Abstract: Video-coded information is transmitted over a network at a priority level that is determined based on feedback from the network. In an embodiment, the feedback comprises a response to a request for information on whether the network currently has the available capacity to transmit additional high priority traffic. In an embodiment, a candidate base layer frame is transmitted over the network as a base layer frame if permission to send high priority data was granted and is transmitted over the network as an enhancement layer frame if permission to send high priority data was denied. In a further embodiment, the candidate base layer frame is deleted if permission to send high priority data was denied.

Abstract: Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.

Abstract: A networked digital security system is disclosed that preferably includes a centralized administrator web server coupled via a communication network such as the Internet to a plurality of customer servers and-a plurality of customer work stations. The centralized web server advantageously provides a point of control and management of the networked digital security system. The customer servers and customer work stations are preferably located at the customer's monitored sites. The customer servers are coupled to one or more intelligent camera units, which are preferably fully integrated intelligent units that gather, analyze, and transmit video, audio, and associated detected alarm event information to their associated customer server and the administrator web server. The camera units also include an intelligent automatic gain controller, an encoder buffer controller, and a network bandwidth priority controller. The system supports several compression algorithm standards.

Abstract: An efficient near video on demand (NVOD) service for various client environments is provided. The NVOD service method for transmitting video data including moving pictures to a plurality of clients in a network includes identifying a relative network bandwidth “m” of a client with respect to a video playout bandwidth, dividing the video data into data segments having different sizes according to the relative network bandwidth “m” and transmitting the data segments to the client through a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities.

Abstract: A content broadcast device for broadcasting a content, using a broadcast wave, the content broadcast device including a first supply section configured to supply service information to a content reception device through a predetermined network in response to a request from the content reception device, the service information including at least a broadcast schedule of metadata and location information that indicates where the metadata is located in the broadcast wave, and a broadcast section configured to broadcast, using the broadcast wave, the metadata, which includes at least a broadcast schedule of the content and location information that indicates where the content is located in the broadcast wave, in accordance with the broadcast schedule of the metadata, included in the service information, and broadcast, using the broadcast wave, the content in accordance with the broadcast schedule of the content, included in the metadata.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of broadcasting a digital content in a unidirectional data transmission network comprising a transmitter system and a plurality of receivers, the digital content including primary data sent in variable amounts and thereby freeing bandwidth temporarily, in which method an additional digital content is transmitted from the transmitter system to at least one receiver using at least the temporarily freed bandwidth and said content is stored locally in at least one receiver.

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: The invention concerns a communication device including several external data sources, at least a local area network connecting peripherals, means enabling to establish connections between the local area network and the external data sources, means for controlling the incoming data from the external sources and for sending them to the local area network in order to reduce the bandwidth occupation on the local area network. The device also includes means for updating signalization tables included in the incoming data and means for inserting the modified signalization tables in the transport stream sent to the local area network. It is applicable to IEEE 1394 networks.

Abstract: Digital technology based consumer media devices have many desirable features, including the ability to easily find and watch television shows, and/or automatically record programs of interest. Disclosed is a system and method for allowing a group of television viewers to share program viewing information. This information, exchanged through various on-line community modalities (including Internet chat rooms, email, Internet Web Logs, and the like), can be used within a consumer media device, such as a Digital video Recorder to influence the decision process concerning which programs to record, buffer or view.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for selecting content for a subscriber of a video service provider. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods provide a personalized playlist that includes one or more titles of content that have been specifically identified for the subscriber. Further, in various embodiments, the systems and methods transmit a selected content from the playlist over a unicast stream to the subscriber. In various embodiments, the playlist is provided to the subscriber through a content provider's environment such as video on demand (VOD) service.

Abstract: The invention is relates to a method where a video film or a multimedia presentation is ordered from an operator or a publisher of a newspaper. The operator sends a film or a multimedia presentation or a newspaper to a mobile phone e.g. via radio broadcasting in a 3G network or via Internet. The video film or multimedia presentation or the newspaper is transferred from the mobile phone by means of Bluetooth connection to a TV accessory that is connected to a TV and which converts the signals so that they are suitable for a TV. This video film or multimedia presentation can thus be watched and heard on TV by means of the mobile phone accessory or a newspaper can be read on the TV screen.

Abstract: An IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels.

Abstract: A system and a method for creating and managing an Internet Protocol television personal movie library are disclosed. An access request for a movie library server and a personal movie library is received over a provider network. A movie search request for an on-demand movie is received over the provider network. The movie library server is searched for the on-demand movie. If the on-demand movie is located in the movie library server, then the on-demand movie is added to the personal movie library. If the on-demand movie is not located in the movie library server, then a content provider is connected to over a public network, the on-demand movie is downloaded from the content provider over the public network, and the on-demand movie is added to the personal movie library.

Abstract: Methods and systems of ordering a content item that is deliverable via a television service are disclosed. In one embodiment, ordering a content item that is deliverable via a television service can include sending an offer message to a mobile device, the offer message including an offer of a content item that is deliverable via a television service. In one embodiment, ordering the content item that is deliverable via the television service can include receiving an acceptance message that indicates an acceptance of the offer.

Abstract: Off-path admission control signaling in the presence of a network address translation (NAT) device may be provided. In response to a request for a content asset, a placeholder classifier may be created. The placeholder classifier may be used to allocate resources for providing the content asset to the client from a content server. The content server may communicate with the client, traversing the NAT device to identify a destination address and port for the client to which the content will be provided. The placeholder classifier may then be updated with the destination address and port.

Abstract: A method for controlling an interactive video service is provided. The method includes the following steps: receiving a control request sent by a terminal device; obtaining an identifier of a Set Top Box (STB) device corresponding to the terminal device; and controlling a media stream of the STB device corresponding to the identifier of the STB device according to the control request. A system and a device for controlling an interactive video service are also provided. Thus, through the interaction between the terminal device and a Video On Demand (VOD) system, the program guide browsing and on-demand control for the interactive video service are realized for STB users. Therefore, without significantly modifying the broadcast and television network, the problem that some STB users cannot use an interactive video service currently is solved.

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 &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 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: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing a mashup in a content provider environment. In particular embodiments, the systems and methods provide a mashup that is customized based on a subscriber's preferences on what content to include in the mashup and on what format the content is presented. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the mashup is provided to the subscriber through a content provider's environment such as a video on demand (VOD) service.

Abstract: A method to transmit streamed information at a wireless tele- and data communication network by transmitting streamed high prioritized information via a secure medium, whereas low prioritized data are transmitted over a standard channel. The method combines two technologies, MMS and Streaming, to guarantee that a video client in a mobile terminal has access to high prioritized data on the right occasion. By using MMS as an initial notification for the medium, in a message just any amount of high prioritized information can be enclosed, for instance any number of I-frames. The video client in this way has a lead at the video decoding, and the streaming protocol will have more time to secure that the rest of data actually will get through.

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: Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering video content over a network in communication with a subscriber having an associated electronic device is disclosed. A plurality of staggered streams of video content is delivered over a network. A segment of the video content is pushed onto the electronic device. A request for the video content is received at the electronic device, the pushed segment of video content is retrieved from the electronic device and the pushed segment of video content is displayed to the subscriber. A staggered stream of video content delivered over network is located and recorded on the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems having a user interface comprising a filtered view of media available for consumption are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a first user with a view that enables consumption of only the available media that matches characteristics of a media filter. The characteristics of the media filter may be specified by a second user, and the second user may define the characteristics of the media filter remotely, via a communication network. The user interface may support separate media filters for each of a number of different users. Filter characteristics such as type of media channel, the language of any dialogue, an industry rating, an overall viewer rating, and the media format may be supported. The media filter characteristics may be applied not only to what is displayed on the user interface, but also the media available for selection via a remote control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preprocessing and postprocessing content in an interactive information distribution system. Content is retrieved from a storage medium and encapsulated in accordance to an Internet Protocol (IP) format. The encapsulated content is then uploaded for storage in a stream caching server and for future streaming of content to different types of access networks.

Abstract: Method and system for Internet Protocol (IP) provisioning over a cable network. The method and system including a plurality of embedded settop boxes (eSTBs) of at least two different vendors requesting IP provisioning according to a first protocol. The method and system further including a network provisioning unit (NPU) in communication with the eSTBs over the network for responding to the eSTB IP provisioning requests with IP provisioning data, wherein the eSTB IP provisioning data is outputted according to the first protocol such that provisioning of the eSTBs is standard for each vendor in so far as each eSTB utilizes the first protocol for provisioning.

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 of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data. The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams. Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and software for using a network to efficiently distributing media content assets from a virtually unlimited content library and/or other storage to a plurality of client devices, as well as bi-directional local content sharing between head ends, and dynamic distribution and generation of media content assets within the network.

Abstract: Metadata are provided to video generators using a syndication protocol, so that the video generators may produce interactive video content for television subscribers. Metadata relating to source media content are transformed in a computer process from a storage format into a syndication format. Relevant metadata to transform are chosen to reflect the type of interactivity desired by a television service provider and the demands of the video generation process. The transformed metadata are published according to a syndication protocol, so that another computer process that participates in the protocol may generate the interactive video content using the metadata, the source media content, and subscriber commands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transmitting and receiving audio in a Mosaic electronic program guide (EPG) service. A digital broadcast transmitting side mixes stereo audio signals corresponding to each sub-picture within a Mosaic EPG picture and encodes mono audio signals corresponding to odd and even-numbered sub-pictures into one stereo audio signal. The digital broadcast transmitting side transmits the stereo audio signal based on a result of the encoding through the Mosaic EPG service. Therefore, the method can efficiently transmit audio of a sub-picture within the Mosaic EPG picture, and can minimize bandwidth necessary for transmitting audio of sub-pictures within the Mosaic EPG picture. A user can confirm and select a desired broadcast program while listening to audio corresponding to a sub-picture within the Mosaic EPG picture, thereby conveniently using the desired broadcast program.

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 remote user interface transmits a digital media request through a first communication link to a media management control which is coupled by a second communication link to a digital audio-visual playback device for selecting and playing a stored digital media by the playback device. The media management control executes a set of rules applicable to each playback device in determining whether or not a user request will be accepted or rejected for play on a particular playback device.

Abstract: A method for providing television content to a wireless communication device via a home network includes receiving channel selection information for a selected channel from the wireless communication device over a wireless communication link; tuning one or more tuners of a wireless access device to the selected channel; obtaining television content from a content source in communication with the wireless access device for the selected channel via a communication link; converting the television content for the channel to an appropriate format for the wireless communication device; and sending the television content for the channel in the appropriate format to the wireless communication device over the wireless communication link.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: To effectively utilize the bandwidth of a cable TV network, which is limited, analog TV program material is digitized and compressed before its transmission over the network. The resulting signals consume only part of the analog TV band traditionally needed for transmission of the analog TV program material. The newly available bandwidth in the analog TV band may be utilized for other cable TV services, e.g., video-on-demand (VOD) services. A reception gateway is employed at a user location to frequency-translate any VOD signals, transmitted through the analog TV band, to another frequency band, thereby avoiding disturbing the normal operation of a set-top terminal in receiving the analog TV program material through the analog TV band at the user location.

Abstract: A system for providing content to a user, comprising a transmitter 502 for transmitting to a user's receiver/decoder 2000 guide data relating to a plurality of items of content, and each of said items of content to which said guide data relates. prior to commencement of a period of availability of said items of content to the user; and a receiver/decoder 2100 comprising means 2016 for receiving said guide data and said items of content, means 3120 for generating a display of said guide data to enable a user to select at least one of said items of content for storage, means 2100 for storing the selected at least one item of content upon receipt thereof, and means 3120 for enabling the user to access the stored at least one item of content upon request following commencement of said period.

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: 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: Assets, such as content and related data are packaged, transmitted, received and managed in a digital cable television system to standardize the distribution of content and services from a content/service provider to subscribers in the system. The standardized format for packaging content enables the digital cable system to package, transmit, receive and manage diverse types of content, such as MPEGs, executable files, HTML pages, and the like, using standard system components without requiring reprogramming of the system to deploy new services. Service and content providers are freed from having to develop custom formats for delivering content and data to the cable system. Moreover, the standardized bundling of content and related data that is enabled by the invention allows the cable system operator to automate the deployment of services based on specific content and data to select subscribers.

Abstract: An on-screen display system is located externally a KVM switch. The on-screen display system includes a first end, an on-screen display circuit, a switch circuit and a second end. The first end receives a video signal from a computer. The on-screen display circuit generates an on-screen display menu signal. The switch circuit receives the video signal from the computer and the on-screen display menu signal from the on-screen display circuit. The on-screen display system combines the video signal and the on-screen display menu signal, or overlaps the on-screen display menu signal on the video signal to be displayed on the display according to a control signal.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer (P2P) video-on-demand (VoD) system or method use a plurality of LP-enabled VoD set-top box (STB) peers in a pool for providing video content data to a requesting client peer in the pool. One other peer in the pool can be designated as a parent peer for downloading high priority playback content that is substantially immediately needed for playback display. Low priority pre-fetch content can be downloaded to the requesting client peer from another peer in the pool other than the parent peer. Bandwidth at the requesting client peer that is not used by the playback module for downloading the high priority playback video content data can be allocated for downloading the pre-fetch content. Using the requesting client peer, video content data can be served, for the playback display on a video monitor, wherein such served video data content can comprise the playback content and the prefetch content.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which permits broadcast of high dignity by rationalized equipment is provided. In this broadcasting station, the N-th affiliated station forwards program material data, CM material data and organization information data to a central station via an ATM/LAN, and registration means registers and stores such data into a program bank, a CM bank and a data server. Automatic sending control means and automatic sending means for the N-th affiliated station take out materials from the program bank, the CM bank or a CM bank for different J-th affiliated station, etc. under real time management of time management means on the basis of organization information registered and stored in the data server to organize televising contents to send out the televising contents to the N-th affiliated station via a dedicated digital line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel changing method in a digital broadcasting service. According to the channel changing method, a subscriber device provided with a channel change protocol that operates on a TCP/IP layer transmits an input channel change message through the channel change protocol, and a channel change server that received the channel change message receives a confirmation message that includes channel information according to channel change information included in the channel change message, and transmits data of a requested channel to the subscriber device.

Abstract: Advertising templates, and request for corresponding multimedia programs that are available for distribution to third parties during a time period, are transmitted to content providers who respond by sending ad elements corresponding to the advertising templates. Daypart guides showing particular ad elements are designed for a particular headend and daypart. Each daypart guide is available to viewers serviced by the particular headend only during the time of day corresponding to the daypart. Viewers of the daypart guide select one of the ad elements each of which is navigationally linked to a display request page for the corresponding multimedia program from which the viewer can request to initiate a real time distribution thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for the preparation of data to be sent as a continuous stream via a communication network. The device comprises means for obtainment of the data originating from a database, which contains at least two data stream entities for data associated respectively with different transmission throughputs, means of transfer of these data to a sending system, means of connection to one of these entities, and means of switching of the means of connection from one of the entities to another. The preparation device also comprises means of regular addition to the data transferred, of error correction codes.

Abstract: A method of providing video-on-demand content includes receiving a request from a set-top box, and determining the video-on-demand content is not stored locally. The request includes a content identifier for the video-on-demand content. The method further includes identifying a peer likely to have the video-on-demand content, receiving at least a first portion of the video-on-demand content from the peer, and providing the video-on-demand content to the set-top box.