Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading ancillary program data to a DVR. An embodiment allows multimedia device users to select programs to record or download movie or music over a network, such as the Internet, from a content provider. The system automatically downloads and stores ancillary program data that is directly related to, and associated with, a program that has been selected for recording or content requested for download. When a user selects a program to view the user is offered the opportunity to browse ancillary program data associated with the program and view an ancillary program data. The service can charge the content provider or an advertiser for each time their ancillary program data is viewed by a user. The ancillary programming is deleted when the associated recorded program is deleted.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a video data over a grid infrastructure network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from at least one user for viewing the video data and identifying a plurality of attributes from a plurality primary grid enabled mini servers (GEMS), wherein the plurality of primary GEMS together form the grid network. The method further includes partitioning video data into a plurality of discrete fragments using a shard creator indicative of the plurality of attributes in each of the plurality of primary GEMS and allocating the plurality of discrete fragments among the plurality of primary GEMS based on the plurality of attributes of each of the plurality of primary GEMS. The method also includes decoding the plurality of discrete fragments of the video data using a streaming server for transmitting the video data to the at least one user.

Abstract: A jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections; a plurality of jukeboxes, each of which is operable to store audiovisual selections received from the server and to play the audiovisual selections at the request of a user; a communication system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate; wherein the server is operable to define authorized uses for the audiovisual selections received from the server; and further wherein the authorized uses correspond to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections, the rights requiring by law or regulation payment of respective royalties; and further wherein the server maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: A method for providing a progressive download service for a playback apparatus supporting a BD-J specification is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a standby time and a communication overhead necessary for receiving and playing a A/V data by a playback apparatus supporting a BD-J specification are minimized by dividing and playing a first clip and a second clip according to a size of clips.

Abstract: An access node (e.g., DSLAM) is described herein which can limit bandwidth usage in a transport network by incorporating an enhanced rapid TV channel changing functionality/enhanced BTV server in which TV channels from a multicast TV stream are dynamically selected based on past TV channel clicking statistics and then stored therein so there is a good chance that it can respond to a TV channel change request from a STB.

Abstract: A method (300) and system (200) for of conserving resources in a video-on-demand environment are provided. The method (300) includes storing a stub file (223) on an edge storage device while storing content (110) at a central storage device (222). When a video-on-demand request (440) is received, a resource management system (206) reads (305) the stub file (223) to determine a storage location at the central storage device (222). The resource management system (206) then retrieves the content (110) from the storage location determined from the stub file (223) and either stores it at an edge storage device (111) or delivers it the a subscriber device (109) to fulfill the video-on-demand request (440).

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

Abstract: A 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. The video segment(s) is/are then automatically assessed and determined to be compatible with streaming video, or not. If the video segment(s) is/are not compatible with streaming video, it/they are converted to a compatible format automatically. 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: In an IPTV network, one or more caches may be provided at the network nodes for storing video content in order to reduce bandwidth requirements. Video content titles may be stored in the cache in accordance with a calculated cache arrangement that minimizes the total incremental transport cost of the content traffic.

Abstract: A remote storage digital video recorder (RS-DVR) system is disclosed. The RS-DVR system includes a network interface to communicate data between the RS-DVR system and a subscriber system via a network, a file system module coupled to the network interface, an ingest agent coupled to the file system module to receive encoded media segments that represent media content files encoded at a plurality of different bitrates; and a storage architecture coupled to the file system to store the encoded media segments, resulting in stored media segments. The RS-DVR carries out a number of functions and operations to service multiple subscribers and associated subscriber systems, such as various storage device management operations, file structure techniques, assignment of recorded media to subscribers, file system indexing, and supporting shared and per-subscriber content rights.

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 method for providing a user of a target device with placeshifted content. The method includes detecting, utilizing the target device, a matrix code associated with an audio/visual program. Data encoded in the matrix code includes program identifying information and elapsed time information with respect to the program. The method further includes generating, utilizing the target device, a request for the program based at least in part on the encoded data. The method also includes transmitting, utilizing the target device, the program request across a network.

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: 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: With at least one implementation described herein, one or more viewers are able to watch the same source multimedia content at multiple locations within an environment (e.g., a household). With at least one implementation described herein, a viewer is able to resume watching such content at a new location (or “locus”) from the point that she bookmarked the content at an original location. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

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 system and method for applying a database to video multimedia is disclosed. Certain embodiments provide media content owners the capability to exploit video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling visual content on a network. Mechanisms of associating video with commerce offerings are provided. Video server and search server technologies are integrated with ad serving personalization agents to make the final presentations of content and advertising. Algorithms utilized by the system use a variety of techniques for making the final presentation decisions of which ads, with which content, are served to which user.

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: An approach is provided for integrated content delivery. A request for content stored on a disk array of a router is received. In response to the request, one or more disks of the disk array are selected to retrieve the content, wherein the disk array is natively coupled to a switch fabric of the router. A path is determined through the switch fabric for transmission of the content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and user interfaces for browsing a collection of content items saved by a user or by one or more buddies associated with a given user. The method of the present invention comprises saving one or more content items and one or more associated keywords as specified by a user. An interface is generated that displays the one or more saved content items and the one or more associated keywords, as well as the one or more buddies associated with a given user. A user indication of the selection of a given keyword or the selection of a given buddy by the user is received. The one or more displayed content items are filtered according to the selected keyword, buddy, or combination of selected keyword and buddy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for fast switching of media streams, are described. The methods and systems described in this specification enable switching media streams as quickly as possible without playback interruption by not having to playback the content of the full buffer prior to the switch to the new stream. The fast switching disclosed in this specification is based on configuring a media player operated at a client computer to specify a switching time offset that corresponds to buffered content. In addition, the disclosed methods and systems enable a media streaming server computer, that is streaming a first media stream to the client computer, to select a key frame of a second media stream that is at or near a switching time offset specified by the client computer, and to immediately begin transmission of the second media stream.

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: This disclosure discloses a network-wide storing and scheduling method for IPTV, comprising steps of: adding, by live broadcast media code stream sending node of CDN, an identifier and a storage identifier into the media code stream data packet; transmitting, by the live broadcast media code stream sending node, the media code stream data packet to recording node; and according to the identifier and the storage identifier, storing, by the recording node, the media code stream data as a recording file. The method and system ensure aligned storage of media data of various recording nodes, optimizes the node service capability of CDN, and rationally utilizes network resources and node storage. This disclosure can provide better service quality of time-shifting TV and improve the watching experience of user.

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 video on demand (VoD) network architecture implements a gateway that provides both satellite-based communications and radio frequency-based communications. The gateway may receive a content request from a video client and determine whether the content request corresponds to a content delivery network (CDN). When the content request corresponds to the CDN, the gateway may install a VoD access point name (APN) route designated for VoD traffic between the video client and the CDN, and communicate the content request to the CDN via the VoD APN route. The VoD APN route may include a VoD APN of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) connected to the gateway via an air interface. When the content request does not correspond to the CDN, the gateway may communicate the content request via an Internet APN route.

Abstract: An edge content delivery device for an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) system and corresponding content delivery system are disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: A 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: A system and method to rapidly switch from a primary content stream to a secondary content stream with minimal delay is provided. In operation, there will often be unused antenna elements. These unused antenna elements will be assigned to capture secondary content that users are most likely to request when changing from their primary content stream to another content stream. Thus, secondary content streams are predicatively captured in preparation of a user requesting a new content stream. The content is stored in a short term buffer is continually aged until a user requests the secondary content. Once requested, the content stream is immediately available to the user requesting the content stream. Also disclosed is a system for prioritized transcoding. Real-time requests for content transmissions are given access to transcode resources whereas requests to record content transmissions are temporary stored for off-peak transcoding.

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: Examples are described for capturing, managing, and/or sharing videos. The videos may be captured such that they are limited in time, such as 30 seconds or less in some examples. Enterprises may establish campaigns and capture videos associated with the campaigns. Captured videos may be displayed to users in an order selected based on the number of hits or conversions the video had previously generated. A host video system may provide embedded code for video capture and playback on an enterprise site.

Abstract: A data providing system in which program deliverers store programs and deliver the stored programs to requesting subscriber terminals has a program allocation control unit that allocates new programs or qualified programs to multiple program deliverers, then selectively deletes the programs from the program deliverers. This allocation scheme assures that even newly added programs can be transmitted efficiently to the subscriber terminals.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

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: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: A streaming file is constructed with a file header section that includes a file header object, a media data file descriptor, and an index descriptor. A hinting index section includes a first level hinting index with a linear organization corresponding to timing tick key values. A second level hinting index has a non-sequential organization corresponding to such timing tick key values. A special mark in the second level hinting index indicates that the first level hinting index must be consulted for a next timing tick key value. Such mark is positioned in the last of a sequential run of timing tick key values associated with its entries. A data section that can be put in a separate file, and it accepts media data blocks associated in sequential runs of timing tick key values as its entries. Thus hinting is provided for a non-sequential media data file.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide personal video recording trick modes are provided. In one example, a method that provides a trick mode in a personal video recording system may include the steps of receiving a transport stream; storing data from the transport stream in a data storage; generating index table using the data from the transport stream; receiving a trick mode command; and accessing, based on the trick mode command, particular data in the data storage using the index table.

Abstract: An initiating viewer identifies a multimedia channel and submits a request to share the multimedia channel with at least one recipient viewer at another viewer premises. This request is processed by the multimedia receiver of the initiating viewer so as to generate a channel change request for submission to a service provider. In response to the channel share request, the service provider queries the recipient viewer to determine whether the recipient viewer accepts or rejects the offered multimedia channel. If the recipient viewer accepts the multimedia channel, the multimedia channel can be provided to the multimedia receiver of the recipient viewer either for storage for later playback or for immediate playback concurrent with the provision of the multimedia channel to the initiating viewer. Billing for costs associated with the shared multimedia channel is conducted based on billing feedback provided by the initiating viewer.

Abstract: A method and system for immediate distribution of a purchased consumer video includes an online video portal, which includes a video receiver and a video server. The video receiver connects to the online video merchant over a video distribution network and receives a consumer video from an online video merchant. The consumer video is purchased by a consumer from the online video merchant over a commerce network. The video receiver stores the consumer video in a consumer datastore. The video server connects to a television set of the consumer over a dedicated television channel of a television network. The video server retrieves the stored consumer video from the consumer datastore and sends the consumer video to a television set of the consumer over a dedicated television channel. The consumer video is distributed immediately after the consumer video is received from the online video merchant and stored in the consumer datastore.

Abstract: Viewers of video on demand (“VOD”) programs are automatically presented with Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) information during an invocation of the EAS system. A VOD Support System receives notification of an EAS event and directs EAS information to be stored in a VOD Server. The VOD Support System then invokes a function in the VOD Server, causing the VOD server to suspend all active VOD streams and, instead, stream out the EAS information comprising a preamble and emergency information identified by the VOD Support System. Upon completion of streaming this information, the VOD Server will automatically resume each of the VOD programs previously suspended. VOD viewers watching a VOD session that is interrupted by an EAS test are thus automatically returned to their VOD programming at the point where their program was interrupted.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for configuring a plurality of devices to process content. In use, content information associated with received content is identified in addition to device information associated with a plurality of devices adapted for processing such content. To this end, the plurality of devices may be configured to process the content, utilizing the content information and the device information.

Abstract: A method for providing remote access to segments of a transmitted program is presented. The program is recorded, and then stored at a communication server. Information specifying a segment of the stored program is transferred from a communication device to the communication server. Also, a request for access to the specified segment of the stored program is transferred from another communication device to the communication server. In response to the request, the specified segment of the program is transferred from the communication server to the requesting communication device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and distributing video information in an interactive information distribution system by storing video information on either a centralized or de-centralized secondary storage partition in a network of provider and subscriber equipment, and therein distributing the video information to a subscriber having made a request for such video information.

Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for channel searching in an image display device. When there are requests for channel searching and setting with respect to a broadcasting signal received through a signal receiving unit, image or audio data set by a user are outputted to a standby screen or while the channel searching. Or, after calculating a required time for the channel searching, image or audio data having a playing time close to the calculated required time are extracted for output while channel searching.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a database to video multimedia is disclosed. One embodiment provides media content owners the capability to exploit video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling visual content on a network. Mechanisms of associating video with commerce offerings are provided. Video server and search server technologies are integrated with ad serving personalization agents to make the final presentations of content and advertising. Algorithms utilized by the system use a variety of techniques for making the final presentation decisions of which ads, with which content, served to which user.

Abstract: A portable data storage device compatible with both standard and high definition digital video cameras is provided. The device includes at least one SDI I/O, and preferably at least one audio I/O and preferably at least one medium speed I/O interface. A device controller takes the high speed serial data, packetizes it, and then sends it out to a plurality of memory modules. Preferably each memory module includes four NAND clusters, each NAND cluster consisting of a flash memory controller and two NAND flash memories. Interposed between the device controller and the memory modules are a plurality of memory controllers, each memory controller controlling a group of memory modules. A user interface is coupled to the device controller, the interface including a display capable of at least two user-selectable orientations, record/playback controls and a four-way directional control pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing video-on-demand loading include processing that begins by receiving a concurrent additional request for accessing a video program (i.e., while the server associated with the video program is processing one request for access to the video program another is received). The processing continues by providing the video program to a 2nd server in response to the concurrent additional request. The 2nd server causes the video program to be stored in the redundant array of independent disks (2nd RAID) associated with the 2nd server. The 2nd server processes the concurrent additional request via the 2nd RAID such that processing of multiple requests for the same video program is distributed throughout the video on demand system.