Abstract: A system and apparatus for legally copying and dispensing music, video games, feature movies and other multimedia onto blank digital media (such as disks, e.g., CDs or DVDs) from a local source inside the apparatus or from a remote source accessible via a data line. The system receives and transmits multimedia updates from a remote information source, and transmits transaction information to a remote server that supports and compiles data for an entire network of apparatuses, while respecting copyright royalty requirements and viewer restrictions based upon age. The system provides for the rental (as well as the physical and electronic return of disks) and sale of disks, and each apparatus may prepare its own inventory by recording media titles onto blank disks. The apparatus verifies the age of the user prior to dispensing certain age-restricted media titles.

Abstract: Multiple videos in a particular set are distributed for local storage at central offices. Each of the videos is distributed to at least one but not all of the central offices. An order for a selected video from the set is received from a customer served by a first of central offices. If the selected video is not stored by the first central office but is stored by a second of the central offices, the selected video is downloaded from second central office to the first central office, and communicated from the first central office to the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a media library controller that can communicate with multiple physical libraries that are physically separate from each other. The media library controller can maintain a virtualized aggregate media library representing the physical media libraries with which it is in communication. From the physical media libraries, the media library controller can establish a virtual media library and associate a host with the virtual media library. The virtual media library can represent the portions of a physical media library to which the host is allowed access.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to configure, store, and apply user-selected operating characteristics for multimedia devices on a per-program basis, rather than a per channel or connector-specific basis. The system provides a mechanism to set up and apply user-customized characteristics to a broadcast received on a multimedia device. Operating characteristics which may be selected for setting modification are video characteristics such as brightness, contrast, aspect ratio, resolution, closed-captioning type, parental control features, and others. In addition, audio operating characteristics that are user-selectable for modifications are volume level, language, tone, stereo, surround sound, and so forth. The operating characteristics may include recording options. A current program is identified and the operating characteristics are applied to related multimedia devices.

Abstract: A list of video programs downloadable via a digital subscriber line, including a presently-unavailable video program and its associated date of download availability, is presented to a user. A user selection of the video program is received. Based on the user selection, an entry is added to a download schedule to schedule downloading the video program on or after its associated date of download availability. The video program is downloaded via the digital subscriber line based on the download schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for buffering in multi-node data distribution architectures. One embodiment of the present invention groups data items into frames and stores the frames in a buffer. One embodiment allocates storage space for the buffer such that enough storage is available to accommodate one frame for every client wishing access to the data in addition to a fixed number of frames. One embodiment stores the buffer as a linked list of frames. In one embodiment, the head of the linked list is the oldest frame in the buffer and the tail of the linked list is the newest frame. When a new frame of data is added to a full buffer, the oldest frame not in use is removed and the new frame is added. One embodiment, allows multiple clients to access a single frame in the buffer simultaneously. The clients indicate when they are using a frame in the buffer so that the frame is not overwritten.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a video stream from a server to a client over a network include a memory for storing a forward-encoded bit-stream and a reverse-encoded bit-stream for a video data. The forward-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames encoded without inter-frame dependencies and P-frames encoded depending on forward-direction preceding frames, and the reverse-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames and P-frames encoded depending on reverse-direction preceding frames. When the server receives a request with a video cassette recording (VCR) function from the client, the server reads out and transmits frames selectively from among the first, second, third, and fourth frames in accordance with the request. The server can select the closest I-frame to a requested frame in either bit-stream for a fast-mode play or a random-access play, and switch the bit-streams to use subsequent P-frames in a different direction than that of the closest I-frame.

Abstract: An Internet-based video feed management system controls, manages, and efficiently administers the commercial distribution of live video feeds from on-site video cameras as well as other sources of video feeds to production companies at other locations. The system employs a network of local video-propagation servers located in different localities for receiving the video feeds from the different source locations, and a master authorization server for receiving and granting requests via Internet from requesting parties for access to any of the video feeds transmitted to the video-propagation servers. The master server issues an access code to the requesting party and establishing a unique publishing point for the requested video feed from the video-propagation server handling the feed. The on-site video cameras can supply live video feeds to the requesting parties, or the video feeds can be transmitted to a video-propagation server for storage and later re-transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for content based on-demand video media overlay is presented. A user uses a media manager, such as a set-top box, to register for an event. The media manager retrieves information from an event data packet, which includes a detection identifier, to register the event. After registration, the media manager matches event identifiers provided by a content provider with the registered event's detection identifier. When the media manager determines a match, the media manager retrieves an identified event corresponding to the matched event identifier, formats the identified event using user-defined preferences, and displays the formatted identified event on a media device, such as a television. The user may also configure the media manager to store formatted identified events in a nonvolatile storage area for later viewing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a walled garden program for substantially optimized bandwidth delivery are described. In particular, layers of data that are substantially similar across multiple pages of Web content are identified for subsequent reuse during transcoding operations. To this end, the content pages are transcoded into a program that includes multiple video components. The pages are transcoded such that a layer that was determined to be substantially similar across multiple ones of the pages is not encoded into a respective video component for each substantially similar occurrence of the layer. Rather, the layer and all other substantially similar layers are represented in the program with a single still of the video components and interaction model metadata. By reusing similar components, the amount of data used to represent the Web content is reduced, providing for substantially optimized bandwidth delivery to the client.

Abstract: A system for streaming data includes a channel for communicating requests between a client and server and another channel for transmitting streaming video. The client creates a media file for archiving received video data. A global list maintained by the client identifies all available data in the media file. A monitoring thread tracks the global list to identify unavailable data needed for playback, identify approaching data discontinuities, merge global list entries for contiguous chunks of available data and identify remaining unavailable data. The client requests unavailable data from the server until the media file is full. A client-side player with a graphical user interface facilitates pause, stop, play, fast forward, jump (scroll), and rewind operations. The system may play video data as streamed and store the streamed video data for playback in a download and store mode.

Abstract: An integrated video jukebox and entertainment management system for a premises comprises a video jukebox server providing a set of video selections customized to a predetermined commercial enterprise for the premises. A large-area display system is deployed in the premises. A plurality of jukebox clients are deployed in the premises and networked with the jukebox server. A payment acceptor is coupled to at least one of the jukebox clients for establishing credits for accessing the video selections. A touch screen input device is coupled to the one jukebox client for providing a user interface wherein a user is able to browse the set of video selections and choose a desired video selection for display by the large-area display system. The one jukebox client transmits a request to the jukebox server for displaying the desired video selection if sufficient credits are established.

Abstract: A system and method for providing movies on demand is provided. A central system will transmit movies from its inventory to a local storage and replay device. Viewers, at any time, can request a movie from a local inventory now stored in the local storage and replay device. The device communicates the request to view the movie to the central system which validates the request against a central device database checking subscription and billing parameters. If approved, the central system authorizes the device to play the movie. The central system will maintain a device database for each device tracking, among other things, the local movie inventory stored on each such device. The local device communicates the movie title played, start time and end time back to the central system and the central device database is updated. The central system uses this data for control, billing and royalty payment purposes.

Abstract: Four techniques which result in the visual improvement of transitions between video streams with a same packet identifier (PID). All four techniques are applicable in the situation where the stream transition is between two streams that utilize the same PID. Retaining the same PID reduces the delay between the time the user selects an action via the remote control to the time when the new stream is displayed on the TV. The first technique includes two methods: a method for pre-conditioning video stream data for storage; and a method for transitioning between video streams which utilizes the pre-conditioning. The second technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where timing information in the new stream is modified so as to be consistent with timing information in the old stream. The third technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by picture repeat packets.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which enables viewers to select criteria for grouping various video content programs (e.g., movies, games, TV shows, etc.) into manageable sets for convenient review. Once grouped, the previews or “trailers” for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application permits the viewer to browse the trailers at their own rate, skipping forward to the next trailer or backward to the previous trailer. If the viewer settles on a particular program, the VOD application also allows the user to rent the program immediately from the trailer being displayed on their television set, without returning to a menu or other order screen.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for dynamically distributing memory bandwidth between real-time components and non-real-time components is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes monitors for measuring a performance of each of the real-time components. Based on the measured performance, closed-loop feedback loop is communicated to a unified memory system. The feedback is used by the memory controls within the unified memory system to efficiently and dynamically distribute memory bandwidth between the real-time and the non-real-time components.

Abstract: Live television broadcast and other information and entertainment programs, e.g., videos-on-demand (VOD), are provided to a user through a communications network, e.g., a cable network. A processing unit is employed at an headend of the communications network to respond to user requests for PVR-like functions, e.g., pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, to be performed on the program content being viewed. The processing unit in accordance with the invention causes a delivery of an appropriate version of the program content to meet such user requests.

Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: An audio data file-handling device which may receive one or more audio data files from a base station. This file transfer may be accomplished utilizing wireless transmissions. Furthermore, the base station may accumulate one or more audio data files from a variety of content sources and communication paths. An audio data file distribution system which accumulates audio data files in a base station and uploads at least one accumulated audio data file to an audio data file handling device. A user interface, such as a wireless control unit, may send a trigger signal to the base station either directly or via the audio data file-handling device. This triggering signal triggers the upload of audio data files from the base station to the audio data file-handling device. The triggering signal may also be generated upon a vehicle start condition or upon the arrival of a designated time. Furthermore, cellular or other wireless networks may be utilized to transfer audio data files over long distances.

Abstract: A digital history service presents a user's collected data in an historical format such as a timeline that includes various interactions with objects and people over the course of time wherein the digital history data was retrieved and correlated from the various data stores. An example of such a retrieval is to select a sequence of items from the data store based on an algorithm that determines the next item based on its relationship to the current item. The relationship could be a complex combination of the date, time of year, historical events in the past, the person(s) or objects involved in a given event, the location of an event, past or upcoming national holidays, calendar items, etc.

Abstract: A method providing integrity analysis of content data streams within an information distribution system. On-demand content is divided into a plurality of content portions to be severally distributed among disk drives of an array of disk drives. A data structure is used for dividing the content into the plurality of content portions. Method is used to check integrity of content prior to provisioning thereof.

Abstract: A command and control architecture for a compressed digital television broadcast studio. The architecture includes provisions for session management, real-time control of studio activities, the use of proxy objects to establish communications with objects not providing a high level of control, control of studio filter devices and stream management. The invention includes an object architecture particularly suited to a digital studio.

Abstract: Disclosed are an interface system for stream source and display devices and an interfacing method thereof. The present invention includes a stream source device receiving analog/digital signals from external analog/digital equipments to generate a transmission packet stream corresponding to the analog/digital signal and transmitting the transmission packet stream by wireless and a display device receiving the transmission packet stream transmitted from the stream source device, the display device decoding the transmission packet stream to separate into a video signal and an audio signal to output respectively. Therefore, the present invention needs no additional cables to transmit various video, audio, and various control signals between the stream source and display devices, thereby enabling to overcome the problem of defiling the appearance of the cables exposed on the wall.

Abstract: An information handling system for utilizing an electronic program guide and a method for generating a future program guide are disclosed. A processor executes a program of instructions for the information handling system, and a memory stores the program of instructions that comprises a program guide for causing the information handling system to obtain current program guide information, to compare the current program guide information to previous program guide information, to thereby generate future programming information, and to generate a future program guide based upon the future programming information. The current program guide information is obtained from a program information source, and the previous program guide information is stored in an information storage medium of the information handling system.

Abstract: A system that provides information about media content stored in a storage device coupled to an interactive media services client device. In one embodiment, the system includes a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to provide a symbol that represents the duration of at least one media content instance of a plurality of media content instances stored in the storage device. Preferably, the processor is further configured with the logic to provide a recorded portion in the symbol that represents the portion of the media content instance that is accessible to a user.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed toward a device for processing digital video data, such as an encoder, a decoder or an encoder/decoder (CODEC). The device makes use of an innovative architecture in which functionality is partitioned between an embedded processor, a digital signal processor and dedicated hardware to achieve increased performance. In addition, the device includes a programmable video direct memory access (VDMA) controller to retrieve video data from memory in response to a command specifying a multidimensional block of video data.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.

Abstract: A digital multimedia newsroom production system allows users of the system to create, browse and catalog multimedia assets. The system includes a multimedia capture and encoding system that captures multimedia data, and substantially simultaneously provides a first compressed version of the multimedia data having a first resolution, and a second compressed version of the multimedia data having a second resolution that is different than the first resolution; a multimedia storage system, coupled to the multimedia capture and encoding system, that stores multimedia information including the first and second compressed versions of the multimedia data; and a video editing and playback system coupled to the multimedia storage system.

Abstract: A consumer set-top terminal and method that receives and stores digital programming services such as television programs for subsequent playback by the user in a manner analogous to a conventional video cassette recorder (VCR). An interface allows the terminal's user to control a transcoding proces based on the desired quality level for the transcoded data, e.g., high, medium or low. The transcoding is provided without the expense and complexity of a full encoder. By performing transcoding at the terminal, the bit rate of the data can be reduced sufficiently to allow economical storage at the terminal. Moreover, the user can set the quality level to be different for different programs, different parts of the same program, or for different channels. The user input can be received via an interface, such as an on-screen display, which is optionally integrated with electronic program guide data. The user input can be established beforehand as well.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate user access to various types of content stored within one or more devices on a private network, both from other devices on the private network and from devices external to the private network, are provided. Content stored within each network device is published to the private network (e.g., to other devices on the private network), either periodically or continuously, via a respective contributor module associated with each network device. Meta information about content stored within each network device (and/or content) is aggregated, either periodically or continuously, via an aggregator module in communication with each contributor module. The content stored within the network devices (or content centrally stored) is then categorized, either automatically or manually by a user, into one or more content categories via a categorizer module in communication with the aggregator module.

Abstract: Frames of image data are stored in a device capable of effecting a plurality of data transfers with respective processes. The data is transferable up to a notional maximum transfer-rate bandwidth. Bandwidth is allocated to particular requesting processes within said notional maximum. A frame of image data is then transferred to each of said processes in turn so that each process receives its allocated bandwidth within said notional maximum.

Abstract: A personal video service manager can store one or more personal video assets on a server. A personal video asset can comprise a recording of a broadcast stream of a broadcast asset or an asset that has been pre-authored in a personal video asset format. Upon receiving a request from a subscriber to receive the personal video asset, the personal video service manager can facilitate a connection between the server and the subscriber for distributing the personal video asset from the server to the subscriber.

Abstract: A local server records compressed digital video data according to a first image compression format at normal and four times speeds, while a main server records compressed digital video data according to a second image compression format at normal speed. An image format converter is provided between the local and main servers. The image format converter converts compressed digital video data according to the first image compression format output at normal speed from the local server to compressed digital video data according to the second image compression format to be sent to the main server. The image format converter also converts compressed digital video data according to the second image compression format output at normal speed from the main server to compressed digital video data according to the first image compression format to be sent to the local server.

Abstract: To transmit EPG information efficiently in a small volume of transmission, it is so disposed that SDTs corresponding to respective transponders are referred in an NIT stating the overall configuration of the network and necessary information for reception. In each SDT, a real channel for transmitting video signals and a corresponding dummy channel are provided in a pair, and the dummy channel is provided with a gEMT and a dEMT for stating information on events. An ETT is provided correspondingly to the real channel. In an ETT, a gEMT is caused to be referred to. In a dEMT, outline documents of events are stated, and in a gEMT information other than the outline documents of events is stated.

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: A recordable media content archiving system in a subscriber network. The recordable media content archiving system comprises, among other elements, a memory for storing recordable media content characterizing information, a storage device for storing a plurality of portable mediums, and a processor configured with the memory to receive the recordable media content characterizing information into the memory, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a user interface for the recordable media content archiving system.

Abstract: Access to movies ranging from very popular movies to unpopular movies is managed by configuring sets of data movers for associated movie rankings, reserving data mover local cache resources for the most popular movies, reserving a certain number of streams for popular movies, negotiating with a client for selection of available movie titles during peak demand when resources are not available to start any freely-selected movie in disk storage, and managing disk bandwidth and primary and local cache memory and bandwidth resources for popular and unpopular movies. The assignment of resources to movie rankings may remain the same while the rankings of the movies are adjusted, for example, during off-peak hours. A movie locked in primary cache and providing a source for servicing a number of video streams may be demoted from primary cache to disk in favor of servicing one or more streams of a higher-ranking movie.

Abstract: A media system which includes logic configured to provide a user interface that provides a user with a plurality of media content selections available at various times, and

Abstract: A video streaming network having a server and a client and the client includes a buffer that can be dynamically changed in response to changing communication channel conditions. The client initially allocates a portion of its system memory to be a video buffer based on a test procedure. During transmission of a video work from the server to the client, the server sends a plurality of video packets to fill the client's buffer. The client then retrieves the video data from its buffer and plays the video content on the display. The server, at appropriate times in a coordinated fashion, sends more video packets to top off the video buffer so that the buffer does not run dry. If the amount of data to be played fails to comport with a given set of criteria indicative of communication problems, the client increases the size of its buffer. The size of the buffer also can be dynamically reduced.

Abstract: A method for efficiently transmitting several multimedia streams to one or more multimedia receivers is disclosed comprising: defining a minimum acceptable time for rendering a multimedia stream to a user when the user selects a particular stream; defining a packet size for packets containing data for each multimedia stream, the packet size defined based on one or more performance characteristics of mass storage devices on the one or more multimedia receivers; concurrently transmitting the packets for each multimedia stream to the one or more multimedia receivers; continually storing the multimedia streams on the mass storage devices; and playing back the multimedia content from the mass storage devices responsive to a user tuning to a particular multimedia stream when a delay greater than the minimum acceptable time would otherwise result waiting for a next packet containing data for the particular multimedia stream to arrive.

Abstract: A media player controller is disclosed that monitors user activity and automatically activates a media player in response to predefined events. The disclosed media player controller includes one or more audio/visual mage capture devices focused on one or more users. The captured audio and video information is processed by the media player controller to identify one or more predefined events. A number of rules can be utilized to define various user events suggesting that the media player should be activated, such as when the user enters the room and demonstrates certain behavior. Each rule contains one or more conditions, and, optionally, a corresponding action-item that should be performed when the rule is satisfied. Upon detection of a predefined event, the corresponding action, if any, is performed by the media player controller.

Abstract: When various content is broadcasted via the Internet, a user is free from restriction of time and space and user's desired content is provided. The content is controllably recorded and read to a random-access recording medium via a network, and at least the content read from the recording medium is transmitted to the network.

Abstract: Requests are received for retrieving and storing data from and to a plurality of storage devices. A processor is designated for handling each request, based, e.g., on the load of each processor. A request for retrieving data is forwarded directly from the designated processor to the storage device via a switch. Responses from the storage devices are routed directly to the designated processor via the switch. The switch independently routes the request for retrieving data and the responses between the storage devices and the processor, based on directory information obtained by the processor. Data provided by a designated processor is stored on the storage devices via a switch. The switch independently routes the data to be stored directly from the designated processor to the storage devices, based on directory information created by the processor. Requests and responses are exchanged between the switch and the storage devices via at least one high speed network connected to the storage devices.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus having unit modules connected in cascade in a plurality (x; 2≦x) of stages and a list converting means, wherein each of the unit modules has a recording and/or reproducing means, a first-list generating means for generating a first list indicating the data to be recorded in the recording and/or reproducing means, a second-list receiving means for receiving a second list indicating the data to be reproduced from the recording and/or reproducing means, and a data supplying means for supplying the reproduced data to the next stage unit module; the recording and/or reproducing means of each of the unit modules records the data indicated in the first list generated by the first-list generating means among the data supplied from the outside and reproduces the data indicated in the second list received at the second-list receiving means; and the list converting means converts a first list generated by a first-list generating means of a y(2≦y≦x)th stage unit module to a second l

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: An information distribution system with an architecture that facilitates efficient distribution of a plurality of information asset data to a plurality of different requesting users substantially simultaneously. Fundamental components of the system include a plurality of mass storage devices that store information assets, mass storage device interface units, a switching unit, a centralized control unit and a gateway to the users. Information transfer between various components of the system is accomplished through a plurality of communication channels according to a circuit switching protocol. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of communication channels are provided between the mass storage devices and the switching unit such that information asset data may be transferred, in substantially a single format and according to substantially a single protocol, from the mass storage devices directly through the switch and to the requesting user.

Abstract: Movies are distributed to customer households in a secure format on digital media such as optical disks for playback via proprietary set-top boxes. A system operator produces movie disks in large quantities and delivers the disks to widely geographically dispersed distribution agents. Agents produce copies of the disks with unique agent identification codes embedded therein, and distribute the disks to local customers who have compatible playback devices. When customers view movies, information identifying the movie and a distribution agent who is responsible for the movie being distributed to that customer are communicated to the central computer of the system operator. The content providers are then paid royalties due and responsible distribution agents are compensated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for administrating information in a system for interactive communication comprising :

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. At least one additional copy of each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. This random distribution of multiple copies of segments of data improves both scalability and reliability. When an application requests a selected segment of data, the request is processed by the storage unit with the shortest queue of requests. Random fluctuations in the load applied by multiple applications on multiple storage units are balanced nearly equally over all of the storage units.

Abstract: The endless recording which enables partial saving of recording contents and facilitates editing or management is to be achieved. To this end, if recording has been made for a pre-set time, such as one hour, a new region is secured to continue the recording, at the same time as a region carrying the oldest recorded contents is sequentially evacuated in an amount equal to the newly secured region. The partial saving region (00:10:00:00 to 00:20:00:00) is not to be evacuated.