Kabelfernsehverteilung

Menügesteuertes Fernsehprogrammzugangssystem und Verfahren

Video segment detection and replacement using fingerprint data

A television system signal substitution system is described which replaces video segments (such as advertisements) identified using fingerprint data with selected replacement video segments. Fingerprint data of an input video signal and that of the segment in question are used to identify segments to be replaced with substitute data. Fingerprint data may relate to statistical information on colour (such as colour coherence vectors for example) or statistical information on spatial or temporal variations in the data. In a second claimed invention, the fingerprint data analysed from video segments may be stored in a database which can be distributed to subscribers.

Media insertion system

DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF ADVERTISEMENT IN A VIDEO DATA STREAM

PURPOSEFUL RECRUITING IN A CABLE TV SYSTEM

PROCEDURE FOR THE PROCESSING AND RENDITION OF RECEIVING DIGITAL OF CODINGS AUDIO DATA AND BROADCAST RECEIVERS FOR THE RECEIPT OF DIGITALLY CODED RADIO-BROADCASTING DATA (DAB)

IMPROVED ESSAY-FINALTURN OUT FUR OF CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

ASSIGNMENT OF PURPOSEFUL ADVERTISEMENT TO SEVERAL BROADCAST CHANNELS

REMOTE MAINTENANCE FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

REPEATS PROGRAMMABLE TERMINAL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS OF A DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR TELEVISION PROGRAMMES

PURPOSEFUL PASSING ON OF ADVERTISEMENT AT TELEVISION OF TERMINALS

CLAY/TONE PROGRAM RECEIVER TERMINAL FOR TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

A COMMUTATION GRID FOR VIDEO/AUDIO SIGNALS

Media Filter

Network controller for cable television delivery systems

INTERNALLY TARGETED ADVERTISEMENTS USING TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

A novel multiple channel architecture is designed to allow targeted advertising directed to television terminals connected to an operations center or a cable headend. Program channels carry television programs. During commercial breaks in the television programs, advertisements, which are also broadcast on the program channel, are displayed. However, additional feeder channels carry alternate advertising that may be better suited for certain viewing audiences. The operations center or the cable headend generate group assignment rules that allow a set top terminal to assign itself to groups, based on information collected and maintained solely within the set top terminal. A switching plan is then generated that instructs the television terminals to remain with the program channel or to switch to one of the alternate feeder channels during the program breaks based on its group assignment. The television terminals record which channels were viewed during the program breaks, and use this information ...

MEDIA INSERTION SYSTEM

In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to that slot and/or to media items scheduled to other slots. The receiver may select a media item for output in a slot by resolving constraints with media items scheduled to other slots, or selected for output in other slots.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TARGETING OF INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL OBJECTS

A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects (1265) available for targeting categorized and categories are correlated to subscriber information (1210) to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects (1260). The virtual objects may be targeted (1220) based on individual subscriber information (1210) or an on information related to a group of subscribers. When a frame of program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual objects is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. The television terminals record which virtual objects were displayed and report this information back to the headends and the operations center. The ...

AN OPERATION CENTER FOR A TELEVISION PROGRAM PACKAGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

An Operations Center for television entertainment systems that provide television programming to consumer homes is disclosed. The Operations Center organizes and packages television programming and program information for delivery to and from consumer homes. The Operations Center includes a computerized packaging system for creating a program control information signal.

SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

DIGITAL CABLE HEADEND FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM

Several cable headend (34) configurations that utilize digial technology are disclosed. The present invendon provides grater capability and flexibility than existing cable headends (34). Specifically, a modular design for a cable headend (34) and a combiner (104) component for cable headends (34) are disclosed. The invention is particularly useful in cable television program delivery systems transponding large numbers of digitally compressed signals. The combiner (104) disclosed allows cherry-picking of programs from transponded signals.

CALLER IDENTIFICATION FOR TELEVISION

A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g. 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input ...

Programmwähler an Drahtfunkempfangsapparaten.

Programmwählschalter an Geräten, die für Drahtrundspruchempfang eingerichtet sind.

Network controller for cable television delivery systems and method thereof

PROCESS Of INSERTION Of AT LEAST a C0MPOSANTE IN a NUMERICAL FLOW, DEVICE Of INSERTION AND PRODUCT COMPUTER PROGRAM CORRESPONDENTS

BROADCASTING SYSTEM, BROADCASTING APPARATUS AND RECEIVER

PURPOSE: To restrict the use of a broadcast program, if prerequisite information of the broadcast program is omitted on the viewer's side. CONSTITUTION: This broadcast system is provided with a broadcast station 10 for sequentially transmitting first broadcast data, including control information 1 and second broadcast data including control information 2 by the same channel, and a broadcast receiver 20 for executing processing, based on the information 1, 2 on the basis of an inputted command, when the first and second broadcast data are received sequentially. With this configuration, if the first and second broadcast information are prerequisite information, and if the requisite information of the broadcast program is omitted on the viewer's side, since either the first or second control information will be missing, use of the broadcast program can be restricted. © KIPO & JPO 2004 ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERNET TV AND BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS

A system and method for providing targeted advertising messages to a user, in particular users viewing Internal TV or broadcast programs. Advertising data files from one or more advertising entities are stored in a centralized location, such as a server or similar platform. Data relating to the user is acquired from the user's device settings and/or identification, so that a targeted advertising message may be selected from one of the stored advertising data files. The content data is transmitted to the user, the data having a cue for insertion of the selected targeted advertising message prior to or after the content file has been transferred.

Digital video audio processing apparatus

A digital video audio processing apparatus in which serial signal formed digital video signals and digital audio signals, which are supplied to a plurality of input terminals and are multiplexed each other, are converted into parallel signal form respectively; the digital video signals and digital audio signals are separated respectively; switching processing or video special effect processing is performed on a plurality of digital video signals; switching processing or mixing processing is performed on a plurality of digital audio signals; and these processed digital video signals and digital audio signals are multiplexed each other to convert into serial signal form and output them.

Process for generating an entertainment audio signal interrupted by advertising audio signals and device for carrying out the process

PCT No. PCT/DE90/00915 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 30, 1991 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 30, 1991 PCT Filed Nov. 29, 1990 PCT Pub. No. WO91/08625 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 13, 1991.A process for generating an entertainment audio signal interrupted by advertising audio signals in which pilot signals associated with the advertising audio signals cause switching between the entertainment audio signals and the advertising audio signals makes it possible to broadcast different radio programs of the desired acoustic quality in a shop by means of a carrier frequency. To this end, a high-frequency control signal is generated from advertising audio signals and pilot signals which precede or follow the advertising audio signals. The control signal and preferably the entertainment audio signal are modulated to a high-frequency carrier signal, possibly with several channels, for the separate recovery of the signals. The modulated carrier signal is transmitted, the transmitted carrier signal is demodulated and, if necessary ...

Signaling system

Method in a selective call radio for presenting advertisement messages and coupons

A SCR (122) capable of communicating with a communications center (102) includes a RF receiver (304), a presentation circuit (313), and a processor (308). The processor is adapted to select an advertisement source from a plurality of advertisement sources (502), select an information service from a plurality of information services (504), cause the RF receiver to receive from the communications center advertisement information and a message originating from the information service (506), and cause the presentation circuit to present information to a user of the SCR representative of the message and advertisement information, and the information service and the advertisement source selected (508-534).

Movie advertising playback systems and methods

An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer of the movie wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, then only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped, that is, the ad is unskippable; this technique is referred to as bounceback since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, then the ad is moved to after the end of the skip; this technique is referred to as slipad since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic.

Data-providing system, transmission server, data terminal, apparatus, authoring apparatus and data-providing method

A data-providing system comprising a first data-transmitting section (control unit 1 ), a control section (control unit 3 ), and a second data-transmitting section (control unit 3 ). The first data-transmitting section transmits a continuous stream of content data that consists of multimedia content groups, each composed of program data and auxiliary data items. The control section processes data items obtained by dividing each program data, attribute data of the auxiliary data items and user profile data, thereby to automatically assemble new data. The second data-transmitting section changes the order in which to transmit the auxiliary data items inserted in a program, in accordance with the new data assembled by the control section.

System and method for selecting advertisements

A method for displaying interactive advertisements on a television having a controller connected thereto and configured for receiving input from a viewer of the television is disclosed. The controller has a receiver operable to receive advertisements and a processor operable to modify the advertisements. The method generally comprises requesting action by the viewer of the television, modifying an advertisement based on the action of the viewer, and displaying the modified advertisement on the television.

System and method for dynamically substituting broadcast material and targeting to specific audiences

An insertion and encoder system monitors broadcasts from a first broadcasting system to determine the presence of segments that can be substituted in a second broadcast. In one embodiment, the system and method determines whether the first segment from the first broadcast had been sold for the second broadcasting system. In this example embodiment, if the first segment had not been sold for the second broadcasting system, it is substituted for a second segment. The system and method accesses an inventory of sold substitution segments and substitutes a sold segment for the unsold segment in real time. In one embodiment, sold advertisement segments are substituted for unsold advertisement segments that are broadcast to a wide audience over the Internet. Segments are selected in accordance with predefined criteria that can include user demographics and/or personal preferences.

Data broadcast program transport stream (TS) transmission device, related method, computer program and storage medium, distribution device and distribution system

A data broadcast program transport stream (TS) transmission device provided in a broadcast station, and for transmitting a data broadcast program TS based on a data broadcast program TS distributed over a network by another broadcast station. The data broadcast program TS transmission device stores a selection list that shows whether data broadcast program elements of the received data broadcast program are for inclusion in the data broadcast program TS of the broadcast station, and a replacement list that shows the replacement of data broadcast program elements for inclusion with local program elements produced in the broadcast station. A separation judgment unit separates TS packets from the received data broadcast program TS, refers to the selection list, and notifies the replacement execution unit of data broadcast program elements for inclusion. Furthermore, if data broadcast program elements judged for inclusion are shown for replacement in the replacement list, the separation judgment ...

MEDIA INSERTION SYSTEM

In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to that slot and/or to media items scheduled to other slots. The receiver may select a media item for output in a slot by resolving constraints with media items scheduled to other slots, or selected for output in other slots.

VERFAHREN ZUM UEBERTRAGEN DIGITALISIERTER TONSIGNALE

When digitized audio signals are transmitted or stored through interference-affected channels, transmission faults are detected and if necessary corrected or veiled at the reception side. To veil the transmission faults, the faulty signal section is muted or replaced by a signal section that precedes the faulty signal section in the same channel or by a simultaneously transmitted, intact signal section in a neighbouring channel. When data-reduced, digital audio signals are used, that according to their source encoding are time and/or spectrally distributed, only the faulty spectral values or partial bands or faulty groups of spectral values or partial bands are veiled.

AUFSATZ-ENDGERÄT FÜR KABELFERNSEHVERTEILSYSTEME

Producing entertainment and advertising programme for supermarkets - including pilot signals allowing some sections, e.g. no longer available offers, to be suppressed but not those paid for by advertisers

A control signal is produced from an advertisement signal and the preceeding or succeeding pilot, and the control signal and support signals are modulated on a h.f., e.g. two channel, signal for separate regeneration of the signals. The modulated carrier is transmitted, and then demodulated to allow separation of the signals. The pilot is tested for start or end of superimposition. For start of syperimposition, an advertisement signal succeeding the pilot is blended over the support signal, for reproduction, and at the end, the advertisement signal is removed over a set period of the support signal for reproduction.

Redundant packet transmission over IP networks with buffer overwriting

In a method for packet transmission over IP networks redundant IP packet streams are generated by an IP transmitter 32 and transmitted using separate network paths 34 to one or more IP receivers 36. At each IP receiver 36 duplicate IP packets are overwritten to form a single combined packet stream wherein when a duplicate packet is received which has identical broadcast data, such as sequence number, to a packet previously buffered, the previously buffered packet is overwritten with the newly received duplicate packet. A single receive buffer is used for all of the duplicate streams but a separate buffer may be used for forward error correction packets. By using redundant IP packet streams the effects of packet loss and of network congestion can be reduced. A device and system for packet transmission over IP networks is also provided. The arrangement is particularly embodied in SMPTE 2022 FEC transport protocol streams. A suitable size of buffer is also used to account for the maximum possible ...

Media Substitution System

In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver (for example a personal video recorder (PVR)) for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to attributes of the media items. The attributes pertaining to each media item within a set are aggregated and scheduling is performed on the basis of one or more constraints applied to the aggregated attributes of each set. In this way, the complexity of scheduling based on the individual attributes of each of the media items within each subset is avoided. The profile information may be derived from a profile database containing information relating to said receivers/users. The profile may contain preferences and or demographics of the receiver/ user.

Media insertion system

A method of encoding a framed media stream at an encoder for broadcast at a headend, the encoded media output stream including a splice point message referenced to a frame of the media stream at a time indicated by a media scheduler, the method comprising synchronising the frame timing of the encoder to the timing of the media scheduler. The insertion point message may indicate the precise video frame at which a splice point will occur, which may be a fixed interval before the occurrence of the splice point. The media scheduler and encoder may be synchronised to a common clock reference. The television media scheduler, such as an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), may output a clock signal to the encoder for synchronisation purposes. The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) may be inserted at which the frame is played out and sent to the input of the encoder in the Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) field of the frame. The claimed method and encoder are used as part of an audiovisual (A/V) media ...

Television advertising automated billing system

Advertisement detection and substitution

A television signal substitution system replaces standard video segments with selected replacement portions. Video segments such as advertisements are detected and identified by trigger or switching signals in order to allow the detected segment to be replaced with a selected replacement portion and output to an output device. The detection may be performed manually or by automatic methods such as fingerprinting. Independent claims are included for :- detecting, identifying and replacing adverts in a video stream with substitute adverts wherein the substitute advert is locally selected and provided, detecting, identifying and replacing adverts in a video stream with substitute adverts wherein a signal identifying the advert to be replaced is manually generated, detecting, identifying and replacing adverts in a video stream with substitute adverts wherein the substitute advert is determined using a preference database, detecting, identifying and replacing adverts in a video stream with substitute ...

Producing video data

Method and apparatus for processing a switched audio signal

CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION

ESSAY TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

NETWORK PRICE INCREASE FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

PURPOSEFUL ADVERTISEMENT USING A TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Method of substituting content during program breaks

Network controller for cable television delivery systems

Digital cable headend for cable television delivery system

Set top terminal for cable television delivery systems

Method and device for controlling audio-visual medial contents

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TARGETING OF INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL OBJECTS

A method and an apparatus are used to target interactive virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects (1265) available for targeting categorized and categories are correlated to subscriber information (1210) to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects (1260). The virtual objects may be targeted (1220) based on individual subscriber information (1210) or on information related to a group of subscribers. When a frame of program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual objects is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. The television terminals record which virtual objects were displayed and report this information back to the headends and the operations center. The reported ...

A MANAGEMENT CONSOLE PROVIDING AN INTERFACE FOR FEATURED SETS OF DIGITAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

A management console located proximate to a hub for managing at least one radio broadcast is disclosed. The console includes a connection to a digital automation system, the digital automation system directing the at least one radio broadcast and a software suite suitable for providing an interface for feature sets of the digital automation system via the connection.

ADVANCED SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g. 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input ...

SET TOP TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

A viewer interface for a television program delivery system is described. The innovation relates to methods and devices for viewer pathways to television programs. Specifically, the interface involves hardware and software used in conjunction with a television at the viewer home to create a user friendly menu based approach to television program access. The device is particularly useful in a program delivery system with hundreds of programs and a data signal carrying program information. The disclosure describes menu generation and menu selection of television programs.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TARGETING VIRTUAL OBJECTS

A method and an apparatus are used to target virtual objects to subscribers in a television delivery system. Programs are selected and virtual object locations are defined in the selected programs. The virtual objects available for targeting are categorized and the categories are correlated to subscriber information to determine the optimum targeting of the virtual objects. The virtual objects may be targeted based on individual subscriber information or on information related to groups of subscribers. When a frame of a program includes a virtual object location, a default or an alternate virtual object is displayed. The virtual object location may change over space or time. The virtual object may be interactive, and may be used to link a subscriber to a remote location, such as an Internet web site. An operations center or a cable headend may generate a group assignment plan that assigns the subscribers' television terminals to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence ...

TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT USING TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT USING TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEMS

A novel multiple channel architecture (265) is designed to allow targeted advertising directed to television terminals (220) connected to an operations center (202) or a cable headend (208). Program channels carry television programs. The invention uses upstream data reception hardware (262, 275, 297), databases (301) and processing hardware (285, 293) and software to accomplish these functions. During commercial breaks in the television programs, advertisements, which are also broadcast on the program channel, are displayed. However, additional feeder channels carry alternate advertising that may be better suited for certain viewing audiences. The operations center (202) or the cable headend (208) generate a group assignment plan (293, 299) that assigns the television terminals (220) to groups, based on factors such as area of dominant influence and household income. A switching plan (291) is then generated that instructs the television terminals (220) to remain with the program channel ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING DIGITAL SERVICE SIGNAL

An apparatus of processing a digital service signals and a method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes a receiving module configured to receive declarative contents and a first PDI(Profiles, Demographics, Interests) table including a first PDI question having a first question id for identifying the first PDI question and receive a second PDI table including a second PDI question having a second question id for identifying the second PDI question, an obtaining module configured to obtain an answer to the first PDI question, a storing module configured to store the obtained answer to the first PDI table, a fetching module configured to fetch the stored answer to the second PDI question by using the first question id and the second question id, wherein the first question id is equal to the second question id, wherein the storing module further stores the fetched answer to the second PDI table and a downloading module configured to download contents using the fetched answer ...

DIGITAL CABLE HEADEND FOR CABLE TELEVISION DELIVERY SYSTEM

Several cable headend (34) configurations that utilize digital technology ar e disclosed. The present invention provides greater capability and flexibility than existing cable headends (34). Specifically, a modular design for a cable headend (34) and a combiner (104) component for cable headends (34) are disclosed. The invention is particularly useful in cable television program delivery systems transponding large numbers of digitally compressed program signals. The combiner (104) disclose d allows cherry-picking of programs from transponded signals.

TELEVISION PROGRAM DELIVERY SYSTEM

An expanded television program delivery system (200) is described which allows viewers to select televison and audio program choices from a series of menus. The primary components of the system include an operations center (202), a digital cable headend (208), and at least one set top terminal (220) having a remote control (900). The system allows for a great number of television signals to be transmitted by using digital compression techniques. A combined signal is transmitted over satellite to a cable headend (208), which may modify the combined signal for changes or additions in programming or menu content. The combined or modified signal is subsequently distributed to individual set top terminals (220) in the cable network (210). Menus are partially stored in a set top terminal (220) in each subscriber's home and may be reprogrammed by signals sent from the operations center (202) or headned (208). Numerous types of menus may be used, incorporating information included within the video ...

DEVICE FOR TIME RESETTING IN DIGITAL SIGNAL TRANSMISSION FOR NETWORKS

In a time-resetting device in a terrestrial digital transmission network of the type used by digital radio or television broadcasting, the time information of the digital signal is modified in the transmission site before the modulator in order to replace it by a time information that is computed on the basis of the UTC time given by a GPS receiver and that includes the transmission delay of the concerned site. The invention can be applied to terrestrial digital transmission networks for digital audio broadcasting (DAB) or digital video broadcasting (DVB-T).

Method for the processing and reproduction of received digitally coded audio data and a radio broadcast receiver for the reception of digitally coded sound broadcasting data

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY SUBSTITUTING BROADCAST MATERIAL AND TARGETING TO SPECIFIC AUDIENCES

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé de codage et d'insertion permettant de surveiller des radiodiffusions à partir d'un premier système de radiodiffusion de façon à déterminer la présence de segments pouvant être remplacés dans une seconde radiodiffusion. Dans un mode de réalisation, ce système et ce procédé permettent de déterminer si le premier segment de la première radiodiffusion a été vendu pour le second système de radiodiffusion. Dans ce mode de réalisation exemplaire, si le premier segment n'a pas été vendu pour le second système de radiodiffusion, il est remplacé par un second segment. Ce système et ce procédé permettent d'accéder à un inventaire de segments de remplacement vendus et de remplacer un segment vendu par un segment non vendu en temps réel. Dans un mode de réalisation, des segments publicitaires vendus sont remplacés par des segments publicitaires non vendus destinés à une large audience sur Internet. Les segments sont choisis selon des critères prédéfinis ...

DYNAMIC REPLACEMENT AND INSERTION OF CINEMATIC STAGE PROPS IN PROGRAM CONTENT

A method for use in modifying program content includes identifying props in the content for replacement (202), determining location information for each identified prop (204), determining visual effects information associated with each identified prop (206), and creating a reference file that includes the content and the location and the visual effects information associated with each identified prop (208). Another method includes identifying locations in the content where dynamically replaceable assets can be inserted (402), establishing dynamically replaceable assets in one or more of the identified locations in the content (404), determining location information for each established dynamically replaceable asset (406), determining visual effects information associated with each established dynamically replaceable asset (408), and creating a reference file (410). Systems, computer program products, and other methods are also disclosed.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TARGETED CONTENT DELIVERY, PRESENTATION, MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

A method is described for the targeting of content presentation to individual users in a communications network including management and reporting, comprising the steps of receiving from content providers, potential content for presentation to users and presenting to a user content selected from said potential content based on information known about said user. Facilities are also provided to receive from users requests for content and other actions related to receipt of said content such as 'pause' requests, and to record and report the fact that said content has been presented to said user.

Content segment selection based on time-shifted content viewing

A method, executed by a processor, for selecting content segments to serve to a viewer based on time-delayed television content viewed by the viewer includes receiving by the processor, a notification for a visit by the viewer to the resource; accessing by the processor, a time-delayed content viewing history; and in response to the notification, identifying by the processor, based on the history, one or more content segments to serve at the resource.

System and method of dynamically allocating advertisement according to audience rating

A method and system are provided for allocating a dynamic advertisement according to audience ratings. The method includes selecting an advertisement broadcast to be transmitted based on broadcast viewing information of users and a transmission condition, and providing the selected advertisement broadcast.

USER CONTROL OF AD SELECTION FOR SUBSEQUENT AD BREAK OF A STREAMING VIDEO

During or prior to streaming of video content to a client device, a server provides data configuring an interactive object on the client device. When activated by user input, the interactive object enables a user to select one or more video ads to be streamed to the client device during an upcoming ad break, during play of the streaming video. The interactive object enables the user to perform the selection without interrupting viewing of the video.

Remote control for cable television delivery system

SIMULATING BROADCAST SERVICE AND METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for simulating a broadcast service in a cable television system. SOLUTION: The system and the method for simulating a broadcast service in a cable television system are provided, whereby a video program, etc., is sent to more than one user, in response to a program request from a user. Physical layer channels are assigned dynamically to user, and requested programs are respectively sent to the users over the assigned physical layer channels. Hence the channel is selected not in a user's personal equipment 120 but in a primary hub 205. The primary hub 205 is capable of storing user profile information and more than one program about the stored user profile information is automatically sent to the user, so that the user does not always have to request the program. COPYRIGHT: (C)2002,JPO ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ АДРЕСАЦИИ РЕКЛАМЫ, УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ОБРАБОТКИ ДАННЫХ, ОТНОСЯЩИХСЯ К РЕКЛАМАМ В ПРОГРАММАХ, И СПОСОБ АДРЕСАЦИИ РЕКЛАМЫ

Изобретение относится к развлекательным телевизионным системам для передачи телевизионных программ в дома абонентов. Его использование в контроллере сети передачи телевизионных программ позволяет получить технический результат в виде создания системы интерактивного телевидения, способной удовлетворить изменяющиеся потребности зрителей и потребителей. Этот технический результат достигается в устройстве, содержащем средство сбора данных о просмотренных программах от абонента и процессор, оперативно соединенный со средством сбора, включающий в себя средство анализа собранных данных о просмотренных программах, средство корреляции проанализированных данных о просмотренных программах, по меньшей мере, с одной рекламой и средство выбора, по меньшей мере, одной коррелированной рекламы. 3 с. и 56 з.п.ф-лы, 23 ил., 3 табл.

Information switching system

Proposed here is an information switching system, preferably for digitised information signals with high data rates, for the optional connection of information signal sources to information receiving installations, in which each of the signal inputs of the information switching system is assigned an information signal distributor and each of the signal outputs of the information switching system is assigned a switching bar with in each case signal inputs and one signal output. The signal outputs of the information message signal distributors are connected to the signal inputs of the switching bars in such a way that the signal outputs of the information signal distributor are connected to the signal inputs of the switching bars.

Broadcast relay transmission system

A broadcast television relay transmission system comprises a relay station (16) which receives (17, 18) a Tv signal from a parent transmitter (14) and re-transmits it over a relay transmitter (20, 21). Local information e.g. a local weather map may be required to replace the signal from the parent transmitter. To this end a computer (22) has a non-volatile store (23) to store the various components of the weather map, background map and icons etc., and a local studio centre (30) transmits instructions identifying the required picture components and their desired locations. The signal may be transmitted by telephone link (32) and modem (34), or may be included in the signal transmitted by the parent transmitter (14) and downloaded via a receiver/decoder (26). It is thus not necessary to maintain a video bandwidth landline or similar link with the relay station. ...

Media insertion system

In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to that slot and/or to media items scheduled to other slots. The receiver may select a media item for output in a slot by resolving constraints with media items scheduled to other slots, or selected for output in other slots.

Internet radio system

A method is described for delivering a radio programme consisting of music and speech portions. A live streaming Internet audio service at a predetermined URL 10 transmits the speech portions only of the radio programme to requesting users 13. This enables users to play back the speech portions of the programme as a live broadcast, and to play back previously stored music during the gaps between the speech portions. The previously stored music may be downloaded from a Website, which carries the music to be played on the programme. Alternatively, users may select their own choice of music. Preferably, the transmitted speech portions include coded signals indicating transitions between the speech portions and the music portions. The user device 13 may be a PC, a mobile phone, a PDA or a car radio for example.

Media insertion system

Media insertion method in which programming is received by a programme receiver and is output immediately by the receiver (live broadcast) and/or recorded at the receiver (e.g. STB or PVR) for subsequent output, the programming having a break (advertising or commercial break) defined therein such that media (adverts) stored at the receiver may be selectively output during the break, with different media selected depending on live playback or recorded playback. An ad break in recorded programming is shorter than a break during live broadcast. Targeted advertising may choose different media content depending on the time of playback, time of day and watershed periods. Adverts may have predetermined expiry times so out-of-date adverts are substituted with more up-to-date commercials. Stored adverts may be inhibited from playback if a predetermined period has elapsed since the programme was received. Recorded programme output may have fewer advertising slots than live breaks, which may be reduced ...

Broadcast relay transmission system

BROADCAST RELAY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

Broadcast system and method

A broadcast system includes a central broadcasting station 120 producing a stream of common broadcast content for transmission to a plurality of local units 140 which may be in venues such as licensed premises, hotels, leisure or retail centres or workplaces, and may have a storage unit 170. The common broadcast content may be distributed to the local units via a central unit 130. A custom content unit, which may be the central unit, stores custom content items for the local units. A production studio 180 may create the custom content items such as news items or promotional messages, and the local items may then download specific items of content or packages of content from the central unit, which are then stored in the local units storage unit 170. For example, an operator may decide locally to select certain promotional messages for playback at his particular location, from a menu of such items prepared by the studio 180 and stored on the central unit 130. A signal from the broadcast ...

Media substitution system

Media Substitution system

ESSAY TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

INTERACTIVE TERMINAL FOR TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

OPERATION CENTER FOR TELEVISION UTILITY SYSTEM

PROCEDURE FOR PRODUCING A OF ADVERTISING SOUND SIGNALS INTERRUPTIONS OF MAINTENANCE SOUND SIGNAL AND DEVICE FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROCEDURE

OPERATION CENTER FOR FERNSEHPROGRAMMPAKETIERUNGSUND UTILITY SYSTEM

REPROGRAMMIERBARES TERMINAL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS OF A TELEVISION PROGRAM UTILITY SYSTEM

IMPROVED TERMINAL FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

ESSAY-FINALTURN OUT FUR OF CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE COLLECTION OF PROGRAM SWITCHING ON DATA

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING BROADCAST SIGNALS IN CLOSED CIRCUIT SYSTEMS

Using a digital video effect to generate a video stream

In one aspect, a method involves (i) accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television broadcast; (ii) selecting a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video source; (iii) determining a type of the identified video source; (iv) using the determined type of the identified video source as a basis to select a DVE; and (v) causing a computing device to run the selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the computing device to generate a modified version of an input video stream received from the identified video source.

Seamless switching between radio and local media

Systems and methods are provided for seamlessly switching media playback between a media broadcast, such as a radio broadcast, and media from a local media library. When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library. The selected local media item can be related to a previously broadcast media item to ensure continuity in the user's listening or viewing experience. The electronic device can switch away from the local media item and return to the media stream when the media stream again broadcasts media items or segments of interest to the user.

System and Method for Independent Media Auditing and Media Serving for Marketing Campaigns Presented Via Media Devices in Public Places

An independent auditing and ad service system that may be utilized with a system for presenting marketing campaigns to audiences via a network of players in public locations. Independent agents in the players monitor media content that is presented to audiences during marketing campaigns and generate independent agent playlogs that are provided to a content registry service which compares the independent agent playlogs with playlogs that are provided by a network operator to validate the network-operator-generated playlogs. The independent agent playlogs may also be provided to an analytics service where they are used to analyze the performance of marketing campaigns. From the analyzed performance, the service may determine that the media content presented to audiences via the media players should be changed. The independent agents may be instructed to implement recommended changes by modifying the media content being presented on the players.

Method and system for managing television adverts in time shifted broadcast content

There is provided a method of removing or replacing advert slots in linear broadcast television programming when replayed as a time-shifted television asset, comprising capturing an input linear broadcast video stream to form a time-shifted television asset, detecting advert cue signals indicative of advert slot timings within the time-shifted television asset, generating metadata indicative of the advert slot timings from the detected advert cue signals, and packaging the time-shifted television asset together with the metadata, for use by a downstream system to replace or remove adverts from the time-shifted television asset. There is also provided a time-shifted television asset capture device, comprising a linear broadcast video stream input, an advert cue signal detector to detect advert cue signals, a metadata generator adapted to generate metadata from the detected advert cue signals, and a metadata and time-shifted television asset packager adapted to package the metadata and time-shifted television asset together for delivery to a downstream system.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices having independent clocking arrangements. A task distribution device is to distribute tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices to perform tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to synchrony group members over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which synchrony group members are to execute the task. Each synchrony group member periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices having independent clocking arrangements. A task distribution device is to distribute tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices to perform tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to synchrony group members over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which synchrony group members are to execute the task. Each synchrony group member periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines there from a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

Media insertion system

In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to that slot and/or to media items scheduled to other slots. The receiver may select a media item for output in a slot by resolving constraints with media items scheduled to other slots, or selected for output in other slots.

System and methods thereof for visual analysis of an image on a web-page and matching an advertisement thereto

A method for matching an advertisement item to a multimedia content element. The method comprises extracting at least one multimedia content element from a web-page requested for display on a user node; generating a signature of the at least one multimedia content element; searching for at least one advertisement item respective of the signature; and causing the display of the at least one advertisement item within a display area of the web-page.

System, method, and apparatus for an integrated antenna and satellite dish

Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.

Systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to a peripheral device via a local advertisement server

Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type. Certain exemplary embodiments provide revenue sharing among some or all of the central advertising network provider, the proprietors of locations, operators tasked with maintaining the local ad server and/or the peripheral devices, etc.

System and Method of Monitoring Blackout Events

Systems and methods of monitoring blackout events are provided. A particular method includes receiving a server blackout event specifying a scheduled blackout of a first media service. The method also includes receiving a client blackout event from at least one set top box affected by the scheduled blackout. The method further includes generating a compliance report indicating whether the set top box complied with the scheduled blackout.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

An audio information source interface that receives first audio information from an audio information source directly connected to the audio playback device; an ADC configured to sample the first audio information; a network interface configured to connect the audio playback device to a network and to receive packets from the network containing second audio information and playback timing information from a network audio information source; a DAC for generating an analog audio signal based on either the first or second audio information; an audio amplifier interconnected with the DAC and configured to amplify the audio signal; an audio reproduction device interface interconnected with the audio amplifier; and, a control module configured to receive commands via the network interface and to provide to the DAC one of the first or second audio information.

Apparatus and methods for transmitting multi-view contents

The present invention relates to a device and a method for providing multiple views for a single program in a digital cable broadcasting environment. More particularly, the device comprises a multi-view information creating means configured to create multi-view information based on a relationship between a program and a plurality of A/V (audio/video) streams when the TV program corresponds to the plurality of the A/V streams; a receiving means configured to receive the multi-view information; a reproducing means configured to reproduce a multi-view stream based on the multiplex A/V streams such that the multi-view stream contains the individual A/V streams; an examining means configured to examine a bandwidth and a program number of the multi-view stream to be transmitted by a modulator; a communication means configured to receive subscriber information through a return channel and to notify a subscriber terminal of the bandwidth and the program number for transmission of the multi-view stream selected by the subscriber; and a streaming means configured to transmit the multi-view stream containing the A/V stream corresponding to a view selected by the subscriber.

System and method for using multimedia content as search queries

A method and system for searching a plurality of information sources using a multimedia element. The method comprises receiving at least one multimedia element; generating at least one signature for the at least one multimedia element; generating a textual search query using at least the one generated signature; searching the plurality of information sources using the generated textual search query; and causing the display of search results retrieved from the plurality of information sources on a user device.

System And Method For Automatically Inserting Advertising And Other Content Into Playback Of A Broadcast Signal

A system is disclosed for inserting selected content into a signal being broadcast by a broadcast station, and being received by a vehicle radio system. A vehicle radio system may be incorporated which has a processing system. A personal electronic device (PED) able to be carried by a user is also used. The PED may supply selected content to the processing system. The processing system may detect a first signal in the received broadcast signal that indicates a commercial break period of predetermined duration is to begin, and a second signal in the received broadcast signal that indicates that the commercial break period is to end. The processing system may obtain the selected content from the PED and insert the obtained, selected content into the broadcast signal for seamless playback through the vehicle radio system during the commercial break period. 1. A system for inserting selected content into a broadcast signal being broadcast by a broadcast station , and being received by a radio system of a vehicle , the system comprising:a vehicle radio system having a processing system;a personal electronic device adapted to be carried by a user, the personal electronic device further being configured to supply selected content to the processing system;the processing system further configured to detect a first signal in the broadcast signal being received that indicates a commercial break period of predetermined duration is to begin, and a second signal in the broadcast signal being received that indicates that a commercial break period of predetermined duration is to end; andthe processing system further configured to obtain the selected content from the personal electronic device and to insert the obtained, selected content into the broadcast signal for seamless playback through the vehicle radio system during the commercial break period.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the personal electronic device is configured to contact a remote content center to obtain the ...

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

In a network comprising at least a first zone player and a second zone player, a method comprising: receiving, at a user interface module, a command to establish a synchrony group, wherein the synchrony group comprises at least the first zone player and the second zone player; and displaying, at the user interface module, a list of information identifying a plurality of items queued for playback by the synchrony group, wherein (i) at least one of the items on the list has associated location data indicating the at least one item is located on a device attached to the local area network, and (ii) at least one other of the items on the list has associated location data indicating the at least one other item is located on a wide area network.

Dvb-t2 broadcasting method with the insertion of regional content, and device used in the method

Method of broadcasting a set of national and regional DVB-T2 programs not requiring duplicating the broadcasting of the national programs nor uploading the regional programs to a central point. This method is based on the creation of various T2-MI streams using PLP technology. A T2-MI stream is dedicated to the national programs. T2-MI streams are created for the regional programs. The national programs intended to be replaced by regional programs are isolated in specific pipes. The frame durations and the size of the box are harmonized between the various pipes. Each transmitter receives firstly the national T2-MI stream and at least one regional T2-MI stream. It has a device for replacing at least one pipe of the national T2-MI stream with a pipe of the regional T2-MI stream in order to generate the T2-MI stream to be transmitted.

Switching content

Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

An audio processing device comprising: a network interface configured to connect the audio processing device to a network; an audio information channelization device connected to the network interface and configured to receive audio via the network interface; an audio reproduction device interface configured to output audio to a playback device; a user interface module interface configured to transmit, via the network interface to a user interface module, status information pertaining to the status of a synchrony group, wherein the audio processing device is a member of the synchrony group with at least one additional audio processing device.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

A plurality of zone players, including at least a first player and a second zone player, wherein the first zone player is designated as a master device of a synchrony group, a method comprising: determining, by the first zone player, that the second zone player should be designated as the master device of the synchrony group; instructing, by the first zone player, the second zone player to be designated as the master device of the synchrony group; and causing, at the first zone player, the first zone player to lose its designation as the master device of the synchrony group.

System and method for synchronizing operations among a plurality of independently clocked digital data processing devices

In a network comprising a plurality of zone players, including at least a first zone player and a second zone player, a method comprising: receiving, by the first zone player, first control information from a user interface module; based on the received first control information, transmitting, by the first zone player, second control information to the second zone player, wherein the second control information comprises (i) a network address of an audio information channelization device that provides audio information and playback timing information, and (ii) a multicast address that the audio information channelization device uses to broadcast audio information and playback timing information to the network; and playing, by the first zone player, the audio information in synchrony with the second zone player.

Device for Selecting Digital Service Streams, and Method, Computer Program and Storage Means Corresponding Thereto

A device is positioned upstream of a modulator in a digital service stream broadcasting chain, and is adapted to receive a plurality of transport streams and to transmit a transport stream to a modulator, each transport stream encapsulating a digital service stream adapted to be broadcast by the modulator, the digital service streams representing the same digital service. The device is also adapted to: digital service streams from the received transport streams; detect errors in the streams; align the extracted streams; select a stream from the aligned streams, according to any errors detected; encapsulate the selected stream, in order to form the stream to be transmitted to the modulator.

System, method, and apparatus for an integrated antenna and satellite dish

Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.

3d click to buy

An e-commerce method related to ordering from interactive 3D model(s). The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on the data storage device. The search software returns a list of product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can interact with said 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing said 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce software communicates with said user software allowing the user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or subassemblies depicted in said 3D model of said selected product.

System and method for presenting advertisements in association with media streams

A system and related method are provided for presenting advertisements in association with a media stream in a network environment, without interrupting the media stream. The advertisements are provided in a real-time and targeted manner to maximize advertisement revenue. The advertisements replace advertisements otherwise provided within the media stream.

REMOVING NETWORK DELAY IN A LIVE BROADCAST

A first stream of audio data is received a into a data store. Excess pauses are identified in the audio data. A second stream of audio data is transmitted from the data store comprising the first stream of audio data with the excess pause removed, the second stream of audio data transmitted after a delay that is approximately equal to but no less than the duration of the removed excess pause. 1. A method for removing excess pauses in a live broadcast caused by network delays , the method comprising:receiving a first stream of audio data into a data store;identifying an excess pause in the audio data; andtransmitting a second stream of audio data from the data store comprising the first stream of audio data with the excess pause removed, wherein the second stream of audio data is transmitted after a delay that is approximately equal to but no less than the duration of the removed excess pause.2. A method in accordance claim 1 , further comprising:identifying a plurality of excess pauses in the audio data; andtransmitting the second stream of audio data from the data store comprising the first stream of audio data with the plurality of excess pauses removed, wherein the second stream of audio data is transmitted after a delay that is approximately equal to but no less than the sum of the duration of the removed excess pauses.3. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:estimating a maximum duration of the excess pause; andtransmitting the second stream of audio data after a delay equal to the estimated maximum duration of the excess pause.4. A method in accordance with claim 3 , further comprising:receiving the first stream of audio data at a first data rate; andtransmitting the second stream of audio data at a second data rate that is slower than the first data rate, such that when the excess pause is encountered in the first stream of audio data, the second stream of audio data is transmitted with a delay equal to the estimated maximum duration of the ...

Method for identification of food ingredients in multimedia content

A method for identifying nutritional data related to food substances contained in a multimedia content item is provided. The method includes analyzing a received multimedia content item to identify multimedia elements containing food substance; generating at least one signature for each identified multimedia element; querying a deep-content-classification (DCC) system for each of the identified multimedia elements to find at least one concept that matches at least one of the identified multimedia elements; matching the at least one signature of each of the at least one matching concepts to previously generated signatures of food substances maintained in a data warehouse; retrieving, for each of the at least one matching signature, nutritional data associated with the at least one matching signature from the data warehouse, thereby providing nutritional data for the food substances substance contained in the received multimedia content item; and sending the nutritional data to the user device.

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to communicatively couple the first zone player to at least one data network;a local clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the first zone player;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and receive, via the network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network;', exchange, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group;', 'receive, via the network interface from the ...

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to communicatively couple the first zone player to at least one data network;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and receiving, via the network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group that includes at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network;', detecting an indication that the first zone player is to operate in (a) one of a control-master mode or a control-slave mode for the synchrony group and (b) one of an audio-master mode or an audio-slave mode for the synchrony group; and', 'beginning to operate in the synchrony group in accordance with the indication;, 'after receiving the request to enter into the synchrony group, receive, via the network interface, first control information for the synchrony group ...

PROGRAM SWITCH DISPLAY CONTROL ON AN AUDIO-VIDEO RENDERING DEVICE

A method and control device for controlling the display of multimedia data on an audio-video rendering device, e.g. a TV device (AVD), when a channel selection navigation, from a first channel to a second channel, is activated. It is controlled which, how and when particular multimedia data is displayed as it may for instance be necessary to perform parental control to prevent the display of “adult” multimedia data at particular times of the day, or advertisements at times when they could disturb the comfort of watching of the user of the TV set. In a preferred embodiment, multimedia data of a second content type, e.g. “normal” programs (PGS) or previews of programs (PRS) is displayed in replacement of the advertisements during a predetermined time delay called advertisement-play grace period. 1. A method to control the display of multimedia data on an audio-video rendering device when a channel selection navigation , from a first channel to a second channel , is activated by a trick play command associated to said rendering device ,the multimedia data having a type of multimedia content and being transmitted on a channel received at said rendering device, wherein said method comprisesintercepting the action activated by said trick play command,analyzing whether the intercepted action of said trick play command activates a channel selection navigation,interpreting the multimedia data transmitted on said second channel if said intercepted trick play command activates a channel selection navigation, andpreventing the multimedia data transmitted on said second channel to be displayed on said audio-video rendering device if the transmitted multimedia data is of said predetermined content type.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said channel selection navigation consists in selecting an Electronic Program Guide EPG via said trick play command controlled by a user of said audio-video rendering device.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said channel ...

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A computing device comprising:a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network;a clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the computing device;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and operating in a first mode in which the computing device is not serving as an audio information channel device for any synchrony group;', 'receiving an indication that the computing device is to begin serving as an audio information channel device for a synchrony group that comprises at least first and second zone players that are communicatively coupled with the computing device over an asynchronous local area network (LAN), wherein the computing device, the first zone player, and the second zone player each have a different respective clock time;', 'after receiving the indication, transitioning from the first mode to a second mode in which the computing device is ...

Switching Between a Directly Connected and a Networked Audio Source

Examples include a playback device with an audio information source interface, a network interface, a processor, and data storage with program code, that when executed by the processor, causes the playback device to (a) receive a first analog signal including first audio information from a first audio information source, (b) receive second audio information from a second audio information source, (c) generate timing information based on the second audio information, (d) transmit the timing information and the second audio information to another playback device over a network, and (e) play back one of (1) the first analog signal or (2) a second analog signal including the second audio information in accordance with the timing information. 120-. (canceled)21. A playback device , wherein the playback device is a first playback device , the first playback device comprising:an audio information source interface;a network interface;a processor; and receive, via the audio information source interface, a first analog signal comprising first audio information from a first audio information source directly connected to the first playback device;', 'receive, via the network interface, second audio information from a second audio information source;', 'generate timing information based on the second audio information;', 'transmit, via the network interface, the timing information and the second audio information to a second playback device over a network, wherein the network is one of a LAN or WAN; and', 'play back one of (1) the first analog signal or (2) a second analog signal comprising the second audio information in accordance with the timing information., 'data storage comprising program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the first playback device to22. The first playback device of claim 21 , wherein the second audio information comprises one of audio files or packetized streaming audio information.23. The first playback device of claim 21 , wherein the ...

CONCURRENT PRESENTATION OF NON-PROGRAMMING MEDIA ASSETS WITH PROGRAMMING MEDIA CONTENT AT CLIENT DEVICE

A media presentation and distribution system communicatively coupled to a client device, which handles enablement of a client-side dynamic presentation of at least one non-programming media asset along with programming media content. The client device receives a first media stream of the programming media content in response to a request, associated with at least one user preference for the programming media content, to the media presentation and distribution system. The client device identifies at least one tag in the programming media content and transmits at least one event opportunity point for selection to the media presentation distribution system. Based on the selection, the client device modifies a display view of the client device for a defined duration, and presents the at least one non-programming media asset, from a second media stream for the defined duration, concurrently with the programming media content over the modified display view of the client device. 1. A system , comprising: transmit a request to a media presentation and distribution system, wherein the request comprises at least one user preference for the programming media content,', transmit, based on the at least one user preference in the request, a first media stream to the client device in response to the request received from the client device,', 'wherein the first media stream comprises the programming media content and at least one tag associated with the programming media content;', 'receive, from the client device, at least one occurrence of at least one event opportunity point within the programming media content that is identified by the client device, and', 'wherein the at least one occurrence of at least one event opportunity point within the programming media content is received based on the at least one tag associated with the programming media content; and', 'select the at least one occurrence of the at least one event opportunity point based on a selection criteria for the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTENT BASED ON CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A system, method, and computer-readable medium for providing a content item based on a user interest and an expected action to be performed by a user device. The method includes: querying, based on at least one signature generated for a multimedia content element, a user profile to identify the user interest, wherein a concept of the identified user interest matches a concept represented by the generated at least one signature; generating at least one contextual insight based on the user interest, wherein each contextual insight indicates a user preference; determining the expected action based on the at least one contextual insight; determining, based on the expected action, the content item to be provided to the user device; and providing the determined content item to the user device. 1. A method for providing a content item based on a user interest and an expected action to be performed by a user device , comprising:querying, based on at least one signature generated for a multimedia content element, a user profile to identify the user interest, wherein a concept of the identified user interest matches a concept represented by the generated at least one signature;generating at least one contextual insight based on the user interest, wherein each contextual insight indicates a user preference;determining the expected action based on the at least one contextual insight;determining, based on the expected action, the content item to be provided to the user device; andproviding the determined content item to the user device.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, based on the at least one signature generated for the multimedia content element, the concept of the multimedia content element, wherein the at least one contextual insight is generated based further on the concept of the multimedia content element.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the user profile is queried based on the determined concept claim 2 , wherein the user interest is ...

MOVIE ADVERTISING PLAYBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped; the ad is unskippable. This technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, it is moved to after the end of the skip. This technique is referred to as “slip-ad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic. 1. A method for guaranteed play of content , the method comprising:receiving, at a point in playing a video on a user device by a video player executing on a processor, a skip command to omit playing a first portion of the video that includes first content and second content;determining, by the video player, that the first content cannot be moved from the first portion of the video and that the second content comprises a proxy movable from the first portion of the video;determining, by the video player, a start of the first content;moving, by the video player, the proxy from the first portion of the video to a location in a second portion of the video subsequent to the first portion of the video; andresuming play of the video beginning at the start of the first content and prior to the location of the proxy in the second portion of the video to ensure that the first content and the second content are played on the user device.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the proxy contains a request for content and wherein playing the second content comprises:sending the request for content to a content server;receiving the content from the content server; andinserting the content from the content server, beginning at or after the ...

VIDEO CONTENT PLACEMENT OPTIMIZATION BASED ON BEHAVIOR AND CONTENT ANALYSIS

An ad is placed in a movie, by analyzing inherent characteristics of the movie, analyzing viewed characteristics of the movie, analyzing viewer characteristics of a viewer of the movie, obtaining advertiser preferences for placement of the ad in the movie, determining costs of placing the ad in the movie based on the inherent characteristics of the movie, the viewed characteristics of the movie, the viewer characteristics and the advertiser preferences, and placing the ad in the movie in accordance with the inherent characteristics of the movie, the viewed characteristics of the movie, the viewer characteristics, the advertiser preferences and the determined costs. 1. A method of video content placement optimization based on behavior and content analysis , the method comprising:analyzing, by a computer, video characteristics of a video, the video characteristics of the video including information in the video;determining, by the computer, whether the video has been previously viewed; 'obtaining statistics of the video from play trails that track viewing behavior, each play trail representing a timestamped sequence of actions that a viewer takes in playing the video, the statistics of the video including a number of playback events recorded in the play trails;', 'responsive to an indication that the video has been previously viewed, determining, by the computer, viewed characteristics of the video, the determining the viewed characteristics of the video comprisingdetermining, by the computer, whether content placement in the video is occurring in real time;responsive to an indication that the content placement in the video is occurring in real time, determining, by the computer, viewer characteristics of the video, including at least one of demographic information of the viewer, an action of the viewer, or a material previously viewed by the viewer;retrieving or obtaining, by the computer, content placement preferences that specify a content placement price setting ...

Method and System for Planning and Running Video-on-Demand Advertising

A method and system for planning and running video-on-demand (VOD) advertising includes a planner for planning advertising campaigns and an ad selector for running selected advertisements from selected ones of the campaigns. The campaigns are associated with household demographic classifications, video content category categories, household geographic locations, and/or video viewing times. In response to a viewer requesting a video, the selector selects the campaigns corresponding to the demographic classification associated with the viewer, the content category of the requested video, the geographic location associated with the viewer, and/or the viewing time at which the requested video is viewed. The demographic classification is determined by using an identifier of the viewer's set-top-box. The selector may select the campaigns corresponding to the content categories of the requested video. The content categories are determined by using an identifier associated with the requested video. 1. A method comprising:selecting, from a plurality of sponsors, based on a first predetermined audience segment corresponding to at least one first sponsor, and based on first demographic information corresponding to a first geographic region, the at least one first sponsor to sponsor a program;selecting, from the plurality of sponsors, based on a second predetermined audience segment corresponding to at least one second sponsor, and based on second demographic information corresponding to a second geographic region, the at least one second sponsor to sponsor the program;causing a first computing device in the first geographic region to output the program and at least one first content item associated with the at least one first sponsor; andcausing a second computing device in the second geographic region to output the program and at least one second content item associated with the at least one second sponsor.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, based on a ...

DELIVERY OF DIFFERENT SERVICES THROUGH DIFFERENT CLIENT DEVICES

A system that handles delivery of a service through a client device or a secondary device paired with the client device, includes an interactive service provider and the client device. The interactive service provider inserts at least one of digital watermarks, fingerprints, and trigger identifiers at event opportunities in media content. The client device detects at least one of the inserted digital watermarks, the digital fingerprints, and the inserted trigger identifiers in the media content. The client device further renders overlay graphics on the media content and activates at least one of input devices in vicinity of the client device or the rendered overlay graphics. The client device receives trigger responses over an activated overlay graphic, via the activated input devices. The client device further displays an interactive view on the client device, to enable delivery of services in response to the received trigger responses. 1. A system , comprising:a memory for storing instructions;a first processor in an interactive service provider for delivery of at least one service through at least one of a client device or a secondary device paired with the client device, wherein the first processor is configured to execute the instructions to:insert at least one of a plurality of digital watermarks, a plurality of digital fingerprints, or a plurality of trigger identifiers at a plurality of event opportunities in media content,wherein the media content is associated with a video service provider different from the interactive service provider,wherein the insertion is executed by the interactive service provider via a first integration with the video service provider,wherein the media content comprises programming media content and non-programming media content, andwherein the plurality of event opportunities corresponds to a plurality of candidate time intervals in a playback duration of the media content, detect the at least one of the inserted plurality of ...

Method and apparatus for managing multiple media services

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining a group of facial objects detected from an image captured by a camera coupled with a media device where the facial objects correspond to a plurality of users, determining authentication information for each of the plurality of users based on the facial objects, and providing the authentication information to a group of content service systems for enabling the media device to access aggregated media services from the group of content service systems. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Video content placement optimization based on behavior and content analysis

An ad is placed in a movie, by analyzing inherent characteristics of the movie, analyzing viewed characteristics of the movie, analyzing viewer characteristics of a viewer of the movie, obtaining advertiser preferences for placement of the ad in the movie, determining costs of placing the ad in the movie based on the inherent characteristics of the movie, the viewed characteristics of the movie, the viewer characteristics and the advertiser preferences, and placing the ad in the movie in accordance with the inherent characteristics of the movie, the viewed characteristics of the movie, the viewer characteristics, the advertiser preferences and the determined costs.

DELIVERY OF DIFFERENT SERVICES THROUGH DIFFERENT CLIENT DEVICES

A system that handles delivery of service(s) through a client device, includes an interactive service provider, a video service provider, and a client device. The interactive service provider inserts at least one of digital watermarks and digital fingerprints in non-programming media content. The video service provider transmits a media stream of the media content that includes programming media content and the non-programming media content. The client device detects at least one of the inserted digital watermarks and the digital fingerprints in the playback duration of the media content and renders overlay graphics on the media content. The client device activates at least one of input devices paired with the client device and the rendered overlay graphics. The client device further receives trigger responses over activated overlay graphics and displays an interactive view to enable delivery of service(s) in response to the trigger responses. 1. A system , comprising:a memory for storing instructions;{'claim-text': ['wherein the first processor is configured to execute the instructions to:', 'insert at least one of a plurality of digital watermarks or a plurality of digital fingerprints in the media content,', 'wherein the media content comprises programming media content and non-programming media content;', 'search for at least one of fingerprint information or watermark information in a registry for the at least one of the plurality of digital watermarks or the plurality of digital fingerprints in the media content, based on analysis of at least one of a context, a user preference, or a defined goal of different segments in the programming media content and the non-programming media content,', 'wherein the video service provider comprises a second processor for delivery of the media content to the client device, wherein the second processor is configured to:', 'transmit a media stream of the media content to the client device,', 'wherein the at least one of the ...

MOVIE ADVERTISING PLAYBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer of the movie wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, then only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped, that is, the ad is unskippable; this technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, then the ad is moved to after the end of the skip; this technique is referred to as “slipad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic. 1. A method of guaranteed play of an advertisement in a video , comprising:at a video player, receiving a command to advance the play of a video to a forward location subsequent to a current proxy advertisement location, the current proxy advertisement location indicating a location in the video at which to play an advertisement; anddetermining a new proxy advertisement location in the video at which to play the advertisement, the new proxy advertisement location equal to the forward location or any location subsequent to the forward location, the video player to play the advertisement at the new proxy advertisement location.2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:receiving the advertisement from an advertisement server.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining a new proxy advertisement location further comprises:defining an ineligible portion of the video subsequent to the forward location within which the advertisement is not to be played and determining the new proxy advertisement location to be outside of the ineligible portion.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining a new proxy advertisement location at which to play the advertisement further ...

Synchronizing Operations Among a Plurality of Independently Clocked Digital Data Processing Devices

Example systems, apparatus, and methods receive audio information including a plurality of frames from a source device, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames includes one or more audio samples and a time stamp indicating when to play the one or more audio samples of the respective frame. In an example, the time stamp is updated for each of the plurality of frames using a time differential value determined between clock information received from the source device and clock information associated with the device. The updated time stamp is stored for each of the plurality of frames, and the audio information is output based on the plurality of frames and associated updated time stamps. A number of samples per frame to be output is adjusted based on a comparison between the updated time stamp for the frame and a predicted time value for play back of the frame. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network;a local clock that provides a clock time of the first zone player;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and operating as a standalone zone player that is configured to play back audio individually rather than in synchrony with another zone player;', 'while operating as a standalone zone player, receiving a request to enter into a synchrony group with at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled with the first zone player over a local area network (LAN), wherein the second zone player comprises its own respective local clock that provides a respective clock time of the second zone player;', 'in response to receiving the request to enter into the synchrony group, entering into the synchrony group with the second zone player and transitioning from operating as a standalone zone player to operating as a slave zone player of the synchrony group that is configured to play back audio in synchrony with the second zone player;', ...

Synchronizing Operations Among a Plurality of Independently Clocked Digital Data Processing Devices

Example systems, apparatus, and methods receive audio information including a plurality of frames from a source device, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames includes one or more audio samples and a time stamp indicating when to play the one or more audio samples of the respective frame. In an example, the time stamp is updated for each of the plurality of frames using a time differential value determined between clock information received from the source device and clock information associated with the device. The updated time stamp is stored for each of the plurality of frames, and the audio information is output based on the plurality of frames and associated updated time stamps. A number of samples per frame to be output is adjusted based on a comparison between the updated time stamp for the frame and a predicted time value for play back of the frame. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network;a local clock that provides a clock time of the first zone player;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and operating as a standalone zone player that is configured to play back audio individually rather than in synchrony with another zone player;', 'while operating as a standalone zone player, receiving a request to enter into a synchrony group with at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled with the first zone player over a local area network (LAN), wherein the second zone player comprises its own respective local clock that provides a respective clock time of the second zone player;', 'in response to receiving the request to enter into the synchrony group, entering into the synchrony group with the second zone player and transitioning from operating as a standalone zone player to operating as a slave zone player of the synchrony group that is configured to play back audio in synchrony with the second zone player;', ...

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network;a local clock having a clock time and a clock rate;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored therein, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first zone player to perform functions comprising:operating as a standalone zone player that is configured to play back audio individually rather than in synchrony with another zone player;while operating as a standalone zone player, receiving a request to enter into a synchrony group with at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled with the first zone player over a local area network (LAN), wherein the second zone player comprises its own respective local clock having a respective clock time and a respective clock rate;in response to receiving ...

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first zone player comprising:a network interface that is configured to provide an interconnection with at least one data network;a local clock that provides a clock time of the first zone player;at least one processor; the first zone player operating as a standalone zone player that is configured to play back audio individually rather than in synchrony with another zone player;', 'while operating as a standalone zone player, receiving a request to enter into a synchrony group with at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled with the first zone player over a local area network (LAN), wherein the second zone player comprises its own respective local clock that provides a respective clock time of the second zone player;', 'in response to receiving the request to enter into the synchrony group, entering into the synchrony group with the second zone player and transitioning from operating as a standalone zone player to operating as a ...

Playback Devie

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first data network device comprising:one or more processors; andtangible, non-transitory computer-readable media comprising program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors such that the first data network device is configured to:receive control information from a second data network device over an asynchronous data network configured to exchange digital data packets, wherein the received control information comprises a direction for the first data network device to enter into a synchrony group with at least a third data network device; and wherein in the synchrony group, the first data network device and the third data network device are configured to playback audio in synchrony based at least in part on (i) audio content, (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio content, wherein the playback timing information is generated by one of the first data network device or the third data network device, and (iii) ...

Methods and apparatus for monitoring the insertion of local media into a program stream

Methods and apparatus for monitoring locally inserted media are disclosed. A disclosed system for detecting locally inserted media includes a tag encoder and a media monitoring device at a media presentation location. The tag encoder is to associate an identifying tag with a segment of a media stream carrying local media that was spliced into a primary media stream after the primary media stream was received by an editing station of a media distributor. The media monitoring device is to: detect presentation of the media stream; determine that the segment is local media that was spliced into the primary media stream based on changes in the media stream indicative of transitions between primary media and local media, the changes including changes in identifying tags; and store an indication to credit presentation of the media and to indicate that the media stream includes locally inserted media.

System and method for contextually enriching a concept database

A system and method for contextually enriching a concept database. The method includes determining, based on at least one signature of a first multimedia data element (MMDE) and signatures of a plurality of third concepts stored in the concept database, at least one matching first concept among the plurality of third concepts; generating a reduced representation of the first MMDE; comparing the reduced representation of the first MMDE to signatures representing a plurality of second MMDEs to determine a plurality of matching MMDEs among the plurality of second MMDEs; generating, based on the reduced representation of the first MMDE and the signatures representing the plurality of matching MMDEs, a second concept; and generating at least one context based on the second concept and the plurality of third concepts, wherein each context includes at least one common pattern among the second concept and at least one of the plurality of third concepts.

APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING PARTICULAR MEDIA CONTENT EVENT OF INTEREST THAT IS BEING RECEIVED IN A STREAM OF MEDIA CONTENT

Obscuring systems and methods are operable to obscure an intervening content segment that a user does not wish to view and/or listen to if that particular intervening content segment is again received at a later time. An exemplary embodiment includes at least a content segment obscuring system that samples the decoded stream of information corresponding to an initial portion of the intervening content segment, determines a vector signature of the sampled initial portion of the intervening content segment, wherein the vector signature corresponds to at least one location and an orientation of a vector in a multi-dimensional vector space, and compares the vector signature with a plurality of predefined reference vector signatures. In response to the vector signature substantially corresponding to at least one of the plurality of predefined reference vector signatures, the intervening content segment is obscured with replacement content. 1. A media device , comprising: wherein the stream of media content includes a media content event of interest,', 'wherein the media content stream is segmented into at least a first content segment followed by a second content segment, and', 'wherein an intervening content segment is between the first content segment and the second content segment;, 'a content stream interface configured to receive a stream of media content,'} receive the media content stream, and', 'output a decoded stream of information, wherein the decoded stream of information comprises at least one of a stream of video information and a stream of audio information;, 'a processor system communicatively coupled to the content stream interface, wherein the processor system is configured to wherein the program buffer receives the decoded stream of information from the processor system,', 'wherein portions of the decoded stream of information are stored in the program buffer for a predefined duration,', 'wherein the respective portions of the decoded stream of ...

Method and apparatus for identifying point of interest and inserting accompanying information into a multimedia signal

An apparatus arranged to insert accompanying information into a multimedia signal, the apparatus constituted of: a multimedia receiver; a point of interest (POI) identifier arranged to identify a POI in the received multimedia signal responsive to content of the received multimedia signal; an inserter arranged to insert accompanying information into the received multimedia signal responsive to an output of the POI identifier; an output device arranged to transmit the output of the inserter to a display device, the identification, insertion and output being contemporaneous with the receiving; a server; a user gesture signal receiver arranged to receive a signal responsive to a user gesture; and a communication device, wherein the inserted accompanying information encourages a user to perform a gesture with a device in communication with the user gesture signal receiver, and wherein the communication device is arranged to transmit the received signal responsive to the user gesture.

BROADCAST RECEIVING APPARATUS AND BROADCAST RECEIVING METHOD

A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a reception unit, sound controlling unit, and determination unit. The reception unit receives a signal of an analog broadcast and a signal of a digital broadcast having the same broadcast content. The sound controlling unit performs, when an output of the broadcast receiving apparatus switched into the analog broadcast from the digital broadcast, a switching control of switching the output into the analog broadcast from the digital broadcast so that an acoustic characteristic of the output digital broadcast gradually approaches an acoustic characteristic of the analog broadcast based on a reception intensity of the signal of the analog broadcast. The determination unit determines, after the sound controlling unit starts the switching control, whether or not the switching control performed by the sound controlling unit is to be continued, based on reception state of the signal of the digital broadcast. 1. A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising:a reception unit that receives a signal of an analog broadcast and a signal of a digital broadcast having a same broadcast content;a sound controlling unit that performs, when an output of the broadcast receiving apparatus is switched into the analog broadcast from the digital broadcast, a switching control of switching the output into the analog broadcast from the digital broadcast so that an acoustic characteristic of the output digital broadcast gradually approaches an acoustic characteristic of the analog broadcast based on a reception intensity of the signal of the analog broadcast received by the reception unit; anda determination unit that determines, after the sound controlling unit starts the switching control, whether or not the switching control performed by the sound controlling unit is to be continued, based on a reception state of the signal of the digital broadcast received by the reception unit.2. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERSONALIZED RENDERING OF DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT

Systems and methods are disclosed for providing devices capable of the reception and playback of one or more crafted media channels transmitted over an intermittent connection. The one or more channels may be customized by the end user to bias the programming towards individual tastes or moods. The channels may be delivered over an intermittent, unidirectional link, for example a Satellite Radio receiver in a home or car. Content may also be delivered over an intermittent, bidirectional link, for example to a portable media player via a wireless 802.11 or other networked connection. 11. . A method for facilitating personalized rendering of media files through on a device configured to access a data link , the method comprising:receiving, over the data link, a plurality of media files and associated file metadata, wherein the file metadata defines one or more attributes of the media files; andstoring, in a memory of the device, ones of the media files and associated file metadata consistent with one or more channel profiles maintained within the memory of the device.2. The method of further comprising discarding claim 1 , based upon the file metadata associated with said ones of the media files claim 1 , one or more media files that are non-responsive to the one or more channel profiles;categorizing the media files stored in the memory of the device into one or more categories; andsequencing the media files for rendering responsive to the one or more categories.3. The method of wherein the media files selected responsive to the category are selected responsive to a measure to which the attributes of the media file match a set of attributes related to the category.4. The method of wherein the media files selected responsive to the category are additionally selected responsive to the degree to which the attributes of the media files match one or more attribute biases selectable by a user.5. The method of wherein sequencing for playback is responsive to a set of user ...

Method and apparatus for automatically switching channels

A method and apparatus for automatically switching channels are provided. The method includes detecting an advertisement from content of a current channel that is displayed on a screen of a display apparatus; scanning at least one channel of a predetermined channel list to detect an advertisement-free channel, in response to the advertisement being detected on the current channel; and switching the current channel to the detected advertisement-free channel.

METHOD FOR REPLACING A MAIN CONTENT WITH AT LEAST ONE SECONDARY CONTENT, CORRESPONDING CONTENT REPLACEMENT DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

A method replacing a main content by at least one secondary content, which implements steps including: determining an instant of video breaking and an instant of audio or subtitle breaking, based on at least one breaking packet; replacing in the original stream at least one video packet and audio packet or subtitle packet respectively of the main content by at least one video packet and audio packet or subtitle packet respectively of the secondary content starting from the video and the audio or subtitle breaking instant, respectively, and at least one audio packet or subtitle packet of the main content, delivering a modified stream; updating, in the modified stream of a reference clock, continuity counters of video packets and audio packets or subtitle packets respectively and at least one video reconstruction temporal information, and audio or subtitle reconstruction respectively in the replacement video packets, and audio or subtitle packets respectively. 1. A method of replacement of a main content by at least one secondary content , said main content being carried by a transport stream , issued by a fixed transmitter and addressed to a plurality of broadcasting sites , called an original stream , wherein the method implements the following steps , in at least one device for replacing contents associated with at least one of said broadcasting sites ,determining an instant of video breaking and at least one instant of audio or subtitle breaking, on the basis of at least one breaking packet of said original stream,determining a ratio between the bit rate of said original stream and the video bit rate of said secondary content, called a video ratio,determining a ratio between the bit rate of said original stream and the audio bit rate of said secondary content, called an audio ratio, and/or a ratio between the bit rate of said original stream and the subtitle bit rate of said secondary content, called a subtitle ratio, at least one video packet of said main content ...

Reception apparatus, reception method, and program

Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including: a reception block configured to receive broadcast content broadcast via a broadcasting network; an acquisition block configured to acquire inserted content that is inserted in the broadcast content during the reception thereof; an output block configured to output at least one of the broadcast content and the inserted content; a switch block configured to switch between the broadcast content and the inserted content outputted from the output block; and a buffer configured to sequentially store data of the received broadcast content when the broadcast content is switched to the inserted content; wherein, if the inserted content is switched to the broadcast content, the output block outputs the broadcast content from the buffer while the inserted content is outputted.

MOVIE ADVERTISING PLAYBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped; the ad is unskippable. This technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, it is moved to after the end of the skip. This technique is referred to as “slip-ad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic. 1receiving a command to advance the play of a video to a slip location in the video that skips a proxy advertisement in the video, the receiving performed by a video player device having a transcoder embodied in at least one physical unit;responsive to the command to advance the play of the video to the slip location, moving the proxy advertisement to the slip location in the video, the moving performed by the video player device, the proxy advertisement including an ad request, wherein the video player device sends the ad request to an advertisement server and receives an advertisement from the advertisement server; anddelivering the advertisement from the advertisement server to the slip location in the video indicated by the proxy advertisement, the delivering performed by the video player device, the video player device to play the advertisement at the slip location.. A method of video production, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/489,191, filed Apr. 17, 2017, entitled, “MOVIE ADVERTISING PLAYBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/885,632, filed Oct. 16, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,653,120, entitled, “MOVIE ADVERTISING ...

METHOD FOR GENERATING A DATA STREAM, BROADCAST GATEWAY, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTING A DATA STREAM AND CORRESPONDING COMPUTER PROGRAM

A method for selecting a data stream for distribution to a plurality of broadcasting sites. The method includes: receiving a main data stream and a back-up data stream respectively, generated by a main broadcast gateway and a secondary broadcast gateway respectively, from source data, called a main stream and a secondary stream respectively; receiving at least one packet including a piece of information representative of a quality of service associated with the main stream and the secondary stream respectively, at one instant at least or over one given period at least, the at least one packet, called a main current packet and a secondary current packet respectively, being generated by the main broadcast gateway and secondary broadcast gateway respectively; and selecting in real time the main stream or the secondary stream respectively in taking account of the main current packet and secondary current packet, delivering the data stream for distribution. 1. A method for selecting a data stream intended for distribution to a plurality of broadcasting sites , comprising:receiving a main data stream, generated by a main broadcast gateway from source data, called a main stream,receiving a back-up data stream, generated by a secondary broadcast gateway from said source data, called a secondary stream,selecting said main stream or said secondary stream delivering the data stream intended for distribution to a plurality of broadcasting sites,receiving at least one packet comprising a piece of information representative of a quality of service associated with the main stream, at one instant at least or over one given period at least, said at least one packet, called a main current packet, being generated by said main broadcast gateway, andreceiving at least one packet comprising a piece of information representative of a quality of service associated with the secondary stream, at said one instant at least or over said one given period at least, said at least one packet, ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING INFLUENTIAL ENTITIES DEPICTED IN MULTIMEDIA CONTENT

A system and method for identifying influential entities depicted in multimedia content. The method includes determining, for each of a plurality of social linking graphs, a number of related entities, wherein each related entity has a social linking score above a first predetermined threshold, wherein each social linking score is generated based on at least one context of at least one multimedia content element (MMCE), and wherein each context is determined based on signatures generated for the at least one MMCE; and identifying, based on the determined number of related entities, at least one influential entity, wherein each influential entity is associated with one of the social linking graphs for which the determined number of related entities is above a second predetermined threshold. 1. A method for identifying influential entities depicted in multimedia content , comprising:determining, for each of a plurality of social linking graphs, a number of related entities, wherein each related entity has a social linking score above a first predetermined threshold, wherein each social linking score is generated based on at least one context of at least one multimedia content element (MMCE), and wherein each context is determined based on signatures generated for the at least one MMCE;identifying, based on the determined number of related entities, at least one influential entity, wherein each influential entity is associated with one of the social linking graphs for which the determined number of related entities is above a second predetermined threshold.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:querying, based on at least one first demographic parameter, a database for the plurality of social linking graphs.32. The method of claim 1 , wherein each social linking graph is associated with a potential influential entity claim 1 , wherein each potential influential entity is associated with at least one second demographic parameter matching the at least one first ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ANALYTICS FOR ENTITIES DEPICTED IN MULTIMEDIA CONTENT

A system and method for generating analytics for entities depicted in multimedia content, including: identifying at least one social pattern based on social linking scores of a plurality of entities indicated in a social linking graph, wherein each social pattern is identified at least by comparing one of the social linking scores to a predetermined social pattern threshold, wherein each social linking score is generated based on contexts of at least one multimedia content element (MMCE) in which at least two of the plurality of entities are depicted, wherein each context is determined based on a plurality of concepts of one of the at least one MMCE, wherein each concept matches at least one signature generated for the at least one MMCE above a predetermined threshold; and generating, based on the identified at least one social pattern, analytics for the plurality of entities depicted in the social linking graph. 1. A method for generating analytics for entities depicted in multimedia content , comprising:identifying at least one social pattern based on social linking scores of a plurality of entities indicated in a social linking graph, wherein each social pattern is identified at least by comparing one of the social linking scores to at least one predetermined social pattern threshold, wherein each social linking score is generated based on contexts of at least one multimedia content element (MMCE) in which at least two of the plurality of entities are depicted, wherein each context is determined based on a plurality of concepts of one of the at least one MMCE, wherein each concept matches at least one signature generated for the at least one MMCE above a predetermined threshold; andgenerating, based on the identified at least one social pattern, analytics for the plurality of entities depicted in the social linking graph.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of entities is identified in the at least one MMCE based on the signatures generated for the at ...

VERIFICATION OF BROADCAST LOG BY PLAYOUT SYSTEM

A media playout system receives a broadcast log transmitted from a media scheduling system. The broadcast log includes a restricted show, and the media playout system makes a first determination a blackout period assigned to the restricted show. The blackout period indicates a period of time associated with the restricted show during which at least one media item is prohibited from being scheduled. The media player also determines that the broadcast log indicates that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period. In response to determining that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period, the media playout system transmits, to the media scheduling system, a message requesting a replacement media item to replace the at least one media item that has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period. 1. A method comprising:receiving, at a media playout system, a broadcast log transmitted from a media scheduling system, wherein the broadcast log includes a restricted show;determining, at the media playout system, a blackout period assigned to the restricted show, wherein the blackout period indicates a period of time associated with the restricted show during which at least one media item is prohibited from being scheduled;determining, at the media playout system, that the broadcast log transmitted from the media scheduling system indicates that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period; andin response to determining that the at least one media item has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period, transmitting, from the media playout system to the media scheduling system, a message requesting a replacement media item to replace the at least one media item that has been improperly scheduled during the blackout period.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining the blackout period based on information included in one or more ...

Seamless Integration of Radio Broadcast Audio with Streaming Audio

Disclosed herein is a music service that enables consumers listen to a broadcast radio station without commercials. The service operates by shifting the source channel of a radio from the broadcast radio to a streaming audio service for the duration of the commercial. In some embodiments, the service utilizes any of: a radio including native firmware/software, a mobile device such as a smart phone executing an application, cooperative integration of a radio and a mobile device, or master/slave relationship between a mobile device and a radio. The mobile device listens to the radio broadcast and determines when to shift between the radio broadcast and the streaming audio via any of audio fingerprint analysis, radio station behavioral analysis, radio station metadata, and/or radio station voice recognition analysis. 1. A method comprising:detecting when radio signal being played by a speaker switches to a commercial set;in response to said detecting, automatically transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of an on-demand audio other than the radio signal;determining, while the radio signal is not being played audibly, that the commercial set of the radio signal has ended; andafter said determining and in response to a specified criterion, automatically transitioning use of the speaker from play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal to the radio signal.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the automatic transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal further comprises:shifting a source of an input signal of the speaker between the radio signal and a wireless transceiver that communicates with a wireless network connected to the Internet.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the automatic transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal further comprises:shifting a source of an input signal ...

METHOD FOR PROCESSING AN ORIGINAL GLOBAL STREAM INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE PHYSICAL LAYER TUNNEL ENCAPSULATING A TRANSPORT STREAM

A method for processing an original total stream delivering a modified total stream, the original total stream being sent out by a head-end and addressed to a plurality of broadcasting sites, and including at least one physical layer pipe encapsulating a transport stream. The method includes receiving the original total stream, and for at least one physical layer pipe of the original total stream, called an original pipe: extracting the transport stream encapsulated in the original pipe, called an original transport stream; obtaining a modified transport stream by replacing at least one main content carried by the original transport stream by at least one secondary content; time-shifting the original total stream; aligning the modified transport stream with the original total stream obtained after time shift; and replacing, in the original pipe, the original transport stream by the modified transport stream. 1. A method for processing an original total stream delivering a modified total stream , said original total stream being sent out by a head-end and addressed to a plurality of broadcasting sites , and comprising at least one physical layer pipe encapsulating a transport stream , wherein said method comprises the following acts performed by a processing device:receiving said original total stream, extracting the transport stream encapsulated in said original pipe, called an original transport stream,', 'obtaining a modified transport stream obtained by replacing at least one main content carried by said original transport stream by at least one secondary content,', 'time-shifting said original total stream,', 'aligning at least one reference packet of said modified transport stream with at least one reference packet of said original total stream obtained after the time-shifting, and', 'replacing, in the original pipe of said original total stream obtained after the time-shifting, said original transport stream by said modified transport stream obtained after the ...

Broadcast switching device, method and terminal

Provided are a broadcast switching device, method and terminal for switching between broadcast modes of a terminal, and the broadcast switching device includes: a second signal broadcasting unit; a first signal broadcasting unit; a signal reception module, connected respectively to the first signal broadcasting unit and the second signal broadcasting unit, configured to receive a first signal and a second signal and receive preferentially the first signal; a parsing module configured to parse the first signal to acquire signal strength of the first signal; a determination module configured to compare the signal strength of the first signal with a preset broadcasting strength and obtain a comparison result; and a switching module configured to control the signal reception module to receive the second signal when comparison result is that the signal strength of the first signal cannot meet the preset broadcasting strength. By means of technical solutions of the present disclosure, a digital broadcast signal can be switched to an FM broadcast signal when signal strength of the digital broadcast signal cannot meet broadcasting requirements, thus providing a user with optimal audio experiences.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A CONTEXTUAL INSIGHT AND GENERATING AN INTERFACE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS BASED THEREON

A system and method for generating an interface for providing recommendations based on contextual insights, the method including: generating at least one signature for at least one multimedia content element identified within an interaction between a plurality of users; generating at least one contextual insight based on the generated at least one signature and user interests of the plurality of users, wherein each contextual insight indicates a current user preference; searching for at least one content item that matches the at least one contextual insight; and generating an interface for providing the at least one content item within the interaction between the plurality of users. 1. A method for generating an interface for providing recommendations based on contextual insights , comprising:generating at least one signature for at least one multimedia content element identified within an interaction between a plurality of users;generating at least one contextual insight based on the generated at least one signature and user interests of the plurality of users, wherein each contextual insight indicates a current user preference;searching for at least one content item that matches the at least one contextual insight; andgenerating an interface for providing the at least one content item within the interaction between the plurality of users.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining, based on a user profile of each of the plurality of users, the user interests of the plurality of users.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating an interface comprises at least one of: updating an existing interface claim 1 , and generating a new interface.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one contextual insight is generated based further on at least one characteristic of the interaction claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the interaction includes at least one of: the type of interaction among the plurality of users claim 1 , the ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A SOCIAL RELATIVENESS BETWEEN ENTITIES DEPICTED IN MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ELEMENTS

A system and method for determining a social relativeness between at least two entities depicted in at least one multimedia content element (MMCE). The method includes analyzing at least one MMCE, wherein the analyzing further includes generating at least one signature to the at least one MMCE; identifying, based on the generated at least one signature, the at least two entities depicted in the at least one MMCE; and generating, based on the analysis, a social linking score for the at least two entities, wherein the social linking score represents a social relativeness of the at least two entities. 1. A method for determining a social relativeness between at least two entities depicted in at least one multimedia content element (MMCE) , comprising:analyzing at least one MMCE, wherein the analyzing further comprises generating at least one signature to the at least one MMCE;identifying, based on the generated at least one signature, the at least two entities depicted in the at least one MMCE; andgenerating, based on the analysis, a social linking score for the at least two entities, wherein the social linking score represents a social relativeness of the at least two entities.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two entities include at least two people.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyzing further comprises:collecting metadata associated with the at least one MMCE; andgenerating at least one signature to the collected metadata, wherein the social linking score is generated based further on the at least one signature generated to the collected metadata.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the metadata includes at least one of: a time stamp of each MMCE claim 3 , a device used for capturing each MMCE claim 3 , a location pointer claim 3 , at least one comment associated with each MMCE claim 3 , and at least one tag associated with each MMCE.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the analyzing further comprises:generating at least one concept, wherein ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A THEME FOR MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ELEMENTS

A system and method for generating a theme for multimedia content elements (MMCEs), including analyzing a plurality of MMCEs, where the analyzing further includes generating at least one signature to each MMCE; identifying, based on the generated signatures, a plurality of concepts for each MMCE, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata describing the concept; determining, based on the identified concepts, at least one context of each MMCE; and generating, based on the determined contexts, a theme, wherein the theme is a cluster of contextually related MMCEs. 1. A method for generating a theme for multimedia content elements (MMCEs) , comprising:analyzing a plurality of MMCEs, wherein the analyzing further comprises generating at least one signature to each MMCE;identifying, based on the generated signatures, a plurality of concepts for each MMCE, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata describing the concept;determining, based on the identified concepts, at least one context of each MMCE; andgenerating, based on the determined contexts, a theme, wherein the theme is a cluster of contextually related MMCEs.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein each context is determined by correlating among the plurality of concepts identified for one of the MMCEs.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the contextually related MMCEs share a matching context.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:generating, based on the theme, at least one story, wherein each story is a subset of the theme and includes a cluster of MMCEs that shares at least one common story parameter.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the at least one common story parameter includes at least one of: a time claim 4 , a date claim 4 , a location claim 4 , at least one person depicted in the MMCEs of the story claim 4 , and an emotion displayed in the MMCEs of the story.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generation of the theme may be adjusted based on personal ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A POTENTIAL MATCH CANDIDATE BASED ON A SOCIAL LINKING GRAPH

A system and method for determining a potential match candidate based on a social linking graph. The method includes: analyzing at least one multimedia content element (MMCE) to identify a first entity and a second entity in each MMCE, where the first entity is among a plurality of entities indicated by a social pattern associated with a third entity, wherein the first entity and the second entity in each MMCE are identified by generating at least one signature based on the MMCE and matching the generated at least one signature to signatures of a plurality of concepts, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures representing an entity and metadata describing the entity; and identifying the second entity as a potential match candidate for the third entity, wherein the second entity is not associated with the social pattern. 1. A method for determining a potential match candidate based on a social linking graph , comprising:analyzing at least one multimedia content element (MMCE) to identify a first entity and at least a second entity in each MMCE, wherein the first entity is among a plurality of entities indicated by a social pattern, wherein the social pattern is identified in a social linking graph associated with a third entity, wherein the first entity and the at least a second entity in each MMCE are identified by generating at least one signature based on the MMCE and matching the generated at least one signature to signatures of a plurality of concepts, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures representing an entity and metadata describing the entity; andidentifying the at least a second entity as a potential match candidate for the third entity, wherein the at least a second entity is not associated with the social pattern.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the social pattern is identified based on social linking scores of a plurality of entities indicated in the social linking graph claim 1 , wherein each social pattern is identified at ...

COOPERATION BETWEEN CLOUD-BASED APPLICATION AND MEDIA AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR CONTENT DELIVERY

A cloud-based application is implemented on a processing system in communication with a media automation system via a communications network. The cloud-based application includes instructions to obtain user information associated with a user of the cloud-based application, to transmit the user information through the communications network to the media automation system, and to transmit a request for available media items through the communications network to the media automation system, which selects available media items in accordance with the user information. In response to its request for available media items, the cloud-based application receives from the media automation system a message identifying at least one media item to be delivered to the user. The cloud-based application transmits the at least one media item to the user of the cloud-based application via the communications network. 1. A cloud-based application running on a processing system coupled to a media automation system via a communications network , the cloud-based application comprising:at least one instruction to obtain user information associated with a user of the cloud-based application;at least one instruction to transmit the user information through the communications network to the media automation system;at least one instruction to transmit a request for available media items through the communications network to the media automation system, wherein the available media items are to be selected in accordance with the user information;at least one instruction to receive a message from the media automation system in response to the request for available media items, wherein the message identifies at least one media item to be delivered to the user of the cloud-based application; andat least one instruction to transmit the at least one media item to the user of the cloud-based application via the communications network.2. The cloud-based application of claim 1 , further comprising:at ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN ADVANCED TELEVISION SYSTEMS COMMITTEE (ATSC) 3.0 APPLICATION RUNNING ON A NON-ATSC 3.0 SERVICE

A reception apparatus includes a memory configured to store a television receiver application. The reception apparatus further includes processing circuitry configured to display, via a television broadcaster application, a user interface that provides a plurality of services for user selection. The processing circuitry is further configured to receive a user selection of a service from the plurality of displayed services. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine whether the selected service is an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 1.0 service. In response to the determination that the selected service is the ATSC 1.0 service, the processing circuitry is further configured to continue execution of the television broadcaster application along with a display of the contents of the selected service. 1. A reception apparatus comprising:a memory configured to store a television receiver application; display an initial Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) service;', 'display, via a television broadcaster application while the initial ATSC service is displayed, a user interface that provides a plurality of services for user selection,', 'receive a user selection of an ATSC 1.0 service from the plurality of displayed services, and', 'change the display of the initial ATSC service to a display of the selected ATSC 1.0 service and continue execution of the television broadcaster application along with the display of the selected ATSC 1.0 service., 'processing circuitry configured to2. The reception apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to:determine whether a change television broadcaster application command is received,in response to the determination that the change television broadcaster application command is received, determine whether the change television broadcaster application command specifies another television broadcaster application, andchange the television broadcaster ...

Television receiver application for tv and electronic devices

An information processing apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to issue a first command, via an application programming interface (API), that instructs a tuner device to tune to a RF channel of a broadcast stream. In response to reception of an indication from the tuner device that the RF channel is acquired, and the received indication specifies a signal type of the acquired RF channel is a first predetermined type of signal, the processing circuitry is further configured to (i) issue a second command that instructs the tuner device to identify each physical layer pipe (PLP) in the broadcast stream that includes low level signaling (LLS) tables, (ii) issue a third command that instructs the tuner device to select up to a predetermined number of PLPs from the identified PLPs and send data packets from the selected PLPs to the processing circuitry, and (iii) process the data packets.

METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING ADVERTISEMENTS FOR PLACEMENT IN MULTIMEDIA CONTENT ELEMENTS

A system and method for identifying advertisements for display in a multimedia content element. The method includes: partitioning the multimedia content element into a predefined number of portions; generating at least one signature for each portion of the multimedia content element; analyzing the at least one signature generated for each portion of the multimedia content element; identifying at least one attractive advertising area within the multimedia content element based on the signature analysis; and identifying at least one matching advertisement for the multimedia content element based on the generated at least one signature, wherein the at least one matching advertisement fits within the identified at least one attractive advertising area. 1. A method for identifying advertisements for display in a multimedia content element , comprising:partitioning the multimedia content element into a predefined number of portions;generating at least one signature for each portion of the multimedia content element;analyzing the at least one signature generated for each portion of the multimedia content element;identifying at least one attractive advertising area within the multimedia content element based on the signature analysis; andidentifying at least one matching advertisement for the multimedia content element based on the generated at least one signature, wherein the at least one matching advertisement fits within the identified at least one attractive advertising area.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a number of the at least one matching advertisement is based on any of: a number of advertisement banners that can be displayed on a web-page claim 1 , and a predetermined request.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the at least one attractive advertising area further comprises:assigning each portion with an attractiveness score based on the analysis of the respective at least one signature; anddetermining each portion having an attractiveness score ...

3d imaging

The 3D models includes parametric data and metadata. A software enables a user to specify search criteria for a selected product among a plurality of products whose 3D models are stored on the data storage device. The search software returns a list of product(s) matching the search criteria. The user selects a product and the 3D model of the selected product is streamed to the user software. The 3D model is then displayed to the user, who now can interact with the 3D model by selecting, hovering over, or decomposing the 3D model to reveal parts or subassemblies of the product in one or more stages of decomposition. Finally, e-commerce software communicates with the user software allowing the user to initiate an ecommerce transaction with respect to the parts or subassemblies depicted in the 3D model of the selected product.

NATIONAL INSERTION OF TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT

Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for providing targeted asset/advertisements for broadcast-wide programming feeds. The systems and methods allow network platforms to select among asset options provided with a content stream and/or replace assets in the content stream. In one arrangement, after selecting an asset, the asset is inserted into the content stream and the content stream is disseminated to subsequent network platforms (e.g., local platforms). At this time, the local platforms may insert local assets into the content stream in predetermined local asset insertion spots. 136.-. (canceled)37. An apparatus for use in connection with delivering assets to users of a broadcast network , said broadcast network primarily involving synchronized distribution of broadcast content to multiple users , comprising:a tiered asset delivery system, of the broadcast network, for receiving a content stream including programming segments and at least first and second asset delivery opportunities, wherein a content of said first asset delivery opportunity is controlled by one or more first stakeholders authorized to control one or more first assets that are inserted in said first asset delivery opportunity, and wherein a content of said second asset delivery opportunity is controlled by one or more second stakeholders, different than said first stakeholders, who are authorized to control one or more second assets that are delivered in said second asset delivery opportunity; andone or more processors operative for:first providing a mechanism for securing access to at least one of said first asset delivery opportunity and said second asset delivery opportunity such that said first stakeholders control delivery with respect to said first asset delivery opportunity and said second stakeholders control delivery with respect to said second asset delivery opportunity;providing an authorization for at least one of said first and second stakeholders, in connection with ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING THE INSERTION OF LOCAL MEDIA INTO A PROGRAM STREAM

Methods and apparatus for monitoring locally inserted media are disclosed. A disclosed method includes detecting, at a media device at a media presentation location, a cue in media received at the media device; in response to the detection of the cue, receiving separately form the media an advertisement associated with a user of the media device; presenting, by the media device, the media at a first time and the advertisement at a second time indicated by the detected cue; responsive to presenting the advertisement at the second time, recording a log including first identifying information for the media and second identifying information for the advertisement; and transmitting the log to a data collection facility. 1. A method comprising:detecting, at a media device at a media presentation location, a cue in media received at the media device;in response to the detection of the cue, receiving separately form the media an advertisement associated with a user of the media device;presenting, by the media device, the media at a first time and the advertisement at a second time indicated by the detected cue;responsive to presenting the advertisement at the second time, recording a log including first identifying information for the media and second identifying information for the advertisement; andtransmitting the log to a data collection facility.2. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the cue is a Society of Cable and Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) cue.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the cue includes extracting a watermark from the media.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the cue includes extracting a watermark from audio of the media.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the media presentation location is a household.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the media device is a television.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the advertisement further includes determining the advertisement associated with a demographic associated ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOCAL CHANNEL INSERTION IN AN ALL-DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Methods and apparatus for inserting local content of interest in an all digital content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content delivery network comprises a cable television or satellite network, and an RF channel thereof is separated or isolated from an incoming multiplex of all-digital content transmission. The separated RF channel is demodulated to provide a multiplexed transport stream, and packets corresponding to one or more programs from the transport stream are replaced with packets obtained from local compression and encoding of analog programming such as e.g., personal, educational and government (PEG) programming. The inserted programming may also contain closed captioning and emergency data alerts. The resulting encoded transport stream is then re-inserted into the multiplex, modulated, and put back onto the RF channel. In an alternate embodiment, space is reserved within the downstream multiplex so as to avoid having to remove an existing program stream. 143.-. (canceled)44. Apparatus for distributing at least digitally rendered content , said apparatus comprising:a content distribution network providing a digital multiplex of a plurality of program streams to a node on said content distribution network; anda local content insertion apparatus disposed at said node and in signal communication with said content distribution network, said local content insertion apparatus configured to perform at least one of insertion of, or replacement using, digital content input to said local content insertion apparatus; andtransmission apparatus configured to transmit said inserted or replaced digital content to a receiver disposed at a premises of a user of said content distribution network.45. The apparatus of claim 44 , wherein said digital content comprises packetized Internet protocol (IP) data.46. The apparatus of claim 44 , wherein said digital content comprises a digitally encoded analog program stream.47. The apparatus of claim 44 , wherein said ...

Synchronizing Operations Among a Plurality of Independently Clocked Digital Data Processing Devices

Example systems, apparatus, and methods receive audio information including a plurality of frames from a source device, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames includes one or more audio samples and a time stamp indicating when to play the one or more audio samples of the respective frame. In an example, the time stamp is updated for each of the plurality of frames using a time differential value determined between clock information received from the source device and clock information associated with the device. The updated time stamp is stored for each of the plurality of frames, and the audio information is output based on the plurality of frames and associated updated time stamps. A number of samples per frame to be output is adjusted based on a comparison between the updated time stamp for the frame and a predicted time value for play back of the frame.

Causing a Device to Join a Synchrony Group

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

Video over IP based broadcast productions by combining a Broadcast Controller and a Processing Device

Broadcast production system including broadcast production devices and network switches is suggested. The broadcast production devices in the network switches are connected with a network transmitting data streams. A broadcast controller is configured to manage communication between the broadcast devices and a processing device connected to at least one network switch. The processing device is configured to ingest a data stream passing through the at least one network switch. The processing device then applies applications to the input data streams. The resulting output data stream is transmitted over the network under control of the broadcast controller. The broadcast production system provides operational flexibility since it permits different ways of using the ingested data streams for different applications of the processing device. Furthermore, a method for operating the broadcast production system is suggested. 1. Broadcast production system including broadcast production devices and network switches being connected with a network transmitting data streams , further including a broadcast controller configured to manage communication between the broadcast devices and a processing device connected to at least one network switch , wherein at least one network switch is configured to replicate a data stream passing through the network switch , wherein the processing device is connected with the at least one network switch to receive and ingest the replicated data stream , wherein the processing device is configured to provide received data streams to applications without interrupting the ingest of data streams , and wherein the applications generate output data streams.2. Broadcast production system according to claim 1 , wherein the processing device is connected with a reproduction device enabling a human operator to perceive the contents of the data stream ingested by the processing device.3. Broadcast production system according to or claim 1 , wherein the ...

AUDIO SPLICING CONCEPT

Audio splicing is rendered more effective by the use of one or more truncation unit packets inserted into the audio data stream so as to indicate to an audio decoder, for a predetermined access unit, an end portion of an audio frame with which the predetermined access unit is associated, as to be discarded in playout. 1. A spliceable audio data stream , comprising:a sequence of payload packets, each of the payload packets belonging to a respective one of a sequence of access units into which the spliceable audio data stream is partitioned, each access unit being associated with a respective one of audio frames of an audio signal which is encoded into the spliceable audio data stream in units of the audio frames; anda truncation unit packet inserted into the spliceable audio data stream and being settable so as to indicate, for a predetermined access unit, an end portion of an audio frame with which the predetermined access unit is associated, as to be discarded in playout.2. The spliceable audio data stream according to claim 1 , wherein the spliceable audio data stream further comprises:a further truncation unit packet inserted into the spliceable audio data stream and being settable so as to indicate for a further predetermined access unit, an end portion of a further audio frame with which the further predetermined access unit is associated, as to be discarded in playout.3. The spliceable audio data stream according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined access unit has encoded thereinto the respective associated audio frame in a manner so that a reconstruction thereof at decoding side is dependent on an access unit immediately preceding the predetermined access unit claim 1 , and a majority of the access units has encoded thereinto the respective associated audio frame in a manner so that the reconstruction thereof at decoding side is dependent on the respective immediately preceding access unit claim 1 , and a further predetermined access unit has encoded ...

System and Method for Multiple Data Channel Transfer Using a Single Data Stream

A number of channels of data, including audio, image, text, and support data are collected at one or more centralized servers. The individual channels are edited and processed for content and format, including the deletion and insertion of advertising content as well as inserting markers to indicate acceptable locations for additional content to be added. The edited and processed channels are sent to a plurality of transmission servers for additional processing and transmission. The transmission servers process one or more of the channels including the insertion of content at designated markers and the combination of the channels of data into a single, packetized data transfer stream. The data transfer stream is broadcast to a plurality of receiving units which de-packetize the original data channels and present any selected channel to the user of the receiving unit. The receiving units send status information back to the centralized servers where the data is processed and analyzed to evaluate the present use, and determine the future use of advertisements. 1. A system for transferring a plurality of data sources using a single data transfer stream comprising:a network operating center (NOC) including a centralized storage for the plurality of data sources; and an editing processor for editing the plurality of data sources;a communications link for transferring the edited plurality of data sources;a plurality of transmission servers communicated to the communication link;a packetizing and combining processor at each of the one or more transmission servers for cyclically packetizing and combining the plurality of data sources into a single data transfer stream; and,a plurality of receiving units for receiving, transmitting and processing the single data transfer stream communicated to the packetizing and combining processor in each one of the plurality of transmission servers, the plurality of receiving units reversing the cyclic packetizing and combining performed ...

MOVIE ADVERTISING PLAYBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped; the ad is unskippable. This technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, it is moved to after the end of the skip. This technique is referred to as “slip-ad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic. 1. A method of video production , comprising:receiving a command to advance the play of a video to a slip location in the video that skips a proxy advertisement in the video, the receiving performed by a video player device having a transcoder embodied in at least one physical unit;responsive to the command to advance the play of the video to the slip location, moving the proxy advertisement to the slip location in the video, the moving performed by the video player device, the proxy advertisement including an ad request, wherein the video player device sends the ad request to an advertisement server and receives an advertisement from the advertisement server; anddelivering the advertisement from the advertisement server to the slip location in the video indicated by the proxy advertisement, the delivering performed by the video player device, the video player device to play the advertisement at the slip location.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the video player device sends the ad request included in the proxy advertisement in the video over to the advertisement server over a network.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the network comprises the Internet.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the slip ...

Using a digital video effect to generate a video stream

In one aspect, a method involves (i) accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television broadcast; (ii) selecting a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video source; (iii) determining a type of the identified video source; (iv) using the determined type of the identified video source as a basis to select a DVE; and (v) causing a computing device to run the selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the computing device to generate a modified version of an input video stream received from the identified video source.

Using a digital video effect to generate a video stream

In one aspect, a method involves (i) making a determination that a first computing device is scheduled to run a first DVE in connection with a first video stream; (ii) responsive to making the determination that the first computing device is scheduled to run the first DVE in connection with the first video stream, selecting a second DVE; and (iii) causing a second computing device to run the selected second DVE, wherein running the selected second DVE causes the second computing device to generate the first video stream by modifying a second video stream.

Playback Device

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task. 1. A first data network device comprising:a network interface;a clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the first data network device;at least one processor;a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and operate in a first mode in which the first data network device is not serving as an audio information channel device for any synchrony group;', 'receive an indication that the first data network device is to begin serving as an audio information channel device for a synchrony group that comprises at least a second data network device configured to process and output audio, wherein at least the second data network device is communicatively coupled with the first data network device over an asynchronous data network configured to exchange digital data packets, wherein the first data network device and the second data network device each have a different respective clock time;', (a) configure the synchrony group to playback audio in ...

REPLACEMENT EVENT INCLUDING CONTENT VERIFICATION

A replacement engine, which includes a processor and associated memory, receives replacement event information from a downstream playout system. The replacement event information includes a request to select a new media item to replace another media item. In response to receiving the replacement event information from the downstream playout system, the replacement engine initiates a search for the another media item in a media schedule. In response to a result of the search indicating that the another media item is not included in the media schedule, the replacement engine transmits, to the downstream playout system, a media item selection result indicating that no replacement media item has been selected. 1. A method comprising:receiving, at a replacement engine including a processor and associated memory, replacement event information from a downstream playout system, the replacement event information including a request to select a new media item to replace another media item;in response to receiving the replacement event information from the downstream playout system, the replacement engine initiating a search for the another media item in a media schedule; andin response to a result of the search indicating that the another media item is not included in the media schedule, the replacement engine transmitting to the downstream playout system a media item selection result indicating that no replacement media item has been selected.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting a request for replacement media items from the replacement engine to a scheduler database in response to the replacement engine determining that the another media item is included in the media schedule.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the request for replacement media items includes:media item parameters indicating characteristics of media items to be returned from the scheduler database to the replacement engine in response to the request for replacement media items.4. The ...

Systems and methods for selecting type of secondary content to present to a specific subset of viewers of a media asset

Systems and methods are provided herein for identifying viewers who are engaged in a media asset but unlikely to consume secondary content, and presenting, to the identified viewers, some secondary content designed to incentivize the identified viewers to consume secondary content. These systems and methods determine that a viewer is engaged in a media asset upon determining level of engagement of the viewer in the media asset is greater than a threshold value. These systems and methods determine that the viewer is unlikely to consume secondary content upon determining level of engagement of the viewer in secondary content is less than a threshold value. These systems and methods, upon determining that the viewer is engaged in the media asset but unlikely to consume secondary content, generate for display secondary content related to the media asset during breaks in the media asset.

Skip Feature For A Broadcast Or Multicast Media Station

A skip function for broadcast or multicast media content is disclosed. In general, a receiving device simultaneously receives two or more content streams transmitted for one or more receiving device and provides a skip function by buffering and switching between the two or more content streams. Initially, the receiving device provides playback of a first content stream of the two or more content streams. During playback of the first content stream, the receiving device buffers one or more most recently received content items from the other content streams. When a skip request is received, the receiving device performs a skip function by switching playback from the first content stream to a second content stream of the two or more content streams beginning at the start of the one or more most recently received content items from the second content stream that have been buffered at the receiving device.

System and method for broadcasting interactive content

There is provided a system and method for streaming content to a plurality of devices over a network. A first stream comprising a first live feed is received from a first source, a second stream comprising a second live feed received from a second source, the first live feed synchronized with the second live feed, and a third stream comprising the synchronized first and second live feed generated and sent to each device. An interface is also presented on each device and the live feed displayed therewithin, a request signal indicative of a request for interactive content received, a control signal comprising instructions for retrieving the interactive content from the memory sent to each device, and the interface dynamically modified for causing the retrieved interactive content to be displayed concurrently with the live feed.

DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REPLACING ADVERTISEMENT

A display device and a method for replacing an advertisement are provided. The display device includes a display, a first communication circuit which receives first content from a broadcast receiving device, a second communication circuit which receives second content from an external server, and a processor electrically connected with the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit. The processor is configured to determine whether a first volume image applied by the broadcast receiving device is present in the first content, while outputting the second content, and overlay the first volume image or an alternative volume image corresponding to the first volume image with the second content to display an overlaid result on the display, if the first volume image is contained in the first content. 1. A display device comprising:a display;a first communication circuit configured to receive first content from a broadcast receiving device;a second communication unit configured to receive second content from an external server; anda processor electrically connected with the first communication circuit and the second communication unit, determine whether a first volume image applied by the broadcast receiving device is contained in the received first content while outputting the received second content; overlay an alternative volume image corresponding to the first volume image with the received second content; and', 'display an overlaid result on the display when the processor determines that the first volume image is contained in the received first content., 'wherein the processor is configured to2. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the received first content is advertisement content of broadcast content which is received from a broadcast server by the broadcast receiving device claim 1 , andwherein the received second content is alternative advertisement content which is output instead of the advertisement content.3. The display device of claim ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING MULTIMEDIA CONTENT AS SEARCH QUERIES

There is provided a method for searching a plurality of information sources using a multimedia element, the method may include receiving at least one multimedia element; generating, by a signature generator, for the at least one multimedia element at least one signature that is unidirectional, and yields compression; generating at least one textual search query using the at least one signature; wherein the generating of the textual search query comprises: (a) searching for at least one matching stored signature that matches one or more of the at least one signature; and (b) using a mapping between stored signatures and textual search queries, selecting at least one textual search query mapped to at least one matching stored signature; searching the plurality of information sources using the at least one textual search query; and causing a display of search results retrieved from the plurality of information sources. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. (canceled)10. (canceled)11. (canceled)12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. (canceled)17. (canceled)18. (canceled)19. (canceled)20. (canceled)21. (canceled)22. (canceled)23. A method for searching a plurality of information sources using a multimedia element , comprising:receiving at least one multimedia element; generating , by a signature generator , for the at least one multimedia element at least one signature that is unidirectional , and yields compression; generating at least one textual search query using the at least one signature; wherein the generating of the textual search query comprises: (a) searching for at least one matching stored signature that matches one or more of the at least one signature; and (b) using a mapping between stored signatures and textual search queries , selecting at least one textual search query mapped to at least one matching stored signature; searching the plurality of information sources ...

Method for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal and a broadcast receiver using the method

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal. The method for receiving a broadcast signal comprises: generating a broadcast stream including at least one program; generating first program table information that represents the broadcast stream; receiving non-real time (NRT) service schedule information; generating second program table information that represents the NRT service, in accordance with the received NRT service schedule information; configuring a stream including the broadcast stream, the 1st program table information and the second program table information; and transmitting the stream.

SYSTEMS AND/OR METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTING ADVERTISEMENTS FROM A CENTRAL ADVERTISEMENT NETWORK TO A PERIPHERAL DEVICE VIA A LOCAL ADVERTISEMENT SERVER

Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type. Certain exemplary embodiments provide revenue sharing among some or all of the central advertising network provider, the proprietors of locations, operators tasked with maintaining the local ad server and/or the peripheral devices, etc. 1. A digital jukebox provided at a venue , the digital jukebox comprising:a local memory;a first communication interface configured to connect to a one or more remote computers including a central multimedia media server and a central advertisement server;a second communication interface configured to connect to a plurality of display devices located at the venue and physically separate from the digital jukebox, the plurality of display devices including display devices of a first type and display devices of a second type;a display;audio output devices; and transmit location information about the location of the digital jukebox to the one or more remote computers over the first communication interface, and responsive to the transmitted location information, receive, via the first communication interface, advertisements selected accordingly from central ...

Seamless Integration of Radio Broadcast Audio with Streaming Audio

Disclosed herein is a music service that enables consumers listen to a broadcast radio station without commercials. The service operates by shifting the source channel of a radio from the broadcast radio to a streaming audio service for the duration of the commercial. In some embodiments, the service utilizes any of: a radio including native firmware/software, a mobile device such as a smart phone executing an application, cooperative integration of a radio and a mobile device, or master/slave relationship between a mobile device and a radio. The mobile device listens to the radio broadcast and determines when to shift between the radio broadcast and the streaming audio via any of audio fingerprint analysis, radio station behavioral analysis, radio station metadata, and/or radio station voice recognition analysis. 1. A method comprising:detecting when radio signal being played by a speaker switches to a commercial set;in response to said detecting, automatically transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of an on-demand audio other than the radio signal;determining, while the radio signal is not being played audibly, that the commercial set of the radio signal has ended; andafter said determining and in response to a specified criterion, automatically transitioning use of the speaker from play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal to the radio signal.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the automatic transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal further comprises:shifting a source of an input signal of the speaker between the radio signal and a wireless transceiver that communicates with a wireless network connected to the Internet.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the automatic transitioning use of the speaker from play of the radio signal to play of the on-demand audio other than the radio signal further comprises:shifting a source of an input signal ...

Using A Digital Video Effect To Generate A Video Stream

In one aspect, a method involves (i) accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television broadcast; (ii) selecting a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video source; (iii) determining a type of the identified video source; (iv) using the determined type of the identified video source as a basis to select a DVE; and (v) causing a computing device to run the selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the computing device to generate a modified version of an input video stream received from the identified video source. 1. A method for use in connection with a first computing device and a second computing device , the method comprising:making a determination that the second computing device is scheduled to run a second digital video effect (DVE) in connection with a second video stream;responsive to making the determination that the second computing device is scheduled to run the second DVE in connection with the second video stream, selecting a first DVE, wherein selecting the first DVE comprises using mapping data that maps the second DVE to the first DVE, to select the first DVE; andcausing the first computing device to run the selected first DVE, wherein running the selected first DVE causes the first computing device to generate the second video stream by modifying a first video stream.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein making the determination that the second computing device is scheduled to run the second DVE in connection with the second video stream comprises receiving an indication that the second computing device is scheduled to run the second DVE in connection with the second video stream.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second computing device comprises a stunt switcher and the first computing device comprises a production switcher.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first video stream represents a news program segment.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the selected first DVE is designed such ...

Media Player System

Example systems, apparatus, and methods receive audio information including a plurality of frames from a source device, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames includes one or more audio samples and a time stamp indicating when to play the one or more audio samples of the respective frame. In an example, the time stamp is updated for each of the plurality of frames using a time differential value determined between clock information received from the source device and clock information associated with the device. The updated time stamp is stored for each of the plurality of frames, and the audio information is output based on the plurality of frames and associated updated time stamps. A number of samples per frame to be output is adjusted based on a comparison between the updated time stamp for the frame and a predicted time value for play back of the frame. 1. A system comprising:a first media player comprising a first clock, wherein the first media player is configured to transmit, to one or more additional media players, clock timing information related to the first clock, audio information, and playback timing information corresponding to the audio information, wherein the playback timing information comprises a first future playback time relative to the first clock when the one or more additional media players are to play at least one portion of the audio information in synchrony with the first media player; anda second media player comprising a second clock, wherein the second media player is configured to (i) receive, from the first media player, the clock timing information, the audio information, and the playback timing information corresponding to the audio information, (ii) determine a differential between the second clock and the first clock based on the clock timing information, (iii) update the first future playback time based on the determined differential, and (iv) when the second clock reaches the updated first future playback time, play the ...

System and method for synchronized interactive layers for media broadcast

A system and method for broadcasting to a plurality of client side devices over a network, such as the Internet, using visual layers for assembly in a media broadcast. In response to receiving input for simulating the media broadcast defined by content objects and arrangement of each layer in the simulation, transmitting the content objects for each of a plurality of the layers in a different live stream to each of the client side devices and transmitting design parameters defining the arrangement of the layers in the simulation to each of the client side devices. Each of the client side devices may be adapted to assemble the layers of a media broadcast according to the content objects and design parameters of the transmissions so that the content objects and design of the media broadcast assembled at each of the client side devices substantially matches that of the simulated media broadcast.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUAL ANALYSIS OF ON-IMAGE GESTURES

A method and system for providing at least a link to a content item related to a multimedia content element respective of an on-image gesture. The method comprises receiving, from a user device, at least on-image gesture and the multimedia content element; analyzing the at least on-image gesture determine at least one portion of the multimedia content element that a user is interested in; generating at least one signature for each of the at least a portion; determining a content item corresponding to the at least one identified portion of multimedia content, wherein the determination is based in part on a type of the at least on-image gesture; and modifying the received multimedia content element to include at least a link to an informative resource containing the content item. 1. A method for providing at least one link to a content item related to a multimedia content element in response to an on-image gesture , comprising:receiving, from a user device, at least the on-image gesture and an indication of the multimedia content element, the multimedia content element being initially non-interactive;analyzing the at least on-image gesture to identify at least one portion of the multimedia content element in which a user is interested;generating at least one signature for each of the identified at least one portion;determining a content item corresponding to the at least one portion of the multimedia content element, wherein the determination is based at least on a type of the at least on-image gesture and the at least one signature; andmodifying the multimedia content element to include at least a link to an informative resource containing the content item, thereby making the multimedia content element interactive.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving at least one event related to the multimedia content element; and wherein determining the content item corresponding to the at least one identified portion of multimedia content is further based on ...

Obtaining Content from Direct Source and Other Source

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

System and method for identifying trending content based on context

A system and method for identifying trending content based on context. The method includes generating at least one signature for each of a plurality of multimedia content elements, wherein each signature represents a concept, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata describing the concept; correlating the concepts of the generated signatures to determine at least one context of each multimedia content element, wherein each context represents a sentiment; and identifying, based on the determined contexts, at least one trending multimedia content element, wherein the context of each trending multimedia content element meets a sentiment threshold.