Abstract: Video streams are generated using a combination of Multiple Bit Rate (MBR) encoding and Scalable Video Coding (SVC). Capabilities and requests of the clients are used in determining the video streams to generate as well as what video streams to deliver to the clients. The clients are placed into groups based on a resolution capability of the client. For each resolution grouping, MBR is used for generating spatial streams and SVC is used for generating temporal and quality streams.

Abstract: An information processor includes: a content acquisition section adapted to acquire linked content that includes a plurality of scenarios, each made up of content data and control information used to control the reproduction of the content data; a control information acquisition section adapted to acquire the control information; and a reproduction control section adapted to control the reproduction of the linked content by reproducing the content data according to the control information, wherein the control information acquisition section acquires, as an event adapted to allow a move from the current scenario to another scenario, the control information including an absolute time-of-day event that occurs at a specific date and time on the scenario time axis, and the reproduction control section allows a move from the current scenario to another scenario if the absolute time-of-day event occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for enabling multicast synchronization of initially unicasted content. Multiple unicast streams are synchronized in order to convert the unicast streams into a multicast stream. Each unicast stream may be accelerated or slowed down in relation to a reference stream to a common point within each stream upon which the unicast streams are replaced by a multicast stream of the same content.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a request, from a user device, associated with accessing a multi-media asset/content, identifying a location associated with the user device and identifying a profile for a subscriber associated with the user device. The method may also include determining whether the multi-media asset/content is available, identifying, based on the location, a content distribution network or network device to deliver the first multi-media asset/content, and identifying, based on the profile, advertisements associated with the multi-media content or asset. The method may further include inserting the identified advertisements into the multi-media asset/content and providing, via the identified content distribution network or network device, the multi-media asset/content to the user device.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program and set a desired broadcast time for that program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An interactive, multi-user media delivery system having a number of media storage mediums, each of containing a particular media selection, and a number of media players structured to selectively deliver the media selection to users. Each of the media players includes a control assembly structured to selectively control and regulate delivery of the media selection to the user, and at least one of the media players is selectively designatable as a slave unit. A master control assembly is further provided and is operatively associated with the media players, a connectivity assembly being included to establish a communicative link at least between the slave unit(s) and the master control assembly. The master control assembly is further structured to receive synchronization data from each of the media players, and to simultaneously and uniformly control the delivery of the media selection by the media players.

Abstract: A method includes forecasting demand for media content items of a media distribution system based on historical demand information to generate forecasted demand. The method includes generating a mixed integer program model based on storage constraints of a plurality of distribution nodes of the media distribution system, bandwidth constraints of the media distribution system, and the forecasted demand. The method includes performing a Lagrangian relaxation operation using the mixed integer program model. The method includes determining values of a cost function based on a result of the Lagrangian relaxation operation. The method includes assigning each of the media content items to a corresponding distribution node of the plurality of distribution nodes based on the cost function and the forecasted demand.

Abstract: A cloud based video delivery system along with a method and graphical user interface for streaming synchronized video content data to a group of user devices are disclosed. The user devices of the group receive speech to text converted audio (or speech-to-text communications) generated by the different users of their group along with the streaming video content data from the cloud based video delivery system. The speech to text communication and streaming video content data are then displayed on the user devices of the users in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: A system and method of managing delivery of content is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first request for delayed broadcast of a content item at a first time. The first request is from a first user having access to broadcast content. The method further includes receiving a second request for delayed broadcast of the content item at a second time. The second request is from a second user having access to broadcast content. The method further includes scheduling the content item for broadcast to a plurality of users at a third time. The third time is after the first time and after the second time. The plurality of users includes the first and second user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications are provided. In particular, the systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications provided herein generally relate to enhancing remote access capabilities by providing algorithms and techniques for managing and correcting disparities that may be found between program listings data used by the interactive media guidance application and the remote access server.

Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.

Abstract: An information processor includes: a content acquisition section adapted to acquire linked content that includes a plurality of scenarios, each made up of content data and control information used to control the reproduction of the content data; a control information acquisition section adapted to acquire the control information; and a reproduction control section adapted to control the reproduction of the linked content by reproducing the content data according to the control information, wherein the control information acquisition section acquires, as an event adapted to allow a move from the current scenario to another scenario, the control information including an absolute time-of-day event that occurs at a specific date and time on the scenario time axis, and the reproduction control section allows a move from the current scenario to another scenario if the absolute time-of-day event occurs.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the design of a Tracker in P2P applications to support DVD features, the method including determining for each peer and video operation the time T and jump point Pj, generating a hash key HKj for each peer, the hash key having a value Kj=(Pj?T)/C, where C>=1 is the granularity of the system, and grouping the peers with the same hash-key, where the system is designed to provide good viewer experience while supporting DVD features like pause, forward and backward jump operations.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for transmitting information over a home coax network are provided. A method according to the invention for transmitting information over a home coax network preferably includes adding a multicast transmission mode to a system that previously only had unicast transmission mode and broadcast mode. The method preferably includes broadcasting multicast (“MC”) traffic. The MC traffic may be directed to a predetermined MC group. The MC traffic may be transmitted from an ingress node to a plurality of egress nodes. A portion of the plurality of egress nodes may belong to the MC group. Upon receipt by at least one of the egress nodes of the MC traffic, the method may further include using the at least one egress node to filter the received MC traffic to determine whether the MC traffic is directed to a group for which the egress node is a member.

Abstract: A content provider computing device that transmits content to receivers at scheduled air times receives information regarding conditions relating to the transmissions. The computing device also receives data regarding content that a receiver will record. The computing device evaluates the information and compares it with the data to determine that there is a risk of interrupted transmission. As a result, the computing device transmits the content to the receiver prior to the scheduled air time. The conditions may include weather conditions, power outage conditions, and/or any other conditions that may affect transmission. In various implementations, the computing device may include content controls prior to transmission that prevent the content from being accessed prior to specified times. In some cases, the content control may prevent all access. In other cases, the content control may prevent some kinds of access to the instance of content prior to particular times and allow others.

Abstract: A method and a system for replacement of programs on a video recorder based on preferences and size constraints of a video recorder. The video recorder compares recorded programs in the computer readable storage media and a schedule of programs to be recorded to a plurality of global preferences and program specific preferences specifying preferred recording quality. For each recorded program whose quality does not match a global preference or program specific preference, a listing of future programs is examined for alternate versions of the program which do match a global preference or program specific preference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering content according to a customized program lineup are provided. A content source transmits a plurality of media assets in a first schedule according to scheduled transmission times. A processing device may receive a user input to receive the media assets in a second schedule different from the first schedule. When a request to access the content source is received, the processing device may automatically determine, based on the second schedule, whether the user has requested a different media asset than the originally-scheduled asset at the time of the request. If the user has requested a different media asset, the processing device may automatically receive and provide the different media asset instead of the originally-scheduled asset.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data identifying new media content items to be added to a media distribution system that provides media content on demand to a plurality of endpoints. The media distribution system includes a plurality of distribution nodes, and each of the distribution nodes is coupled to a subset of the endpoints. Historical demand is determined during a particular time period for existing media content items that include content available via at least one of the distribution nodes before the data was received. The method includes forecasting demand for media content items, including new media content items and existing media content items, based on the historical demand. Each media content item is assigned to, and stored at, at least one corresponding distribution node based at least partially on a cost function and the forecasted demand.

Abstract: Multiple scheduling producers such as content management systems, advertisement systems, and emergency broadcast systems can independently send scheduling events to scheduling consumers such as streaming servers, guide generators, and playlogs. The scheduling consumers maintain state machines with persistent storage to process scheduling events from scheduling producers and output media channel playlists, channel guides, and/or content. Scheduling producers can contribute independently to define a channel playout while information at scheduling consumers remains synchronized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning bandwidth to a network based on two or more different service levels. In an exemplary embodiment, video on-demand (VOD) session requests within a service group of an HFC cable network are assigned bandwidth such that maximum opportunity is given to grant HD VOD request among SD VOD requests, while meeting the goal of minimizing service disruption by spreading the sessions over multiple QAM channels, and limiting the maximum number of active VOD sessions of any kind.

Abstract: A playlist server application is provided on a server at a first network node. A playlist local application is provided for a remote device. An indication of a change to a playlist on one of the server and the remote device is obtained from a corresponding one of the playlist server application and the playlist local application. The change is synchronized to another one of the server and the remote device.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method and an apparatus for digital content transmission that comprise: (a) partitioning the digital content into a plurality of sequential segments; (b) selecting a plurality of transmission time instants for each of the sequential segments as a function of their order; (c) generating a plurality of linear combinations of the plurality of sequential segments during the plurality of transmission time instants resulting in a plurality of linearly combined coded segments; and (c) transmitting the plurality of linearly combined coded segments from a server to a plurality of clients. In particular embodiments, the method and apparatus further comprise performing error correction based on an implicit error correction (IEC) method that employs the redundancy present in the linearly combined coded segments to perform error correction at the client side without extra bandwidth cost.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow the presentation of content to multiple users while some or all of the users communicate with one another through a network. In some embodiments, a content item such as a movie is viewed synchronously by multiple users while the users interact through, e.g., instant messaging. A viewing event may be arranged with users receiving invitations, responding to the invitations, and receiving reminders about the viewing event. The viewing event allows for contests to be conducted between the users. The users may be charged fees to participate in the viewing event. Items for sale may be offered to the users, such as a copy of the content item.

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: Multicast adaptive stream switching for delivery of video content over an IP-based packet network is provided. A network device obtains multiple synchronized multicast streams of the same video content, where each of the multiple synchronized multicast streams includes a different bit-rate encoding. The network device receives, from a user device, a request to join a multicast group for one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested multicast group. The user device detects a congestion level associated with the current multicast stream. The network device receives, from the user device, a request to join a different multicast group for a different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested different multicast group.

Abstract: Method, medium and apparatus for receiving a request for a conferencing session identifying a group to participate in the conferencing session, the group comprising a first user terminal and a second user terminal, the request identifying media content to transmit to the group during the conferencing session, initiating the conferencing session including the group, in response to the request, receiving conferencing data comprising first communication data associated with the first user terminal and second communication data associated with the second user terminal, in response to the initiating the conferencing session, generating a first media stream and a second media stream, the first media stream comprising the media content and the second communication data and the second media stream comprising the media content and the first media stream and sending the first media stream to the first user terminal and the second media stream to the second user terminal.

Abstract: A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline.

Abstract: A method for updating a table of correspondence between a logical address associated to a user unit in a communication network and a unique identification number associated to one of a group of user units managed by a management center, a method where messages are exchanged between said management center and a specific user unit of said group by using said communication network, these messages being forwarded to the logical address of the specific user in said network, the method including searching in said table for the logical address of the user unit in said communication network corresponding to the unique identification number of the specific user unit; sending of messages to the user unit having the concerned unique identification number, to the logical address corresponding to said communication network; and if the messages are received incorrectly, sending a request containing an identifier of said specific user unit.

Abstract: Synchronization of content, events and other executables is contemplated. The synchronization may include synchronizing events executing on one device relative to events executing on another device, such as to facilitate syncing an interactive application executing on a tablet computer or other mobile device to a television program or other content interfaced through a television or other interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating distribution of content are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method of facilitating demand-driven population and management of online content within a video-on-demand (VOD) service includes receiving trend information and a link reference at one or more input ports, the reference being at least indirectly indicative of a location at which the content is available, and obtaining and normalizing, by way of one or more processing devices, metadata pertaining to the content. The method further includes determining business rule information pertaining to the content based at least indirectly upon the trend information, content provider policy information, and the normalized metadata, via the processing device(s), and outputting via one or more output ports the business rule information for receipt by the VOD service, whereby availability and prioritization of the content at the VOD service is based at least in part upon the output business rule information.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing data streams of the same program on a shared medium is provided. A user device receives a first data stream of a program and effects display of the program based on the first data stream to a display device. The user device halts display of the program and provides an advertisement to a viewer. A second data stream of the program being provided over the same medium to a second viewer that was initiated after the first data stream is provided to the user device. The user device buffers the second data stream, and after the advertisement is finished, provides the program to the viewer based on the second data stream.

Abstract: A particular method includes determining whether a recording at a set top box is in progress. When the recording is in progress, a program provided by a video stream transmitted to the set top box is recorded. After the recording is complete, a request is automatically sent to a content source to turn off the video stream. When the recording is not in progress, a warning is transmitted for display at a display device that the video stream will be turned off after a timeout period. After the timeout period has elapsed, the request is automatically sent to the content source to turn off the video stream.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a buffering server transfers a dynamic burst transfer of data encoded using an inter-coded compression technique. The dynamic burst transfer is timed so that an initial transfer rate is reduced to a remaining transfer rate at the same time or before a decoding endpoint joins a corresponding data stream. The decoding endpoint merges the video stream and the dynamic burst transfer to decode and quickly reconstruct a displayable video frame.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods for a universal collaboration adapter for web editors are described herein. In one aspect, the method executed by one or more computers in a network of computers includes analyzing a document object model (DOM) representing a document in a tree structure and identifying an event or manipulation associated with the DOM. Typically, the DOM manipulations correspond to the document manipulations. An operation corresponding to the identified event is selected. The operation is sent to a generic collaboration engine for transmission to a server. The server transmits the operation to various participants for collaborative editing. The identification of the DOM manipulations (instead of editor-specific manipulations) provides a universal collaboration adapter for various editors. Further, recording or identifying local DOM manipulations and replaying remote DOM manipulations enable transforming a single-user web editor into the multi-user or collaborative web editor.

Abstract: A profit redistribution device, profit redistribution method, program storage medium, profit redistribution system, content providing device, content providing method, program storage media, and content providing system are disclosed. Profit redistribution processing is performed according to the accumulated points proportionate to the number of times the content with a commercial video is provided to a client PC. Thus, a fair profit redistribution can be easily performed. A preset content with a commercial video is provided to a user when requested from the client PC, and it is possible to provide advertisement information without the user being aware of the commercial.

Abstract: A client device includes a client-side proxy that is operable to receive server playlist data corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of video programs, to generate proxy playlist data corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of video programs based on the server playlist data and to send the proxy playlist data to the video player. In particular, the client-side proxy generates the proxy playlist data by translating the server playlist data from a first playlist format, such as a sliding window format of the HLS protocol, to a second playlist format, such as an event playlist format.

Abstract: A distribution system 100 includes a transmission device 110 and a reception device 120. The transmission device transmits content data coded with a certain code rate to the reception device. The reception device, while receiving the content data transmitted by the transmission device, stores received data into a storage device and also reproduces content based on the stored data. The distribution system determines a code rate based on a remaining time before reproduction start time from a present moment and an available reproduction time, which is a time available for reproduction of the content based on the stored data. The transmission device changes the code rate of the content data to be transmitted to the determined code rate. The reception device starts reproduction of the content at the reproduction start point.

Abstract: A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline.

Abstract: Invention refers to methods of data transfer, in particular—for transferring of multimedia data to user's stations with two-sided mode, for example—when user sends a signal of program (content) choice, and can be used in multiservice networks of digital data transfer, which include voice, video, audio and Internet protocol data (Triple Play services, i.e. High Speed Internet, Broadcast TV, VoIP). Method comprises forming a database of content units to the user or user group, which formed a particular list. On a basis of list make more precise calculation of the required bandwidth in the system by building a queue of orders for the reservation rate for each ordered content unit for each user or user group. Combine the same orders and multicasting of the same custom content units to the user or user group. Carry out the automatic switching user access device (e.g. Set Top Box) on a content channel that has broadcast content unit in accordance with his request.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple audio streams for a video over a network such as the Internet. The system comprises a server that includes an encryption unit and a slicing unit, a plurality of boxes, and an ordering box. The server encodes multiple audio streams and a single video to be sliced into segments. The sliced segments of multiple audio streams and the single video are seeded to a number of the plurality of boxes. This may be repeated for other videos with multiple streams. When the ordering box makes a request for a single video with a single audio, then the number of boxes with segments of the requested video and multiple audio streams, filters and sends the requested video and requested single audio stream to the ordering box. Similarly, multiple closed caption streams can be handled and provided like the audio streams.

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable media are disclosed for presenting a simultaneous multimedia experience to a plurality of computing devices, each at different locations. The method involves coordinating a simultaneous presentation of multimedia content to a plurality of computing devices, receiving a control signal from a computer of one of the plurality of computing devices to control the presentation of multimedia content, and broadcasting the control assigned to each of the plurality of computing devices such that a control event substantially simultaneously occurs in the presentation of a multimedia content at each of the plurality of computing devices.

Abstract: A technique is offered which is applied to a system for wirelessly sending and receiving control commands and which permits mutual communications owing to the control commands between a wireless video transmitter and wireless video receivers to be operated stably with low delay. The transmitter makes a decision as to whether commands received from the receivers are certain commands. If so, the transmitter assigns transmissible periods, in which the receivers can send commands, more preferentially to the wireless video receiver that has sent out the certain commands than the other wireless video receivers.

Abstract: A system such as a multicast VOD system communicates content, e.g., delivers content or receives content, responsive to a user request for content and according to a schedule adapted to a user-specified acceptable latency for content delivery. The schedule may be modified to minimize initiation of delivery of content in response to the user's request. The schedule may also be modified to delay delivery of subsequent portions of the content as late as possible to allow subsequent requests to share a content stream while not exceeding the acceptable latency parameter specified by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time DVR usage and reporting enable using instant message protocol in a DVR environment to obtain real-time DVR usage data and to report data reflecting such usage in real-time. An example of DVR usage data comprises data reflecting that a viewer is viewing a video program which is R-rated. Another example of DVR usage data comprises a viewer entering a password, such as a kids zone password, to exit kids zone operational mode.

Abstract: Embodiments provide power-efficient mechanisms for communicating small amounts of information to receiver devices within a mobile broadcast system. A generic transport mechanism enables transmitting data relevant to upper layer protocols in a lower layer sub-channel so multiple information summary flows can share the same physical layer sub-channel. Data fields are added to the Overhead Information Service (OIS) channel to provide power-efficient logical channels for carrying the summary information. Data from the power-efficient logical channels are provided to an upper protocol layer that receives the information summary flows. Information summary flow may carry a version number of an information flow in the broadcast signal, codes or other information. Receiver devices periodically monitoring the OIS receive the information summary flows.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing parties, e.g., individuals, at different locations to participate in an on-demand content delivery session are described. Dynamically updateable playlists are used to control content delivery to the session participants in a synchronized manner. Content may be delivered to different session participants from different servers with a different playlist corresponding to each session participant being used to control content delivery to the session participant's host platform, e.g., set top box. Either party may update the playlist with, optionally, each of the content delivery servers being controlled by a different or local copy of the jointly updateable play list. Thus, an inviting party and one or more joining parties are able to participate together in an on-demand session. While the participants may be served by the same or different content delivery servers, the parties are able to share images, audio, and/or video in a synchronized manner.

Abstract: A compressed rendition of a video program is provided in a format suitable for electronic searching and retrieval. An electronic pictorial transcript representation of the video program is initially received. The video program has a video component and a second information-bearing media component associated therewith. The pictorial transcript representation includes a representative frame from each segment of the video component of the video program and a portion of the second media component associated with the segment. The electronic pictorial transcript is transformed into a hypertext format to form a hypertext pictorial transcript. The hypertext pictorial transcript is subsequently recorded in an electronic medium.