Abstract: A digital television (DTV) signal converter consistent with certain embodiments has a satellite band receiver that receives satellite television broadcast data from a satellite service and demodulates the satellite television broadcast data into a digital data stream. The digital data stream contains television content, satellite television logical channel identification information and electronic program guide data, and wherein television content, the logical channel identification information and the electronic program guide data are associated with a set of logical channels provided on the satellite service. A data mapper maps the satellite television logical channel identification information in the data stream to DTV channel identification information. A quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulator modulates the DTV channel identification information, the television content and the program guide data for transmission as an output comprising one or more QAM transport streams to a digital television.

Abstract: A client server system S includes a plurality of client terminal devices 3 capable to connect with display device 4, whose screen resolution is HD or SD, and a server device which provides image information to the plurality of client terminal devices s through wireless network N. The server device 1 is structured to include a sendable resolution determining program 1134 to make CPU 111 determine whether to convert HD image information into SD image information or not, and an image information sending program 1135 to make the CPU 111 send SD image information attached with SD information to the plurality of client terminal devices 3.

Abstract: A method for providing switching of a media session transmitted from server to a user equipment from a multicast to a cast bearer. A preparation trigger recognised by the user equipment triggers a preparation phase where in an application server prepares for an up-coming switch by re-configuring the media session and by providing the re-configuration data to the user equipment. Subsequent to the preparation phase, a second trigger triggers a release phase, wherein the multicast bearer is released, and the media session is resumed by the unicast bearer.

Abstract: A system for and method of sharing Video on Demand content is presented. The system and method may facilitate sharing of Video on Demand (“VOD”) content between friends and family. The sharing of VOD content between users may allow for the users to view the content in a more cost-effective manner than if the VOD content was purchased individually by all the users. Further, giving users the ability to share VOD content between one another may result in more overall viewing of the content.

Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.

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: In a digital video network that is capable of distributing digital video content to a client via multicasting and unicasting, servicing a channel change request from a client involves switching from providing the digital video content to the client via multicasting to providing the digital video content to the client via unicasting and continuing to provide digital video content to the client via unicasting until a pre-established condition is met. Continuing to provide digital video content to the client via unicasting until a pre-established condition is met allows the network to opportunistically switch the client from unicasting back to multicasting.

Abstract: To further correctly obtain related information about contents being received from a server. A communication apparatus 1 successively transmits request information that requests related information about contents being received via a network 30, at specified intervals (S1), receives related information corresponding to that request information (S2), temporarily stores (S3), displays it (S4), and performs contents updating processing. Here, if a direction to store the related information about the contents is entered, the communication apparatus 1 requests again request information for related information about contents, separately from the contents updating processing (S10). Then, the communication apparatus 1 receives related information corresponding to that request information (S11), and stores it (S13). This enables the latest related information to be further correctly obtained out of related information concerning contents, and obtaining related information before updating is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically allocating bandwidth in a digital broadband delivery system are disclosed. One example method includes receiving information describing subscriber requests for content delivery, receiving bandwidth allocation criteria, and processing the information describing subscriber requests and the bandwidth allocation criteria according to a statistical model. The bandwidth allocation criteria comprise at least one of subscriber pricing information, content delivery mode information, and program content information. The processing produces a bandwidth allocation schedule in which one of a plurality of content delivery modes is assigned to each of a plurality of digital transmission channels for each of a plurality of time periods.

Abstract: A method and computer system for managing bandwidth in a content on demand service provided by a service provider to users. A request is received from a user to receive the content. If it is ascertained that a total number of users requesting the content within a predetermined time period is below a first specified threshold, then the user is connected to a unicast stream of the content. If it is ascertained that a total number of users requesting the content within a predetermined time period is not below a first specified threshold, then the user is connected to a first multicast stream of the content. A video carousel includes at least two multicast streams that contains the first multicast stream. Each multicast stream has been or will be initiated at a unique time slot of a time period that is equal to the time duration of the content.

Abstract: A multicasting system includes a delivery server for multicasting a content via at least one upper router and a plurality of lower routers, a plurality of client devices for playing the content multicast by the delivery server, an upper router controller for controlling the upper router and a lower router controller for controlling the plurality of lower routers. The client device includes a play history storage unit, an individual storage unit, a content retrieving unit, and a content playing unit. The delivery server includes a master storage unit, an optimizer optimizing the identifier and the session information of the content stored on the individual storage unit, and a content delivery unit. The upper router controller includes a session information retrieving unit, a book scheduling unit, and a schedule information notifier.

Abstract: Scheduled data is received and distributed in a system, such as a DSDD system. A schedule director receives a schedule representing inventory of data available from a data source and desired times for distributing the data. The schedule director coordinates with one or more resource managers that maintain information regarding resource utilization in the system. The schedule director negotiates with the resource managers to reserve resources in the system for receiving the scheduled data from the data source, storing the received data, and/or preparing the received data for delivery to a user. Resources are reserved based on the schedule and the resources determined to be available. The resources are reserved to perform at least one task, independent of other resources in the system.

Abstract: A system and method of providing broadcast channel information generates a join message to join a broadcast channel information multicast group, sends the join message to a network, and stores a broadcast channel information table received from the network. Therefore, there is no need to receive broadcast channel information every time a set-top box is turned on or off.

Abstract: The present principles relate to a technique for distributing content destined to be played out on digital cinema systems. The content is preferably distributed compact, but non-digital-cinema-ready encodings. Upon receipt in the theatre, the content is transcoded as needed and played out on theatre systems. The system provides for miscellaneous pieces of content (separate picture and sound elements) to be automatically organized into a multimedia presentation along with other synchronized picture and sound content. The organization of this content may employ heuristics to optimize for revenue while considering aesthetics and showmanship.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for acquiring and transforming existing content (e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language HTML content) for display and execution on multiple platforms and architectures. In one embodiment, capture templates are created to harvest content from disparate content sources on multiple platforms. Data is extracted from the content from the disparate content sources using the created capture templates that drives extracting process. A standardized data stream is generated from the extracted data. The standardized data stream is provided for display on one or more different type of platforms.

Abstract: A method of operating a communications system storing assets for later transmission, is disclosed. The assets have respective expiration dates beyond which a right to transmit expires. The method comprises checking an expiration date of an asset and deleting the asset from storage based, at least in part, on the expiration date, a predetermined period of time added to or subtracted from the expiration date and/or whether the asset has been selected for later viewing. The predetermined period of time may provide a grace period for completing viewing of a selected asset by a user, either after or before the expiration date, depending on the rights to the asset granted by the source of the asset. The period of time may depend on a playtime of the asset and may be added to the expiration date only if the asset has been selected for viewing. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a secured service provider memory are disclosed. An electronic device is associated with a subscriber and is in communication with a data distribution network configured to deliver data by a service provider to the subscriber. The data distribution network comprises a server in communication with the data distribution network and the server configured to deliver a stream of data over the data distribution network. The electronic device comprises a first memory communicatively connected to the server. The first memory is configured to receive and store data from the server and it is accessible by the subscriber. A second memory is also communicatively connected to the server. The second memory is configured to receive and store data from the server, though the second memory is accessible only by the service provider.

Abstract: A pull-based parallel video server system and method of implementation useful in an on-demand video system includes a plurality of slave admission schedulers operating in parallel with a master admission scheduler to back up the master admission scheduler that controls access to an array of pull-based video servers according to a protocol that accounts for jitter and loss of packets, as well as network delays. A transport protocol is provided that improves video data throughput under such conditions. To determine the architecture and functional requirements of the redundant admission schedulers, an analytical tool in the form of a performance model has been developed that incorporates network delays, delay jitters and packet losses on the communication links between the clients, schedulers and servers.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering video content over a network in communication with a subscriber having an associated electronic device is disclosed. A network server is provided and is configured to transmit a plurality of multicast streams of video content over the network. A scheduled start time for the transmission of a first stream of the multicast streams is assigned. A request for the video content is received at a first time, which is after said scheduled start time and the request is the first request for the video content received by the network server after the scheduled start time. The first stream is transmitted over the network only after the request.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a first server, data from a set-top box device including login information for a user to establish a first session with a multimedia distribution system. The method includes determining at the first server that the user belongs to at least one presence group when the login information is verified. The method includes identifying one or more on-line members that are members of the at least one presence group and have established sessions with the multimedia distribution system. The method also includes sending information from the first server to the set-top box device, the information corresponding to session activity of each of the one or more on-line members. The information includes video content selected by a user of a particular set-top box corresponding to one of the one or more on-line members, where the video content is concurrently sent to the particular set-top box device.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for automatically selecting media content for presentation on a device such as a mobile device. An application and content provider compiles real-time most watched program information by determining viewing patterns associated with various individuals and groups. Channels and video clips requested most frequently are automatically displayed to a user. In some examples, the most popular programming associated with a particular group of friends, a particular user location, an interest set, or a demographic profile is automatically displayed to a user. In another example, the content with the largest rate of increase in viewership is automatically displayed to the user.

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: The present invention relates generally to a system for managing bandwidth usage in a content delivery system such as a Video on Demand (VOD) network. Specifically, an Edge Resource Manager (ERM) makes use of a number of policies to optimally select a transmission device such as a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) device. The policies aid in providing efficient use of the transmission devices particularly when a number of different transmission rates for different media are employed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distributing advertising data in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system, the method including dividing a plurality of end user devices in the IPTV system into K advertising groups; multicasting J advertising data multicast groups to end user devices in J advertising groups having a percentile ranking above or equal to a predetermined percentile ranking; and unicasting advertising data channels for actively viewed IPTV channels being viewed by other end users.

Abstract: Media content rebroadcast is described. In embodiment(s), a content distributor broadcasts television media content to client devices, and caches the television media content that is broadcast. A client device can receive the television media content and then request identification data that corresponds to the television media content from the content distributor. The client device can determine whether all of the television media content has been received utilizing the identification data, and request data segment(s) of the television media content that are determined not to have been received. The content distributor receives requests from multiple client devices for data segments of the television media content not received by the client devices. The content distributor can then prioritize the requests based on demand for the data segments that are requested, and queue the data segments prioritized by demand for rebroadcast to the requesting client devices.

Abstract: A video recording apparatus for continuously presenting a main program to a user without a break while presenting a commercial. A main program buffer records a main program of a video signal in accordance with a temporal position of at least the main program or commercials in the video signal, and a commercial buffer records the commercials. A controller determines whether a current time is in a period to display a commercial, on the basis of at least the temporal position of the main program or the commercials in the video signal. A mixer mixes the main program and the commercials such that the main program is temporally continuously displayed in a full screen area and such that a commercial is displayed in a small area in the bottom right corner of the screen during a period in which the commercial should be displayed.

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

Abstract: A system and method for delivering video content over a network comprises providing a network server and a database, receiving a request for video content at the network server, querying the database to determine subscribers likely interested in the video content, and delivering the video content to network devices associated with subscribers likely interested in the video content. The database stores data associated with the viewing habits of network subscribers. The querying step results in the identification of a subset of subscribers likely interested in the video content.

Abstract: A pull-based parallel video server system and method of implementation useful in an on-demand video system includes a plurality of slave admission schedulers operating in parallel with a master admission scheduler to back up the master admission scheduler that controls access to an array of pull-based video servers according to a protocol that accounts for jitter and loss of packets, as well as network delays. A transport protocol is provided that improves video data throughput under such conditions. To determine the architecture and functional requirements of the redundant admission schedulers, an analytical tool in the form of a performance model has been developed that incorporates network delays, delay jitters and packet losses on the communication links between the clients, schedulers and servers.

Abstract: Switching a client from unicasting back to multicasting involves accumulating enough digital video content at the client to bridge the time it takes to transition from receiving the digital video content via unicasting to receiving the digital video content via multicasting. Digital video content is accumulated at the client by temporarily increasing the stream rate of the unicast stream above the playout rate. While the digital video content is being streamed at the increased rate, the amount of digital video content stored in the client's stream buffer grows. The stream rate is held at the increased rate until the client accumulates enough frames in its buffer to be able to bridge the time it takes to transition from receiving the digital video content via unicasting to receiving the digital video content via multicasting.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for enhanced multimedia distribution. The method can include displaying a multimedia selection at a display device coupled to a first receiver of a video distribution system, where the multimedia selection is determined by a user of a second receiver. A multimedia device can include a user interface module to receive a command from a first user to accept a channel selection of a second user. An indication of an attribute of multimedia content associated with a channel selected at a multimedia device can be received from a server having a channel content guide and stored to a database.

Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred content. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The invention provides objects called a capture requests that are sent by the service to client systems. Capture requests reflect local storage management decisions about how the client system storage is partitioned.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a method for managing versions of various software components in a service-oriented architecture. A software component representing a service provider includes a message dispatcher to analyze a service request message received from a service consumer, and to determine whether the service request message specifies version mapping information. If the message does include version mapping information, a conversion algorithm is selected based on the version mapping information specified in the service request message. The message is then converted according to the selected conversion algorithm before being processed by the processing logic of the service provider. A service reply message is similarly converted before being sent to the service consumer.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user to select a pay program for purchase from a program guide. The program guide determines whether the selected program is part of a package of pay programs. If the selected program is part of a package, information regarding the package is provided to the user so that the user may decide whether to purchase the package. If the selected program is part of several packages, information for all packages is provided. The system automatically sets reminders for packages containing repetitive programming. The system monitors whether the user has watched any of the programs in such packages. When the user watches a program from the package, the remaining reminders are cancelled. If a user does not watch any programs in a package of any type, purchase of the package is cancelled and the user is provided with the opportunity to reschedule.

Abstract: A broadcasting system includes a broadcasting server which checks for overlap in a broadcasting schedule. The broadcasting server performs an operation on a first bit map corresponding to service time information of each program on each of at least one channel and a second bit map corresponding to service time information of a new program, and additionally arranges the new program. The broadcasting system providing broadcasting service through a variety of networks, enables a broadcasting program schedule to be managed efficiently, and performs a schedule overlap check so as to arrange a new program to be performed in a minimum amount of time.

Abstract: Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.

Abstract: A method for downloading high-capacity data of multimedia content data (e.g., MP3, music video, and movie, etc.) in a mobile communication terminal, and a system for implementing the same are disclosed. The method for downloading data in a mobile communication terminal includes the steps of: selecting a desired data over a mobile communication network, and downloading the selected data over a broadcast network. Therefore, a user can download multimedia content data over a data channel of a DMB network, instead of the Internet of a mobile communication network, resulting in reduction of internet charges accumulated when downloading the high-capacity data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for improved distribution of content on a communication network. The system and method are adapted to receive a video request message from a client, identify a location of the client, identify a location of one or more overlay nodes nearest to the client, identify a location of one or more network servers nearest to the client, generate network organization information, and publish the network organization information to at least the client.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital assets in a distributed computing environment are described. Meta-data for the digital assets is stored separately from the digital assets. Meta-data for some of the digital assets is copied and stored at a central location. Meta-data for the digital assets is generated by clients of the system.

Abstract: A technique to replicate unicast flows is described. A plurality of unicast control flows are received at a network element from a plurality of clients. One of the unicast control flows is forwarded to a server. A unicast content flow is received from the server at the network element in response to forwarding the one of the unicast control flows. The unicast content flow is replicated at the network element as a plurality of replicated unicast content flows for transmission to the plurality of clients.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand to multiple users are provided. The system includes a central broadcast station and at least two user locations for receiving streaming content from the central broadcast station. Each user location includes receiving equipment capable of tuning into more than one channel simultaneously and capable of capturing content from a first channel in a first in first out buffer as it presents content from a second channel.

Abstract: In a content supply system 100, in order to use a streaming server 102 to perform a live distribution, a user PC 106 used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center 101. When the user PC 106 sends desired reservation information including the information on the setting of the disclosure level indicating whether distribution of the content should be open to the general public or accepted only to specific people in addition to the time zone above, etc. to the server reservation control center 101 via the Internet 103. Then, in the case of a content distribution based on a reservation, restrictions, etc. are put on the distribution from the streaming server 102 to the client terminal apparatus 107 according to the disclosure level setting information above.

Abstract: Delivery of feedback information to a scheduling service to determine optimum broadcast times based upon client platform tuner contention is described. A usage pattern of an electronic media device is recorded. The usage pattern is communicated to a scheduling server. Media content is received during a time period selected by the scheduling server based upon the usage pattern.

Abstract: The picture information of video can be used in various ways to identify the video or its topical subject matter. This enables numerous novel arrangements in which particular video of interest to a particular consumer can be discerned. A variety of other embodiments and features are also detailed.

Abstract: A method and system for combining requests for data bandwidth by a data source for transmission of data over a wireless communication medium is provided. A central node receives one or more bandwidth requests from one or more data sources via wireless communication. A scheduler then combines one or more bandwidths requests from the same data source to create a single data burst bandwidth. The central node then grants the data burst bandwidth to the appropriate data source via wireless communication.

Abstract: Multicast groups provide a mechanism to deliver simultaneous media content to a plurality of users. In streaming media systems, such as audio and video systems, each multicast recipient simultaneously receives similar content. Accordingly, each recipient must initiate transmission at the same time. A data communications device delivers multiple media streams of similar content to each of a plurality of users by converging a set of media streams and merging the converged streams onto a single stream for simultaneous delivery to each of the plurality of users from a single media stream resource. A convergence processor identifies a set of streams carrying similar content in a slightly time-shifted manner with respect to the other streams. The convergence processor filters certain streams to augment the streams to converge at a particular point, at which time the streams align respect to media content therein, and merge onto a multicast stream for the duration.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to easily judge a time until a program can be actually audio visually enjoyed after the program is selected, a receiving apparatus includes a controller which receives plural contents such as plural streaming broadcasts via a network, outputs video data of the contents to a display apparatus, estimates a time until each of the plural broadcast contents becomes audio visually enjoyable, and displays information on the estimated time on the display apparatus in association with program names of the plural contents data.