Abstract: A user can create a video segment or employ an existing video segment, upload the segment to a server, indicate an advertisement to be associated with the video, and then send it to a recipient over a computer network. The user provides an indication that one or more particular video segments and advertisements are to be shared over the network. An identifier for the video segment is automatically created and the segment and the identifier are automatically uploaded to a host computer over the network such as the Internet. The video segment, the identifier (optionally with other identifying material such as an identity of the sender, and an advertisement selected by the sender can be stored at the direction of the host computer.

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: A network system includes a connectivity services network (CSN), a plurality of access service network gateways, a plurality of base stations, an orchestration device, executing a lifecycle quality-of-experience model for video-on-demand flows, receiving content from the CSN, and a plurality of subscriber stations in communication with the orchestration device through a base station and/or gateway, wherein the orchestration device continuously tracks past service and usage for each of the subscriber stations and predicts future channel conditions and load to determine, periodically or when triggered by critical events, many-to-one assignments from subscriber stations to base stations and allocation of base station resources to subscriber stations assigned to it.

Abstract: A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.

Abstract: A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network. The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video segment, and communicates the identification tag to another computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video segment to a destination computer on the network.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.

Abstract: A method of providing video on demand to a set-top box includes sending playing parameters of a video file to a video on demand server, and receiving information of the video file and predetermined quality of service parameters of the set-top box. The method further includes receiving updated quality of service parameters input by a user, and sending the updated quality of service parameters to a worldwide interoperability for microwave access client module of the set-top box, and sending the updated quality of service parameters to a worldwide interoperability for microwave access base station. The method also includes sending a playback instruction to the video on demand server, and receiving video streaming data of the video file based on the updated quality of service parameters from the video on demand server.

Abstract: A Dynamic Video Source Selection (DVSS) component that can be implemented in a physical or virtual STB that is capable of presenting a high quality service and consistent navigational paradigm to the viewer, while detecting, selecting, and presenting the best quality programming possible based upon the current position of the viewer's device within the network.

Abstract: A method for processing media content requests includes receiving, at a multimedia distribution computing device, a request for a media stream to be provided to a media device. The method includes determining, at the multimedia distribution computing device, whether media content of the media stream is for time-shifted viewing. The method includes sending a unicast transmission including at least a portion of the media content to the media device when the media content is not determined to be for time-shifted viewing. The method includes joining the media device to a multicast group associated with the media stream without sending the unicast transmission to the media device when the media content is determined to be for time-shifted viewing.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g.

Abstract: A web-based subscription service PVR system. An Internet server maintains, for each subscriber, the subscriber's aggregated content including digital rights management (DRM) rules for each piece of content as defined by the content provider. Pointers to requested content are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are methods for selecting, out of a lineup of IPTV channels, a subset of channels for caching. The methods take into account viewers' tendency to walk through the channels that lie between their current channel and their desired channel if that walking distance is short, and, alternatively, viewers' tendency to jump to a distant channel. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include any channel selection method which selects for caching any number of channels less than the entire lineup, and where at least two of those channels form a segment of adjacent channels. Other embodiments include methods which rely upon specific extrinsic data, e.g., IGMP and EPG information, for selecting a subset of channels to be cached.

Abstract: A system for pulling video content over a data communications network. The system comprises at least one video display, at least one video file server containing a number of video files to be selectively displayed on the at least one video display, at least one media server to communicate with one or more video displays, a web client to communicate with each media server through a network to configure at least one playlist in the media server, each playlist including at least one identifier to select one or more of the number of video files, and each media server being adapted to pull video content from a selected video file in a selected video file server based on the playlist and to translate the pulled video content into a video output signal suitable for display on the video display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a switched digital video (SDV) client to intelligently generate and transmit reverse request in a SDV system. In this manner, reverse channel traffic is reduced. During rapid channel changes using the up and down keys on a remote control, the SDV client waits a predetermined amount of time before generating a reverse request that is subsequently transmitted upstream to a headend server. By way of example, changing broadcasted channels quickly will not generate a reverse request until the predetermined amount of time is over. In the event that a changed channel is an SDV session, a program select request is immediately generated in order to begin receiving the SDV session.

Abstract: To enable a user to rapidly scan to a desired frame of a video, multiple recordings of the video are provided, each at progressively better resolution. When the user is scanning for a frame, the lowest resolution recording is used to provide the display; when the user arrives at a desired frame, the higher resolution recordings are used. A subsequent user selection of a different frame causes the display of the higher resolution images to be interrupted, and the lowest resolution recording is used to provide an image corresponding to the different frame. The lesser resolution recordings may include a reduction in either spatial or temporal resolution, or both, and may include ‘motion blur’ that provides a visually ‘smoother’ continuous scan. Each higher resolution frame replaces the lower resolution frame that is displayed while waiting for the higher resolution frame to be downloaded.

Abstract: A system for securely communicating content as streaming data is provided. The system includes a closed network created on a public network, and a dedicated device for receiving twice-encrypted streamed content from the closed network. Upon authentication of the dedicated device, a content enabling component in the closed network twice-encrypts previously once-encrypted streamed content by using randomly selected encryption algorithms, and streams the twice-encrypted streamed content to the dedicated device during a closed network communication session and through a closed connection established between the closed network and the dedicated device. The dedicated device includes a content enabling component having a unique content enabling component identifier and a unique decryption key.

Abstract: A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band.

Abstract: User generated targeted advertisements is described. In embodiments, a selection of an advertisement template for a targeted advertisement can be received when initiated by a user. Advertisement content to incorporate in the advertisement template can be received, as well as selections of recipients to receive the targeted advertisement. A program grid can be generated for display from which a television program and advertisement time slot can be selected to display the targeted advertisement for viewing. Confirmation to purchase the targeted advertisement for delivery to the recipients can also be received to initiate the targeted advertisement being displayed for viewing during the selected television program and advertisement time slot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing a content stream from a headend to a subscriber terminal is described. In one example, the content stream is processed at the headend to generate a sequence of instances having successively staggered reference frames. A request for the content streams is received from the subscriber terminal at an initial time. In response to the request, an instance from the sequence of instances having the first reference frame after the initial time is selected. The selected instance is transmitted towards the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A television includes a control section, an interface and an external software module. The control section includes a processor and an internal memory that is in communication with the processor. The internal memory stores original program instructions for use by the processor to operate the television in accordance with the original program instructions. The interface is accessible exteriorly of the television and is in communication with the control section. The external software module is connectable to the interface and stores additional application program instructions that are downloadable to the control section when the external software module is connected to the interface. The downloaded additional application program instructions enable the television to function in a manner differently than any of the original program instructions. A method for adding new application program instructions to a television is also described.

Abstract: A content distribution system includes a node to which content is distributed via a network and a distribution management server for managing a content distribution status. The node receives content, detects an information amount of received content, and, on the basis of the detected information amount, outputs a distribution completion notification indicative of a reception status of corresponding content. On the other hand, the distribution management server receives the distribution completion notification for each node, and stores the received distribution completion information for each node.

Abstract: Provided are an image display apparatus and method which enables a user to quickly and easily obtain information related to an image currently being reproduced. The image display apparatus includes: a setting module setting a plurality of sub regions into which a predetermined image frame of an image being played back are divided according to color; and a mapping module mapping one or more thumbnail images of one or more relevant contents related to the image to one or more sub regions selected from the sub regions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.

Abstract: The invention applies to the transmission of a multimedia content from a server to a client terminal. The multimedia content is available from the server as one or more sets of files. Upon reception of an initial request from the client, the server sends a document back to the client, said document causing the client to repetitively send fetching request. Upon reception of a fetching request, the server selects the file to download.

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: A method includes at a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device coupled to a multimedia distribution network, generating a first request for multimedia content. The method also includes sending the first request to a network node of the multimedia distribution network. The method further includes receiving the multimedia content from a virtual peer located at the network node and storing the multimedia content at the first CPE device. The method also includes receiving a message via the multimedia distribution network, the message indicating a transmission of a second request for the multimedia content by a second customer premises equipment (CPE) device. The method further includes transmitting at least a portion of the stored multimedia content to the second CPE device.

Abstract: A portable MP3 player, which includes radio capability therein. The device includes a radio part which enables receiving radio, either over the airwaves, or via a network. The radio information can be time shared for later use, and sequences within the radio information can be identified for storage within the memory. The memory can store compressed information, such as MP3 information, indicative of songs which are stored. The memory can also store information that is received over the radio.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of processing a service product order. The method includes receiving a service product package defining a service product offering from a service delivery platform. The method also includes receiving an order for the service product offering from a subscriber having a subscriber account. The method further includes associating a subscriber identity with the order and providing the subscriber identity and the order to the service delivery platform. The method also includes providing provisioning data to the service delivery platform and delivering, via the service delivery platform, a video item corresponding to the service product package. The method includes communicating a billing activation event from an order management system to a billing system, the billing system to create or modify a bill corresponding to the subscriber account and providing an order completion notification to the subscriber.

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: An editing system handles offspeed and full speed playback of long GOP compressed video information by having one decoder for full-speed or slower forward playback of long GOP compressed motion video information, and a second single-frame, stateless decoder for use for off-speed playback. When compressed data is read from a file, the compressed data for at least one complete group of pictures is read into a buffer, herein called a compressed data buffer. A data structure, herein called a frame ring, is constructed to describe each image in the compressed data buffer. The single-frame, stateless decoder receives decompression parameters in addition to the compressed data for each image from this buffer. If the compressed data is a B-frame or P-frame, then uncompressed data for any other images (i.e., reference frames) required by the decoder to decompress the frame also is input to the single-frame, stateless decoder.

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: 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 to provide a signal using a communication link. The method disposes a passive transponder on the communication link, where that passive transponder includes a memory. The method reads information relating to the communication link from the memory, and then, based upon that information, adjusts certain characteristics of a signal provided using the communication link.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a video transcoding engine (VTE), a video source storage (VSS) coupled to the VTE, a network engine (NE) coupled to the VTE and in communications with a plurality of user devices, and a media management system (MMS) coupled to the VTE, the VSS, and the NE, and in communications with the user devices, wherein the VSS comprises an original video source (OVS) and an adaptive video source (AVS) that corresponds to the same video content, and wherein the AVS comprises a content format that is more frequently delivered to the user devices than a plurality of other delivered content formats of the video content other than the OVS.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for management and transmission of a classified conditional access application to provide Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS) service according to disclosed embodiments is an effective managing method according to a type of a conditional access module in a software version in the DCAS. In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus which can continuously provide Pay per View (PPV) service during movement in a DCAS service operator (SO) network, such as maintaining independence of CAS SO in DCAS, provide adaptability to adapt to a variety of policies of the SO, and install an optimum application in a terminal.

Abstract: An HTTP based video streaming apparatus and method of a mobile communication system is disclosed. A memory, such as a storing disk, stores content files received from a server of a transmitting party, a random access searching unit searches the random access point in the memory and transmits a content file request message to the transmitting server if the random access point does not exist in the memory, and a display unit displays the files from the random access point. Therefore, HTTP streaming service from a random point required by a user can be provided when the streaming has begun, and the random access function can be supported by even if the part required by the user has not yet been transmitted to receiving party.

Abstract: A set top box determines DVR requests that the set top box is not able to record based on a number of scheduled DVR requests. The set top box provides the DVR request to a DVR management server. The DVR management server selects another set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request based on a number DVR requests the other set top box is scheduled to record. The DVR management server issues a command to the other set top box to record the television content associated with the DVR request. The other set top box provides the recorded television content, associated with the DVR request, to the set top box.

Abstract: A method of creating an audio/video stream comprises multiplexing a video component, an audio component, a content reference identifier, and a semantic data packet containing information on the relationship between the video component and the content reference identifier. Apparatus for receiving the audio/video stream, and apparatus for transmitting the audio/video stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing template-based prefix caching advantageously identifies common prefixes (i.e., initial video segments) in video titles, stores common prefixes only once in a prefix cache, and uses these common prefixes when serving requests for video content. This advantageously enables a prefix cache to scale to a large number of video titles, since the cache stores each common prefix only once. A new video title that uses an already existing prefix may be advantageously added without requiring additional storage in the prefix cache. Template-based prefix caching also advantageously reduces the bandwidth required to distribute prefixes when new titles are ingested into the system—if the required template is already available in the prefix cache, prefix-caching is enabled instantly for this title and no additional bandwidth is required to distribute the prefix.

Abstract: Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content over a network. In particular, the system and method is capable of providing content, such as broadband streaming multimedia and Internet Protocol (IP) data, to network devices, including mobile devices, with interactive functionality. The network employs at least one core and a plurality of clients. The core and clients each comprise a plurality of modules that cooperatively communicate with each other to monitor and control the delivery of content and to allow for interactive functionality by a user.

Abstract: A first playback apparatus instructs a server apparatus to suspend playback of content, and the first playback apparatus stores identification information of the content for which suspension of playback was instructed and suspension information indicating the location at which playback of content was suspended. In response to a request from a second playback apparatus, the first playback apparatus presents the second playback apparatus with the stored suspension information, and the second playback apparatus selects the content, which is to be played back, in accordance with the suspension information presented.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content objects over the Internet to an end user system with a content delivery network (CDN) is disclosed that allows for intelligent bandwidth determination for content streams. A content object is delivered with the CDN using the Internet. When a content object is requested by an end user media player, characteristics of the access network, the content object and/or the CDN are used to choose an suitable algorithm. The algorithm then determines a bitrate for delivery of the content object to the end user media player. Ultimately, the content object is transmitted at the bitrate to the end user media player.

Abstract: A media-on-demand (MOD) portal application allows users to view and access from a single display interface MOD content provided by multiple media providers, such as vendors and service providers. The MOD portal application may provide grid display screens showing program listings of available media content. The grids may include rows and columns, where each row and each column includes program listings associated with a particular category. In one illustrative grid, each row includes programming from a single media vendor and each column includes programming of a particular genre. A media guidance application is also provided which automatically determines if a user does not watch an MOD program the user has ordered. The media guidance application may automatically make the unwatched program available to the user at a later time, for example by automatically recording the program or by allowing the user to access the program at the later time.

Abstract: In response to the establishment of a communication connection between an appliance capable of effecting a recording of a program and a portable device capable of displaying to a user in a display of the portable device a program guide including a listing for the program the appliance capable of effecting the recording of the program receives data indicative of a request to record the program that is stored in a memory of the portable device via user interaction with the program guide prior to establishment of the communication connection and the appliance capable of effecting the recording of the program then functions to record the program in accordance with the received data indicative of the request to record the program.

Abstract: A head-end system for providing a two-way VOD service and a service method thereof are disclosed. The head-end system includes: a terminal which is based on a Java virtual machine and a Java TV/GEM standard middleware and has a VOD navigator application of a tool set form for replaying and controlling an audiovisual (AV) which is processed to be replayed in real time and an application related to the AV which is processed to be replayed in real time; and a two-way VOD head-end system server for providing a VOD content list and content information to the terminal through the Internet and providing information of an application related to an AV which is processed to be replayed and an application execution-related file together when a VOD content is selected and requested by a user.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for efficiently providing video on demand services to a cable television subscriber. The provider system consists of two major subsystems. The first subsystem, called a video server, streams video to video on demand subscribers through the cable television network. The second subsystem, called the transaction server, performs virtually all remaining provider functions including, security, accounting, storage and spooling of video data, etc. The video server is preferably uses a Unisys CMP memory platform into which the transaction server spools requested video programs. One or more industry standard processors operating under a standard operating system stream the video data from the memory platform to the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an aggregator for searching, packaging and delivering content. The aggregator processes requests, searches, provides search results and acquires content. The aggregator, operating in a communications network, includes a request and results processing server, a search engine server coupled to the request and results processing server and a content acquisition server coupled to the request and results processing server. A request and results processing server receives a request for content, the search engine server searches for the content and the content acquisition program acquires content for delivery to the user. The request and results processing server includes a search request processor that receives information related to a user's search request and provides the information to a search results form builder that creates an electronic search request.

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for the multicasting of streaming digital content to a plurality of Internet users. Streaming digital audio, video or other digital data content that is to be multicast to Internet users is formatted into IP protocol at a head-end content source transmission site. The streaming IP digital data is transmitted from the head-end transmission site to at least one distant/remote routing station of an Internet service provider (i.e., a provider-edge router or Internet point of presence) via a bandwidth portion of a digital communications data transport service or transmission medium that is substantially unaffected by conventional Internet communications traffic. The Internet service provider (ISP) maintains at least one access router for providing Internet access via its Internet domain for its customers accessing the Internet via conventional two-way IP connection.