Abstract: A copy computer includes a storage device which stores a copy of contents from a distribution computer and a module which creates a copy of updated contents based on a copy request and which sends a copy of contents requested by a search computer to a distribution request computer. The search computer includes a module which searches for a copy computer storing the copy of the contents requested by the distribution request computer, a module which forwards a send request to a specified copy computer, and a module which sends the copy request and the copy contents to a predetermined copy computer when the contents are updated. The copy request gives an instruction to create the copy of the updated contents in the storage device of the copy computer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for managing content storage and selection activities. The method includes monitoring consumption of storage space with respect to storage capacity in at least one content device receiving content from a content provider, relocating content contained in the storage space of the content device when a predetermined condition is met, and providing access to relocated content. The relocation is operable for freeing up the storage space of the content device.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which an interactive television program guide that is implemented at least partially on user television equipment receives program listings data and real-time data such as sports scores, news data, and the like. The real-time data may be stored in a database maintained by the program guide, so that the program guide may access the stored real-time data at a later time. Updated program listings information may be provided to the program guide as part of the data stream in which the real-time data is provided. Unique keys may be generated for the program listings data and real-time data associated with each live event. The keys may be compared at the program guide to determine which program listings correspond to which items of real-time data. A controllable ticker may be displayed on top of a television program on the user television equipment. The controllable ticker may be sponsored. Different types of real-time data may be assigned different expiration times.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a storage medium for storing and securely transmitting digital media data in a networked system are provided. The method includes determining an amount of memory for storing the digital media data. The method further includes querying a plurality of network computers to determine an amount of available memory in a plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers. The method further includes receiving the digital media data and partitioning the digital media data into a plurality of digital media data sets. The method further includes encrypting the plurality of digital media data sets into a plurality of encrypted digital media data sets using at least one encryption key value. The method further includes storing the plurality of encrypted digital media data sets in at least two of the plurality of memory storage devices associated with the plurality of network computers.

Abstract: Essentially all of the processing parameters which control processing of a source audio signal to produce an encoded audio signal are stored in an audio processing profile. Multiple audio processing profiles are stored in a processing profile database such that specific combinations of processing parameters can be retrieved and used at a later time. Audio processing profiles are organized according to specific delivery bandwidths such that a sound engineer can quickly and efficiently encode audio signals for each of a number of distinct delivery media. Synchronized A/B switching during playback of various encoded audio signals allows the sound engineer to detect nuances in the sound characteristics of the various encoded audio signals.

Abstract: The technology herein relates to a jukebox system, including a server that stores a master library of audiovisual selections. The system includes 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. The system also includes a communications system through which the server and the jukeboxes communicate. The server is operable to define authorized uses for downloaded selections for each jukebox corresponding to various rights that third parties have in the audiovisual selections. The server also maintains information on the authorized uses made by each of the jukeboxes and determines the amount of royalties due.

Abstract: An audio-on-demand communication system provides real-time playback of audio data transferred via telephone lines or other communication links. One or more audio servers include memory banks which store compressed audio data. At the request of a user at a subscriber PC, an audio server transmits the compressed audio data over the communication link to the subscriber PC. The subscriber PC receives and decompresses the transmitted audio data in less than real-time using only the processing power of the CPU within the subscriber PC. According to one aspect of the present invention, high quality audio data compressed according to lossless compression techniques is transmitted together with normal quality audio data. According to another aspect of the present invention, metadata, or extra data, such as text, captions, still images, etc., is transmitted with audio data and is simultaneously displayed with corresponding audio data.

Abstract: A method and system for content distribution. A scheduler for determining content to be sent to one or more devices and for creating a schedule to transmit the content. A content server for accessing content to be sent to one or more devices. A delivery modules to effectuate delivery of the content via at least one transmission protocol to the one or more devices according to the schedule.

Abstract: Self-help or do-it-yourself productions of collegiate athletic contests are generated by the originating institution, and the recorded production is sent by overnight courier to a central digital clearing house. At the clearing house the contents of the recording are loaded onto a computer processor and the video and audio channels are digitally processing to prepare the program for digital storage and retransmission. A web transmitter processor transmits the video recordings of these events to subscribers on demand over wide-band, high-speed Internet connections. The content may be edited at the clearing house. The clearing house provides a custom video player or viewer for each recorded production. The games or meets can be selected by the subscriber, which are indexed in categories including originating institution, type of event, and date of event. The events may also be webcast live or near-real-time, as well as archived.

Abstract: A control program for a co-processor in a video-on-demand system directs the co-processor to perform the steps of: a) obtain a transmission control list, from an external source, which identifies a group of several video data packets and a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; b) partition into pieces, each video data packet and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers as identified by the transmission control list; and, c) send the partitioned pieces, along with an additional header for each piece, to an output port during a series of spaced apart time intervals.

Abstract: A control program for a supervisor processor in a video-on-demand system directs the supervisor processor to perform the steps of: a) transfer a group of video data packets, from an externally stored complete video into a memory for the supervisor processor; b) build in the supervisor processor's memory, a respective subgroup of internet protocol headers for each video data packet in the group; and c) construct, in the memory of a co-processor, a transmission control list which indicates how each video data packet in the group, and its respective subgroup of internet protocol headers, can be accessed from the supervisor processor's memory by the co-processor.

Abstract: A system for recovery of the broadcast facility is disclosed. The broadcast facility includes a module containing scheduling information, a video server containing program content, and a transmitter. A replicator is coupled to the module and the video server. The replicator monitors the scheduling information. A playout device is at a location remote from the broadcast facility. The playout device is coupled to the replicator. The playout device receives updated copies of scheduled program content while the broadcast facility remains operational. The playout device also contains recovery program content including the updated copies of the program content and other content. The playout device is also coupled to a remote transmitter. The video server provides program content for broadcast unless there is a failure at the broadcast facility. At this time, the remote transmitter begins transmitting recovery content from the playout device.

Abstract: A satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) receiver is configured to temporarily store data that may be transmitted to the SDAR receiver at a time inconvenient to the subscriber. A memory arrangement buffers data output by a channel decoder. The SDAR receiver can use the buffered data prior to using any currently transmitted data. The buffered data is associated with buffered timing information that lags behind the current timing information associated with the currently transmitted data. The buffered data is available for use only once before a decryption subsystem receives the current timing information. If the subscriber uses the currently transmitted data, the decryption subsystem receives the current timing information. The decryption subsystem decrypts only data that is associated with timing information that is no earlier than the latest timing information received by the decryption subsystem.

Abstract: A process of propagates viewing assets on a system of video storages. The process includes copying a missing portion of a replica of a selected viewing asset onto a target video server. The act of copying is responsive to determining that a priority to propagate the selected asset to the target server is higher than a retention value of a replica of one or more viewing assets stored on the target server.

Abstract: A lodging entertainment system provides a variety of products and services, including free television, pay-per-view movies, video games, guest services, and guest-selected recording of television programs for time-shifted viewing. Through the use of an interactive program guide, the guest may select programs being aired during the guest's stay at the hotel for later viewing, or may elect to record a television program while watching the same or another program.

Abstract: A method of determining a goodness metric of a module schedule. The module schedule comprises a plurality of modules, at least one of which exhibits multiple instances, that are arranged within the period of a carousel. The goodness metric is based, at least in part, upon the interval difference associated with each instance of all modules on the carousel. The interval difference for an instance of a module is the difference between the actual interval of the instance and a desired interval for that module.

Abstract: Content which users may wish to receive may be distributed with interrupting content such that the use of the content on the user's receiver may be interrupted and replaced with the interrupting content. The content which the user wishes to receive may be software, audio, video, graphics or other material and the interrupting content in one embodiment of the prevent invention may be advertisements. In this way, the user's receiver may be utilized to determine when it is appropriate to interrupt the interruptible content with the interrupting content. This may provide a convenient mechanism for reduced price or free distribution of a wide variety of media currently provided only in physical form or only for free without any compensation to the content provider.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transmitting video images allows a viewer to receive at a receiving display device, all or a selected portion of a video stream of frames, in a storage-efficient format from a transmitting device and view the received video stream of frames before the transmission is complete. The video system also allows a viewer to receive at the receiving device, all or a selected portion of a video stream of frames, in a high-resolution format, by marking sections of interest within the received stream of frames in the storage-efficient format and requesting enhancement of those marked sections of interest. This apparatus preferably includes a source device, a transmitting device and at least one receiving device. Preferably, the transmitting device and the receiving device communicate over a network such as the Internet Protocol network. Alternatively, the transmitting device and the receiving device communicate over any appropriate data network.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for efficiently managing video programming services by a provider of video on demand services in response to requests from cable television subscribers. The system is controlled by a multimedia application server. Upon receipt of a request, the multimedia application server searches for the most appropriate means of satisfying the request. If the requested program is already being provided, the streaming occurs from the same video server, if capacity is available. If the program already exists in streamable form, it is streamed from that location. If the requested program must be transferred to video server memory, the available space is found to accommodate the transfer or existing programming is swapped out.

Abstract: A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed.

Abstract: A cache memory configured to store media data to be output as a media stream includes a session data file configured to store properties of the media stream, wherein the properties may include encoding scheme, duration, and others, and a plurality of data object files, each data object file individually and directly accessible by a file system, each data object file comprising a data object configured to store only a portion of the media data.

Abstract: A receiving unit 101 repeatedly receives a transport stream, and a specifying unit 102 specifies a purchase state. A restoring unit 103 generates a first audio-digital (AV) signal and interactive data, and an AV reproducing unit 105 generates a second AV signal. A combining unit 106 generates a data-AV combined signal by combining the generated second AV signal and a data signal generated from the interactive data. A data presentation restricting unit 115 outputs the interactive data and a purchase state signal. A control unit 107 receives an operation signal from an inputting unit 110 and outputs it to a data operation restricting unit 116. A data analyzing unit 104 analyzes a presentation element contained in the interactive data and generates video data, which is the data signal. A data judging unit 117 judges whether a currently-presented presentation element is included in the same group as a presentation element that is a link destination of the presented presentation element.

Abstract: Improved approaches for evaluating performance of data storage systems used with computers are disclosed. The performance evaluation of the data storage systems utilizes dynamic performance evaluation by use of data throughput as a diagnostic. The data storage systems include, for example, either disk drives or RAIDs. In one embodiment, the invention identifies a sustained performance rate for a disk drive or RAID.

Abstract: Audiovisual reproduction system triggered by payment from a user, developed around a microprocessor device, said system comprising memory containing, in compressed digital form, audio and visual information to be used, a display and digital audio reproduction unit enabling formation of a multimedia environment, wherein the display comprises a video monitor and an interactive interface with the user by an interface program which reacts to external events and translates the external events for a multitasking operating system as events which trigger, via a graphical module of a library of integrated tools and services, a display of windows or frames providing a modification of physical operating parameters of the audiovisual reproduction system, said external events comprising at least a down event interpreting coincidence of a placement of pointing device with the position of at least a representation displayed by the graphic module, and an event which triggers modification of the physical operating parameters

Abstract: A method for providing configurable access to media in a media-on-demand system also can include delivering the media to a first client device in a format compatible with the first client device; interrupting the delivery of the media; recording a bookmark specifying a position in the media where the interruption occurred; and resuming delivery of the media to a second client device, the resumed delivery beginning at a position in the media specified by the recorded bookmark. The method further can include identifying device properties for each of the first and second client devices; delivering the media to the first client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the first client device; and, delivering the media to the second client device in a format compatible with the identified device properties for the second client device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.

Abstract: A clustered computer system includes a shared data storage system, preferably a virtual shared disk (VSD) memory system, to which the computers in the cluster write data and from which the computers read data, using data access requests. The data access requests can be associated with deadlines, and individual storage devices in the shared storage system satisfy competing requests based on the deadlines of the requests. The deadlines can be updated and requests can be killed, to facilitate real time data access for, e.g., multimedia applications such as video on demand.

Abstract: A PVR is selectively granted access to a hard disk drive. The HDD generates a random number, encrypts it with a key known to the PVR, and sends it to the PVR, which decrypts the number and increments it by one to render a new number. The new number is encrypted with the key and sent back to the HDD, which decrypts the new number, decrements it by one, and compares the result to the original number, granting the PVR access only when a match occurs.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus has a multiplexing unit that cyclically multiplexes presentation information and navigation information stored in a transmission data storage unit according to control by a multiplexing control unit and a transmission unit that transmits the multiplexed stream. The reception control unit of a data reception apparatus sets filter conditions in a filter condition storage unit of a TS decoder unit in accordance with user operation indications. The presentation information and navigation information separated by the TS decoder unit are outputted via a reproduction unit to a display unit and an audio output unit.

Abstract: A method and system for periodically deriving an optimal batch broadcast schedule based on client demand feedback data from a distributed set of broadcast clients. The broadcast system includes an operation center that broadcasts meta-data to a plurality of client systems. The meta-data describes a plurality of pieces of content that are in consideration for upcoming broadcasts by the server. Each client receives the broadcasted meta-data from and sends back a set of client demand feedback data to the operations center, wherein the user feedback data reflects a client's interest level in at least a portion of the pieces of content. The feedback data, which typically may include ratings and/or relative rankings, may be user-generated, automatically-generated, or a combination of the two. The system then send a batch of content based on an aggregation of the feedback data in combination with available broadcast bandwidth and broadcast schedule window.

Abstract: A program-changing method for a network having at least two nodes that include a first and a second predetermined node, each network node having a program, includes a network management system connected to the first predetermined node of the network. New changing program data and a control signal are transmitted to the first predetermined node connected to the network management system which is disposed in the network separately from the nodes and configured to manage the changing of the programs in the nodes. The first predetermined node replaces its program with the new changing program data. The network management system transmits a program-transmitting-signal to the first predetermined node, causing the transmission of the newly changed program data stored therein to the next predetermined node to change the program of the next predetermined node under control of a respective control signal to the second predetermined node from the network management system.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) method, consistent with the invention involves storing multiple selective encrypted VOD content on a VOD server; receiving an order for the VOD content specifying delivery to a target decoder; determining what CA encryption system is associated with the order; stripping all encrypted segments from the multiple selectively encrypted content that are not associated with the order to produce single selectively encrypted VOD content; and sending the single selectively encrypted VOD content to the target decoder.

Abstract: A local user issues recording instructions via the Internet to a remote computing device. The remote recording device records broadcast programs available to it according to the received recording instructions, and compresses and encodes the recorded program into a specified media format. The file holding the encoded broadcast program may be subdivided into multiple smaller files before being moved into another computer specified by the user and accessible via the Internet. The remote computing device may receive recording instruction via a pulse telephone and may be incorporated into existing video cassette recorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to delivering a program to an individual business or residence. In one embodiment, a process for pre-storing a portion of a program distributed on a plurality of distribution conduits and in a linear schedule with staggered start times is described. A first start time of the program is determined for a first distribution conduit, and a second start time of the program is determined for a second distribution conduit. A stagger time between the first start time and the second start time is also determined. A segment of the program equal in length to the stagger time is stored.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a first processor connected to a communications channel device. The communications device is capable of receiving and transmitting information to a video-on-demand (VOD) service provider. A VOD content decoder is provided that is conencted to the first processor. A video and audio formatting processor is provided that is connected to the first processor and the content decoder. An index memory is provided that is connected to the first processor. The index memory stores a plurality of VOD program segment representations of either whole VOD program content or partial VOD program content. Also provided is a method that includes selecting a start and stop time for recording a representation of a segment of at least one VOD program. The method also includes converting a VOD program identifier of at least one VOD program to a text representation.

Abstract: A reception apparatus records a content distributed from a content distribution apparatus on a hard disk. Following an instruction from a viewer, the reception apparatus reproduces the content. The reception apparatus transmits management information including identification information about the content recorded on the hard disk to a management apparatus. The management apparatus stores the information in a management information storage. When the hard disk of the reception apparatus fails, a replacement hard disk is attached to the management apparatus. The management apparatus retrieves, based on the stored management information, the same content as the content recorded on the hard disk of the reception apparatus from a content distribution apparatus, etc., and records the retrieved content on the replacement hard disk. The hard disk of the reception apparatus is then replaced with the replacement hard disk with the content recorded thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides for selectively storing broadcast data from a multiplex data stream required for later play, while also maintaining synchronicity of the broadcast. A processing system may be employed to process and store particular channel packets and associated packets for a channel. Packets are stored with a time stamp that is compared to a ready time when the channel data is to be played. The channel data from each sequential packet is transferred to a player device at the appropriate time. The system may temporarily pause the transfer of data when it is not yet time to play the next packet. In addition, other aspects of the present invention relating to the processing system storing and manipulating broadcast data are described.

Abstract: Video data is moved thru a video-on-demand system by the following steps: a) segregating, from an operating system program, a hidden section of a random-access semiconductor memory which cannot be paged by the operating system program; b) writing video data into the hidden section of the memory at addresses which are selected by a video server application program; c) sending, from the video server application program to a network interface circuit, messages which identify the selected addresses; and d) issuing read commands, from the network interface circuit with the selected addresses as identified in the messages, which read the video data directly from the hidden section of the memory into the network interface circuit for transmission to a network.

Abstract: Command data may be embedded in the data transmitted over an interconnect between video devices to specify memory addresses in a destination device. Using an embedded address allows address-dependent data to be transmitted over the interconnect without losing these attributes. For example, compressed video may be transferred from a disk controller to a memory device using this interconnection protocol without losing address attributes of the bus architecture. The address information may be used either to read data from or to write data to a device over the interconnect into randomly-accessible memory locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to allow multiple users to share a common stream of video information while providing each user the ability to have video-motion-control without interrupting the video program material viewed by the remaining users sharing the stream of video information. Also included is a method and apparatus to maximize the availability of video information in a given video content library which minimizing the storage media required to store the video information contained therein.

Abstract: A clustered computer system includes a shared data storage system, preferably a virtual shared disk (VSD) memory system, to which the computers in the cluster write data and from which the computers read data, using data access requests. The data access requests can be associated with deadlines, and individual storage devices in the shared storage system satisfy competing requests based on the deadlines of the requests. The deadlines can be updated and requests can be killed, to facilitate real time data access for, e.g., multimedia applications such as video on demand.

Abstract: A video server apparatus is provided with a stream control section which determines a keyframe readout interval and a keyframe playback interval that satisfy a playback speed designated by a terminal apparatus. The video server apparatus transmits data of the thus-determined keyframe playback interval to the terminal apparatus. The video server apparatus reads out keyframes of a stored bit stream from at the thus-determined keyframe readout interval, and transmits a stream including the read-out keyframes to the terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus decodes and displays the transmitted stream at the received keyframe playback interval. This system can correctly perform a playback at an arbitrary speed that is designated by the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: A method for transferring DHCT settings includes receiving by a first digital home communication terminal (DHCT) a request for transmitting a DHCT setting from the first DHCT to a second DHCT, and transmitting the DHCT setting from the first DHCT to the second DHCT. Systems and other methods for transferring DHCT settings are also provided.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) system (100) for use in a distributed network environment. The distributed network environment contains a number of geographic networks (400A-400N) that are divided into a plurality of tiers (305-1 to 305-N), which are allocated to content providers (225). A content provider (225) provides content to the network with a tier assignment. The content is received pursuant to the assigned tier. Identification information, such as Categorization Information, is provided with and/or associated with a content file. The identification information may be updated at any time, independently of the content.

Abstract: A method for allowing television viewers to express their interest in goods or services advertised on television. The present invention is comprised of a Viewer Preference Program, a Viewer Interest Program, and a Viewer Expression Program. The Viewer Expression Program interfaces with the viewer database, the advertiser database, and the cable provider program and runs the cable provider program, the Viewer Preference Program, and the Viewer Interest Program. The Viewer Preference Program allows the viewer to input the method by which he/she desires to be contacted and the type of information he/she desires to receive from the advertiser. The viewer may indicate an interest during any commercial or program and the Viewer Interest Program records the time and channel of interest. The Viewer Interest Program then cross-references the advertisement with the advertiser responsible for the advertisement and sends the requested information to the viewer.

Abstract: A system and method for employing multiple editors in the creation of self-presenting multimedia documents that include real-time video and time-insensitive media such as graphics and text. The real-time and time-insensitive media may be synchronized or otherwise driven by timing information. The real-time video may be recorded in a studio, at a workstation, or via other facilities, edited there or elsewhere, and brought together with separately authored time-insensitive media (such as graphics and text) created with a entirely different and unrelated editor dedicated to such media. In addition to such formal information presentation, the multimedia document may also accurately record an ad hoc video teleconference involving datasharing. Further, the multimedia document can take the form of a multimedia mail message.

Abstract: Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. Redundancy information corresponding to each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units. The redundancy information for a segment may be a copy of the segment, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. The redundancy information also may be based on two or more segments. This random distribution of segments of data and corresponding redundancy information improves both scalability and reliability. When a storage unit fails, its load is distributed evenly over to remaining storage units and its lost data may be recovered because of the redundancy information.

Abstract: A technique that seamlessly broadcasts a live event from a point that occurs before or during an interruption through a point that occurs after the interruption. This seamless broadcast is accomplished by storing data for the live event during and preferably after the interruption and broadcasting at least part of the stored data until the broadcast of the live event catches up to the live event. Techniques for catching up to the live event include, but are not limited to, editing of the stored data and time-compressed broadcasting of the data.

Abstract: The invention is a data pipeline system which synchronizes the display of digitized audio and video data regardless of the speed at which the data was recorded on its linear medium. To do this, the video data is played at a constant speed, synchronized by the audio speed. Further, the invention uses a method of “staging” data in storage buffers, i.e., ring buffers, which encourages efficient use of the viewer module resources by not permitting the viewer to read excessive amounts of data at any one time, i.e., to read only enough data into any one ring buffer so that the amount of data in the ring buffer is roughly equivalent to the amount of data in the other ring buffers and yet permitting the viewer to read large enough chunks of data to promote efficient use of the fill system.