Abstract: A system and method for alternate program experience in digital broadcasting multiplexes different time duration-based versions of the currently broadcasted program in the same frequency in a broadcast environment. Every program broadcasted in a SES (Special Experience Services) could have different versions (every version is a separate hidden service) of the same program i.e., tiny version, short version, standard version, main/detailed version, wherein the versions differ in the time duration. While parsing the channel information, the Broadcast Media Receiver will comprehend the presence of SES and different hidden services associated with the SES. Depending on the broadcaster business model or/and the user purchased plan, the user will be presented with the option of viewing and selecting the different versions of the program. Upon selection of the version, the receiver switches to the respective hidden service and thereby start playing the respective version of the program.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). A method for handling reception of a plurality of media streams in a mission critical (MC) system is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging, transcoding, and fragmenting files (e.g., video content are described. Video content may be transcoded into fix size, variable duration fragments files that satisfy a target fragment file size. Those fragment files may be received, decoded to recover original frames of the underlying video, and then repackaged as new fragment files that are grouped based on overall file size. As a result, the new fragments may have different playback durations, but their overall file sizes may be the same and/or within a target fragment file size (TFS).

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system and method for optimizing a content shared via a messaging system based on an expected audience for the content. A content is received from a publisher client device associated with a publisher. A list of content versions associated with the publisher is accessed form a database, each content version being associated with an associated set of content parameters. The one or more content versions of the content are generated. When an access request is received from a viewer client device, an optimal content version is identified for the viewer client device based on the device capabilities of the viewer client device. An updated list of content versions is associated with the publisher by aggregating the optimal content versions identified for a plurality of viewer client devices, and the database is updated with the updated list of content versions associated with the publisher.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: Providing adaptive visual browsing of digital content may be accomplished by presenting a scrolling ticker on a display for browsing of digital content available for viewing by a user of a processing system, the ticker having a plurality of items, each item including an image representing at least one of a content title and a content service provider; receiving a user input selection from a remote control device operated by the user, the user input selection selecting one of the ticker items to indicate the user's interest in the selected item; and changing at least one of the items in the ticker to another item in response to the user input selection, wherein the other item has metatags similar to or related to metatags of the selected item.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to initiate recording of a media object. The media object includes a first plurality of sequential media segments. The first plurality of sequential media segments is associated with a corresponding plurality of metadata files, each of which providing a description of a respective one of the first plurality of sequential media segments. The method includes generating, in response to receiving the request to initiate recording of the media object, a first common metadata file that is associated with the media object as a function of the corresponding plurality of metadata files. The first common metadata file includes sequencing information associated with the first plurality of sequential media segments. The method includes storing the first plurality of sequential media segments based on the sequencing information included in the first common metadata file.

Abstract: A user feature generation method is performed at a server, the method including: acquiring n groups of timing correspondences between target videos and corresponding user accounts, each group of timing correspondences comprising user accounts that have viewed a respective target video, the user accounts being sorted according to their corresponding viewing timestamps, n being a positive integer; obtaining a word-embedding matrix by mapping the n groups of timing correspondences into the word-embedding matrix, the word-embedding matrix comprising a word vector corresponding to each user account; training the word-embedding matrix by using a loss function, the loss function being used for defining a similarity relationship between the user accounts according to a degree of similarity between their respective watch histories; and determining a word vector corresponding to each user account in the trained word-embedding matrix as a user feature of the user account.

Abstract: This application discloses a media information display method performed at a computing device. While rendering main media information on the display, the computing device detects a first user input operation, determines a first position of a progress bar on the display corresponding to the first user input operation, and renders additional media information at the first position. After detecting a second user input operation, the computing device moves the progress bar from the first position to a second position of the progress bar on the display corresponding to the second user input operation. The computing device renders the additional media information at the second position of the progress bar on the display and then removes the additional media information from display after a preset time period.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: In embodiments of camera data access based on subscription status, a camera device captures and communicates video to a server device that receives the video, and records and maintains the video as remotely recorded video. An application implemented by a client computing device provides all access, some access, or no access to the remotely recorded video at the server device based on a subscription level corresponding to the camera device. The server device manages subscription levels associated with the user of the camera device, the subscription levels each delineating a level of access to the remotely recorded video. A first subscription level provides access to the live video captured by the camera device, and at least a second subscription level provides access to both the live video and the remotely recorded video at the server device.

Abstract: A Device Abstraction Proxy (DAP) interface receives a request for operational data relating to broadband access line services provided to a plurality of broadband access terminals in a network by two or more providers. The DAP interface receives, in response to the request, the operational data, including operational data for a plurality of DSL lines coupled to the plurality of broadband access terminals. The DAP then identifies at least two of the plurality of broadband access lines as belonging to a common neighborhood of broadband access lines, each of the at least two of the plurality of DSL lines respectively associated with at least two of the plurality of broadband access terminals being provided the broadband access services by different providers.

Abstract: Providing adaptive visual browsing of digital content may be accomplished by presenting a scrolling ticker on a display for browsing of digital content available for viewing by a user of a processing system, the ticker having a plurality of items, each item including an image representing at least one of a content title and a content service provider; receiving a user input selection from a remote control device operated by the user, the user input selection selecting one of the ticker items to indicate the user's interest in the selected item; and changing at least one of the items in the ticker to another item in response to the user input selection, wherein the other item has metatags similar to or related to metatags of the selected item.

Abstract: A management system for managing at least one function to be executed in a communication terminal. The management system includes a reception unit that receives identification information about the communication terminal from the communication terminal; a storage unit that stores a service period set for each of functions associated with pieces of identification information about communication terminals; a specification unit that specifies, from the functions associated with the received identification information, functions within the service periods; and a transmission unit that transmits function information indicating the specified functions to the communication terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adaptive and responsive media are disclosed. In various implementations, a video for playback is received at a user device having a plurality of associated properties. Based on at least one of the properties, a first state of the video is configured, and the video is presented according to the first state. During playback of the video, a change in one of the device properties is detected, and the video is seamlessly transitioned to a second state based on the change.

Abstract: Systems and methods for re-recording content associated with popularity that re-emerged are provided. A plurality of media assets is recorded. Responsive to determining that popularity of a given one of the plurality of media assets fell below a first threshold, the given media asset is selected for deletion and the given media asset is added to a list of a plurality of media assets that have been selected for deletion. Popularity for the given media asset in the list is retrieved after selecting the given media asset for deletion. The retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is compared to a second threshold. In response to determining that the retrieved popularity of the given media asset, which previously fell below the first threshold, is now above the second threshold, an action relating to re-recording the given media asset is performed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides clarifying supplemental information to a user who has become confused about a currently presenting media content event.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to maintain content rights parameters associated with media content and a user where the content rights parameters include limits to distribution of the media content to a plurality of communication devices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality of communication devices use different communication protocols from another portion of the plurality of communication devices, monitor for access to the media content by one communication device of the plurality of communication devices of the user, and obtain rights control data that is adapted to allow for presentation of the media content by the one communication device of the user where the rights control data is generated based on the content rights parameters. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting a content repository and file sharing service for sharing and synchronizing content. An application server includes a connector engine and a connector agent. The connector engine with is configured with a plurality of threads and queues designed to listen for changes at either the file sharing service or the repository, to process those changes in parallel, and to coordinate synchronization of uploads to the file sharing service and downloads to the content repository.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides clarifying supplemental information to a user who has become confused about a currently presenting media content event.

Abstract: The timing of an un-interruptible process in a set top box or other device can be automatically adjusted in response to user inputs to improve the user experience. A user instruction is received at an input of the user device that causes an uninterruptible process to begin or commence in the user device after a time delay measured from receipt of the initial instruction. One or more input of the device is monitored to determine whether a subsequent instruction is received within a time period. Based on this determination, the time delay applied to future un-interruptible processes is adjusted. By adjusting the time delay in response to user inputs, the time delay can be automatically matched to a user's preferences.

Abstract: A scheme for managing bandwidth in a multi-client environment including one or more ABR clients and, optionally, one or more non-ABR clients. When an ABR client enters a sleep phase of its duty cycle, phantom tokens may be issued to simulate full capacity of the network link, wherein phantom packets are used for ABR bandwidth calculation. Any extra bandwidth that would have been used by another ABR client to artificially inflate its video quality may be optionally allocated to a non-ABR client engaged in a progressive download session in the same bandwidth pipe.

Abstract: A server complex (102) in a content delivery network (200) includes a central server (110), a multicast server (210), and an edge server (105). The central server delivers, with the multicast server, a content offering (120) to the edge server beginning at a predetermined time by transmitting portions (103) of content in succession, with each portion of content accompanied by an index fact datagram (204). The edge server stores each index fact datagram in an index file (215). When playing back content, the edge server retrieves an index file portion (404). When the information in the index file portion is exhausted, the edge server obtains any additional index fact datagrams (407) corresponding to any additional portions (408) of the content offering from the index file stored at the edge server.

Abstract: Centralized storage and playback of user-recorded television programming eliminates the need for expensive DVR devices to be deployed in the field. Further, the methods used to initiate storage and provide playback of stored media respect copyright principles.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of video content. The system includes a controller and one or more players. The controller may be configured to control generation of a plurality of streams containing the video content based upon feedback regarding decoding at least one of the plurality of streams. The one or more players may be configured to select a stream from the plurality of streams, generate decoding statistics for the selected stream, and send the decoding statistics to the controller as the feedback.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a media content presentation system 1) maintaining a video-on-demand (“VOD”) channel surfing list associated with a user of a media content access device, the VOD channel surfing list identifying a plurality of VOD content instances selected from a library of VOD content instances that are available by way of the media content access device during a VOD browsing session, 2) associating the VOD content instances identified in the VOD channel surfing list with a plurality of VOD channels, 3) detecting a channel surfing command provided by the user during the VOD browsing session, and 4) directing, in response to the channel surfing command, the media content access device to switch to a VOD channel included in the plurality of VOD channels that is presenting a video preview of a VOD content instance identified in the VOD channel surfing list and associated with the VOD channel.

Abstract: A method includes determining an available bandwidth of a data interface connected to a media device. The method includes receiving a first portion of each of a plurality of video files and storing the first portion of each of the plurality of video files in a memory. A size of the memory to store each first portion is determined based on a pre-cache file size associated with a video file of the plurality of video files. The pre-cache file size is based on the available bandwidth. The method further includes, in response to detecting a change in the available bandwidth, adjusting the pre-cache file size associated with the video file, where the pre-cache file size decreases when the available bandwidth increases to a second available bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.

Abstract: A video surveillance system includes at least one of a camera or a streamer. A data base server is coupled to the camera and can store metadata for a video clip from the camera or streamer. A media storage server is coupled to both the camera or, the streamer, and to the data base server to store the clip in the absence of any network video recorders.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to maintain content rights parameters associated with media content and a user where the content rights parameters include limits to distribution of the media content to a plurality of communication devices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality of communication devices use different communication protocols from another portion of the plurality of communication devices, monitor for access to the media content by one communication device of the plurality of communication devices of the user, and obtain rights control data that is adapted to allow for presentation of the media content by the one communication device of the user where the rights control data is generated based on the content rights parameters. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managed object replication and delivery redirects, directly or indirectly, a client's request for an object that is not available at a best or optimal handling edge server of a network to a parent server that has the requested object. So, where the requested object is not available at the handling edge server, the client's request is redirected directly to the parent server that can provide the requested object to the client or indirectly via one or more parent servers to a parent server that can provide the requested object to the client. The method, system and computer program product further intelligently replicates the object to the edge server if the object is popular enough. Likewise, an object is removed from an edge server when it is no longer popular. All redirection and replication operations are preferably transparent to the end-user and do not degrade the quality of service.

Abstract: Management of the storage of media assets as between one of a plurality of content selection device (121-123) and a network storage facility (24) occurs in accordance with a user-assigned earliest viewing time assigned to the assets. To provide a user with the highest quality viewing experience, the network storage facility will down load to the requesting content selection device the requested media asset in advance of its earliest desired viewing time. To the extent that the content selection device lacks available storage capacity, then the content selection device will upload one or more media assets based on the earliest desired viewing time to off-load assets desired for viewing at a time later than the requested content.

Abstract: Automated media programming (AMP) systems and methods are provided. The systems and methods allow independent users to submit, edit, rate, and watch video content (preferably, although not necessarily, from other users) over a broadcast media channel or network. In one embodiment, among others, the AMP system employs a topic generator means for determining one or more topics that will be used for identifying one or more videos to be broadcast, an upload means for receiving uploads of one or more user videos relating to the determined topics, a prescreening means for allowing users to view the uploaded user videos, a rating means for rating the uploaded user videos, their respective producers, or both, a pre-production means for scheduling the uploaded videos for transmission based upon the ratings, and a broadcast means for enabling broadcast of the videos.

Abstract: An analyzer resource monitors content access information indicating availability of different types of content available to multiple subscribers over a shared communication link. To facilitate selection of content by respective subscribers, the analyzer resource sorts the available content into different classes (genres) based on a respective subject matter of the corresponding available content. The analyzer resource produces a listing of the different classes (genres) of available content. Subscribers select and/or customize genre-based feeds to store content in a repository for later retrieval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing streaming data of content in a digital broadcast system supporting Video On Demand (VOD) service are provided. A data processing method of a set-top box supporting Video On Demand (VOD) service includes requesting content selected by a user, configuring, if streaming data of the content is received, file block information for storing the streaming data, and storing the streaming data in units of file blocks according to the file block information. The streaming data processing method and apparatus of the present invention are capable of processing the streaming data of the content of which size is larger than the available storage space efficiently. Also, the streaming data processing method and apparatus of the present invention is capable of reducing total manufacturing cost of the set-top box by reducing costly storage device in size.

Abstract: An online video distribution network includes an online video portal and an online video merchant. In one embodiment, when the consumer orders a video, the merchant provides a pick-up ticket to the consumer. The portal uses the merchant identity in the pick-up ticket to connect to the merchant, and the merchant uses a product identity in the pick-up ticket to retrieve and send the video to the portal. In another embodiment, the portal provides the consumer with a drop-off ticket, which is provided to the merchant. The merchant connects to the portal using the portal identity in the drop-off ticket, and sends the video and a customer identity in the drop-off ticket to the portal. The portal determines a consumer record associated with the consumer identity and stores the video in the consumer record. The consumer can then easily access the video at the portal.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of content from multiple platforms maintains data for various video channels. Some of the video channels are television channels, while others are over-the-top (OTT) video content sources such as video streaming websites. The system includes a package generation module by which a service provider may define a package of both traditional and OTT channels to offer to subscribers in a unified programming interface. When a user uses the interface to select a set of video channels, the system compiles the set of the video channels in a subscriber package of both television and OTT channels. The system assigns a name to the subscriber package, and it stores the defined package and name, along with other information about the package, in a data storage facility for offering to a subscriber of content from the service provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides for closed loop multimedia content management systems and methods to ensure accurate and timely delivery of VOD content from multiple content providers using multiple distribution systems. The present invention provides for a method of distributing multimedia content using a VOD management system by receiving a multimedia asset data file and associated metadata from a content provider and/or a MSO, tracking the delivery of the multimedia asset data file to a MSO, tracking the upload of the multimedia asset data file to a VOD server maintained by the MSO, and providing usage reports relating to usage of multimedia asset data files by end users of the MSO. Usage reports are prepared by receiving data from the VOD servers regarding the files requested by end users, creating a master reporting database using that data, and generating the usage reports using the data contained in the master reporting database.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting, purchasing and delivering content to users of a network so that the user has “virtual” ownership of and access to the content, thereby obviating the need for physical media (e.g., DVDs or CDs). In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions or broadcast modes are used to deliver the virtual content stored at the head-end (or hub site) to the requesting owner. The purchased content is associated with one or more users when stored, thereby providing the owner(s) unlimited access thereto, without the costs and effort associated with renting/purchasing and maintaining DVDs. The content may also comprise new release content, which would otherwise not be available over the network at that time but for the purchase and delivery mechanisms of the invention. Various other complementary features for enhancing the user's virtual ownership experience are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a content management database configured to access a plurality of media signatures corresponding to a respective plurality of media assets and a signature component configured to process a media request from a requestor to access a given media asset from a content provider via a network and to generate a signature to substantially uniquely identify the given media asset, the signature being derived from media content data corresponding to the given media asset in response to accessing the media content data via the network. The signature component can also be configured to provide to the requestor the given media asset retrieved via the network if the generated media signature does not match any of a plurality of media signatures and provide the given media asset from a content storage system if the generated media signature matches a respective one of the plurality of media signatures.

Abstract: A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g.

Abstract: An archive model can be used for managing networked storage of recorded content, such as network DVR (digital video recorder) content. Content may be initially recorded to an active storage device, with individual duplicate copies recorded for each requesting user, and subsequently archived to an archive storage device. For playback, the content can be reconstituted into the active storage device prior to delivery to the requesting user. Content can be predictively reconstituted in anticipation of user needs, and the reconstitution capacity of the system can be dynamically reallocated for load balancing.

Abstract: Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program.

Abstract: A recording device and a method are described herein that provide a network-based personal video recording service utilizing adaptive bit rate technology for a plurality of users. In operation, the recording device records at a minimum a single bit rate (one set of segmented files) of the broadcast content within each user's network personal video recorder storage unit. Plus, the recording device stores the other bit rates (remaining sets of segmented files) in a central storage location or some other storage location.

Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively caching (and de-caching) video content in network so as to reduce content transformation requirements and also cache storage requirements. In one embodiment, a content caching controller associated with a content server differentiates content requests based on content attributes such as the requested codec format (e.g., MPEG or Windows Media), resolution, bitrate, and/or encryption type or security environment. If the content requested by a user is not available with the requested attribute(s), the content server transfers to content to the user by first transforming it. The content server also speculatively caches the transformed content locally, so that a future request for the same content with the same attributes can be filled by transferring without the intermediate transformation step. The controller allows the network operator to optimize use of available storage and transcoding resources.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for inserting spot content into a media stream. The method includes receiving, at a client system, a media stream that includes one or more media content units and at least one spot marker. The at least one spot marker designates a spot location for inserting one or more spot content units and includes a category of a media content unit. The method further includes detecting the at least one spot marker in the received stream, and selecting at least one spot content unit based on the category of the media content unit. In response to the detection, the selected at least one spot content unit is inserted into the stream at the spot location, thereby generating a stream including the one or more media content units and the selected spot content unit.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of content from multiple platforms maintains data for various video channels. Some of the video channels are television channels, while others are over-the-top (OTT) video content sources such as video streaming websites. The system includes a package generation module by which a service provider may define a package of both traditional and OTT channels to offer to subscribers in a unified programming interface. When a user uses the interface to select a set of video channels, the system compiles the set of the video channels in a subscriber package of both television and OTT channels. The system assigns a name to the subscriber package, and it stores the defined package and name, along with other information about the package, in a data storage facility for offering to a subscriber of content from the service provider.

Abstract: A video-on-demand (VOD) server in an Internet protocol television (IPTV) network with a network of set-top boxes includes IPTV operational data and an analysis module that selects a content item. The VOD server divides the content item into sequential chunks, divides the chunks into stripes, pre-populates set-top boxes in a peering network with at least one stripe from each chunk, receives a request for the content item, and directs each set-top box to sequentially stream its stripes. A method includes selecting a content item based upon IPTV operational data, dividing the content item into sequential chunks, dividing the chunks into stripes, pre-populating set-top boxes in a peering network with at least one stripe from each chunk, receiving a request for the content item, and directing each set-top box to sequentially stream its stripes.

Abstract: A network system in which a terminal apparatus, a recording apparatus, and a server apparatus are connectable via a network is disclosed. The server apparatus includes a service processing unit performing a service of reserving recording of a content to the recording apparatus by a request from the terminal apparatus, and an available service information provision unit managing information on the service available to the recording apparatus as available service information and transmitting the available service information to the terminal apparatus in response to a request from the terminal apparatus.