identifies a first quantity of the resources to be used by the application; identify a second quantity of the resources to be allocated for executing the application based on the profile and other profile; receive information that identifies a third quantity of the resources used, by the application, during the session; transmit a notification indicating that a condition is associated with the application when the third quantity of the resources is greater than the second quantity of the resources; and transmit another notification indicating that a condition is not associated with the application when the third quantity of the resources is not greater than the second quantity of the resources.

Abstract: A networked personal video recording (“PVR”) system couples a plurality of clients to one or more PVR media servers over a network. One or more PVR media servers include television tuners to tune television signals. A storage medium buffers the television signals to implement PVR functionality. For example, the PVR media server records television programs for clients. Clients are assigned to television tuners, and the clients display television programs received at the assigned tuner. The network transfers the buffered television signals to the clients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to distribution of intelligence across a network are described. In one embodiment, one or more content processors may be provided at the edge of a computer network (e.g., prior to a point where data is aggregated or routed by the network). Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving closed captioning data at a computing device. The closed captioning data is associated with a video on demand asset and is represented in a first format. The method also includes, during a single video on demand streaming session, converting the closed captioning data from the first format to a platform-independent format and converting the closed captioning data from the platform-independent format to a second format. The method further includes transmitting, during the single video on demand streaming session, the closed captioning data in the second format to a destination device.

Abstract: A video server to transmit a plurality of video information, set to a the decode processing mode, the decode processing mode including a combination of allocation, a decoding method, and a buffering method, an allocation indicating which read port of a storage the designated content is output from, the decoding method being for a plurality of decoders, the buffering method being for a plurality of output buffers, the decoding method and the buffering method being based on each of the output modes, and to output a control signal with reference to an identification information depending on the set connection pattern and the set decode processing mode so that connection between an output interface port and an allocated read port is established, the control signal setting the destination of each of the selectors.

Abstract: A method of initializing, provisioning, and managing a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device includes, prior to receiving the configuration file for the cable modem, providing an equipment identification message containing a description of the customer premise equipment device connected to the cable modem. In the case where the cable modem has yet to be provisioned, the configuration file received from the network server is a particular access-limiting configuration file that is selected from a group of access-limiting configuration files. The selection of the particular access-limiting configuration file is based on the description of the customer premise equipment device in the equipment identification message. This allows different devices to have different network restrictions or different walled gardens.

Abstract: Display of a webpage or similar file may require content from a remote source (i.e., content stored in a memory not associated with the device on which the webpage is being displayed). In cases where that remote content is unavailable or unusually slow in being provided, or the display system is unable to display the remote content (e.g., required features are disabled or not present), secondary local content provided with the webpage file may be displayed in its place. Upon requesting the remote content a timer is started. If the remote content is not available by the expiration of the timer, the secondary local content is displayed in its place. The secondary local content may be of similar type to the remote content, e.g., targeted merchandising, as determined by the webpage author.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a memory coupled to a processor. The processor can be operable to receive a request for promotional information responsive to a media processor detecting a promotional tag in a media program stream and transmit to the media processor promotional information associated with a promotion responsive to a determination that a promotional offer is available. The processor can also be operable to receive from the media processor a request for redeemable material associated with the promotion and store the redeemable material in a portion of a database associated with a user of the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An enhanced television service provides a shared folder over a television network, such as a fiber optic network. Users, the service provider, or trusted sources, share use of a program folder via television. A user recommends content, such as a program listing, to other geographically dispersed subscribers, by sending the content to the subscribers' shared folder. Users may create a personal content guide for use instead of a standard program guide that contains identical listings for all subscribers. The shared folder may consist of programs from a variety of channels as well as other content and may be populated by trusted sources in remote locations. Users may search for content that matches search criteria and may delete or edit listings from the shared folder. The contents of the folder may not only include program listings, but also other content such as movies, television shows, web sites, photos, home videos, etc.

Abstract: A method performed by a video provisioning system may include receiving metadata associated with a video asset; storing the metadata in a catalog of video assets available through the video provisioning system; publishing information from the stored metadata to a first device associated with a video assets store front for set top boxes; and publishing information from the stored metadata to a second device associated with a video assets store front for devices other than set top boxes. A method may further include registering a user device with a user profile; identifying a media manager application for the user device that is configured to play video assets available via the video provisioning system on the user device; providing the media manager application to the user device; and synchronizing settings associated with the media manager application with settings associated with another user device registered with the user profile.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering video on demand (VOD) content via peer-to-peer (P2P) techniques are provided. A VOD distribution service maintains associations of viewers that have specific VOD content. As new viewers, which lack the specific VOD content, make requests for the specific VOD content from the VOD distribution service, the VOD distribution service identifies a P2P viewer from which the specific VOD content may be acquired via a P2P transaction.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of providing video to attendees of a live concert. Video of different views of the live concert is captured. A plurality of video streams are provided to attendees of the live concert while the live concert is occurring. The plurality of digital video streams enable an attendee of the live concert to select which of the plurality of digital video streams to view using a portable digital device associated with that attendee such that the attendee may choose from among the different views of the live concert.

Abstract: A multicasting system includes a delivery server for multicasting a content via at least one upper router and a plurality of lower routers, a plurality of client devices for playing the content multicast by the delivery server, an upper router controller for controlling the upper router and a lower router controller for controlling the plurality of lower routers. The client device includes a play history storage unit, an individual storage unit, a content retrieving unit, and a content playing unit. The delivery server includes a master storage unit, an optimizer optimizing the identifier and the session information of the content stored on the individual storage unit, and a content delivery unit. The upper router controller includes a session information retrieving unit, a book scheduling unit, and a schedule information notifier.

Abstract: A method includes receiving closed captioning data at a computing device. The closed captioning data is associated with a video on demand asset and is represented in a first format. The method also includes converting the closed captioning data from the first format to a platform-independent format and converting the closed captioning data from the platform-independent format to a second format. The method further includes transmitting the closed captioning data in the second format to a destination device.

Abstract: A system and method to create integrated reactions video that include one or more reactions presented in a synchronized manner with the original message video. The reaction and the original video are presented as complete package. In this manner, there is no need to search for and watch reaction videos individually. Additionally, because the original video is watched in synch with the reaction video, it is evident what portions of the original video are creating each specific reaction.

Abstract: There is disclosed in aspects of the invention a method of evaluating the profit of a substream of encoded video data, a method of operating servers, a network and an apparatus. In the method, a data portion is identified comprising at least some of the data in the substream being evaluated; comparing a decoded version of the video with the data portion present and a decoded version of the video with the data portion removed and calculating an error metric indicative of the distortion between the two versions; and, calculating a profit for the substream dependent upon the error metric.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for rule-based dynamic server-side streaming manifest files. There is provided a method comprising receiving a request to provide a first video content for playback, evaluating a plurality of rules for the first video content, generating a dynamic manifest file referencing the first video content, and providing the dynamic manifest file in response to the request, thereby enabling an application to playback the first video content for output on a display by interpreting the dynamic manifest file. The rules may implement various features such as dynamic advertisement insertion, load balancing, client customization, user and device targeting, enhanced security mechanisms, global announcements, and others. As streaming protocols are widely supported by default on many client platforms, the dynamic manifest files can be utilized in a user friendly and transparent manner compared to client-side solutions requiring cumbersome client software installations.

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 method and apparatus for enabling registered users to select and purchase video sessions from a network to be viewed from any video display devices connected to the network are disclosed. Specifically, these purchased video sessions can be stored within the network and accessed from any viewable display device connected to any video endpoint device at any time upon the users' request. In one embodiment, the stored video sessions can be downloaded and recorded onto a recording medium for future use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mechanisms for content-aware redirection and content exchange/content discovery that permit a request for content to be redirected to a particular advantageous server that can serve the content.

Abstract: A terminal for decoding and presenting encoded realtime and non-realtime interactive program guide (IPG) content including a realtime video portion and a non-realtime guide graphics portion. The terminal includes a demodulator operative to receive and demodulate a modulated signal to provide a transport stream, and a transport demultiplexer coupled to the demodulator and operative to receive and process the transport stream to provide a sequence of transport packets re-timestamped to synchronize encoded realtime content and encoded non-realtime content included therein. At least one video decoder is coupled to the transport demultiplexer and operative to receive and decode the encoded realtime and non-realtime contents to recover the realtime and non-realtime contents for the user interface.

Abstract: An alternative system and method for charging to provide audio visual services typically made available by providers, namely DVR services, rDVR services, on-demand services, broadcast and switch video television services, and pay-per-view services, for example. A customer/user may be enabled to access certain services from a provider in exchange for viewing one or more commercials, advertisements, overlays, watermarks, logos, or the like, preferably in real time, before, during, or following viewing an audio visual work provided in accordance with the services.

Abstract: When the user initiates the retrieval of the primary content information item by means of entering a user input into the data processing system, e.g. zapping a digital TV that switches channels upon receipt of the user input, he/she has to wait a noticeable time before the rendering and play-out of the primary content information item actually starts. The length of the delay is predicted, on the basis of which one or more secondary content items are rendered and played out to the user during this delay. The invention can also be used for bridging the waiting time in an online ordering system, when loading a program on a personal computer, and in an IMS-based IPTV network.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for input queued content switching using a playlist. A retrieval sequence is generated using a plurality of content requests based on content location information. A first portion of content is requested to be queued at a first content source, and a second portion of content is requested to be queued at a second content source. A content stream of the first portion and the second portion of content is generated using the retrieval sequence. The generating includes selecting the first portion of content from a queue associated with the first content source and transferring the first portion of content to an output buffer, then terminating transfer of the first portion of content and initiating transfer of the second portion of content from a queue associated with the second content source. The portion of content in the output buffer is transmitted to a client device.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a request (R_act) sent by a terminal equipment (STB) for control of a data stream (FL0) broadcast by a source (HE) in a telecommunications network. The method comprises: on reception of a request to control a data stream sent by a terminal equipment (STB), a step of obtaining info cation representing a current data stream control capacity for a plurality (11) of broadcast servers; a step of selecting, with the aid of the above information, a server (NTSSk0) from said plurality of servers able to control said data stream (FL0) broadcast by the source, a step of sending a request to capture this data stream to the selected server if it is not already capturing the data stream for at least one other terminal equipment; and a step of redirecting the control request to the selected server.

Abstract: A job processing system has first to third servers. The first server has a job generation program for generating jobs as requested. The second server has a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for use in processing each job generated by the first server, a management table for managing job management information on each job by assigning a unique ID to each job, and a queue control program for registering job management information in the management table, referring to the management table, and registering the file for and attribute information on each job in the storage device. The third server has one or more job processing programs for processing jobs acquired from the second server, batch control program for acquiring jobs from the second server and issuing responses concerning the processed jobs, and a storage device for storing attribute information on and a file for each job acquired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi picture searching service providing system. The multi picture searching service providing system includes a head end transmitting a multi moving picture including plural moving pictures, moving picture-related data for each of the moving pictures, and multi moving picture configuration information for each of the moving pictures, and a user terminal receiving the multi moving picture, the moving picture-related data, and the multi moving picture configuration information and provides a user with a moving picture searching view, which is created by editing the plural moving pictures and the moving picture-related data, according to predetermined searching view generation information and the multi moving picture configuration information.

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.