Systems and methods for automatically controlling media asset playback in a vehicle

Systems and methods for re-recording content associated with re-emerged popularity

Systems and methods for maintaining vectors of values associated with a plurality of media assets

Systems and methods for automatically adjusting volume of a media asset based on navigation distance

Systems and methods for multi-device content recommendations

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING AND PLAYING BACK PROGRAMS HAVING DESIRABLE RECORDING ATTRIBUTES

Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program.

Methods and systems for supplementing media assets during fast-access playback operations

Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that enhances the viewer experience by providing supplemental content related to a media asset during a fast-access playback operation. For example, in response to a user input during a fast-forward or rewind operation, the media guidance application may generate for display supplemental content related to the progression point of the media asset at which the user input was received while the fast-forward or rewind operation continues.

Systems and methods for recommending media assets based on objects captured in visual assets

Systems and methods are disclosed for recommending media assets based on objects captured in visual assets. A location of a visual asset is determined, where the location is associated with the visual asset. A location score is determined based on one or more of: a user travel score, a user travel frequency score, and a popularity score. A determination is made whether the location score exceeds a threshold. Responsive to a determination that the location score exceeds the threshold, the system detects an object within the visual asset and generates a recommendation of a media asset that is associated with the object.

Systems and methods for automatically adjusting volume of a media asset based on navigation distance

Systems and methods for automatically adjusting volume of a media asset are provided. A display of a content navigation page is generated. The content navigation page is associated with a media asset. A navigation distance from a current position in the content navigation page to the media asset within the content navigation page is determined. The navigation distance is cross-referenced with a database of volume levels associated with navigation distances to identify a volume level that is associated with the navigation distance. Audio of the media asset is caused to be presented at the identified volume level.

Systems and methods for modeling audience stability of a media asset series

Systems and methods are described for modeling the consistency of audiences viewing groups of media assets. For example, a media guidance application (e.g., executed on a server) may identify a first subset of user equipment that generated for display a first media asset (e.g., an episode of a series). The media guidance application may then identify a second subset of the first subset where the user equipment generated for display another media asset that is part of a group of media assets (e.g., another episode of the same series). Based on the number of user equipment in the second subset, the media guidance application may calculate a score for audience consistency for the group of media assets (e.g., the series) which can be used to rank the group of media assets among other groups of media assets.

Systems and methods for sharing interactive media guidance information

Systems and methods for sharing interactive media guidance application information are provided. First interactive media guidance application information that is associated with media available on a first media equipment device is provided. Second interactive media guidance application information is received at the first media equipment device. The second interactive media guidance application information is associated with media available to a second media equipment device. The first interactive media guidance application information is compared with the second interactive media guidance application information to identify at least one of a similarity and a difference between the first interactive media guidance application information and the second interactive media guidance application information. A media guidance application display is generated that includes a visual indication of the at least one of the similarity and the difference between the first interactive media guidance ...

Methods and systems for customizing a plenoptic media asset

Methods and systems are described for providing customized user experiences with media assets created using plenoptic content capture technology. The ability to increase the focus on different objects while the media asset is progressing may allow a user to more easily track the object. Conversely, the ability to decrease the focus on different objects while the media asset is progressing may block, or cloud the display of, the object from being seen by a user.

Systems and methods for presenting supplemental content in augmented reality

Systems and methods provided for presenting supplemental content in an augmented reality environment where an object within a field of view of an augmented reality device of a user is identified and processed to detect a reference related to a participant in an event. A user profile or user social network is searched to identify a message from the user about the participant. The message may be combined with the object in the augmented reality field of view.

Interactive computer system for providing television schedule information

The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule and/or listing information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule and/or listing information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/or listing information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Interactive television system with programming-related links

An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application.

Systems and methods for providing program suggestions in an interactive television program guide

An interactive television program guide application is provided that queries a user regarding the user's interest in television programs and suggests television programs to the user based on the user's responses. The interactive television program guide application identifies a television program that is potentially of interest to the user. The interactive television program guide application then queries the user regarding the user's interest using questions that are formulated based on attributes associated with the identified television program. Using the user's responses to the questions, the interactive television program guide application identifies and suggests one or more television programs to the user.

Methods and systems for efficiently downloading media assets

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CACHING DATA IN MEDIA-ON-DEMAND SYSTEMS

Systems and methods may be provided for retrieving non-on-demand media data and on-demand media data that is provided by separate data sources. On-demand media data may be cached to reduce system latencies and the burden on the distribution network.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDES WITH PERSONAL VIDEO RECORDNG FEATURES

Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder ('PVR') and interactive television program guide ('IPG') functionality are provided. An interactive television application ('application') may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of a PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recording, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming. Television content may be automatically ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING AND PLAYING BACK PROGRAMS HAVING DESIRABLE RECORDING ATTRIBUTES

Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING STORAGE OF DATA ON SERVERS IN AN ON-DEMAND MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM

Systems and methods for generating a set of custom keywords based on a media asset

Systems and methods for generating a set of custom keywords based on a media asset. The systems and methods may receive a media asset viewed by a user, receive a set of base keywords, and determine a character in the media asset. Further, the systems and methods may determine a set of custom keywords based on dialog in the media asset corresponding to the character and determine for a custom keyword, from the set of custom keywords, an equivalent base keyword from the set of base keywords. The systems and methods may determine a response to a received user request, wherein the response includes the base keyword from the set of base keywords, and generate a modified response to the user request based on the response to the user request, wherein the modified response replaces the base keyword with the custom keyword.

Recommending a location based on quality of service at a location

Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that recommends a location to consume media content based on the quality of service at various locations.

Systems and methods for prompting a user to view an important event in a media asset when the user is using another application

Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application on a first device that detects a user's engagement with a second device, and alerts the user to an important event in the media asset, thereby reminding the user to view the media asset presented on the first device. The media guidance application may determine when the next important event will occur in the media asset and determine an estimated usage time of the second device based on the application with which the user is engaged on the second device. Depending on the estimated usage time and the time of the next important event in the media asset, the media guidance application may restrict the amount of content presented to the user on the second device so that the user will end his or her engagement with the second device prior to the important event.

Systems and methods for overriding user input of commands in a multi-user environment

The system and methods described herein determine whether to override commands to modify content presentation in a multi-user content consumption environment. A media guidance application detects a first and second user consuming content. Upon receiving a command from the first user to modify the presentation of the content, the media guidance application retrieves a user profile of the second user and compares attributes in the user profile to metadata for the segment of the content. Based on the comparison, the media guidance application determines whether to override the command, for example based on a predicted interest level or importance level determined by the comparison. In response to determining to override the command, the media guidance application refrains from executing the command by canceling or delaying the command and generates a notification message to the user with a reason why the command was overridden.

Systems and methods for inserting contextual advertisements into a virtual environment

Systems and methods are described herein for inserting contextual advertisements into a virtual environment. While presenting a virtual environment, a media device receives speech input. The media device selects an advertisement from an advertisement database based on the speech. The media device then determines the current environment of the virtual environment and generates a virtual object that is related to the current environment. The media device overlays the selected advertisement over the generated virtual object and displays the generated virtual object in the virtual environment.

Systems and methods for selectively triggering a biometric instrument to take measurements relevant to presently consumed media

Systems and methods are provided herein for selectively triggering biometric measurement from an appropriate biometric instrument of a plurality of biometric instruments to determine biometric responses that are relevant to presently consumed media content. These systems and methods may be used to ensure efficient use of biometric instruments. This efficient use may ensure that energy use is efficiently managed, that noise from irrelevant biometric measurements is avoided, and the like.

Systems and methods for resolving conflicts and managing system resources in multimedia delivery systems

The invention manages resources and resolve conflicts when locally recording multimedia assets from a variety of sources in multimedia delivery systems. Local and system resources such as storage, tuners, and bandwidth are considered when alternative sources for assets are available (e.g., VOD). Rather than record assets locally, if equivalent assets are available via alternative sources, the recordings are deferred and a pointer to the equivalent asset is stored in lieu of the asset itself. When a user selects a multimedia asset for playback, an on demand or alternative source session is started for the asset associated with the pointer. Before the expiration date of the alternative source equivalent of the multimedia asset, it may be downloaded and recorded locally. The system may automatically determine based on various factors, such as transmission bandwidth, latency, and DRM, whether to store assets or pointers.

Systems and methods for providing a scan

Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode.

Methods and systems for generating customized collages of media assets based on user criteria

Methods and systems are described herein for the generation of customized collages of media assets that allow a user to quickly and efficiently review numerous media assets related to user selected criteria. For example, in response to a user requesting a search of Johnny Appleseed, a media guidance application may retrieve a plurality of media assets from various sources (e.g., television shows, newspaper articles, radio broadcasts, Internet websites, etc.) related to Johnny Appleseed and display the plurality of media assets simultaneously.

Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders

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.

Interactive television program guide with selectable languages

An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Methods and systems for managing content subscription data

In some aspects, control circuitry receives, at a content provider server that is associated with a first subscription service, a first authentication key from a content aggregator server that is associated with a second subscription service, prior to the user subscribing to the first subscription service. The control circuitry generates and stores, at the content provider server, the first user account after comparing the first authentication key to acceptable authentication. In response to storing the first user account, the control circuitry receives a request from the content aggregator server to subscribe the user to the first subscription service, wherein the request includes a second authentication key. The control circuitry compares the first authentication key to the second authentication key, and in response to determining that the first authentication key matches the second authentication key, validates the first user account and grants access to the first subscription service ...

Interactive television application with navigable cells and regions

An interactive television application with mosaic browsing is provided. Selectable cells that may be associated with entities are used to display information corresponding to the entities. Information may include brand marks such as logos or any other suitable entity identifier. A cell may be in focus or it may not be in focus. When a cell is in focus the information displayed in the cell may be different than the information displayed when the cell is not in focus. Users may navigate among cells. The cells may be grouped into regions based on, for example, their association with similar entities.

Systems and methods for automatically performing media actions based on status of external components

System and methods for allowing a user to access blocked media

Methods and systems for invoking functions based on a user's print

Systems and methods for multi-device content recommendations

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENTS

An interactive television program guide is provided in which advertisements may be displayed on program guide screens. Banner advertisements may be displayed above and below program listings. Panel advertisements may be provided adjacent to program listings. The advertisements may contain video. The advertisements may be used to promote television programs and conventional goods and services. When a user selects an advertisement, the program guide provides the user with an opportunity to order products or services, request information, set reminders for upcoming programs, view program descriptions, record programs, or take other such actions. Embedded advertisements may be provided within the program listings region and may be automatically displayed immediately adjacent to related program listings.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTO-CONFIGURING A USER EQUIPMENT DEVICE WITH CONTENT CONSUMPTION MATERIAL

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING CONTENT SUBSCRIPTION DATA

Methods and systems for invoking functions based on whether a partial print or an entire print is detected

Systems and methods are described herein for expanding the functionality of a print scanner. The scanner may be programmed to invoke a different function if only a portion of a print is detected rather than a full print. In this manner, it would be possible for a user to share a user equipment device such as a smartphone with a friend. The user may wish to share his or her smartphone, and may activate access to the browser that does not include any of the cookies, private passwords, or other login information during a session by using just the tip of the user's finger on a fingerprint scanner, as opposed to the user's full fingerprint. When the user wishes to again have his or her personal information accessible in the browser, the user may activate the browser using the user's full fingerprint.

Systems and methods for excluding consumed content from a content presentation

System and method are disclosed herein for excluding consumed content from a content presentation. Specifically, fingerprints for each unique media asset included in a compilation of media content consumed by a user may be obtained and stored in a user's profile. Fingerprints for each unique media asset included in another compilation of media content may be generated and compared with fingerprints stored in the user's profile to determine which of the unique media assets in the other compilation have been consumed by the user. The second compilation may be presented to the user without the unique media assets that were consumed.

Systems and methods for associating tags with media assets based on verbal input

Systems and methods for tagging a media asset are provided. A plurality of communications is received from a plurality of users. Each of the plurality of communications includes words spoken by a respective one of the users while accessing the media asset and is associated with a media asset play position during which the respective words were spoken. A subset of the plurality of communications is selected for which the associated media asset play position is within a range of play positions, the range of play positions being shorter than the duration of the media asset. A word that a threshold number of the selected communications have in common is identified. The word is cross-referenced with an attribute database to retrieve an attribute associated with the word. The retrieved attribute is assigned to the media asset within the range of play positions.

User defined rules for assigning destinations of content

A media guidance application is provided by which users can define rules for assigning user equipment devices as destinations for media content. For example, a user may define a rule by which selected media content having attributes that satisfy a user-defined condition are downloaded, recorded, or streamed to a particular, user-specified user equipment device. The user may define and manage rules using media guidance menus, and may restrict other users from accessing the rules (e.g., parents restricting children).

Interactive media guide with media guidance interface

Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.

Systems and methods for episode tracking in an interactive media environment

Systems and methods for monitoring a user's viewing progress of media in a series are provided. The user may setup a media profile containing a list of program series to be monitored. The interactive media monitoring application may track the user's viewing progress of programs in the program series on the user equipment and update the user's media profile. The user may request and watch programs in the series at the user's leisure while peripheral media content may be filtered to be consistent with the user's viewing progress in the series.

Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders

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.

Systems and methods for displaying subjects of an audio portion of content and searching for content related to a subject of the audio portion

Systems and methods are described herein for displaying subjects of a portion of content and searching for content related to a particular subject in the content. Media data of content is analyzed during playback, and a number of audio signatures are identified. Each audio signature is associated, based on audio characteristics, with a particular subject within the content. The audio signature is stored, along with a timestamp corresponding to a playback position at which the audio signature begins, in association with an identifier of the particular subject. Upon receiving a command, icons representing each of a number of audio signatures at or near the current playback position are displayed. Upon receiving user selection of an icon corresponding to a particular signature, a portion of the content corresponding to the audio signature is played back or a search is performed for content related to the signature represented by the selected icon.

Methods and systems for associating input schemes with physical world objects

Media guidance application that allows users to associate input schemes with physical objects in an augmented reality environment is disclosed. Specifically, the media guidance application may recognize physical objects in an augmented reality environment and allow users to identify input schemes to associate with the physical objects. Such input schemes may define ways in which the users may control presentation of media content by interacting with the physical objects.

Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules

Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed.

Client-server based interactive guide with server recording

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.

Interactive media guidance system having multiple devices

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

Systems and methods for aggressively recording content when a user is not at home

Systems and methods for automatically recording media assets not explicitly scheduled for recording by a user when the user leaves his or her home. For example, when the user leaves home, a media guidance application, being executed on a user equipment device (such as a set-top box), schedules to record media assets that the user has expressed interest in, but has not explicitly scheduled for recording. If the user returns home before a recording has begun, the media guidance application does not record the media assets the user has not explicitly scheduled for recording.

System and methods to determine readiness in video collaboration

A system or method of prioritizing participants in a virtual meeting via a network by scoring each participant on several criteria and weighting the criteria to determine a readiness score. The system of accesses, for each of a plurality of participants, network data, video data, audio data, processing data, and participation data. The system determines, for each of the plurality of participants, a signal strength score based on the corresponding network data, a background score based on the corresponding video data and audio data, a microphone proximity score based on the corresponding video data, a processing score for each of the plurality of participants based on the corresponding processing data, and an engagement score based on the corresponding video data and participation data. The system calculates the readiness score, for each participant, based at least on the corresponding signal strength score, background score, engagement score, and processing score, ranks the participants ...

Methods and systems for presenting content to a user based on the movement of the user

Methods and systems for establishing a mode of communication between particular users based on perceived lulls in media assets

Methods and systems for granting partial or full access to an application based on level of confidence that print corresponds to user profile

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING BANDWIDTH IN SWITCHED DIGITAL VIDEO SYSTEMS BASED ON INTEREST

Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.

MANAGEMENT OF PROFILES FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATIONS

Users of interactive media guidance applications may access media content and seek media guidance on a plurality of user equipment devices. A user profile server may be used for the management of a user's profile information. The user profile server may store a user's profile information including information about the user's media network and about user equipment devices associated with the user's media network. The user's profile information may be used to provide functionality to record media content on the most suitable user equipment device of a user's media network. The user's profile information may also be used to provide recommendations of media content based on a user's monitored interactions with a plurality of user equipment devices. The user's profile information may also be provided to user equipment devices of the media network not having the user profile information.

AN INTERACTIVE MEDIA GUIDANCE SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE DEVICES

When selecting a television program for recording, a user may configure the delivery of the selected television program and associated data and interactive applications to different user equipment devices in a home network, which may have different capabilities. Because the user equipment devices in the home network may have different capabilities, the user may wish to deliver different types and amount of content, different amounts of data, and different versions of interactive applications to the user equipment devices in the home network.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING CONTENT

A "New To Me" feature is provided for an interactive media guidance system implemented as a home network having multiple user equipment devices. Functionally speaking, the "New To Me" feature of the interactive media guidance system identifies programs or advertisements that have been previously viewed by an individual user or a user equipment device within the home network, or even by a household. The interactive media guidance system may use the information gathered regarding the programs and/or advertisements that have already been seen by a user, device or household to, for example, remove the programs or advertisements from future displays of recommendations, search results or listings of available programming.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETREIVING VIDEO CONTENT

Retrieving video content involves receiving search criteria for video content associated with searchable identifiers, identifying video content associated with identifiers that match the search criteria, retrieving information associated with the identified video content, integrating items associated with the identified video content with the retrieved information and displaying the integrated information and items. A selection of information associated with one of the identified video content is received and then an instruction to perform an operation comprising at least one of streaming, erasing, downloading, and sending the video content associated with the selected information is received and the operation is performed.

Systems and methods for managing an interactive session in an interactive media guidance application

Systems and methods to address shortcomings in conventional systems that traditionally provide interactive television services. In some aspects, the systems and methods provide for a method for managing an interactive session in an interactive media guidance application. The interactive media guidance application receives a user selection of a media asset. The interactive media guidance application stores, in a buffer, an advertisement received during display of the media asset. The interactive media guidance application receives a user request to initiate an interactive session. The interactive media guidance application analyzes the buffer for information relating to the advertisement based on the user request to initiate the interactive session. The interactive media guidance application receives a user request for information in the interactive session. The interactive media guidance application generates for display the information relating to the advertisement based on the user request ...

Media control system with viewer rewards

Systems and methods for viewing media content are provided. A set of media content with at least one feedback application is created. In response to the set creation and activation, media content may be tuned and launched automatically while other programming is restricted. User input associated with feedback applications may be received and media content rewards may be awarded.

Systems and methods for modifying fast-forward speeds based on the user's reaction time when detecting points of interest in content

Systems and methods are described for modifying a fast-forwarding speed based on a reaction time of a user when a frame of interest is detected. A media guidance application may receive a command from a user to fast-forward through a media asset and may execute a fast-forwarding operation through frames of the media asset. The media guidance application may detect that the fast-forwarding operation is approaching a frame of interest to the viewer. The media guidance application may reduce the fast-forwarding speed to a second speed slower than the first speed, where the second speed is determined based on an estimated reaction time of the user. The media guidance application may receive a command to resume playback from the user while the fast-forwarding operation is occurring at the second speed and may play back the media asset at a default playback speed from a point corresponding to a moment when the command was received.

Interactive computer system for providing television schedule information

The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule and/or listing information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule and/or listing information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule and/or listing information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule and/or listing information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Systems and methods to detect events in programming from multiple channels

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE WITH RELATED-PROGRAM SEARCH FEATURE

A system for searching for programs is provided. The system may be provide the user with an opportunity to indicate an interest in a given program. The system may provide the user with an opportunity to request that the system locate programs that are related to the given program in which the user has indicated an interest. The system may locate program listings that are related to the given program. The located program listings may be related to the given program based on attributes of the given program. The system may display a list of located listings and allow the user to select listings from the list. The system may tune to a program selected from the list, may display an information display screen for a program selected from the list, etc. The system may provide the user with an opportunity to configure and save search parameters. The system may sort related program listings based on the attributes of the given program. The system may provide the user with the opportunity to retrieve ...

Systems and methods for adjusting the priority of media assets scheduled to be recorded

Systems and methods are described herein for adjusting the priority of media assets scheduled to be recorded to reflect the current behavior and interests of the user. For example, a household with young children may have scheduled recordings for the DVR with a wide variety of television shows of different genres (e.g., Children's Shows, Sports Games, and Crime Procedurals) and as the children grow up, the preference may gradually shift towards other types of shows. As this shift of interest happens over time, it can be difficult or impossible for the user to change the priority of each of the media assets of the scheduled recordings each time the interests of the user changes an incremental amount.

Content recommendation based on game progress

Systems and methods for recommending content based on gaming progress are disclosed herein. A gaming log, which is generated based on performance of a video game using a computing device, is received from the computing device over a communication network. The gaming log includes an identifier of a segment of the video game and an attribute of the segment. Control circuitry searches metadata associated with items of content in a database to identify, based on the identifier of the segment or the attribute of the segment, an item of content associated with the segment of the video game. In response to identifying the item of content associated with the segment of the video game, the control circuitry transmits a recommendation of the identified item of content for display via the computing device.

Methods and systems of facilitating sharing of information among service providers

Methods and systems for a media guidance application that aggregates media content and media guidance data for users. For example, the media guidance application may aggregate content from numerous providers and provide the content through a single interface. Moreover, the media guidance application described herein may provide service providers with finder's fees for sharing information about media assets that users are interested in viewing.

Systems and methods for managing available bandwidth in a household

Systems and methods for managing available bandwidth in a household are provided. A request to access a first media asset is received. A determination is made as to whether a bandwidth currently available in the household is sufficient for enabling access to the first media asset. When the bandwidth currently available in the household is insufficient for enabling access to the first media asset, a search is performed for a second media asset currently consuming a portion of the household bandwidth needed for enabling access to the first media asset. A third media asset is identified having a remaining duration that is more than a remaining duration of the second media asset. A message is displayed that indicates the bandwidth currently available in the household is insufficient to access the first media asset and that has an option to access the third media asset instead of the first media asset.

Systems and methods for creating rated and curated spectator feeds

Methods and systems for a media guidance application that may enhance viewer experience. The media guidance application may receive video assets from content capture devices at different locations, determine characteristics of the media assets and assign content tags, corresponding to the characteristics, to the media assets. The media guidance application may receive a video-feed request from another location and determine video feed criterion associated with the request. The media guidance application may use a database to determine media assets with characteristics matching the video feed criterion, and may generate for display the media assets in a video feed.

Search engine for video and graphics

A method of selecting graphic or video files having corresponding locators used to locate such graphic or video files using a computer. Identifiers are created by searching an area within a web page near a graphic or video file for searchable identification terms and searching an area within a web page near links to a graphic or video for searchable identification terms. The identifiers are stored in a database. User requests for graphic or video file content are received and the database of identifiers is searched to find graphic and video files corresponding criteria of the user. Graphic or video file content is then provided to the user.

Methods and systems for determining user recovery times to real-life event

A media guidance application may determine user recovery times to real-life events. For example, the media guidance application may track the length of time that a particular user takes to recover from various real-life events.

Systems and methods for presenting media asset information for a given cell using adjacent cells

Systems and methods for presenting information for a given cell using adjacent cells are provided. A plurality of media asset cells arranged in a grid are generated for presentation according to a time dimension of first and second transmission times of corresponding media assets. A user selection of a first media asset cell is received. The first media asset cell corresponds to a first media asset scheduled for transmission during the first transmission time. A second media asset cell that corresponds to a second media asset scheduled for transmission during the first transmission time is identified. The second media asset cell includes information corresponding to the second media asset and is adjacent to the first media asset cell. A portion of the information in the second media asset cell is replaced with information corresponding to the first media asset without obstructing information corresponding to the second transmission time.

Systems and methods for resizing content based on a relative importance of the content

Systems and methods are described herein for providing a media guidance application that resizes content based on a relative importance of the content. For example, a display may have first and second content generated for display. If the first content is more important to a user than the second content, a size of the first content will be increased with respect to a size of the second content on the display. If the second content is more important to the user than the first content, then a size of the second content will be increased with respect to a size of the first content on the display.

Systems and methods for intelligent audio output

Systems and methods for a media guidance application that adjusts output parameters of media assets delivered to output devices based on user preferences of users near the output devices. For example, the media guidance application may adjust the volume to be higher at a speaker near a first user who enjoys a particular media asset and lower at a speaker near a second user who dislikes the media asset.

Customizable overlays based on information types identified by a user

Systems and methods are provided for customizing the display of interactive television overlays. A condition related to the display of an overlay on top of video for a television channel may be defined for each of a plurality of television channels. A default set of information types for an interactive television overlay (e.g., a FLIP overlay, a BROWSE overlay, etc.) may be defined for the plurality of television channels. When the overlay is displayed on top of video for a given television channel of the plurality of television channels, the overlay may include information of the default set of information types. One or more television channels of the plurality of television channels may be identified as channels for which the default set of information types does not apply (e.g., channels for which the overlay is not displayed or for which a custom set of information types is defined).

Systems and methods for implementing a timeline scroller to navigate media asset identifiers

Systems and methods are provided herein to ease the process of navigating media asset identifiers. Control circuitry may generate a timeline scroller that does not obscure media asset identifiers for simultaneous display with the media asset identifiers. When a user makes contact with the timeline scroller (e.g., by touching it with a finger on a touch screen device), control circuitry may responsively generate for display an indicator of a time corresponding with the point where the contact is made. Control circuitry may cause this indicator to be updated as a user scrolls along the timeline scroller. Control circuitry may refrain from updating the listings to correspond with the time until the user discontinues making contact with the timeline scroller (e.g., by removing the finger from the touch screen).

Methods and systems for providing media recommendations based on user location

Methods and systems are described herein to recommend media assets to a user based on user location. A media guidance application may identify, using control circuitry, a user location. The media guidance application may generate a list of a plurality of media assets that match a user profile. The media guidance application may determine whether subject matter of a first media asset of the plurality of media assets is inconsistent with the user location. The media guidance application may remove the first media asset from the list in response to determining that the subject matter of the first media asset is inconsistent with the user location.

Systems and methods for transmitting media associated with a measure of quality based on level of game play in an interactive video gaming environment

Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Media assets that are associated with different measures of quality generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server. A determination is made as to which one of the plurality of levels of the interactive video gaming environment corresponds to the action. One of the videos associated with one of the measures of quality is selected based on the determination of the level corresponding to the action. The selected video is transmitted to the player.

Systems and methods for presenting social network communications in audible form based on user engagement with a user device

Methods and systems are described herein for generating an audible presentation of a communication received from a remote server. A presentation of a media asset on a user equipment device is generated for a first user. A textual-based communication is received, at the user equipment device from the remote server. The textual-based communication is transmitted to the remote server by a second user and the remote server transmits the textual-based communication to the user equipment device responsive to determining that the second user is on a list of users associated with the first user. An engagement level of the first user with the user equipment device is determined. Responsive to determining that the engagement level does not exceed a threshold value, a presentation of the textual-based communication is generated in audible form.

System and methods for allowing a user to access blocked media

Methods and systems for controlling user devices

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EPISODE TRACKING IN AN INTERACTIVE MEDIA ENVIRONMENT

Systems and methods for monitoring a user's viewing progress of media in a series are provided. The user may setup a media profile containing a list of program series to be monitored. The interactive media monitoring application may track the user's viewing progress of programs in the program series on the user equipment and update the user's media profile. The user may request and watch programs in the series at the user's leisure while peripheral media content may be filtered to be consistent with the user's viewing progress in the series.

MANAGEMENT OF PROFILES FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATIONS

Users of interactive media guidance applications may access media content and seek media guidance on a plurality of user equipment devices. A user profile server may be used for the management of a user's profile information. The user profile server may store a user's profile information including information about the user's media network and about user equipment devices associated with the user's media network. The user's profile information may be used to provide functionality to record media content on the most suitable user equipment device of a user's media network. The user's profile information may also be used to provide recommendations of media content based on a user's monitored interactions with a plurality of user equipment devices. The user's profile information may also be provided to user equipment devices of the media network not having the user profile information.

Systems and methods for enabling quick multi-application menu access to media options

Systems and methods for enabling quick access to media options are provided. A display of a plurality of icons is generated, wherein each of the plurality of icons represents a different one of a plurality of applications. A user input is detected that identifies a first of the plurality of icons associated with a first of the plurality of applications. In response to determining that the user input corresponds to a quick access operation, first and second media asset identifiers and corresponding media options are retrieved from each of second and third applications. A menu that includes the retrieved first and second media asset identifiers is generated for display with the plurality of icons.

Methods and systems for recommending providers of media content to users viewing over-the-top content based on quality of service

Methods and systems are described for recommending providers of media content to users viewing over-the-top content based on quality of service.

Cross-platform messaging

Systems and methods are provided for displaying a short message service (SMS) message on user media equipment, in which the user media equipment includes a set-top box and a display. In some embodiments, the set-top box receives an SMS message, wherein the SMS message includes information identifying a triggering event for displaying the SMS message. The SMS message is stored until the occurrence and detection of the identified triggering event. In response to detecting the occurrence of the identified triggering event, the SMS message is displayed on at least a portion of the display of the user media equipment.

Systems and methods for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers

Systems and methods are provided for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers. A group is formed by a user by selecting a number of different viewer preference profiles or automatically by the system as a function of analyzing similarities among viewer preference profiles. Individual preference values are computed for each viewer in the group relative to an asset. A group preference value is then computed by performing a function on the individual preference values. A display is generated that represents the individual preference values and the group preference value relative to an asset. Based on the information provided in the display, the asset most relevant to the group may be selected.

Systems and methods for identifying a media asset from an ambiguous audio indicator

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for identifying a media asset in response to an ambiguous input. The media guidance application may detect a portion of music provided by a user, e.g., a melody from user humming. The media guidance application may retrieve information about the user's location for a predetermined time period prior to detecting the portion of music. The media guidance application may then determine content accessible by the user at the location, e.g., a commercial played at a display screen at a train station when the user was waiting for the train, to identify the media asset corresponding to the user humming.

Systems and methods for generating a playback timeline

The system generates a marker indicating a time interval sufficient to display condensed content. In response to identifying a program, the system retrieves information about the program. Based on this information, and optionally information about the user, the system selects a subset of segments of the program, forming a shorter version of the content having a reduced playback time. The system stores marker information corresponding to the reduced playback time, generates a marker for display, or both. The system may generate a grid of content identifiers for display, and also generate one or more makers for display to indicate the time required to display condensed content. One or more versions of condensed content may be generated, each having an associated marker. The system may store marker information for a plurality of programs, in response to user input or prior to a scheduled display time.

Methods and systems for disambiguating user input based on detection of ensembles of items

Systems and methods are described for disambiguating user input based on a physical location of items in a vicinity of a user. The system determines that a query received from a user contains an ambiguity. In response, the system identifies several items in the physical vicinity of the user. Then, the system analyzes the identified plurality of items to determine whether the plurality of items forms a first ensemble of items or a second ensemble of items. If the plurality of items forms a first ensemble of items, the system performs a search using the search query and a first keyword related to the first ensemble of items. If the plurality of items forms a second ensemble of items, the system performs a search using the search query and a second keyword related to the second ensemble of items. The system then outputs results of the performed search.

Systems and methods for adjusting display settings to reduce eye strain of multiple viewers

Methods and systems for reducing eye strain for multiple users are described herein. The method includes calculating, for each viewer, a metric representing a degree of eye strain of the viewer based on eye activity of the first viewer. The method further involves determining whether each metric is within a range indicating an acceptable degree of eye strain for each viewer. If a metric is not within the range indicating an acceptable degree of eye strain, then, for each viewer, a subset of display settings that is known to cause the metric to be within the viewer's range is identified. The method further involves identifying an additional subset of display settings, where the additional subset is made up of display settings that are also in each viewer's subset. A display setting is selected from this additional subset, and the display is generated according to the selected display setting.

Systems and methods for managing series recordings as a function of storage

Systems and methods are presented for modifying scheduled storage of a series as a function of available storage. For example, a media guidance application (e.g., executed on a set-top box) monitors both the viewing progress of previously stored episodes of the series as well as the amount of available storage remaining on a storage device. The media guidance application then calculates, by inputting the current amount of available storage (e.g., 20% available) into a function of available storage, a threshold viewing progress (e.g., 50%). The media guidance application then determines from the viewing progress of the user through the episodes of the series whether the user has met the calculated threshold viewing progress (e.g., the user has watched 50% of the stored episodes). If the threshold viewing progress is not met, then the media guidance application modifies the series recording instruction (e.g., cancels the series recording).

Systems and methods for providing personalized actionable items for content items

The methods and systems described herein provide personalized action items for content items. In one example, the methods and systems identify a plurality of content items, each of which is associated with at least one respective attribute. The system accesses profile information associated with a content consumption session. For each of the plurality of content items, the system determines at least one respective actionable item based on the at least one attribute and on the profile information. The system causes to be displayed the landing interface, which includes a plurality of simultaneously displayed content item identifiers associated with the plurality of content items, respectively, and proximate to each of the displayed content item identifiers, causing to be displayed at least one respective actionable item identifier associated with the at least one respective actionable item, respectively.

Systems and methods for transmitting media associated with a measure of quality based on level of game play in an interactive video gaming environment

Systems and methods for incorporating online user generated media content (e.g., videos) into an interactive video gaming environment are provided. Media assets that are associated with different measures of quality generated by users are stored on a remote server. A player action is received by the remote server. A determination is made as to which one of the plurality of levels of the interactive video gaming environment corresponds to the action. One of the videos associated with one of the measures of quality is selected based on the determination of the level corresponding to the action. The selected video is transmitted to the player.

Electronic program guide for indicating availability of past programs

A system and method for providing an electronic program guide for television or radio programs includes presenting listings of present or future programs on-screen, presenting listings of past programs on-screen and indicating whether the past program is available again at a future time. Also, a system and method for handling information controllable from an electronic program guide for television or radio programs comprises receiving information in a user's system, storing the received information in the user's system, displaying access to the stored information by means of a user interface and enabling the user to select one of a plurality of management options for controlling the operation of the stored information through the user interface.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PARENTAL CONTROL ASSET SEARCHING

Systems and methods for searching for available assets permitted by parental controls are disclosed. Search results may include assets similar to a reference asset, which may be an asset the user has requested, but which is locked by parental control settings in force on the user equipment. Assets may be ranked according to their similarity, or relevance, to the requested asset, and they may be accessed directly from the search results. Systems and methods for accessing edited or censored versions of the requested asset are also disclosed. An edited content source may store multiple versions of certain assets available in the media system. The appropriate version of the asset may be accessed and presented to the user automatically depending on the user's parental control settings. 140-. (canceled)41. A method for managing access to media assets , the method comprising:receiving, with a user input device, a request to access a media asset;determining, using control circuitry, that the requested media asset exceeds or violates a parental control; and an indication that the requested media asset is blocked;', 'an indication of a type of parental control corresponding to the parental control exceeded or violated by the requested media asset; and', 'an option to perform a media search for alternate media assets., 'in response to the determining, presenting, on a display device, a prompt comprising42. The method of claim 41 , further comprising:receiving, with the user input device, a user selection of the search option; andsearching for alternate media assets.43. The method of claim 42 , further comprising presenting claim 42 , on the display device claim 42 , a list of alternate media assets.44. The method of claim 43 , wherein the alternate media assets presented are sorted based on the relevance of each alternate media asset to the requested media asset.45. The method of claim 42 , further comprising presenting claim 42 , on the display device claim 42 , a second ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SCAN

Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode. 1. A method for providing a video scan , comprising:identifying programs from available programs for a video scan;automatically sequentially displaying the video of the identified programs in the order defined by a scan sequence in a scan mode using a first video tuner; and receiving a request to record the program that is currently being displayed in the scan sequence;', 'determining whether a second video tuner is available for recording the program that is currently being displayed in the scan sequence; and, 'while automatically sequentially displaying the video of the identified programs in the order defined by the scan sequencein response to receiving the request to record and determining that the second video tuner is available for recording the program, tuning the second tuner to the program and recording the requested program using the second video tuner while simultaneously automatically sequentially displaying the video of the identified programs in the order defined by the scan sequence using the first video tuner.2. (canceled)3. The method of claim ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING PLAYLISTS

Systems and methods for automatically generating a playlist of series assets and systems and methods for grouping assets of a playlist in clusters are provided. In one embodiment, series assets may automatically be included into a playlist for that series. In another embodiment, an interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters based on one or more user selected parameters or may group assets in cluster based on automatically determined parameters. In yet another embodiment, the interactive media guidance application may group assets in clusters and display at least one identifier in connection with each cluster to indicate a basis for forming the cluster. The identifier may be a key word or catch phrase that succinctly identifies a trait or characteristic of assets in a particular cluster associated with the identifier. 172-. (canceled)73. A method for using an interactive media guidance application , the method comprising:receiving a first user input to record media assets having a common attribute of video content;storing a plurality of media assets;receiving a second user input requesting playback of a subset of the plurality of stored media assets having the common attribute of video content; andautomatically selecting for playback the subset of the plurality of stored media assets that has the common attribute in response to the second user input.74. The method of claim 73 , wherein the subset of the plurality of assets is stored in response to the first user input.75. The method of claim 73 , wherein the attribute is a timeslot or a theme.76. The method of claim 73 , wherein an order for automatically selecting for playback the subset of the plurality of stored media assets that has the common attribute is determined based on an asset criteria.77. The method of claim 76 , wherein the asset criteria includes at least one of a time of recording claim 76 , a first air date claim 76 , a length claim 76 , a rating claim 76 , a resolution claim ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A SCAN

Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode. 17-. (canceled)8. A method for providing a video scan , comprising:(a) identifying current programs for a scan;(b) displaying a first video of a first program of a scan sequence in a first video window of a plurality of video windows, wherein the first video window is in a first position; in the first position, a graphic associated with the first program instead of the displayed first video of the first program, wherein content of the graphic is substantially related to content of the first program; and', 'a next video of a next program of the scan sequence in a next video window of the plurality of video windows, wherein the next video window is in a second position; and, '(c) once a display length for the displayed first video of the first program has lapsed, without user input selecting and displaying(e) repeating step (c) until at least one video of a program has been displayed in each of at least two of the plurality of video windows.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the graphic associated with the program is one of a video frame extracted from the ...

STORAGE MANAGEMENT OF A RECORDING DEVICE IN A MULTI-USER SYSTEM

Systems and methods for managing the storage of recordings in a recording device in which the recordings were requested by several users are provided. Each user may be assigned a storage space limit defining the amount of storage space each user is entitled to use. In some embodiments, the storage space limit may be flexibly increased to take advantage of extra space available from other users. The system may intelligently borrow space from other users to limit the risk that a requested recording is canceled due to unavailable storage resources. In some embodiments, the system may jointly allocate a recording to several users who commonly requested a recording. The system may also set aside space in the recording device that is saved exclusively for a particular user. In some embodiments, the recording device may allocate the storage resources based on the usage of the recordings. 126-. (canceled)27. A method for storing a media asset with a storage device having a plurality of storage space allocations comprising:receiving a request to store a media asset;displaying the plurality of storage space allocations, wherein each of the plurality of storage space allocations is associated with a different media attribute or user;receiving a user selection of one of the plurality of displayed storage space allocations; andstoring the requested media asset on the storage device using the selected one of the plurality of storage space allocations.28. The method of wherein the media attribute is a type of media recorded claim 27 , a genre claim 27 , an actor claim 27 , a producer claim 27 , a ranking claim 27 , a rating claim 27 , a channel claim 27 , a time transmitted claim 27 , or a media source.29. The method of further comprising:identifying the user requesting to store the media asset;determining that a storage space allocation associated with the identified user is insufficient to store the requested media asset; andin response to determining that the storage space ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUALITY MARKING OF A RECORDING

Systems and methods for identifying a recorded video program are provided. The method may include recording a video and identifying the video as lacking desirable recording attributes. A future occurrence of a transmission of the video may be automatically selected in response to the identification of the video as lacking desirable recording properties. The future occurrence of the transmission of the video may be automatically re-recorded.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING PROGRAMS OF LESSER INTEREST WHEN CONVENIENT

Systems and methods for recording a program are provided. Alternate transmissions of a program with a “when convenient” recording priority may be recorded in whole or in portions whenever recording does not interfere with other uses of the user's equipment. When the recording device is out of space to record programs, recorded programs having a “when convenient” deletion priority may be deleted and scheduled for re-recording at a later time. 18-. (canceled)9. A method comprising:identifying a first media asset for recording on a storage device;replacing a second media asset stored on the storage device with a recording of the first media asset on the storage device based on a deletion priority associated with the second media asset; andselecting a future transmission of the second media asset for recording on the storage device.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein replacing the second media asset on the storage device comprises deleting the second media asset.11. The method of further comprising recording the future transmission of the second media asset.12. The method of further comprising determining an amount of space needed to record the first media asset.13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the amount of space needed to record the first media asset is substantially less than or equal to an amount of space consumed by the second media asset.14. The method of further comprising setting a user defined deletion priority for the future transmission of the second media asset.15. The method of further comprising deleting the second media asset from the device in response to determining that the second media asset has been viewed by a user.16. The method of further comprising in response to determining that the second media asset is associated with a deletion priority that permits deleting claim 9 , alerting the user.17. The method of further comprising prompting the user to delete the second media asset.18. The method of further comprising in response to determining ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING CUSTOM VIDEO MOSAIC PAGES WITH LOCAL CONTENT

Systems and methods for providing custom video mosaic pages are provided. The custom pages may be locally-generated, remotely-generated, or partially locally-generated and partially remotely-generated. The custom pages may include local content, such as content recorded to a digital video recorder (DVR), overlaid on a multi-video composite feed. A local compositing system may render the mosaic pages and dynamically customize the pages based on user profile data, user preferences, and active user monitoring. 134-. (canceled)35. A method comprising:transmitting to a user equipment device a video feed comprising a plurality of video assets for display in a video mosaic page; and a first video cell in the video mosaic page for a first of the plurality of video assets;', 'a placeholder video cell in the video mosaic page with an associated cell definition that uniquely identifies local video content for display in the placeholder cell; and', 'an action to be performed in response to a user selection of the placeholder video cell., 'transmitting screen data to the user equipment device, wherein the screen data defines36. The method of claim 35 , further comprising transmitting an instruction to overlay the local video content on a position corresponding to the placeholder video cell.37. The method of claim 35 , wherein the action to be performed in response to the user selection of the placeholder video cell is selected from the group consisting of tuning to a video asset claim 35 , displaying more information claim 35 , displaying an advertisement claim 35 , setting a reminder claim 35 , and recording a program.38. The method of further comprising:transmitting an instruction to display a video asset in full-screen mode in response to receiving a user selection of a video asset at the user equipment.39. The method of further comprising:receiving user interaction information associated with monitored user interactions with the user equipment device; andsaving the user ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CUSTOM MOVIE LISTS

Systems and methods for providing movie lists of available media content are provided. The movies included in the movie lists may be of particular interest to the user and may be derived from active user monitoring, editorial ratings information, user movie viewing preferences, network statistics, third-party activity ratings, and other user-derived or system-derived criteria. A user who is in need of media guidance may access a movie list and perform any suitable media guidance application function on any movie or movies in the movie list. The movie lists may be dynamically updated so that an up-to-date list is always available at any given moment. Movie recommendations, including movie gifts and the actual movie itself, may be sent to other users in the media system. 134-. (canceled)35. A method for enhanced movie media guidance on a user equipment device , the method comprising:storing a plurality of user profiles at a user equipment device, wherein each user profile is associated with a different user and each user profile comprises at least one movie viewing preference;automatically determining which users are currently watching the user equipment device;accessing media guidance application data associated with a plurality of movies, the plurality of movies comprising movies either currently accessible by the user equipment device or accessible by the user equipment device within some predetermined length of time;comparing at least a portion of media guidance application data with the movie viewing preferences of each user currently watching the user equipment device; anddisplaying an interactive list of movie recommendations based, at least in part, on the comparison.36. The method of wherein automatically determining which users are currently watching the user equipment device comprises interrogating at least one passive RFID tag associated with a user watching the user equipment device.37. The method of wherein the at least one passive RFID tag comprises at ...

METHOD FOR GENERATING TIME BASED PREVIEW IMAGE FOR A VIDEO STREAM

Systems and methods for rewinding a video to a point before the video was first viewed. Video transmitted by a media source is cached by a remote server. Upon a trick-play request for the video, the server generates a rewind stream that includes the video that was transmitted by the media source before the user started to view the video. Upon receiving the rewind stream, the user's equipment may cache the rewind stream in a rewind buffer and rewind or play from the rewind buffer. The server may also generate and transmit a forward stream of the video that the media source has not yet transmitted. The user's equipment may cache the forward stream in a forward buffer. To perform trick-play operations with the video, the user's equipment may migrate the playback of the video to the rewind and forward buffers and rewind or fast-forward the video from the buffers. 129-. (canceled)30. A method of displaying a sequence of video frames , the method comprising:receiving information representative of the sequence of video frames for a display to be generated, the display comprising at least one other element that is relatively static in relation to at least a first portion of the sequence of video frames being displayed;receiving video information associated with the at least the first portion of the sequence of video frames;generating, for inclusion in the display during play of the at least the first portion of the sequence of video frames, a play position indication region for display within or proximate to the display of the at least the first portion of the sequence of video frames, wherein the play position indication region represents at least a portion of a duration of playing of the at least the first portion of the sequence of video frames, and wherein proximate to the play position indication region during at least some portion of the play of the at least the first portion of the sequence of video frames is an indicator of a current play position within the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING AND MERGING RECORDED SEGMENTS BELONGING TO THE SAME PROGRAM

Systems and methods for providing an interactive media guidance application for merging recorded video segments that are from the same program are provided. In response to a recording interruption, the interactive media guidance application may record multiple video segments. After recording the segments, the interactive media guidance application may search for and merge these segments to form a single recording. In some embodiments, the interactive media guidance application may detect the presence of a previously recorded segment. After detecting the previously recorded segment, the interactive media guidance application may automatically record the video following the end of the previously recorded segment. The interactive media guidance application may use data associated with the segments and other media cues to match the segments. The interactive media guidance application may also identify the duration of the recorded video content and provide choices for recording the video again. 155-. (canceled)56. A method for displaying media asset listings at a user equipment , comprising:recording a segment of a first media asset;determining that the segment is an incomplete recording of the first media asset;searching a database of media asset listings to identify a first media asset listing corresponding to a first time that the first media asset will be made available again in the future and a second media asset listing corresponding to a second time that the first media asset will be made available again in the future; andgenerating a list for displaying the first media asset listing and the second media asset listing in an order determined based on whether a second media asset is scheduled to be recorded at the user equipment at one of the first and second times.57. The method of claim 56 , wherein the determining that the segment is an incomplete recording of the first media asset is made upon detecting that a system failure occurred.58. The method of claim 56 , ...

Systems and methods for selecting media assets for display in a screen of an interactive media guidance application

A method and system of selecting assets for display in an interactive media guidance application includes receiving a user input indicating interest in a media item; generating a list of media assets related to the media item, selecting, based on priority rules, a subset of the media assets to display in an interactive media guidance application, and displaying an identifier for each of the subset of media assets in the interactive media guidance application screen. The priority rules may assign a first priority to one type of media asset and a second priority to a second type of media asset, and may be based on: whether the media asset has been viewed, and a respective time associated with the media asset.

Advanced recording options for interactive media guidance application systems

Systems and methods for advanced recording options in interactive media guidance applications pertaining to whether a program includes commercials, has a particular aspect ratio, is a director's cut, or is unrated. The interactive media guidance application receives a user input to search for and record a program with one or more recording attributes, including an input designating that an attribute be required, preferred, or preferred in multiple copies. In one method, the interactive media guidance application retrieves media guidance information data for the program from memory, determines if the program has the desired recording attribute, and if so, records the program. In another method, the interactive media guidance application records the first available program which has all required recording attributes, and then continues to search for and record more-preferred versions.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING BLACKOUT RECORDING AND SUMMARY INFORMATION

Systems and methods for providing blackout support in video mosaic and television environments are disclosed. In response to receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data or application data, which may include blackout information, is received. The blacked out content may be automatically recorded to the user equipment or a network server for later playback after the blackout has expired. In addition, an overlay of options associated with the blacked out asset may be presented. The overlay may include options to substitute the blacked out asset with replacement content, search for similar content, retrieve more information about the blackout, or present summary information, such as a sports ticker, in place of the blacked out cell. 138-. (canceled)39. A method for providing enhanced blackout support , the method comprising:determining, with control circuitry, a video asset is blacked out on a user equipment device, wherein video asset is not available for user access;in response to the determining, requesting from a remote location a supplemental data feed containing summary information for the video asset; andgenerating for display the summary information in place of the video asset.40. The method of claim 39 , wherein the video asset is one of a plurality of mosaic listings.41. The method of claim 39 , wherein the video asset is a sporting event claim 39 , and the summary information comprises a sports ticker showing the current score of the sporting event.42. The method of claim 39 , wherein the summary information comprises real-time play-by-play information.43. The method claim 39 , wherein the summary information is included in a first portion of a display screen and the video asset in included in a second portion of the display screen.44. A method for displaying information about unavailable content on a display device claim 39 , the method comprising:receiving, with control circuitry, a request from a user to access a video asset;determining if ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING PROGRAMS USING A NETWORK RECORDING DEVICE AS SUPPLEMENTAL STORAGE

Systems and methods for recording programs using a user's equipment and a network recording device are provided. An interactive television application may determine whether the user's equipment has sufficient resources (e.g., tuners or space) to record a program selected for recording. If the interactive television application determines that the user's equipment does not have sufficient resources, the interactive television application may select, automatically or in response to a user instruction, the program for recording with a network recording device. In some embodiments, the user may have to pay for the use of the network recording device, or may be required to purchase a given tier level of service. The interactive television application may play back programs from the network recording device as VOD offerings, or may direct the network recording device to transfer recorded programs to the user's equipment when it has sufficient resources. 126-. (canceled)27. A method for storing media content on a network storage device , the method comprising:determining whether storing a plurality of media assets will exceed resources associated with a user equipment device;in response to determining that storing the plurality of media assets will exceed the resources associated with the user equipment device, selecting, based on a first criterion, a first group of at least one of the plurality of media assets for storage on the user equipment device and selecting, based on a second criterion, a second group of at least one of the plurality of media assets for storage on the network recording device;determining a media asset already stored on the network recording device;comparing the media asset to the first group to determine whether the media asset corresponds to the first group; andin response to determining that the media asset corresponds to the first group, determining not to store the media asset at the user equipment device.28. The method of claim 27 , wherein ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING AND PLAYING BACK PROGRAMS HAVING DESIRABLE RECORDING ATTRIBUTES

Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program. 1. A method for presenting media with an interactive media application , the method comprising:automatically scheduling a recording of multiple copies of media content at different transmission times, wherein the scheduling is performed before any one of the different transmission times;receiving a user request to generate a display of the media content;selecting one of the multiple copies of the media content; andgenerating a display of at least a portion of the selected copy of the media content.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein each copy of the program is associated with different recording attributes.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting the one of the multiple copies of the media content based on determining that the one of the multiple copies of the media content has desirable recording attributes.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a number of copies to record for the program.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the number of copies is set in response to a user instruction.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the number of copies is determined based on a recording option associated with the program.7. The method of claim 4 , further comprising prompting a user to select the number of copies.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising processing schedule data to determine the different transmission times ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF TRANSITIONING FROM BUFFERING VIDEO TO RECORDING VIDEO

Systems and methods for transitioning from buffering video to recording video. The control application receives a video and causes the video to be buffered until it detects a buffer full condition. Upon receiving the buffer full condition, the control application causes the media recorder to begin recording the newly received video as a recording, and designates the buffered video as part of the recording. In one method, the control application can be set to either record or play when the buffer becomes full. In other methods, the control application prompts the user for input indicating whether the video should be recorded or played when the buffer becomes full. In still other methods, the control application alerts the user as to how long a program may be paused before the buffer will become full. 144-. (canceled)45. A method comprising:buffering portions of a media asset as the portions are received in a first storage device that is associated with a storage capacity;detecting, using control circuitry, that buffering subsequently received media asset portions will exceed a fraction of the storage capacity; and automatically storing the subsequently received portions in a second storage device; and', 'designating the portions of the media asset stored in the first storage device as part of the subsequently received portions stored in the second storage device., 'in response to detecting that buffering of the subsequently received media asset portions will exceed the fraction of the storage capacity46. The method of claim 45 , wherein the first storage device is a temporary storage device and the second storage device is a persistent storage device.47. The method of claim 45 , wherein automatically storing the subsequently received portions in the second storage device comprises automatically recording the subsequently received portions in the second storage device.48. The method of claim 45 , further comprising:designating the portions of the media asset stored in ...

Method and apparatus for determining supplementary parameters of electronic content

Systems and methods for determining parameters of devices that may have influenced generated content, and appending values of these parameters to the generated content for the benefit of other users. Devices near the location at which the content was generated may be selected, and parameters of these devices may be retrieved. These device parameters are often relevant to the generated content. Accordingly, the retrieved parameter values may be appended to the generated content for transmission along with the content. In this manner, other users may view both the content and the parameters of nearby devices that may have influenced the setting of the content, assisting users in, for example, recreating the content or its subject matter for themselves.

Systems and methods for generating consumption probability metrics

A consumption probability metric may be generated for a media asset. An aggregated forecast predicting user consumption of a media asset is received. A plurality of probabilities, each corresponding to a user of a plurality of users, is received, each indicating how likely a respective user is to consume the media asset. A weight for the plurality of users is calculated representing a ratio of the total number of users to a number of users in the plurality of users. A disaggregated forecast predicting user consumption of a media asset is determined based on the weight for the plurality of users and the plurality of probabilities. A modification factor is computed based on the aggregated forecast and the disaggregated forecast. A metric is generated that includes a plurality of user identifiers associated with the plurality of users and a plurality of modified probabilities each modified by the modification factor.

Systems and methods for ensuring continued access to media of a playlist despite geographic content restrictions

Systems and methods are described herein for detecting information that indicates that a user will be traveling from a first geographic location to a second geographic location, and responsively accessing a playlist indicated by a profile of the user that indicates a plurality of streaming media that the user intends to consume. Control circuitry may then compare data corresponding to each streaming media of the plurality of streaming media to a database to determine whether each streaming media of the plurality of streaming media is accessible to the user at the second geographic location, and may determine that a subset of the plurality of media is not accessible to the user at the second geographic location. In response to determining that the subset is not accessible to the user at the second geographic location, the control circuitry may download each media of the subset.

Methods and system for presenting search results

Systems and methods are described herein for a media guidance application that facilitates presenting, to a user, media assets that match a search expression by generating for display media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that are scheduled for transmission to a plurality of users during a specific time interval. The media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from media asset identifiers that correspond to media assets that do not match the search expression. Furthermore, media asset identifiers corresponding to media assets that match the search expression are distinguished from each other based on an attribute of each media asset that matches the search expression.

Systems and methods for altering a progress bar to prevent spoilers in a media asset

Systems and methods are disclosed for altering or otherwise obscuring a progress bar to prevent spoilers in a media asset. A media asset is generated for display and an input is detected from a user during playback of the media asset. A determination is made whether the input comprises a command to display a progress bar. In the affirmative, a determination regarding a current point of playback of the media asset and the type of segment is made. An entry is retrieved from a database that maps the type of segment to a range of time. A determination is made whether the remaining time of the media asset is within the range of time. In the affirmative, a determination whether displaying the progress bar would spoil the media asset is made. In response to determining that displaying the progress bar would spoil the media asset, the progress bar is refrained from generating display.

Methods and systems for establishing communication with users based on biometric data

Methods and systems are disclosed herein for establishing communication with users based on biometric data. For example, in response to determining that a user has a particular biometric state, the media guidance application may present an option to contact another user that is associated with that biometric state.

Systems and methods for detecting, analyzing, and evaluating interaction paths

System and methods are disclosed herein for creating interaction path records using time thresholds between interaction paths. The system retrieves the time threshold and a plurality of user interaction records that each include a timestamp. The system sorts the plurality of user interaction records based on the timestamp. The system then identifies the path-start record as being separated from a prior interaction by an amount of time that exceeds the time threshold. The system identifies the path-end record as being separated from a subsequent interaction by an amount of time that exceeds the time threshold. The system creates an interaction path record, stores that records, and generates a summary with information about the path.

Systems and methods for selecting transaction conditions based on environmental factors

Systems and methods for selecting transaction conditions based on environmental factors are discussed herein. In one embodiment, information indicating the current status of an environmental factor (e.g., the current weather, the current time of day) is received and used to select a transaction condition. The transaction condition includes a parameter that indicates under which circumstances access to a media asset is enabled (e.g., length of time during which access is permitted, the maximum number of user devices that may access the media asset). A display of a listing for the media asset is then generated. Additionally, an indication of the transaction condition is displayed. In response to a user selection of the displayed listing, access to the media asset is enabled under the circumstances indicated by the parameter of the transaction condition.

Systems and methods for recording media assets

Systems and methods are provided to record portions of media assets. User request is received to record a media asset together with a criterion for recording portions of that media asset. A content recognition algorithm is executed against segments of the media asset to determine a set of keywords associated with those segments. Separately a set of keywords associated with the criterion is generated. Sets of keywords are compared and segments that match the criterion are discovered. If it is determined that a first segment and third segment each match the criterion and a second segment does not, a delete indicator is added to the second segment and the third and first segments are compared. If those segments match the delete indicator is removed from the second segment.

Methods and systems for selecting media guidance functions based on tactile attributes of a user input

Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that determines the tactile attributes (e.g., an amount of pressure applied by a user, a length of time pressure is applied by a user, a velocity of the user input, etc.) associated with a received user input and determines which media guidance function, of a plurality of media guidance functions, is associated with the tactile attributes.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTENT SURFING

Systems and methods for improving or suggesting alternatives to content surfing are provided. When it is detected that a user wishes to surf, a pipeline tuning sequence is implemented where by storing one or more frames of a first content selection to the user equipment and acquiring a subsequent content selection while concurrently displaying the previously stored one or more frames. Content suggestions, program listing grids, media guidance application and tuning hints, advertisements, digital audio, and live video may also be presented to user while content surfing. In some embodiments, content surf landing channels may be anticipated based on user history, user profiles, or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, thumbnails of the user's recently tuned, or paused on, content are displayed to the user while content surfing. In multiple tuner systems, more than one thumbnail may be displayed in full motion video. 138-. (canceled)39. A method for content surfing on user equipment , the method comprising:generating a sequential display, from a list of a plurality of content selections in a content surf, of the plurality of content selections;determining whether a user request to pause the content surf was received when a display is generated of a given one of the content selections; andgenerating a content identifier of the given one of the content selections in response to determining that the user request to pause the content surf was received when the display was generated of the given one of the content selections.40. The method of claim 39 , wherein the content identifier includes a content listing.41. The method of claim 39 , further comprising:generating a visual representation of the given one of the content selections corresponding to the content identifier.42. The method of claim 39 , further comprising:generating a display of the given one of the content selections corresponding to the content identifier.43. The method of claim 39 , wherein ...

Filtering video content items

Methods and systems for filtering video content items are described herein. The system identifies a plurality of video content items that are linked to respective image content items. The system determines, for each of the plurality of video content items, whether a video content item corresponds to a respective image content item. In response to the determining, the system causes to be provided information identifying the plurality of video content items excluding video content items that do not correspond to respective image content items.

Method and apparatus for curation of content

Systems and methods for curation of content, such as e-learning content or online instructional materials, according to particular criteria such as the amount of pictorial representations contained therein, the amount of verbal expression contained therein, and whether the content contains a summary. Other criteria may also be employed. Users may select any one or more of these and other criteria. Content is then sorted according to the selected criteria and presented as an ordered list of content that users can select for viewing.

Systems and methods for providing content during reduced streaming quality

Systems and methods are described herein for providing content during reduced streaming quality. Data streaming is susceptible to degradation in quality that adversely affects the delivery of content. For example, sufficient reduction in streaming quality can cause video and audio portions of a data stream to become unsynchronized. The system compares currently streamed video frames to previously received video frames to identify suitable replacement video frames for the currently streamed video frames in the event that the currently streamed video frames are affected by the sufficiently reduced streaming quality.

Systems and methods for determining an execution path for a natural language query

Systems and methods are described to address shortcomings in conventional conversation systems by determining an execution path for a natural language query using questions and answers and selecting the path in a knowledge graph based on the entities in the questions and answers and the user's feedback. In some aspects, the systems and methods described provide for determining an execution path for a natural language query presented to an interactive media guidance application. The interactive media guidance application receives, from a user, a query including an input entity and an unknown term. The interactive media guidance application retrieves, from a knowledge graph, a plurality of possible responses for the query. The interactive media guidance application determines a correct response of the plurality of possible responses based on feedback from the user. The interactive media guidance application selects an execution path for the query based on the correct response.

Multiple database, user-choice-compiled program and event guide

An electronic programming guide generator utilizes filters to select only programming filtered to display in an electronic programming guide display.

Systems and methods for providing content relevant to a quotation

Methods and systems are described for providing content, such as a movie, with dialogue including a quotation that was input. For example, using a voice search a viewer may input a quotation famous from a movie to find the original fil and related content. The methods and systems use a quotation engine in a digital device to receive an input including the quotation and access a plurality of content items that include dialogue. The quotation engine identifies a subset of content items that include dialogue similar to the input quotation. The quotation engine accesses metadata of each of the subset of content, ranks the subset based on predetermined criteria and the metadata, and provides the ranked subset of the plurality of content items for consumption. The quotation engine may use a graphical user interface to identify the earliest release, trending content, or the program best known for the quote.

Systems and methods for pushing content

Methods and systems for presenting contextually relevant push content when a user is passively engaged with an application are described herein. The system detects that the user is engaged with an application on a device and monitors the user's level of engagement with the application. If the system determines that the user is passively engaged, the system prepares to insert push content into the current output. The system identifies a region on the current output into which to insert push content, for example a region unoccupied by content or a particular object. The system identifies a context of the current output and selects a push content item based on the context of the current output. Then, the system inserts the push content item into the empty region on the current output.

SEARCH ENGINE FOR A VIDEO RECORDER

The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner. 138-. (canceled)39. A system for organizing search results generated for display on a graphical user interface into contextually relevant categories for efficient user review , the system comprising: match a character string to a first value in a first database field of a first database entry;', 'determine that the first database field is a title field;', 'in response to determining that the first database field is the title field, generate for display a first show listing for the first database entry;', 'match the character string to a second value in a second database field of a second database entry;', 'determine that the second database field is an actor name field;', 'in response to determining that the second database field is the actor name field, generate for display a selectable category for an actor that corresponds to the second value in the second database field, wherein the selectable category is simultaneously displayed with the first show listing;', 'generate for display a second show listing for the second database entry in response to a user selection of the selectable category; ...

Interactive program guide with graphic program listings

Electronic program guides in which program listings may be graphically presented and in which sponsors and celebrities of those programs may be identified are provided. The electronic programs guides may be passive television program guides, interactive television program guides, and/or on-line television program guides. Television show text information, logos and/or trademarks, celebrity images, affiliation indicators, and advertisements may be present in the program listings to enhance the electronic program guides.

Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system

A system arid 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.

Program guide system with video-on-demand browsing

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.

Systems and methods for providing a slow motion video stream concurrently with a normal-speed video stream upon detection of an event

Methods and systems for providing a video stream along with a slow motion video showing a particular event depicted in the video stream are described herein. The method includes generating a first video stream and generating a second video stream, which is a slow motion video stream, from the first video stream by modifying a playback speed of the first video stream. The method includes monitoring content of the first video stream to identify an event trigger of a predefined set of event triggers. Each event trigger indicates a presence in the first video stream of an event that is to be generated for display using the second video stream. The method includes determining, based on the identifying of the event trigger, to transmit the second video stream along with the first video stream, and simultaneously transmitting both the first video stream and the second video stream.

Systems and methods for filtering unwanted sounds from a conference call using voice synthesis

To filter unwanted sounds from a conference call, a first voice signal is captured by a first device during a conference call and converted into corresponding text, which is then analyzed to determine that a first portion of the text was spoken by a first user and a second portion of the text was spoken by a second user. If the first user is relevant to the conference call while the second user is not, the first voice signal is prevented from being transmitted into the conference call, the first portion of text is converted into a second voice signal using a voice profile of the first user to synthesize the voice of the first user, and the second voice signal is then transmitted into the conference call. The second portion of text is not converted into a voice signal, as the second user is determined not to be relevant.

Systems and methods for providing uninterrupted media content during vehicle navigation

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing uninterrupted media content by reordering playlists during vehicle navigation. The disclosed techniques herein determine directions from route data and navigation announcements for each of the directions. For each direction, a corresponding media asset from media assets in a playlist having a media asset duration that matches a direction duration is determined. The direction duration is the time difference between the navigation announcement and a subsequent navigation announcement.

Systems and methods for providing summarized views of a media asset in a multi-window user interface

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for automatically providing summarized views of a media asset in a multi-window user interface. For example, a media guidance application may generate a summary view of a media asset by including important content portions into the summary view based on metadata of the content portion. The media guidance application may display the summary view, and missed content in parallel at different windows of the same user equipment. The missed content and the summary view may be coordinated to be displayed in synchronization. In this way, when a user watches the summary view at a center window on the user equipment, the user may also have the option to watch the missed content displayed simultaneously on a side window to catch up on the missed content.

Systems and methods for displaying media content and media guidance information

A system comprises television equipment and a number of portable electronic devices. The television equipment includes a large display and control circuitry. The control circuitry receives media content and media guidance data for display on the display. The control circuitry also includes communication components for communicating with the portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices are operable for displaying video and communicating with the television equipment. A method comprises the steps of receiving media guidance information with a first portable electronic device; transmitting at least some of the media guidance information from the first portable electronic device to the control circuitry of the television equipment; and displaying the media guidance information from the first portable electronic device on the display of the television equipment while simultaneously displaying media content or media guidance information received from a source other than the first portable electronic device.

Systems and methods for switching content providers to maintain streaming experience

Systems and methods are described herein for selecting content providers based on performance scores of the respective content providers. The system monitors the performance of a content provider, where the performance is based on the quality of service for receiving a media content item from the content provider. Based on the monitored performance, the system may determine if an adequate performance is not achievable. In response to determining that an adequate performance is not achievable, the system compares the performance of the content provider to the performance of a second content provider and provides, on the user device, the media content item from the second content provider.

Methods and systems for preventing a user input device from controlling user equipment

Methods and systems for preventing a user input device from controlling the user equipment are described herein. The method includes receiving, over a first communication path, by a user equipment, data indicative of a first request to restrict control by the user input device over the user equipment. The method includes disregarding a first command from the user input device response to receiving the first request. The method includes receiving, over the first communication path, data indicative of a second request to restore control by the user input device over the user equipment. The method includes receiving a second command from the user input device, the second command intended to alter a second setting of the user equipment, in response to receiving the second request. The method includes altering the second setting of the user equipment in response to receiving the second request and the second command.

Methods and systems for automatically evaluating an audio description track of a media asset

Methods and systems for automatically evaluating an audio description track of a media asset include initializing a rating of an audio description track of a media asset to a default value; receiving a first video frame and a second video frame of the media asset; detecting an object in the first video frame and the second video frame; determining that a difference in a characteristic of the object between the first video frame and the second video frame exceeds a threshold difference; determining that an audio characteristic in a portion of the audio description track that corresponds to the first video frame and the second video frame exceeds a threshold audio characteristic; and increasing the rating of the audio description track by a unit.

Systems and methods for aggregating related media content based on tagged content

Systems and methods are described for a media guidance application (e.g., implemented on a user device) that aggregates related media content, associated with media content selected by a user, by comparing keywords.

Systems and methods for blocking selected commercials

Systems and methods for blocking inappropriate or undesired media content. Commercials are reviewed and assigned ratings or other attributes. Metadata including one or more flags identifying a commercial's rating or other attribute is embedded or inserted into media guidance application data for the commercial or for the media content during which the commercial is to be displayed. The media guidance application data is then sent to a viewer's equipment. The equipment receives the media guidance application data, parses the data for the metadata, and then determines if the commercial can be displayed based on parental control restrictions set by a user.

Systems and methods for presentation of augmented reality supplemental content in combination with presentation of media content

Systems and methods are provided herein for providing supplemental Augmented Reality (AR) content. Media content is provided to a user device located within a viewing area. A determination is made that a supplemental three dimensional (3D) AR content related to the media content is available. 3D characteristics of the supplemental AR content are determined. Such characteristics include a viewing angle and body position of an actor from the supplemental AR content. 3D characteristics of the viewing area are determined. Such characteristics include shape and position of the furniture within the viewing area and a position of a user within the viewing area. A position is determined within the viewing area by comparing the 3D characteristics of the supplemental AR content and the 3D characteristics of the viewing area. The supplemental AR content is then provided for display at the determined position.

Systems and methods for alerting a user to published undesirable images depicting the user

Systems and methods for warning a user that media assets associated with another user depict the user with an undesired expression are provided. A plurality of media assets associated with a first user and depicting a second user may be identified. A set of expressions of the second user that the second user has indicated as undesirable may be retrieved. The depictions of the second user in the plurality of media assets and the expressions that the second user has indicated are undesirable may be compared. If it is determined that one or more of the media assets depict the second user with an undesirable expression, a notification may be generated to the second user indicating that one or more media assets of the first user depict the second user with an expression that the second user has indicated as undesirable.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EPISODIC ADVERTISEMENT TRACKING

Methods and systems for an interactive media guidance application to prevent a user from experiencing an episodic advertisement out of order. Each episodic advertisement includes a plurality of advertisements intended to be viewed in an ordered sequence, and each advertisement of the sequence is part of a story that the episodic advertisement tells. The interactive media guidance application determines whether the user's viewing activity may cause the user to experience a particular advertisement of an episodic advertisement out of order, identifies an alternative advertisement of the episodic advertisement to present in place of the particular advertisement, and presents the alternative advertisement so as to prevent the user from experiencing the particular advertisement out of the ordered sequence of advertisements. 120-. (canceled)21. A method for storing episodic advertisements together , the method comprising:monitoring information associated with an advertisement generated for display to a user;detecting a portion of the information indicates that the advertisement is part of a series of advertisements that when viewed in order tell a story; andin response to detecting the portion of the information indicates that the advertisement is part of a series of advertisements, storing the advertisement in a location designated for storage of the series of advertisements.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the portion of the information includes a data field indicating that the advertisement is part of the series of advertisements.23. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:receiving a user request to access the location; andin response to the user request, generating for display a list of the series of advertisements.24. The method of claim 21 , further comprising generating for display an option to access a different advertisement claim 21 , wherein the different advertisement is subsequent to the advertisement in the series of advertisements.25. The method of ...

Electronic program guide with digital storage

An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may he stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Systems and Methods to Combine Programming from Multiple Channels

Methods and systems for a media guidance application that may enhance viewer experience. The media guidance application may tune to a first program with a first tuner and generate for display the first program on a display area of a display device, determine other programs of interest being broadcast, and simultaneously with the generating for display of the first program, use the second tuner to tune to and generate for display the other programs of interest being broadcast. The second tuner cycles between the additional programs of interest to periodically update the segments of the additional programs of interest generated for display.

Systems and methods to detect events in programming from multiple channels

Methods and systems for a media guidance application that may enhance viewer experience. The media guidance application may tune to a first program with a first tuner and generate for display the first program on a display area of a display device, determine additional programs for display, monitor the additional programs for upcoming events of interest to the user, display segments of the additional programs with the second tuner, determine an event of interest and automatically modify a portion of the display area corresponding to the segment with the second tuner. The second tuner cycles between the additional programs to periodically update the segments of the additional programs generated for display.

Methods and systems for performing dynamic searches using a media guidance application

Methods and systems are discussed herein for improving the efficiency and ease of navigating and selecting media content without the need for additional keys, buttons, or other inputs. For example, in response to the same user input, the media guidance application may determine different numbers of content sources to skip, in a dynamic fashion, based on the total number of content sources, the order of the content sources, the direction a user wishes to navigate, and/or prior user inputs related to navigating the content sources.

Systems and methods for inserting dialogue into a query response

Systems and methods are described herein for inserting dialogue into query responses by generating and using dialogue metadata in conjunction with response templates. Metadata for each portion of dialogue of a plurality of portions of dialogue from a number of content items is stored, including information regarding the source content item, a transcript of the dialogue, and grammatical information. Upon receiving a query related to a content item, a type of response is first determined. Based on the type of response, and using the dialogue metadata, a portion of dialogue is identified for insertion into the response. The identified portion of dialogue is retrieved and inserted at an appropriate position within the response. The response is then generated for output.

Methods and systems for presenting content to a user based on the movement of the user

Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application that selects media content for consumption by a user while the user is moving from one location to another. For example, the media guidance application may present advertisements or recommend content to a user that is contextually relevant to the destination of the user. Additionally or alternatively, the advertisements or recommended content may be selected based on the potential destinations of the user, how quickly a user is traveling, a direction the user is traveling, etc.

Systems and methods for navigating internet appliances using a media guidance application

Systems and methods for navigating through activity information using a media guidance application are provided. An Internet appliance is integrated with a plurality of content sources accessible to user equipment. A simultaneous display of a first plurality of media asset listings, corresponding to a first plurality of media assets transmitted by each of the plurality of content sources during a first time interval that includes the present time, and information received from the Internet appliance is generated. In response to a user request to navigate to a second time interval that precedes the present time, a simultaneous display of a second plurality of media asset listings, corresponding to a second plurality of media assets that were transmitted by each of the plurality of content sources during the second time interval, and a timeline that includes indicators representing activity detected by the Internet appliance during the second time interval is generated.

Methods and systems for managing media subscriptions

Methods and systems are described for a media guidance application that manages media subscriptions between a user and a content provider. In particular, the media guidance application may automatically identify subscription terms that are beneficial for both a user and for a content provider.

Systems and methods for identifying a source of media content based on a log of fingerprints

Systems and methods are described for identifying a content source of media content being transmitted to a viewer in situations when a specific media asset is being transmitted to the viewer from two different content sources nearly simultaneously. For example, if a certain movie is being broadcast at nearly the same time by two different channels, the system is able to identify the channel that the viewer is watching. The system performs the identification by obtaining fingerprints for two different channels, matching the fingerprints based on time and then finding a divergent pair of fingerprints by iterating in reverse chronological order through the pairs and comparing the fingerprints. The system then compares the fingerprints to fingerprints in a log that stores fingerprints and corresponding generation times for content that the viewer is consuming. The matching fingerprint corresponds to the correct content source.

Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders

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.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AUDIO-BASED GUIDANCE

Systems and methods for providing audio-based guidance features are provided. A guidance application may provide listings displays having listings for audio-friendly content. The listings may be indicated as listings for audio-friendly content. The guidance application may provide displays dedicated to listings for audio-friendly content. The guidance application provides audio-prompts describing display screens. The guidance application may determine a user's identity from a voice command and provide personalized guidance features. 184-. (canceled)85. A method for providing media content , the method comprising:receiving a plurality of listings;receiving a user request to generate for display only listings of the plurality of listings that correspond to media assets that are desirable to users who have difficulties viewing or understanding visual content;determining whether a listing of the plurality of listings corresponds to a media asset that is desirable to users who have difficulties viewing or understanding visual content;generating for display the listing of the plurality of listings in response to determining that the listing does correspond to the media asset that is desirable to users who have difficulties viewing or understanding visual content.86. The method of claim 85 , wherein receiving a user request further comprises:receiving a voice command from a user;identifying the user based on the voice command; anddetermining that the user belongs to a group of users who have difficulties viewing or understanding visual content based on the identification.87. The method of claim 85 , further comprising generating for audible output an audio clip describing the listing.88. The method of further comprising:receiving a user request to provide the audio clip at an increased speed; andproviding the audio clip at an increased speed, in response to receiving the user input to provide the audio prompts at an increased speed.89. The method of further comprising: ...

Systems and methods for identifying whether to use a tailored playlist

Systems and methods are provided herein for identifying a playlist of highlights to use for refreshing a user on a plot related to a media asset the user has requested to access based on how long it has been since the user last saw related programming. The media guidance application may receive a request from a user to access a media asset and may determine whether the user previously consumed a related media asset to the media asset. The media guidance application may determine whether a period of time between receiving the request and a time when the user previously consumed the related media asset exceeds a threshold period of time. If the period of time does not exceed the threshold, the media guidance application may play back a predefined playlist of highlights, and if it exceeds the threshold, the media guidance application may play back a customized playlist of highlights.

Systems and methods for detecting problems inputting text with a touch environment and providing solutions

The system manages a keyboard displayed on a touchscreen to address non-responsive regions of the touchscreen. The system monitors usage behavior of the displayed keyboard on the touchscreen. The system determines the non-responsive region of the touchscreen based on the usage behavior. For example, the non-responsive region may result from damage caused by dropping. The system modifies the displayed keyboard to avoid the non-responsive region of the touchscreen. For example, the system may change the location, size, orientation, and/or layout of the keyboard, or keyboard characters thereof, to avoid the non-responsive region.

Systems and methods for selecting a region of a flexible screen and controlling video playback

Methods and systems are provided for selecting region of a flexible screen based on a detected curvature of the flexible screen. A mobile device detects a vertex and degree of the curvature of the flexible screen. The mobile device selects a region of the flexible screen that is centered at the vertex and whose size is proportional to the degree of curvature. The mobile device highlights the region of the flexible display to visually indicate the selected region.

Method and systems for providing personalized supplemental audio streams

The application aids users by providing supplemental audio content. For example, the application determines a subject of content provided to user equipment during a first time period of the content. The application retrieves a profile associated with the user equipment and retrieves supplemental audio related to the profile and related to the subject of the content. The application detects a supplementation point in the content corresponding with audio content similar to a supplementation signature and transmits the supplemental audio to the user equipment for output at the supplementation point.

Systems and methods for calculating a predicted time when a user will be exposed to a spoiler of a media asset

Methods and systems are described herein for calculating a predicted time when a first user will be exposed to a spoiler of a first media asset. A media guidance application may retrieve an initial transmission time of the first media asset and a transmission time of a second media asset that precedes the transmission time of the first media asset. The media guidance application may retrieve electronic communications from a second user whose electronic communications the first user has viewed, and determine a subset of the electronic communications that correspond to the second media asset. The media guidance application may calculate a length of time from the transmission time of the second media asset to the earliest availability time of an electronic communication in the subset. The media guidance application may calculate the predicted time based on the transmission time of the first media asset and the length of time.

Methods and systems of recommending media assets to users based on content of other media assets

Methods and systems are described for a media guidance application that provides recommendations to a user viewing a media asset. For example, the media guidance application may provide a recommendation of a media asset based on a user's profile and may modify the user's profile based on the user's actions and keywords in the content of the media asset. For example, the media guidance application may determine whether the media asset is of interest to a user and in response may update the user's profile based on keywords in the media asset. If the media guidance application determines that the media asset is of interest to the user, it may add keywords in the content of the media asset to the user's profile and increase their corresponding weights. Otherwise, the media guidance application may decrease the weights in the user's profile corresponding to keywords in the media asset.

Systems and methods for enabling a user to start a scheduled program over by retrieving the same program from a non-linear source

Systems and methods are provided herein for receiving a request from a user to access a video that is scheduled for transmission, simultaneously to a plurality of users, beginning from a scheduled start time. The request is received after the scheduled start time the transmission is performed by a linear service to which the user subscribes. In response to receiving the request, the systems and methods may generate for display the video to the user, and may receive, during display of the video, a command from the user to start playback of the video over from the beginning. In response to receiving the command, the systems and methods may identify a non-linear service to which the user subscribes that offers a non-linear copy of the video, and may play back the non-linear copy of the video from the beginning.

Systems and methods to support a new locale in a language model

Systems and methods are presented herein for generating a new language understanding model, based on a user request. A user may input a root language and a locale into an application for generating a student language model. The application may generate the student language model and may identify a teacher language model related to the student language model. The application may compare data from the identified teacher language model to the student language model. The application may determine a subset of data from the teacher language model is not contained in the student language model. If the application determines at least a subset of data from the teacher language model is not in the student language model, the application may add at least the subset of data from the teacher language model to the student language model.

Display system for directing different images to different viewers

Display systems for simultaneously directing different images to different viewers. A display system is constructed with a display panel with multiple folds that create a number of angled display surfaces. These angled surfaces are oriented so that some surfaces are angled in one direction to project one image to viewers at one location, and the remaining surfaces are angled in a different direction to project a different image to viewers at another location. The folded display panel may be actuated, to change the angles at which display surfaces are oriented, and thus adjust the directions in which images are displayed. In this manner, the display may project images to differing users as they change their locations. Multiple users may thus enjoy differing content at the same time, from the same display device.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING BANDWIDTH IN SWITCHED DIGITAL VIDEO SYSTEMS BASED ON INTEREST

Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on charmed interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed. 1126-. (canceled)127. A method for addressing program overruns based on program interest , comprising:detecting, using a processor, a program overrun on a first channel;determining, using the processor, whether interest for the program overrun exceeds interest for a regularly scheduled program on the first channel; andin response to determining that the interest for the program overrun exceeds the interest for the regularly scheduled program, allocating bandwidth for a second channel in a switched digital video (SDV) system to accommodate the program overrun.128. The method of claim 127 , wherein allocating bandwidth for the second channel in the SDV system to accommodate the program overrun comprises carrying the overrunning program onto the second channel.129. The method of claim 128 , further comprising switching to the second channel where the overrunning program can be watched.130. The method of claim 127 , wherein allocating bandwidth for the second channel in the SDV system to accommodate the program overrun comprises reassigning the regularly scheduled program onto the second channel.131. The method of claim 130 , further comprising switching to the second channel where the regularly scheduled program can be watched.132. The method of claim 127 , wherein allocating bandwidth for the second channel in the SDV system to accommodate the program overrun is subject to available bandwidth.133. The method of claim 127 , wherein the second channel may ...

Methods and systems for viewing missed media content

Systems and methods are described for viewing missed media content. A media content stream is received at a user device. A first timestamp is logged, in response to determining a first failure in the receiving of the content stream, indicating when the first failure in the receiving of the content stream to the user device occurred. A second timestamp is logged, in response to determining a first restoration of the receiving of the content stream, indicating when the first restoration in the receiving of the content stream to the user device occurred. A first recorded portion of the media content stream is retrieved. The first recorded portion has a start point corresponding to the first timestamp and an end point corresponding to the second timestamp.

Augmentation of audio/video content with enhanced interactive content

Provided are systems and methods for augmenting audio/video content with enhanced interactive content. Events are detected in the audio/video content and contextual information is determined corresponding to the events using enhanced metadata and content-specific data. Indicators are displayed to indicate the occurrence of an event and the information about the event is provided.

Enhanced set-top box control

Systems and methods are provided for controlling a set-top box via a smart speaker. One example method includes receiving, at the smart speaker, an input related to the set-top box. A request based on the input is transmitted to a server. At the server and based on the request, program listing data is retrieved. A command for controlling the set-top box is identified based on the program listing data. At least one of the program listing data and the identified command is transmitted from the server to the smart speaker. The identified command is transmitted from the smart speaker to the set-top box.

Systems and methods for conflict detection based on user preferences

Systems and methods for detecting a conflict between viewing selections of two users before viewing a media asset. In some aspects, the method comprises receiving an audio input through an audio channel, detecting a first utterance from a first user and a second utterance from a second user in the input of the audio channel, parsing the first utterance and the second utterance, analyzing the first utterance and the second utterance to determine context about the first media asset and the second media asset, and presenting a conflict to the users to display on the media asset.

Methods and systems for customizing skip-forward functionality

In some aspects, control circuitry receives and stores a user-specified time duration to associate with a skip-forward command. When the user later issues a skip-forward command to advance playback of a media asset to a desired location, the control circuitry retrieves the stored time duration, and determines an expected overshoot value associated with the skip-forward command. The control circuitry then compensates for the expected overshoot by calculating a new location in the media asset based on both the retrieved time duration and expected overshoot value. Upon advancing to the new location, the media asset is played back in a fast-forward mode, e.g., at a speed higher than normal speed.

Systems and methods for improved media slot allocation

Systems and methods for inserting auxiliary content slots within portions of media assets determined to be of interest to users. Segments of a media asset being viewed by a user are identified as being of particular interest to the user, with reference to a stored set of user preferences. User preferences may be consulted to determine which of these segments may be of likely interest to the viewer. Slots for auxiliary content, such as an advertisement, are then added to those segments deemed to be of likely interest. Auxiliary content such as ads may accordingly be displayed to a user at points within media assets at which the user is more likely to be paying attention, increasing the likelihood that auxiliary content will be viewed and perhaps interacted with by the user.

Methods and systems for alerting users regarding availability of unconsumed content

Methods and systems are described for a media guidance application that limits the incentive for authorized users to share content with unauthorized users, while still allowing users to access content virtually anywhere. Specifically, the media guidance application allows an authorized user to receive only a portion of a media asset that he or she is authorized to access on a different device, after a designated time period, and/or when the remaining portion of the media asset is inaccessible.

Search engine for a video recorder

The present invention is directed to a search engine for a video recorder. One embodiment of the present invention operates in an environment that includes one or more set-top boxes connected to or integrated within one or more output devices. The set-top boxes are used to transfer shows from a broadcast input source to one or more types of storage devices and to play back the shows from the storage devices to the output devices, either in a delayed-live fashion or at a later time of the user's choosing. The set-top box displays a graphical user interface (GUI), which gives the user the ability to watch and/or record timeslot based programming, to order on-demand programming, and to playback previously recorded shows that reside on a local or remote storage device. A search engine is added to the GUI that lets the search for shows and receive results in an enhanced manner.

Methods and systems for supplementing media assets during fast-access playback operations

Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that enhances the viewer experience by providing supplemental content related to a media asset during a fast-access playback operation. For example, in response to a user input during a fast-forward or rewind operation, the media guidance application may generate for display supplemental content related to the progression point of the media asset at which the user input was received while the fast-forward or rewind operation continues.

Systems and methods for presentation of augmented reality supplemental content in combination with presentation of media content

Systems and methods are provided herein for providing supplemental Augmented Reality (AR) content. Media content is provided to a user device located within a viewing area. A determination is made that a supplemental three dimensional (3D) AR content related to the media content is available. 3D characteristics of the supplemental AR content are determined. Such characteristics include a viewing angle and body position of an actor from the supplemental AR content. 3D characteristics of the viewing area are determined. Such characteristics include shape and position of the furniture within the viewing area and a position of a user within the viewing area. A position is determined within the viewing area by comparing the 3D characteristics of the supplemental AR content and the 3D characteristics of the viewing area. The supplemental AR content is then provided for display at the determined position.

Channels and services display

The availability of a new information service is publicized by displaying an icon in an EPG when the presence of a new information service is detected. A list of new services is then displayed responsive to a user command. When one of the new services is displayed instead of the list.

Systems and methods for personalized timing for advertisements

Systems and methods are provided herein for determining personalized timing for generating for display advertisements to users. Rather than an expert determining time segments of a media asset most suitable for presenting advertisements to users, the most suitable time segments in a media asset for presenting advertisements to users may be customized based on a user's profile information and/or the user's level of engagement in a media asset. The media guidance application may parse a media asset into multiple time segments and determine one or more time segments associated with metadata that matches content characteristics preferred by the user. One or more advertisements may be presented to the user in these time segments determined by the media guidance application instead of the time segments determined by the expert.

Systems and methods for customizing a display of information associated with a media asset

Systems and methods are described for customizing a display of media asset information based on a user preference profile. In particular, media asset description information is customized by changing a term to a synonym that matches an event or keyword in the user preference profile.

Systems and methods for sharing content service provider subscriptions

Systems and methods are described for a media guidance application (e.g., implemented on a user device) for sharing content service provider subscriptions for user-selected media assets. The media guidance application may receive a media asset selection from the user and provide options to share subscriptions from the user's friends to allow the user to access the media asset.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SPORTS WATCHING MEDIA GUIDANCE

Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided. 1127-. (canceled)128. A method for generating for display data related to media content , the method comprising:generating for display a first window including a first listing and a second listing, wherein the first listing includes real-time data associated with a first sporting event and the second listing includes real-time data associated with a second sporting event;receiving a first user selection selecting the first listing; andin response to the first user selection, generating for display a second window including first additional information related to the first sporting event.129. The method of claim 128 , further comprising:receiving a second user selection selecting the second listing; andin response to the second user selection, replacing the first additional information with second additional information related to the second sporting event.130. The method of claim 128 , wherein the first window is an overlay window claim 128 , an undocked window claim 128 , a resizable window claim 128 , a picture-in-picture (PIP) window claim 128 , a time-out window claim 128 , a side-by-side window claim 128 , or a window that can be repositioned.131. The method of claim 128 , wherein the first ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SPORTS WATCHING MEDIA GUIDANCE

Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided. 1127-. (canceled)128. A method for generating for display data related to media content , the method comprising:generating for display a controllable ticker with a first category and a second category, wherein the first category is associated with a first sport and the second category is associated with a second sport;receiving a first user selection selecting the first category;in response to the first user selection selecting the first category, generating for display a first sub-category and a second sub-category, wherein the first sub-category is associated with a first group of the first sport and the second sub-category is associated with a second group of the first sport;receiving a second user selection selecting the first sub-category; andin response to the second user selection selecting the first sub-category, generating for display data related to sporting events associated with the first group.129. The method of claim 128 , wherein the data related to sporting events associated with the first group is real-time data.130. The method of claim 129 , wherein the real-time data includes team names claim 129 , clock time claim 129 , time remaining claim 129 , performance of players claim 129 , ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED SPORTS WATCHING MEDIA GUIDANCE

Systems and methods for enhanced sports-related media content access and display are provided. An intelligent tuning module for multi-tuner systems may designate one sporting event as a primary sporting event and another sporting event as a secondary sporting event. A primary tuner may tune the primary event whenever possible and a secondary tuner may tune the secondary event whenever possible. Sporting events may be assigned user profile scores and tuned away from in reverse priority order. An interactive scoreboard may also be displayed with various game status and alert icons. The interactive scoreboard may allow a viewer to quickly tune between high-interest sporting events. Sports-specific features, such as wagering and fantasy league support, are also provided. 1127-. (canceled)128. A method for enhanced sports viewing on a user equipment device , the method comprising:selecting a first sporting event;accessing an application data feed including sports scores for a plurality of sporting events, wherein the sports scores comprise a current score for the first sporting event;generating for display an interactive scoreboard simultaneously with the first sporting event; andgenerating for display the current score of the first sporting event in a first area of the interactive scoreboard and at least one additional score of another sporting event in a second area of the interactive scoreboard, wherein in response to a user request, the at least one additional score in the second area is changed to a score of a different sporting event of the plurality of sporting events and the current score remains in the first area.129. The method of claim 128 , wherein the first area of the interactive scoreboard and the second area of the interactive scoreboard are adjacent areas.130. The method of wherein the application data feed comprises sports scores of sporting events that are currently in progress claim 128 , upcoming claim 128 , or have recently ended.131. The method of ...

Systems and methods for controlling access to media assets using two-factor authentication

Systems and methods for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication. In some aspects, a media guidance application (e.g., executed by a set-top box or other user equipment used to store and display media assets) prompts a user for a password (e.g., a personal information number) in order to unlock the content for viewing. In response to receiving a second request from the user to perform an operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete), the media guidance application prompts the user for an additional factor confirming his or her identity, consistent with two-factor authentication protocol. If the user's identity is authenticated as a user that has authority to perform the operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete the stored media asset), the media guidance application performs the operation related to the media asset (e.g., deletes the media asset).

Systems and methods for multi-device content recommendations

Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that provides content recommendations based on recent activity. For example, the media guidance application determines that the user has stopped using the first device and is using the second device. In response, the media guidance application retrieves, from memory, a length of time that the user has consumed media on the first device. The media guidance application then determines the time interval when the user was consuming media on the first device. Next, media content is determined that the user consumed on the first device during the time interval. The media guidance application then determines a characteristic of the consumed media content and recommends media content on a second device based on the characteristic.

Systems and methods for predictive spoiler prevention in media assets based on user behavior

Systems and methods for preventing spoilers from being presented to a user based on user activity are described herein. In some embodiments, the media guidance application may predict events that a user may not wish to be spoiled based on user activity, and prevent spoilers for the predicted events from being presented. For example, by using received data identifying activities performed by the user, a media guidance application may identify a first event associated with the user activity. The media guidance application may then identify features of the first event (e.g., by using an event database), and identify other events that share similar features and match the contents of a user profile. The media guidance application may identify content associated with these other events, and prevent the identified content from being presented to the user in response to determining that the identified content includes spoilers for the other events.

Systems and methods for adjusting the priority of media assets scheduled to be recorded

Systems and methods are described herein for adjusting the priority of media assets scheduled to be recorded to reflect the current behavior and interests of the user. For example, a household with young children may have scheduled recordings for the DVR with a wide variety of television shows of different genres (e.g., Children's Shows, Sports Games, and Crime Procedurals) and as the children grow up, the preference may gradually shift towards other types of shows. As this shift of interest happens over time, it can be difficult or impossible for the user to change the priority of each of the media assets of the scheduled recordings each time the interests of the user changes an incremental amount.

Systems and methods for managing available bandwidth in a household

Systems and methods for managing available bandwidth in a household are provided. A request to access a first media asset is received. A determination is made as to whether a bandwidth currently available in the household is sufficient for enabling access to the first media asset. When the bandwidth currently available in the household is insufficient for enabling access to the first media asset, a search is performed for a second media asset currently consuming a portion of the household bandwidth needed for enabling access to the first media asset. A third media asset is identified having a remaining duration that is more than a remaining duration of the second media asset. A message is displayed that indicates the bandwidth currently available in the household is insufficient to access the first media asset and that has an option to access the third media asset instead of the first media asset.

Systems and methods for providing storage of data on servers in an on-demand media delivery system

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.

Systems and methods for navigating internet appliances using a media guidance application

Systems and methods for navigating through activity information using a media guidance application are provided. An Internet appliance is integrated with a plurality of content sources accessible to user equipment. A simultaneous display of a first plurality of media asset listings, corresponding to a first plurality of media assets transmitted by each of the plurality of content sources during a first time interval that includes the present time, and information received from the Internet appliance is generated. In response to a user request to navigate to a second time interval that precedes the present time, a simultaneous display of a second plurality of media asset listings, corresponding to a second plurality of media assets that were transmitted by each of the plurality of content sources during the second time interval, and a timeline that includes indicators representing activity detected by the Internet appliance during the second time interval is generated.

Systems and methods for recording content from a different source when previous content runs over

Systems and methods for recording content from a different source when previous content runs over are provided. A recording of a first media asset from a first content source is scheduled. The first media asset is scheduled for transmission from the first content source at a start time following a scheduled transmission end time of a second media assist from the first content source. Transmission of the second media asset from the first content source is determined to run past the scheduled end time. A determination is made, based on a visual component and/or an audible component of the second media asset, that transmission of the first media asset at the start time from the first content source has been changed to a second content source. The recording of the first media asset is modified to record the first media asset at the start time from the second content source.

Systems and methods for re-ordering social media feed items

The methods and systems described herein re-order social media feed items. In one example, the methods and systems receive on a user device social media feed items having a defined sequential order for display in a social media feed. The methods and systems also detect an occurrence of a triggering event and in response to the detection, reorder one or more of the social media feed items in a new order for display. The methods and systems further generate for display the one or more social media feed items in the social media feed in the new order.

Systems and methods for re-ordering feed items based on a user scroll

The methods and systems described herein reorder feed items. In one example, the methods and systems store in a memory feed items in a defined sequential order for display in a feed. The methods and systems monitoring a speed of scrolling the feed items (scroll speed) on a user device. The methods and systems also determine that the scroll speed is equal or greater than a scroll threshold and in response to the determination reorder one or more of the feed items in a new order for display in the feed. The methods and systems also generate for display the one or more feed items in the feed in the new order.