ЭЛЕКТРОННЫЙ МЕДИАСЕРВЕР

... 1. Электронный медиасервер (10), который выполнен с возможностью предоставления информационных данных медиаканалов от множества медиаканалов множеству электронных медиаклиентов (30), при этом множество медиаканалов содержит по меньшей мере один реальный медиаканал и по меньшей мере один виртуальный медиаканал, причем система содержитприемный блок (12) для приема метаданных элементов мультимедиаконтента, при этом метаданные содержат по меньшей мере информацию о названии соответствующего элемента мультимедиаконтента и источнике (40) мультимедиаконтента, от которого поступает элемент мультимедиаконтента,устройство (24) хранения данных для хранения информационных данных медиаканалов от реальных медиаканалов и виртуальных медиаканалов,сервер (22) доставки метаданных для предоставления информационных данных медиаканалов от реальных и виртуальных медиаканалов множеству электронных медиаклиентов (30),при этом информационные данные медиаканала реального медиаканала содержат ссылку на линейный источник ...

ЭЛЕКТРОННЫЙ ПУТЕВОДИТЕЛЬ ПО МЕДИАКОНТЕНТУ

... 1. Электронный путеводитель по медиаконтенту, содержащий:интерфейс данных, выполненный с возможностью приема данных информации о контенте из множества источников медиаконтента,генератор графического интерфейса, выполненный с возможностью генерации графического пользовательского интерфейса для отображения информации об источниках медиаконтента и элементах медиаконтента,интерфейс пользовательского ввода, выполненный с возможностью приема пользовательских вводов,контроллер хранения и воспроизведения медийных материалов,причем генератор графического интерфейса дополнительно выполнен с возможностью генерации представления источников медиаконтента, содержащих по меньшей мере один реальный источник медиаконтента и по меньшей мере один виртуальный источник медиаконтента,причем генератор графического интерфейса дополнительно выполнен с возможностью генерации представления множества элементов медиаконтента упомянутого по меньшей мере одного реального источника медиаконтента и представления множества ...

ПРИЕМНОЕ УСТРОЙСТВО, СПОСОБ ПРИЕМА И ПРОГРАММА

... 1. Приемное устройство для приема вещания А-В содержания посредством волн вещания, содержащее:- получающий блок, выполненный с возможностью получения описательного документа, описанного на заранее заданном компьютерном языке, для отображения типа содержания, отличного от упомянутого А-В содержания;- определяющий блок, выполненный с возможностью определения того, управляет ли полученным описательным документом вещательная организация, передающая упомянутое А-В содержание, или бизнес-оператор иной, нежели упомянутая вещательная организация; и- управляющий блок, выполненный с возможностью управлять исполнением упомянутого полученного описательного документа в соответствии с результатом определения, сделанного упомянутым определяющим блоком.2. Приемное устройство по п.1, дополнительно содержащее блок обнаружения запуска, выполненный с возможностью обнаруживать пусковую информацию, которая передается вместе с упомянутым А-В содержанием и которая касается управления упомянутым описательным документом ...

ПЕРЕДАЮЩЕЕ УСТРОЙСТВО, СПОСОБ ПЕРЕДАЧИ, ПРИЕМНОЕ УСТРОЙСТВО И СПОСОБ ПРИЕМА

Kabelfernsehverteilung

Menügesteuertes Fernsehprogrammzugangssystem und Verfahren

PROGRAMMÜBERSICHTSSYSTEM MIT WERBUNG

Rundfunk- und Kommunikationsempfängervorrichtung

VERFAHREN UND SYSTEM ZUR BEREITSTELLUNG EINER KUNDENSPEZIFISCHEN MEDIENLISTE

System und Verfahren für eine elektrische Programmübersicht

Apparatus and method for television

Backup module and method

System for the transmission of data for television programmes in a defined area

PICTURE-IN-PICTURE CIRCUITRY

A channel sampler system, including a television signal tuner, displays an array of inset pictures on a display screen. Each inset picture is a still video picture (i.e., freeze-frame) selected by tuning each of the channels in a scan list of channels. A feedback signal is used to determine the point at which the channel is tuned, at which point a frame of video is received and stored, so that the television program sample freeze-frame image is taken from each active channel without undue delay.

Improved data structure and methods for providing an interactive program guide

Video recorder catch up

A hard disk recorder is arranged to receive and record signals defining a television programme, and can play back time shifted programmes. The recorder is operable to replay signals at a higher frame rate to catch up with a regular programme so as to reduce the time shift when, for instance, the start of a programme has been missed. The recorder may have buffers on its input and output, and the output buffer's data rate may be higher than that of the input buffer.

Query-based electronic program guide

An electronic television programme guide

An electronic programme guide (EPG) database is interrogated to produce a list of programmes that may be of interest to a viewer. Queries may be composed by users or may be developed automatically by inspection of viewing habits or viewer profiles. Viewer profiles may be produced by interrogation of the viewer. User queries may be stored hierarchically and queries relating to different viewers may be merged. Queries may be allowed to run continually to uncover programmes of interest as they arise in the EPG. Queries may restrict selection of certain categories. A 10-key alphanumeric keypad may be used to enter query data. The EPG interprets the data from each key to mean any of the numbers or letters associated therewith and identifies all possible programmes and channels and networks. As the viewer continues to add letters or numbers, the list narrows dynamically until only a few choices remain. The EPG data may be transmitted with the TV signals and may contain links to Web pages.

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

A means for re-recording (or relocating) content associated with popularity that re-emerged, e.g. A Set Top Box (STB) for recording TV programmes). A plurality of media assets 570 are recorded on a storage medium. The popularity 520 of a given media asset is determined, and compared to a first threshold 530 for the given media asset. If the popularity rating drops below the first threshold, then the media asset is selected for deletion (or relocated) and added to a list 500. The popularity rating of the media assets selected for deletion are retrieved. If the popularity level of a media asset, which is selected for deletion, rises above a second threshold 540, then said media asset is re-recorded/restored in the storage device. User notifications may be used to schedule re-recording, or else re-recording may be automatic when popularity increases above a second threshold. Popularity of episodes or series may be determined based on user profiles, industry ratings, numbers of pay-per-view ...

Query-based electronic program guide

Use of multi-symbol keys in an electronic programme guide

An electronic programme guide (EPG) presents programming information to the viewer and allows for the composition of queries for searching the information. Queries relating to channel number, network name or programme name may be entered using a 10-key keypad. The viewer sequentially enters digits or letters in the number or name and the EPG interprets the data as representing all possible choices which include the numbers and letters associated with the sequence of selected keys. For example, when the key labelled "5" is selected, the EPG interprets that data to mean "5" or "J" or "K" or "L". The EPG identifies all programmes, channels or networks which begin with the number or letters, and as the viewer enters further data the list narrows so that the viewer is quickly presented with a short list of possible choices.

Query-based electronic program guide

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

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

A system and method for providing a private mosaic

Query-based electronic program guide

Television display and remote control

Television display and remote control

AUDIO/CVIDEO SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE, A USER PERMITTING, DIFFERENT ONE, AN EVENT ASSIGNED OPINIONS AND SOUNDS AUSZUWÄHLERN

PROCEDURE FOR THE DATA PRESENTATION FOR PROGRAM LEADERS

CUSTOMER SERVER-BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDING SYSTEM WITH REMOTE SERVER ADMISSION

TELEVISION PROGRAM LEADER

PURPOSEFUL RECRUITING IN A CABLE TV SYSTEM

MULTIPLE DATA BASE, BY USER CHOICE OF COMPILATIONS PROGRAMMUND EVENT LEADER

IMPROVED ESSAY-FINALTURN OUT FUR OF CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM SUMMARY USE TELEVISION PROGRAM PHOTOGRAPH PLANT

PROCEDURE FOR NAVIGATING IN A TELEVISION PROGRAM LEADER WITH ADVERTISEMENT

REMOTE MAINTENANCE FOR CABLE TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

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

CLAY/TONE PROGRAM RECEIVER TERMINAL FOR TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Unified system for television and non-television service navigation

Method and device for filtering information

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

Standard method of access to a multimedia provider's portal

Multicasting multimedia content distribution system

A method and apparatus for a multicasting multimedia content distribution system. A content server creates a schedule of transmission times for data streams and assigns the streams to multicast groups. DVRs receive the schedule from content server that contains content descriptions for each data stream along with the transmission times of each particular content description. The content server transmits the content across the Internet according to the published schedule via a multicast transmission designated for a particular multicast group. Each DVR determines the content for which it has an interest, finds the scheduled time for transmission for the content, schedules a recording time in its recording schedule, and joins the associated multicast group at the scheduled time. The DVR receives the multicast stream for the group and stores the stream on its local storage device for use by the DVR or for viewing by a user.

A Method for Use in an Interactive Television Program Guide System

EDITORIAL NOTE Application No. 2009210418 This specification contains two pages numbered 48. - 48 Abstract of the Disclosure An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define "super programs" for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. 12 18 -)10 MAIN FACILITY TELEVISION ...

Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

An apparatus and method for enabling access to a plurality of activities

There is provided an apparatus and a method for enabling access to a plurality of activities. The apparatus includes a processor for controlling the apparatus; and a communications module coupled to the processor for connecting the apparatus to a data network. The communications module may connect to the data network wirelessly. The plurality of activities may include, for example, consuming media content, carrying out e-shopping, playing video games, carrying out communications and so forth.

Method and system for program and stream control of video to target device

An approach to enable users to control and direct video from streaming video sources uses target devices for displaying video selected on control devices. The switching and control path is provided in the cloud, i.e., by the streaming video source. Further described is an approach to mirror the content displayed on the control device to the target device. In this way, viewers other than the operator of the control device can view available video lists and thus take part in the video selection process.

Client-Server Electronic Program Guide

Electronic Program Guide with Integrated Program Listings

System for presentation of multimedia content

Program Guide System With Video-on-Demand Browsing

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to display a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) and to request a video clip preview of a video-on demand program represented on the video-on-demand program listing. The system also indicates whether or not a video clip preview is available for the various programs in the program listing. WO 99/60790 PCT/US99/1 1015 CATEGORY 1: DRAMA CATEGORY 2: COMEDY CATEGORY CATEGORY 3: SCI-Fl --- 5 SELECT CATEGORY 8: HISTORY ...

Interactive Television Program Guide with Remote Access

... - 68 (Figure 1) The present invention relates to a method for ordering a program. The method comprises receiving a user selection of a program listing corresponding to the 5 program available for ordering at a remote access program guide on a remote program guide access device. The remote program guide access device comprises a display for displaying the program listing. The remote guide access device has a link to a local interactive program 10 guide equipment. The local interactive program guide equipment has a display. The method also comprises using the link to indicate the program to the local interactive program guide implemented on the local interactive program guide equipment for display on the display of the 15 local interactive program guide equipment. MAIN FACILITY 14 PROGRAM INTERACTIVE TELEVISION 7 GUIDE DATA PROGRAM GUIDE EQUIPMENT REMOTE PROGRAM GUIDE ACCESS DEVICE ...

System and method for an active video electronic programming guide

Techniques for transmission and preparation for display of real-time audio-visual content of a plurality of TV programs over electronic communications network channels and display of the audio-visual signals as a part of a TV Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) are disclosed herein. In particular, the use of video coded using a layered codec, and stored in a layered format, allows a properly configured system to present to an end user a live preview of multiple TV channels, along with EPG information (e.g., the channel, time, title and genre of video content, a list of programs scheduled in the future, as well as the ability to, for example, set parental controls, order pay-per-view programs, to search for programs based on theme or category, and to set recordings for the future when combined with a recording system), on higher TV screen, without taking significantly more resources than the traditional digital TV transmission.

Improved electronic television program schedule guide system and method

Program guide displaying apparatus and method

Electronic apparatus and method for controlling thereof

An electronic apparatus and a method for controlling thereof are provided. The method for controlling of the electronic apparatus includes: recognizing one of among a user voice and a user motion through one of among a voice recognition module and a motion recognition module, and, performing a voice task in response to a user voice is recognized through the voice recognition module, and, performing a motion task in response to a user motion is recognized through the motion recognition module.

Network controller for cable television delivery systems

User interfaces for browsing content from multiple content applications on an electronic device

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates browsing of media from different media applications based on category of media (e.g., movies, television shows, etc.). In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates setup of a unified media browsing application that presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing user interface. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays multiple episodes of a collection of episodic content (e.g., a television series) in a user interface for the collection of episodic content. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays representations of, and provides access to, live-event media items accessible on the electronic device.

Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording

Locally stored content previews: representative of programming content in an electronic programming guide through a graphic image accessed from the hard drive of a set top box

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FILTERING INFORMATION

INTERACTIVE MOSAIC CHANNEL VIDEO STREAM WITH BARKER CHANNEL AND GUIDE

The present invention discloses an interactive mosaic video channel displayed on a video monitor, with a plurality of individual video feeds being presented at a given time, comprising a plurality of video cells presenting at least video information, each video cell associated with one of the plurality of individual video feeds, a text box, a background video, and a cursor, which can be moved between the plurality of video cells, for selecting at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell, such that the user can then directly select a video program associated with the selected video cell. The video channel can optionally include a barker cell that presents additional video and audio information that can also be selected by the cursor, the plurality of video cells being grouped by genre, a dynamic ticker, and the at least one characteristic associated with a selected video cell is the audio associated with that video cell.

DOWNLOAD SYSTEM FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

A system for reprogramming a consumer electronic device includes a consumer electronic device (CED) having a CED processor and a CED memory and a CED serial port connected to the processor, the memory storing CED processor instructions and CED data. The system also includes a download module having a download processor and a download memory and a download serial port connected to the download processor. The CED processor periodically applies a signal to the CED serial port. When the download serial port is connected to the CED serial port to make a serial connection and the download processor receives one of the periodic signals from the CED processor, the download processor initiates the download of one or more of download instructions and download data from the download memory to the CED memory over the serial connection.

VIRTUAL CHANNEL TABLE FOR A BROADCAST PROTOCOL AND METHOD OF BROADCASTING AND RECEIVING BROADCAST SIGNALS USING THE SAME

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

METADATA STRUCTURE FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO EPG FEATURES FROM WITHIN BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS

A data structure store on computer readable media is presented comprising one or more data tags, each data tag used to provide information regarding a broadcast advertisement. Also provided are one or more electronic program guide action tags, each electronic program guide action tag used to define a valid electronic program guide feature that may be accessed from within the broadcast advertisement. The data structure is operative to provide a link between the broadcast advertisement (124) and an electronic program guide (122) to provide access to electronic program guide features defined by the electronic program guide action tags from within the broadcast advertisement.

LOCALLY-UPDATED INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE

A method for providing an interactive program guide (IPG) includes receiving from a user a request for an IPG, and providing the user with an IPG that includes listings that were received by a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) via a subscriber television network, as well as other listings that were not received by the DHCT via the subscriber television network.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECORDABLE MEDIA CONTENT DISTRIBUTION

A media system (10) which includes logic configured to provide a user interface that provides a user with a plurality of media content selection available at various times, and a portable client media drive (16) configured to receive over a secured transmission medium the media content by the user.

USER INTERFACE FOR TELEVISION SCHEDULE SYSTEM

Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10). By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided. A conventional offset shadow (34) which is a black bar underlines the entire cell and wraps around the right edge of the cell. To tag the underlying position which defines where the cursor (32) is and thus, where it will move next portions (36) of the black bar outside the current underlying position are segmented, while the current position is painted solid.

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH ADVERTISEMENTS

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

USER INTERFACE FOR TELEVISION SCHEDULE SYSTEM

Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10). By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided. A conventional offset shadow (34) which is a black bar underlines the entire cell and wraps around. the right edge of the cell. To tag the underlying position which defines where the cursor (32) is and thus, where it will move next portions (36) of the black bar outside the current underlying position are segmented, while the current position is painted solid.

TELEVISION SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS

... ²²²A method for providing a television service enhancement (37) includes ²receiving a first user input requesting a television service, providing the ²user with an option to receive an enhancement (37) to the television service ²for a charge, and receiving a second user input selecting the option to ²receive the enhancement to the television service.² ...

IMPROVED ELECTRONIC TELEVISION PROGRAM SCHEDULE GUIDE SYSTEMS AND METHOD

An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from the memory and displays a portion of the program schedule information in overlaying relationship with ...

VIRTUAL CHANNEL TABLE FOR A BROADCAST PROTOCOL AND METHOD OF BROADCASTING AND RECEIVING BROADCAST SIGNALS USING THE SAME

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATION

Systems and methods for navigating a three- dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING PROGRAM LISTINGS IN A MEDIA GUIDANCE APPLICATION

Systems and methods for navigating program listings in a media guidance application are provided. A program listing may be displayed that corresponds to a first time period. A user request to change the first time period may be received. In response to the request to change the time period, a hopscotch display may be provided that gives the user access to a plurality of consecutive time periods from which the user can select to have corresponding program listings displayed. A user selection of one of the displayed time periods may be received and a second program listing corresponding to the selected time period may be displayed.

VIRTUAL CHANNEL TABLE FOR A BROADCAST PROTOCOL AND METHOD OF BROADCASTING AND RECEIVING BROADCAST SIGNALS USING THE SAME

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

VIRTUAL CHANNEL TABLE FOR A BROADCAST PROTOCOL AND METHOD OF BROADCASTING AND RECEIVING BROADCAST SIGNALS USING THE SAME

A method of broadcasting using a virtual channel table in a broadcasting protocol comprises, if a virtual channel is an inactive channel, omitting a corresponding service location descriptor from the virtual channel table to indicate that the virtual channel is inactive. The method includes transmitting the virtual channel table to a receiver and determining whether the virtual channel is inactive based on the presence of a service location descriptor in the virtual channel table by parsing the virtual channel table. The inactive channel is a channel that is not presently carrying a broadcast program but is scheduled to carry a broadcast program at a predetermined later time from a broadcasting station without local viewer interaction. The inactive channel is capable of being automatically skipped.

VIRTUAL CHANNEL TABLE FOR A BROADCAST PROTOCOL AND METHOD OF BROADCASTING AND RECEIVING BROADCAST SIGNALS USING THE SAME

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

DISPLAYING CHANNEL ADVERTISEMENTS WITH AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

A method of displaying channel advertisements with an electronic program guide (EPG) involves accessing a memory to recover EPG data corresponding to a number of television programs, displaying program information listings based on the recovered EPG data in a plurality of rows, displaying an advertisement as a row in a region distinct from the program listings and displaying a program in an overlay video window.

MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY OF AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT ITEMS THAT CORRESPOND TO SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

A method is provided to designate visual content that is accessible from a computer readable storage device and that correspond to programs distributed according to a predetermined schedule comprising: comparing attribute information of a respective program metadata record with respective attribute information of multiple respective content metadata records to measure similarity between corresponding attributes; determining respective program-content attribute match scores for each of the compared content metadata records as a function of the measure of similarity between the program attributes of the respective compared program metadata record and corresponding visual content attributes of respective content metadata records and of relative weighting of respective attribute comparisons; and selecting a respective visual content based upon the determined program-content attribute match score.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A PERIPHERAL RECORD/PLAYBACK DEVICE IN A NETWORKED MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

EXPORTING DATA FROM A DIGITAL HOME COMMUNICATION TERMINAL TO A CLIENT DEVICE

A method for exporting data includes receiving a request for exporting DHCT related data and then exporting the DHCT related data from the Digital Home Communication Terminal (DHCT) to a client device, wherein the DHCT (200) and the client device (150) are located at a customer premise.

TRANSMISSION OF PROGRAM GUIDE AND OTHER DATA

A system and method for transmitting programming guide and other information in a television distribution system permits selective access to the information. The information is formatted at a server (20) located in a network headend (12) into pages of text information, such as program listings for groups of channels at selected times of day, and preferably is broadcast continually on one or more designated channels (18) to a plurality of viewer set tops (16). Each of the set tops (16) contains a terminal processor (29) which facilitates selection and display of the downloaded information by means of a script program or application. The server (20) preferably feeds the formatted pages of text in a repeating carousel manner to a multiplexer (27) that transmits the pages on one or more digital channels to the set tops (16). Preferably, a background screen on which the program listing information is to be overlayed is separately transmitted or is stored in the set tops (16). Preferably, 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.

CLIENT-SERVER BASED INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH REMOTE SERVER RECORDING

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

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEMS WITH DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDING AND ADJUSTABLE REMINDERS

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

USER INTERFACE FOR TELEVISION SCHEDULE SYSTEM

Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10). By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided. A conventional offset shadow (34) which is a black bar underlines the entire cell and wraps around the right edge of the cell. To tag the underlying position which defines where the cursor (32) is and thus, where it will move next portions (36) of the black bar outside the current underlying position are segmented, while the current position is painted solid.

METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING ENHANCED PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

A method, system and apparatus for delivering enhanced programming information. In some non-limiting embodiments the method comprises obtaining channel grid information for identifying a programming event, the programming event being associated to an occurrence interval. The method further comprises receiving a dynamic program description associated with the programming event. Receiving of the dynamic program description is executed during the occurrence interval associated to the programming event. The channel grid information is then augmented with the dynamic program description. The disclosed method, system and apparatus enable the subscriber to ascertain the current status of the programming event occurring on one or more channels to potentially enable the subscriber to make a more informed decision as to which specific programming event to select for viewing.

METHOD OF MANAGING THE DISPLAY OF EVENT SPECIFICATIONS WITH CONDITIONAL ACCESS

The invention relates to a method of managing the display of event specifications with conditional access, in order, for example, to display an electronic programme guide for pay television. The inventive method comprises the following steps: (a) data forming an electronic programme guide (EPG) are sent to a decoder (STB), said data containing, for each event, at least one identifier, textual data and a conditional package comprising the conditions required in order to access the aforementioned event; (b) at least one authorisation message (EMM) is sent to a security module (SC) which is associated with the decoder, said message defining the event access rights; (c) the conditional package (PECM) is sent to the security module (SC); (d) the access condition contained in the conditional package (PECM) is processed in the security module; and (e) a message is sent by the security module, which, depending on the access condition for each event and on the access rights contained in the security ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZED MEDIA LIST

A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user (240) over a data network (230). The method comprises providing personalized data (241) of the user (240) to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user (240) based on the personalized data (241), and providing the customized media list to the user (240) through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user (240) over a data network (230).

VIRTUAL CHANNEL PREVIEW GUIDE

In an implementation of virtual channel preview guide, a different virtual channel is associated with each of one or more recorded programs. A virtual channel preview guide is generated to display the different virtual channels and the associated recorded programs. In an event that a virtual channel is selected, a preview of a recorded program associated with the virtual channel is initiated.

MAINTAINING A USER PROFILE BASED ON DYNAMIC DATA

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOMMENDING CONTENT IN CONTEXT OF A CONVERSATION

A media guidance application may monitor a conversation among users, and identify keywords in the conversation, without the use of wakewords. The keywords are used to search for media content that is relevant to the on-going conversation. Accordingly, the media guidance application presents relevant content to the users, during the conversation, to more actively engage the users. A conversation monitoring window may be used to present conversation information as well as relevant content. A listening mode may be used to manage when the media guidance application processes speech from a conversation. The media guidance application may access user profiles for keywords, select content types, select content sources, and determine relevancy of media content, to provide content in context of a conversation.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING AND PROVIDING PROGRAM GUIDES AND CONTENT

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING RELEVANT PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

Various embodiments of systems, apparatus, and/or methods are described for presenting relevant programming information. A viewing action of an audiovisual event is detected on a receiving device. Data associated with the viewed audiovisual event is then retrieved. The retrieved data includes at least receiving device information and audiovisual event information. The retrieved data is then stored in a historical viewing database, and at least one scoring table is generated from the data in the historical viewing database. Programming information for a plurality of candidate audiovisual events that are available to be viewed is then organized based at least in part on the at least one scoring table and a selected time, and the organized programming information is output to a presentation device.

TELEVISION USER INTERFACE

Television User Interface A user interface for a television display includes a remote control with a touch pad. The remote control communicates wirelessly with a receiver. Periodic samples of touch positions are time stamped only when they are received at the receiver, and the timestamps are quantized to the interval of the periodic samples. The response of the user interface to gestures may be determined by a set of cascaded style sheets. Directional gestures may be used to skip forward or backward by a relative time during playback. During EPG scrolling, a position indicator may remain fixed in a horizontal direction until a time boundary of the EPG is reached, at which point the position indicator may move to the end of the time boundary. When scrolling programme items, an item may remain highlighted until it scrolls off the display, at which point the highlighting disappears until scrolling is complete. During scrolling, multiple directional gestures may be used to increase speed of ...

Interactive television program guide with passive content

A hybrid passive-interactive program guide is generated by combining the features of an interactive program guide with the passive video portion of a passive program guide. The interactive guide may replace passive listings with interactive listings, replace passive features with interactive features, provide supplemental advertisements, or replace passive tagging information with interactive tagging information. Users may be provided with an opportunity to purchase a program or product being advertised, to view listings for segments aired in the video portion of the passive guide, to schedule reminders for listings or video segments that are displayed by the passive guide, or to schedule video segments and related information for recording.

Playback apparatus and program content transmitting and receiving system

Program content is easily selected on a playback apparatus having a plurality of program content recording locations. A video recording management server ( 11 ) manages program IDs, the video recording condition of program content on a television apparatus ( 10 ), and recording location information indicating on which server each program content is recorded, in association with each other as program management information. The television apparatus ( 10 ) displays an electronic program guide ( 100 ) in which past and future programs are displayed integrally, and displays a video recording complete mark (RM) for programs previously recorded on a user content server ( 13 ). On the other hand, when an instruction to play back program content is made in the electronic program guide ( 100 ), the television apparatus ( 10 ) receives the program content from a server designated from the video recording management server ( 11 ) to perform streaming playback. Thus, the television apparatus ( 100 ) can perform video recording and playback of program content desired by the user by means of the electronic program guide ( 100 ), without making the user specify a program content recording location.

Handheld device with gesture-based video interaction and methods for use therewith

A handheld device includes a wireless interface module that communicates a plurality of display interface data with a remote display device. The handheld device recognizes gestures in response to user interaction with the touch screen. A video application controls the communication of media signals between the handheld device and the remote display device via the display interface data, based on the recognized gestures.

System and method for presenting information associated with a media program

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a processor adapted to receive a message from a portable communication device communicatively coupled to a set-top box presenting a media program and to retrieve from the message a media descriptor associated with the media program. The processor is further adapted to identify according to the media descriptor one or more images of one or more performers commonly presented in the media program, to monitor one or more frames of a live media feed including the media program, and compare the one or more human figures to the one or more images of performers. The processor can also be adapted to recognize a performer from the comparison, to retrieve information associated with the performer, and to transmit the information to the portable communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Authenticated content discovery

Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to facilitating the discovery of authenticated content from a variety of sources. One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a plurality of authentication tokens from the media presentation device, where each of the plurality of authentication tokens represents an established authenticated relationship between a user and a corresponding content source. The method further comprises receiving a request from the media presentation device for an electronic programming guide and sending the electronic programming guide to the media presentation device, where the electronic programming guide comprises a listing of content from a plurality of content sources corresponding to the plurality of authentication tokens.

Integrated content guide for interactive selection of content and services on personal computer systems with multiple sources and multiple media presentation

A integrated content guide for multiple sources is provided with hyper-text type links to allow for the selection of various programs. The hyper-text links are provided for a transmitted and then stored digital bit stream. This allows for the embedding within the content guide what could be additional commercial information. The embedding may also be as to additional information for other related television or radio shows or the like. Information can be additional television shows, related information or activities on on-line services or automatic telephone ordering of products or services being displayed.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of braodcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Systems, devices and methods for streaming multiple different media content in a digital container

A user interface is configured to present a plurality of user-selectable icons. Each user-selectable icon of the plurality of user-selectable icons is individually configured to trigger playing of different streaming media content in an area on the user interface of the user-selectable icon upon a cursor-over or hover action on the user-selectable icon or other selection action by the user. The user-selectable icons are presented in a digital container wherein the container is configured to display contents of the container within a defined area on the user interface such as a Web page. The container may include a single user-selectable icon that is individually configured to trigger playing of streaming media content or multiple different user-selectable icons that are each individually configured to trigger playing of different streaming media content based on assigned specifications or selected criteria.

User-Based Program Guide Methods and Systems

An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system 1) providing a program guide view of a program guide for display within a viewing area of a display screen, the program guide comprising a navigable user axis representative of a plurality of users selected by a main user as being of interest to the main user and a time axis representative of a plurality of time slots, and 2) presenting, within the program guide view, information identifying one or more media content instances designated for access during one or more time slots included in the plurality of time slots by one or more users included in the plurality of users. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

System and method for adaptively controlling the recording of program material using a program guide

A system and method for displaying an electronic program guide (“EPG”), the EPG allowing for the controlling of recording functionality of an appliance and/or playing of media. The displayable EPG includes a listing of playable media from which the user may select a program of interest for recording or playing. The EPG may also include a display of prior recorded media for playing. Options may be presented to allow for a selection of a rendering device on which selected media is to be played.

Mechanism for Distributing Content Data

The current invention provides a system for distributing content data to user locations. The content data preferably includes digital video data that is available on demand from a requesting location. A system server stores user accounts and generated customized program schedules for the user account based on user criteria which includes user preferences. Authorized users access their accounts to modify user criteria and to select program transmissions. Preferably, a computer and a television set receive program transmissions from a system network, wherein the computer provides a logical interface between the television set and content data transmitted over the system network.

Automatic media asset update over an online social network

In response to a request for media, a determination is made whether a user should receive the requested media. When the user has the proper content privilege, a content manager will authorize the delivery of such content. Otherwise, alternative content is delivered to the user based on the content privileges.

System, Method and Device for Presenting Different Functional Displays When Orientation of the Device Changes

Different functional views for a mobile device are provided depending on orientation of the device. The mobile device includes an enclosure and a display disposed within the enclosure, wherein the display presents a functional view to a user when the device is positioned in a first orientation and a second functional view when the display is rotated to a second orientation.

Systems and methods for managing a status change of a multimedia asset in multimedia delivery systems

Systems and methods are disclosed which detect a change in the status of a multimedia asset in a multimedia delivery system, and take steps to make the multimedia asset available after the status change. The multimedia asset can then be locally recorded on the user's digital video recorder (DVR) before the status changes. Alternatively, the user can be directed to an equivalent asset, for example, video-on-demand (VOD). The user may also receive a notification, which can be displayed on a TV or computer monitor or send to a remote device, for example to a mobile phone as an email or a short message. The user may be able to purchase the asset and/or initiate recording the asset. The status can be, for example, an expiration date of an asset, or a change of the source or format of an asset.

Tracking and Providing Availability Status of Personal Bi-Directional Services

The present invention provides methods and systems for accessing services in a television system. In one embodiment, a DHCT presents a subscriber an EPG presentation containing a plurality of selectable bi-directional services that are purchasable for a period of time and rendered to a buying subscriber on an individualized basis as offered by the cable television system. The subscriber navigates an EPG menu presentation with an input device such as a remote control device and selects a purchasable service by choosing the visual representation that corresponds to the desired service. The DHCT receives the user input, translates the selected command into an executable program call that queries service availability and, if the service is available, initiates the selected bi-directional audiovisual service on a personalized session.

Distributed, interactive television program guide; system and method

In an interactive network-based personal video recording system, a user interface is provided that allows viewers to search a database of program guide information according to program title, indexed program attributes such as actor and director, and key word. Viewer interaction is by way of a remote control unit.

Creation and presentation of selective digital content feeds

Methods and systems for creating and presentation of selective digital content feeds are disclosed. A user can design a selective feed comprised of video feed items, for example. An aggregation system searches two or more Internet services specified by the user to gather feed items. Those feed items are filtered according to a media type, such as video, such that each feed item is a video or has a link to a video. The feed items are gathered for presentment with a user interface that allows playback of the video feed items organized in some way, such as ascending order. For one embodiment, Internet video content is gathered from various sources to provide a consistent interface to the video content without the need to navigate all over the web to manually locate each video item.

Display apparatus for providing enhanced electronic program guide and method of controlling the same

A method of controlling a display apparatus including receiving, via a receiving unit, first metadata corresponding to contents to be displayed on the display apparatus from at least a first source externally connected to the display apparatus, said first metadata including channel information and broadcast programs to be broadcast for each channel included in the channel information; matching, via a controller thumbnail images with the broadcast programs; generating, via the controller, an enhanced program guide including a designated time zone indicating when a broadcast program is to be broadcast and a corresponding matched thumbnail image; and displaying via the display apparatus, the enhanced program guide based on a selection signal requesting the enhanced program guide be displayed.

Apparatus and method for controlling display of information on a television

An apparatus for a television includes an on-screen display (OSD) generator, a first interface to receive signals for controlling a television, a first storage area to store information relating to a plurality of channels, a second interface to receive data from a social network service (SNS), and a second storage area to store the SNS data. A controller of the apparatus controls the OSD generator to simultaneously output for display program information of the plurality of channels. The program information is output based on the stored SNS data, and the stored SNS data is based on a plurality of members of the social network service.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Audience Atmospherics Monitoring Platform Apparatuses and Systems

The AUDIENCE ATMOSPHERICS MONITORING PLATFORM APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS (“ATMOS”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via ATMOS components, into TV audience viewing data and ad effects data. A system is disclosed, comprising: a memory; a processor disposed in communication with said memory, and configured to issue a plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory, wherein the processor issues instructions for: receiving, from the user mobile device, an atmospherics data package indicating user instant activity status; obtaining an atmospherics data artifact from the atmospherics data package; extracting user instant activities information based on analysis of the atmospherics data artifact; generating a user viewing status indication based on the user instant activities information; and incorporating the user viewing status indication into viewer measurement data of the user selected channel.

Differentiated psip table update interval technology

An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (Eli) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Personal access and control of media peripherals on a media exchange network

Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Server system for real-time moving image collection, recognition, classification, processing, and delivery

Provided is a server system in which real-time communication based on a moving image group is performed between a number of users. The moving image collection/delivery server system accumulates moving images sequentially uploaded in real time via a network in a database, generates moving image thumbnails used to simultaneously display a plurality of moving images on a single display screen in real time, allocates the moving image thumbnails to a channel group adaptively generated from sequentially uploaded moving images, and delivers the moving image thumbnails to a terminal having a display and operating unit in real time via a network, and the sequentially generated moving image thumbnails are stored in an allocated channel in ascending order of shooting times and delivered to a plurality of terminals.

Method and apparatus for browsing using multiple coordinated device sets

Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

On Screen Display Content with Information on Stored Content Service Features

A method and system incorporate information on a stored content service feature with on screen display content utilizing a content receiver. The stored content service feature enables the content receiver to simultaneously record multiple of instances of content for a plurality of programming channels during a timeframe. The content receiver generates on screen display content as an overlay to live or previously recorded instances of content or as an electronic programming guide, and the information for the stored content service feature incorporated within the on screen display content may be selected. In response to the selection, the content receiver may transmit a previously recorded instance of content from the plurality of simultaneously recorded instances of content, information for instances of content that have been, will be and/or are available to be recorded in connection with the stored content service feature.

INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES

Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. 129-. (canceled)30. A method of enabling a user to customize a channel display , the method comprising:storing identification information for a plurality of users in a storage device;requesting identification from a first user;receiving, from the first user, a selection of at least one channel to be included in a favorite channel list associated with the first user;receiving, from the first user, a selection of a favorite channel display mode;in response to receiving the selection of the favorite channel display mode from the first user, retrieving the favorite channel list associated with the first user; andgenerating, for display on a display device, the favorite channel list associated with the first user.31. The method of claim 30 , further comprising:receiving identification information from a first user.32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising:determining that the received identification information matches the stored identification information for at least one of the plurality of users prior to generating the favorite channel list associated with the at least one of the plurality of users.33. The method of claim 30 , ...

Method for Processing Electronic Television Program

A method for processing an electronic television program that arranges a viewing schedule for a user is provided, in which the method receives an electronic television program list that includes electronic television program information, and records the electronic television program selected by the user from the electronic television program list, and receives a calendar information including at least one schedule event, and compares and determines whether a time period of the electronic television program selected by the user conflicts with a time period of the scheduled event, and generates a reminder message reminding the user of recording the electronic television program in advance or to alter the scheduled event when the time periods are in conflict.

Method and Apparatus for Communicating Electronic Service Guide Information in a Satellite Television System

Aspects of a method and apparatus for communicating electronic service guide information in a satellite television system are provided. A satellite communication system may receive a signal via an interface to a satellite dish, and receive data from a network via a second interface (e.g., an interface to a LAN or a WAN, such as the Internet). The satellite communication system may be operable to channelize the received satellite signal into a plurality of channels, wherein a first channel of the plurality of channels carries electronic service guide (ESG) data. The satellite communication system may select which of the plurality of channels to input to a demodulator based, at least in part, on whether ESG data is available via the second interface. A second channel carrying media data may be input to the demodulator while the ESG data is available via the second interface.

ANIMATED STATION IDENTIFIER IN PROGRAM GUIDES

A television program guide is displayed having a station identifier portion in a first location. A determination is made as to when a user navigates in the television program guide between past programs and future programs. In response to the user navigating in the television program guide between the past programs and the future programs, the station identifier portion is changed to a second location. 1. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that , when executed , perform a method comprising:causing display of a television program guide having a station identifier portion on one side of the television program guide, the station identifier portion identifying one or more television channels in the television program guide for which data is displayed;determining when a user navigates in the television program guide from past programs to future programs; andchanging display of the station identifier portion to a different side of the television program guide in response to the user navigating in the television program guide from the past programs to the future programs.2. The one or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1 , wherein the television program guide comprises a grid having multiple rows of channel identifiers and multiple columns of time slots claim 1 , and wherein the station identifier portion is a column in the grid.3. The one or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one side comprises a right side of the television program guide claim 1 , and the different side comprises a left side of the television program guide.4. The one or more computer-readable storage media as recited in claim 1 , wherein the computer-executable instructions claim 1 , when executed claim 1 , perform a method further comprising:determining when the user navigates in the television program guide from the future programs to past programs; andchanging display the station ...

Image display apparatus and methods for operating the same

An image display apparatus, a server, and methods for operating the same are disclosed. The method for operating an image display apparatus includes displaying a broadcast program list listing a plurality of broadcast programs, receiving, upon selection of one of the plurality of broadcast programs, a broadcast signal of the selected broadcast program, and displaying the received broadcast program. The broadcast program list includes real-time viewer rating information, a thumbnail image, and a name for each of the plurality of broadcast programs.

Service executing apparatus

A broadcast receiving terminal, which implements a service executing method, includes a receiver operable to receive a service that uses a plurality of resources, a recording medium, and a service executer operable to execute a service that uses the plurality of resources in a service execution environment intended for the service. The terminal also includes an associater operable to associate the service execution environment with resource set information indicating the plurality of resources used by the service, when an application requests the service executer to execute the service, and a storager operable to store a plurality of service execution environments together with the associated resource set information. The terminal further includes a resource manager operable to provide, to a selected service, the plurality of resources indicated in the resource set information in the associated service execution environment.

Display apparatus and method for displaying using the same

A display apparatus and a displaying method using the display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus includes: a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal via at least one of a plurality of channels; a display unit which outputs the received broadcasting signal; and a controller which controls the display unit to detect an identifier included in the received broadcasting signal and to display information relating to a channel receiving a broadcasting signal having the same identifier as the detected identifier.

Method and user interface for accessing groups of media assets

Improved systems and methods to navigate, browse, search and/or playback digital media assets (e.g., media items) hosted on a media server are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention pertains to a user interface arrangement, such as a hierarchical menu system, that facilitates navigation, browsing and playing of media items remotely stored on a media server. The user interface arrangement enables user scrolling or browsing with respect to a list or set of information pertaining to media items, where the list or set can be expanded to include information for additional media items that are subsequently acquired. The user interface arrangement can also present and permit navigation of categorized media items. The user interface arrangement can be presented on a display device associated with a client device. In one embodiment, the display device can be a television and the client device can be an electronic apparatus that can couple to the media server via a network.

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, CONTENT DISPLAY SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM GUIDE DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus receives electric program guide information from an external server via a network. The apparatus receives, from a video device, channel information indicating a currently tuned channel in the video device. The apparatus displays an electric program guide on a program guide area on a display screen of the apparatus based on the electric program guide information. In response to reception of the channel information, the apparatus changes the displayed contents of the program guide area based on the received channel information and a current time, such that a guide corresponding to a currently on-air program in the currently tuned channel is displayed on the program guide area. 1. An electronic apparatus configured to communicate with a video device , comprising:a program guide information receiver configured to receive electric program guide information from an external server via a network;a channel information receiver configured to receive, from the video device, channel information indicating a currently tuned channel in the video device; anda display controller configured to display an electric program guide on a program guide area on a display screen of the electronic apparatus based on the electric program guide information,wherein the display controller is further configured to change displayed contents of the program guide area based on the received channel information and a current time in response to reception of the channel information, such that a guide corresponding to a currently on-air program in the currently tuned channel is displayed on the program guide area.2. The apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein the channel information receiver is further configured to transmit an inquiry signal of a currently tuned channel to the video device in response to occurrence of an event that requests to display a guide associated with a currently on-air program in the currently tuned channel.3. The apparatus of claim 1 ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING MOSAIC CHANNEL

A method for providing mosaic channels among multiple client devices is provided. Wherein, the multiple client devices are connected via a data communication network so as to be able to communicate data with each other. At the side of a client device, which is instructed to change to a mosaic channel while the other client device are receiving channel programs from at least one channel program server via a communication for channel programs, the method comprises the steps of receiving channel information of the channel programs from at least one of the other client devices via the communication network for channel programs; and generating a mosaic channel that comprises channel cells for presenting the channel information. 110-. (canceled)11. A method for providing a mosaic view among multiple client devices , wherein at the side of a client device , which is instructed to change to the mosaic view , the method comprises the steps ofreceiving from at least one of the other client devices channel information of the channel programs via a data communication network, through which all client devices are connected; andgenerating the mosaic view that comprises mosaic cells for presenting the channel information.12. The method of the claim 11 , wherein the multiple client devices are grouped into multiple groups claim 11 , wherein the client device changing to the mosaic view only receives channel information from client devices of its group.13. The method of the claim 11 , wherein the channel programs whose channel information is received by the client device are being received by the at least one of the other client devices when the client device is instructed to change to the mosaic view.14. The method of the claim 13 , wherein among at least two client devices receiving a same channel program claim 13 , one is selected as the representative client device for the channel program to send the channel information of the channel program.15. The method of the claim 11 , ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION APPLICATION WITH NAVIGABLE CELLS AND REGIONS

An interactive television application with mosaic browsing is provided. Selectable cells that may be associated with entities are used to display information corresponding to the entities. Information may include brand marks such as logos or any other suitable entity identifier. A cell may be in focus or it may not be in focus. When a cell is in focus the information displayed in the cell may be different than the information displayed when the cell is not in focus. Users may navigate among cells. The cells may be grouped into regions based on, for example, their association with similar entities. 120-. (canceled)21. A method for presenting a video mosaic display , the method comprising:generating, for display on a user equipment device, a plurality of cells for displaying media assets, wherein each cell is associated with one of a plurality of entities;receiving a first user command to change an entity associated with a first cell of the plurality of cells to a new entity;in response to receiving the user command to change the entity associated with the first cell to the new entity, transmitting an instruction to display in the first cell a media asset associated with the new entity;determining if a second cell of the plurality of cells is associated with a same type of entity as the new entity; andin response to the determining, generating a notification indicating the second cell is associated with the same type of entity as the new entity.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein generating a notification comprises generating a first region highlight around the first cell and the second cell.23. The method of claim 22 , wherein the first cell and the second cell are non-contiguous cells in the video mosaic display.24. The method of further comprising generating a media asset in the first cell in response to a user selection of the first cell.25. The method of further comprising generating a brand mark in the first cell.26. The method of claim 21 , wherein the type of ...

FREE SPACE SCROLLER FOR ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDE

A computing device displays an electronic programming guide. The computing device receives a multi-axis scrolling command. In response to the command, the device scrolls the EPG along both a time axis and a channel axis based on the multi-axis scrolling command. 1receiving a multi-axis scrolling command by a device displaying an electronic programming guide; andscrolling the EPG along a time axis and along a channel axis based on the multi-axis scrolling command.. A computerized method, comprising: This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/514,828, filed Aug. 3, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.The present invention relates to electronic programming guides, and more particularly to navigation of electronic programming guides.Cable service providers such as Comcast and Dish Networks provide linear electronic programming guides (EPGs) to users on a dedicated channel. Service providers or affiliates may also distribute programming data to populate an EPG. Set top boxes and other computers then generate an interactive EPG based on the programming data. Conventional EPGs include a graphical user interface (GUI) that consists of a table that lists channels along a vertical axis and time slots along a horizontal axis. Therefore, each row of the table is for a different channel, and each column of the table is for a different time slot. To navigate a conventional EPG, a user enters a series of single-axis scrolling commands. Each single axis scrolling command either scrolls along the horizontal axis or along the vertical axis. For example, for a user to scroll from a 1:00 showing at channel 1 to a 10:00 showing at channel 8, the user would enter the channel down command 7 times, and would enter the advance time command some number of times that depends on the number of programs between the 1:00 time and the 10:00 time. This can be an inefficient way for a user to navigate an EPG.Described herein are methods and ...

Differentiated psip table update interval technology

An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

Methods and Systems for Enhancing Television Applications Using 3D Pointing

Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional 3D control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy organization, selection and navigation among the media items by a user.

BROADCAST RECEIVING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AND SELECTING CHANNEL INFORMATION

A broadcast receiving apparatus and a broadcast receiving method are provided. The broadcast receiving apparatus includes a signal receiving part for receiving a broadcast signal; an inputting part for selecting one of a plurality of broadcast channels, the inputting part including an alphanumeric key which is pressed to generate a first input and is released to generate a second input; a displaying part for displaying, according to the first input, an indication of the plurality of broadcast channels; and a controller, which receives the first and second inputs, to control the displaying part to sequentially display a series of individually highlighted channels of the plurality of broadcast channels, automatically while the alphanumeric key is pressed and held; to determine a time of receipt of the second input, the time of second input receipt coinciding with the highlighting of one of the series of individually highlighted channels; and to control the signal receiving part to tune to the broadcast channel highlighted at the time of the second input receipt 1. A broadcast signal receiving apparatus , comprising:a signal receiving part for receiving a broadcast signal;an inputting part for selecting one of a plurality of broadcast channels, the inputting part including an alphanumeric key which is pressed to generate a first input and is released to generate a second input;a displaying part for displaying, according to the first input, an indication of the plurality of broadcast channels; anda controller, which receives the first and second inputs, to control the displaying part to sequentially display a series of individually highlighted channels of the plurality of broadcast channels, automatically while the alphanumeric key is pressed and held; to determine a time of receipt of the second input, the time of second input receipt coinciding with the highlighting of one of the series of individually highlighted channels; and to control the signal receiving part to ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A PROGRAMMING GUIDE VIA MULTIPLE RECEIVING DEVICES

A system utilizing one or more auxiliary or scanning tuners provides real time information for providing programming guides. The one or more auxiliary tuner scans or tunes across the band of television signals to gather information relevant to metadata, programming guides, and or message alerts. For example, this information is converted to text, graphic, and or audio form for displaying or listening. 114-. (canceled)15. A method of providing navigation around an electronic programming guide , the method comprising:generating for display a collection of cells organized in rows and columns, or cells in a grid pattern;generating for display date or time information in a direction of a first axis of the programming guide and channel identification in a direction of a second axis of the programming guide, wherein each cell includes programming information which is associated with a channel and time, and wherein a collection of cells is arranged in columns and rows; andreceiving a user selection to shift one or more cells, but less than all cells, forward or backward or up or down while leaving at least one cell unshifted.1629-. (canceled)30. The method of claim 15 , wherein one or more cells of the collection of cells comprises text or picture information associated with a particular channel and time.31. The method of claim 15 , wherein one or more cells of the collection of cells comprises a hyperlink to a digital delivery network claim 15 , wherein a user selection of the hyperlink retrieves a program associated with the hyperlink to be displayed.32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the program associated with the hyperlink is a program that aired previously.33. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:generating for display an indication of hidden information in a cell by modulating the visual appearance of the cell based o a time-dependent signal.34. The method of claim 33 , wherein modulating the visual appearance of the cell comprises modulating a color channel ...

Image processing apparatus and image processing method

An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive image data of program content and genre information relating to the program content, a selection unit configured to select a size selection parameter for causing the genre information received by the receiving unit to be reflected in a block size, a determination unit configured to determine a block size in accordance with the size selection parameter selected by the selection unit, the block size being used for orthogonal transformation, and an orthogonal transformation unit configured to perform orthogonal transformation on the image data received by the receiving unit at the block size determined by the determination unit.

Electronic program guide with digital storage

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

Method and system for displaying a series of recordable events

A method and system for displaying identifiers for one or more series of recordable events is described. A system, such as the system of a digital video recorder, may receive a set of recordable events data, such as a listing of all television shows to be broadcast over a two-week period. The system analyzes the set of recordable events data for determining one or more sets of recordable events, where each set includes recordable events having the same title. The system analyzes each set of recordable events to determine sub-sets of recordable events based on relationships between the recordable events of each sub-set. The system displays an identifier for each sub-set of a given set of recordable events when the given set of recordable events is selected for display. A user may select to record a sub-set of recordable events by selecting the identifier that represents the sub-set.

VISUAL CUE FOR PROGRAMS IN AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE

An electronic program guide includes a plurality of elements arrayed in a grid of rows and columns, with the rows corresponding to program sources and the columns corresponding to time intervals. Each element corresponds to a program played out from a particular program source during a corresponding time interval. The background of each element changes, such as by way of a color gradient or changing shape, to indicate one of a program beginning or ending. In this way, a viewer can ascertain the length of the program even if the element gets clipped upon updating the electronic program guide. 1. A method for providing an electronic program guide , comprising the steps of:forming a grid array of elements, at least one element having a foreground legend identifying at least a portion of a program from a particular program source appearing during a time interval, andproviding each element with a background which changes in a manner to indicate at least one of a program beginning and ending.2. The method according to wherein the providing step further comprises the step includes the step of providing each element with a background having a color gradient that changes across the element to indicate one of a program beginning and ending.3. The method according to wherein the providing step further comprises the step of providing the background of each element with a shape which changes across the element to indicate one of a program beginning and ending.4. The method according to wherein the shape comprises a half-oval.5. The method according to wherein the half-oval shape contrasts with the element background.6. The method according to wherein the shape comprises a combination of two triangles with opposing gradients spanning from opposing corners of each element.7. An electronic program guide claim 3 , comprising:a grid array of elements, at least one element having a foreground legend identifying at least a portion of a program from a particular program source appearing ...

DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING BROADCAST USING THE SAME

A display apparatus and a method for scheduling a broadcast using the same. The broadcast scheduling method includes generating a program information table, in which broadcast information is arranged, if a broadcast program selected by a user in the program information table is moved into an area adjacent to an icon, displaying the broadcast program being added to an item folder, and scheduling the broadcast program. 1. A broadcast scheduling method , comprising:generating a program information table in which broadcast information is arranged;determining whether a first icon for a broadcast program selected by a user in the program information table is moved into an predetermined area;comparing a starting time of the broadcast program selected by the user with a current time after determining that the first icon for the broadcast program is moved into the predetermined area;displaying a visual effect in which the first icon for the broadcast program is added to the predetermined area if the starting time of the broadcast program selected by the user is later than the current time, and not displaying the visual effect if the starting time is not later than the current time; andscheduling the broadcast program if the starting time of the broadcast program selected by the user is later than the current time, and not scheduling the broadcast program if the starting time is not later than the current time.2. The broadcast scheduling method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined area is an item folder.3. The broadcast scheduling method of claim 1 , wherein in the scheduling operation claim 1 , if on-screen display (OSD) information indicating the first icon for the broadcast program selected by the user is moved to the predetermined area claim 1 , the broadcast program is automatically scheduled.4. The broadcast scheduling method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting scheduling information of the broadcast program included in the item folder to an external device ...

Supporting multiple users from a single location sharing a media processing system via a personal media guide

Systems and methods of supporting multiple users from a single location sharing a media processing system via a personal media guide are provided. In one embodiment, a system may comprise, for example, a communication device, media content, and a software platform. The communication device may be coupled to a communication network. The media content may be disposed in the communication network or the communication device, and the media content may comprise broadcast media and personal media. The software platform may reside on the communication device, and the software platform may further receive authentication information and facilitate a display of a user-defined selection from the media content by the communication device in a user-defined layout.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Differentiated psip table update interval technology

An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.

DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE, TELEVISION RECEIVER, METHOD OF CONTROLLING DISPLAY, DISPLAY CONTROL PROGRAM AND RECORDING MEDIUM

The television () includes: an infrared radiation receiver () which receives from a user an instruction to select a program cell; and a CPU () which generates a user interface screen of an electronic program table to be displayed on an LCD (). The CPU () generates the user interface screen of the electronic program table such that a time zone item column located in a left direction of a selected program cell and a time zone item column located in a right direction of the selected program cell are indicated with deep blue, and other time zone item columns are indicated with light blue. 117-. (canceled)18. A display control device , comprising:display controlling means for generating a user interface screen of an electronic program table including one first horizontal strip region or a pair of first horizontal strip regions and one first vertical strip region or a pair of first vertical strip regions, and displaying the user interface screen on a display section, one of (i) the first horizontal strip region(s) and (ii) the first vertical strip region(s) being a region for displaying a broadcast time zone, the other one of (i) the first horizontal strip region(s) and (ii) the first vertical strip region(s) being a region for displaying at least one of a channel name and a broadcasting station name; andan instruction reception section which receives from a user an instruction to select a program cell from a plurality of program cells arranged like tiles in the electronic program table displayed on the display section,in a case where the user interface screen is displayed on the display section, the display controlling means providing, as first strip regions, the first horizontal strip region(s) and the first vertical strip region(s) in a peripheral portion of the electronic program table such that at least either of the pair of the first horizontal strip regions or the pair of the first vertical strip regions is provided,the display controlling means displaying specific ...

Eye-tracking program guides

Described herein are techniques for presenting content based on eye-tracking information. According to various embodiments, an electronic program guide may be presented on a display screen at a computing device. The electronic program guide may include a plurality of content items for selection. Eye tracking information may be received via an optical sensor at the computing device. The eye tracking information may describe a state of one or both eyes of an individual located proximate to the computing device. The eye tracking information may be capable of being used to identify a first one of the content items on which the eyes are focused. The electronic program guide may be updated to include personalized content items for selection. The personalized content may be selected based on the eye tracking information.

System and Method for Displaying Multimedia Events Scheduling Information

Systems and methods for displaying program guide information are disclosed. In some implementations, a method includes, at a computing device having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, responsive to a user-supplied search query, formatting for display program guide data on a first grid. The first grid includes (i) a first axis representing units of time and (ii) a second axis. The program guide data comprises information representing a first set of time-bounded events. The method also includes formatting a second grid for concurrent display with the first grid. The second grid includes information identifying a second set of time-bounded events. The first set of time-bounded events is a subset of the second set of time-bounded events. 1. A method of displaying program guide information , comprising:at a computing device having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors: (A) formatting for display program guide data on a first grid including (i) a first axis representing units of time and (ii) a second axis, the program guide data comprising information representing a first set of time-bounded events; and', the second grid includes information identifying a second set of time-bounded events, and', 'the first set of time-bounded events is a subset of the second set of time-bounded events., '(B) formatting a second grid for concurrent display with the first grid, wherein'}], 'responsive to a user-supplied search query2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:(C) formatting for display a user moveable window within the second grid for selecting a portion of the second grid, and(D) updating the program guide data displayed in the first grid in accordance with a user-specified location of the user moveable window within the second grid.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a time-bounded event in the first set of time-bounded events is a ...

ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMING GUIDES COMBINING STORED CONTENT INFORMATION AND CONTENT PROVIDER SCHEDULE INFORMATION

A receiver provides an ERG. The ERG includes schedule information for content accessible by the receiver from a content provider presented as slots in a grid arranged by time and source. The receiver may determine recorded content is stored and incorporate content information for the recorded content in the ERG. The content information may include one or more portions of the instance of recorded content. The receiver may automatically incorporate the content information or may incorporate such information in response to user input. The receiver may incorporate additional information and/or access recorded content in response to user selection of content information. In some implementations, the recorded content may be recorded as part of an automatic system for recording multiple instances of content received via a multi-frequency signal from a content provider wherein the instances of content are all included in a same frequency and encoded utilizing the same control word. 120-. (canceled)21. A system configured to output an electronic programming guide that combines stored content information with content schedule information , the system comprising:one or more processors; [ the electronic programming guide comprises a schedule grid comprising a plurality of slots; and', 'a slot of the plurality of slots within the schedule grid is indicative of a piece of content of the plurality of pieces of content;, 'output for presentation the electronic programming guide that indicates schedule information for a plurality of pieces of content, wherein, 'process received user input selecting the slot of the schedule grid;', 'the plurality of recorded pieces of content and the piece of content are each episodes of a single television series.', 'in response to the received user input selecting the slot, outputting for presentation a graphical element indicative of a plurality of recorded pieces of content associated with the piece of content, wherein'}], 'a memory ...

Systems and methods for providing user interfaces in an intelligent television

An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of media content, electronic programming guide information, television content, and other content. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content.

CONTENT-SENSITIVE AND CONTEXT-SENSITIVE USER INTERFACE FOR AN INTELLIGENT TELEVISION

An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces' layout, aspect ratio of elements, display of elements, and size of selectable images are dependent on the type of content presented. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content. 1. A method for providing multiple types of user interfaces in an intelligent television , the method comprising:receiving a selection for the user interface, wherein the user interface provides content;determining a type of content to provide;determining a type of user interface based on the type of content to provide, wherein a first type of content corresponds to a first user interface, a second type of content corresponds to a second user interface, and a third type of content corresponds to a third user interface;providing the first user interface for the first type of content;providing the second user interface for the second type of content; andproviding the third user interface for the third type of content.2. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first type of content is for a selection main screen with a limited amount of content.3. The method as defined in claim 2 , wherein the first user interface is for at least one of a grid view claim 2 , a Fibonacci view claim 2 , and a cluster view.4. The method as defined in claim 3 , wherein the Fibonacci view provides selectable content thumbnails arranged in a Fibonacci spiral.5. The method as defined in claim 4 , wherein the thumbnails are arranged in the Fibonacci spiral based on a characteristic of the content associated with the thumbnail claim 4 , and wherein the characteristic is one or more of an amount of content claim 4 , a most viewed statistic claim 4 , a ...

Media data service for an intelligent television

An media data service for an Intelligent TV can search a network to identify media sources and determine a number of media items associated with the media sources. The media items can be media of any type, such as videos, music files, photos, text files, social networking postings, and the like. The media data service can scan the media items to identify metadata associated with them. The media data service may record personalized metadata associated with users such as a list of media items viewed or a list of media items tagged as a favorite. The metadata may be processed, organized into one or more data models, and stored in memory. The metadata stored in memory may be used by a user interface presented to a user.

Method and system for changing programming on a television

A method, system, and executable instructions are provided that receive a request to change a television tuner from a first channel to a second channel, the first channel providing first programming and the second channel providing second programming, wherein the first and second programming are different and changing from the first channel to the second channel causes a delay in providing, by the television tuner, the second programming, determine, based on metadata associated with the second channel and/or second programming, an image associated with the second programming, and, during the delay, display, on a screen of the television, the image.

Systems and methods for providing social media with an intelligent television

An Intelligent Television provides unique user interfaces and user interface interactions to provide social media. The interfaces and interface are intuitive and allow the user to quickly retrieve and view social media with respect to content displayed on the Intelligent Television. Further, intuitive user interface interactions are provided to allow for the quick and efficient posting of social media from the Intelligent Television to a social media site.

Systems and methods for providing social media with an intelligent television

An Intelligent Television provides unique user interfaces and user interface interactions to provide social media. The interfaces and interface are intuitive and allow the user to quickly retrieve and view social media with respect to content displayed on the Intelligent Television. Further, intuitive user interface interactions are provided to allow for the quick and efficient posting of social media from the Intelligent Television to a social media site.

Global panel

The present disclosure is related to methods and systems of displaying content on a television, including: receiving an indication associated with a selection by a user; determining, based on the received indication, a global panel to display via the television; retrieving from memory, a first content information for display in the global panel; and displaying, via the television, the retrieved content information in the specified global panel.

Live television application on top of live feed

An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television.

ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE AND PREVIEW WINDOW

An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television. 1. A method , comprising:presenting, via a display of an intelligent television (TV), live TV content, wherein the live TV content is presented to a first portion of the display;receiving an electronic program guide (EPG) presentation input at the intelligent TV;determining, by a processor associated with the intelligent TV and in response to receiving the EPG presentation input, EPG information that corresponds to at least one of the presented live TV content and the EPG presentation input received;determining, by the processor, an EPG presentation layout, wherein the EPG presentation layout includes at least one position associated with content of the EPG information within a live TV application panel;retrieving, from at least one source, the EPG information; andpresenting, via the display, the EPG information in the EPG presentation layout to a second portion of the display, wherein the second portion of the display is associated with the live TV application panel, and wherein the live TV application panel overlaps at least a portion of the presented live TV content.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the EPG presentation layout further comprises:referring to rules stored in a memory, wherein the rules include one or more EPG information layout templates, wherein the one or more EPG information layout templates ...

Electronic program guides, systems and methods providing a collapsible channel listing

A television receiving device includes a memory configured to store an electronic program guide. The electronic program guide is divided into channel listings including program information corresponding to television programs being broadcast currently and to television programs scheduled for future broadcast. The device further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input and a processor in communication with the memory and the user interface. The processor is configured to output the electronic program guide to be displayed with, alternatively: 1) at least one channel listing including an expansion icon, where upon the user input indicating a selection of the expansion icon, a single channel listing expands into a plurality of channel listings, or 2) at least one channel including a collapsing icon, where upon the user input indicating a selection of the collapsing icon, a plurality of channel listings collapse into a single channel listing.

Systems and methods for managing data in an intelligent television

An intelligent television can store and retrieve data about various functions of the television or associated with user behavior. The stored data streamlines the processes of providing electronic programming guide information, providing search results, providing statistics about content, providing channel information, etc. The unique set of data services in the intelligent television receive, store, manage, and retrieve the data for various of the applications or components.

Systems and methods for providing user interfaces in an intelligent television

An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for navigating processes associated with providing content. The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of media content, electronic programming guide information, television content, and other content. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the content.

Content-sensitive user interface for an intelligent television

An intelligent television, methods for displaying content, and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with a side menu allowing for navigation, selection, additional content, display, and search options that enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device. The intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television without obstructing the user from viewing content displayed on the screen of the intelligent television.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same

A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel.

CONTENT RIGHTS MANAGEMENT FOR MOBILE DEVICES

An electronic device for providing geolocation independent content rights management includes a non-transitory storage medium and a processing unit. The processing unit executes instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium to receive a request for content from a content access device and, if the content access device is registered to an account associated with a geolocation, provides access to the content. In some implementations, the processing unit may determine if the content access device is registered using a token corresponding to the request. In various implementations, the processing unit may verify that one or more digital rights management and/or persistence policies allow the access, such as where access may be provided to one copy of the content at a time. 1. A system for content rights management , comprising:a non-transitory storage medium; and receive a request for content from a first content access device;', 'determine that a second content access device is associated with the first content access device;', 'communicate with the second content access device to determine that a version of the content is stored on the second content access device; and', prevent the second content access device from accessing the version of the content while the first content access device accesses the content; and', 'after preventing the second content access device from accessing the version of the content, allow the first content access device to access the content., 'upon determining that the version of the content is stored on the second content access device,'}], 'a processing unit that executes instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing unit communicates with the second content access device to prevent the second content access device from accessing the version of the content while the first content access device accesses the content.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing ...

USER INTERFACES FOR CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

A user interface for a content distribution system is disclosed which allows a manager of an environment of TV sets to view which content is playing on individual TV sets, and to change, track and otherwise adjust the content. The invention advantageously provides these features without interfering with other TV sets' programming when another TV set is being adjusted, changes or tracked by the manager. 1. A computer implemented method of controlling content being output to multiple devices , wherein each of the multiple devices is statically tuned to a particular channel , the method comprising:polling the devices to populate system information on a display accessible by a manager of a system of the multiple displays to provide a population of available channels to the manager so that the manager can readily ascertain which devices are statically to tuned to the particular channels;generating a file of available channels to which the multiple channels are displayed;refreshing the list of available channels on a periodic basis; anddisplaying the list of available channels to the manager so that the manager may control the content being output to the multiple devices.2. The method recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of logging into the system using a password.3. The method recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of searching the file of available channels based on criteria.4. The method recited in claim 3 , wherein the criteria comprise at least one of the group consisting essentially of channel name claim 3 , channel number claim 3 , channel text claim 3 , and channel events.5. The method recited in claim 1 , wherein the refreshing step comprises the step of adding a channel to the channel list.6. The method recited in claim 5 , wherein the refreshing step further comprises deleting a channel from the channel list.7. The method recited in claim 6 , wherein the refreshing step comprises the step of updating the channel list with added and deleted ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING MUSICAL INSIGNIAS FOR MEDIA PROVIDERS

Methods and systems are discussed herein for generating audio presentations of musical insignias associated with media providers in an interactive media guide. For example, instead of requiring a user to read or otherwise visually identify a media object on an interactive guide, the media guidance application generates an audio presentation of a musical insignia known to a user to be associated with the media object. 1. A method of generating musical insignias for media providers , the method comprising:generating an interactive media guide that includes a media listing associated with a media provider;receiving a user input navigating to the media listing;in response to the user navigating to the media listing, determining a first musical insignia associated with the media provider, wherein the first musical insignia is unique to the media provider; andgenerating an audio presentation of the first musical insignia.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:generating a media object, wherein the media object includes a category of media listings, an icon associated with a guide function, or a media listing;receiving a user input navigating to the media object;in response to the user navigating to the media object, determining a second musical insignia associated with the media object, wherein the second musical insignia is unique to the media object; andgenerating an audio presentation of the second musical insignia.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the first musical insignia associated with the media provider further comprises:monitoring content of media associated with the media provider during a time period;detecting occurrences of a musical sequence in the content of the media;comparing a number of the occurrences to a threshold number; andin response to the number of the occurrences exceeding the threshold number, determining the musical sequence is the first musical insignia.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the time period is associated with ...

INTEGRATED CABLE AND OVER-THE-TOP VIDEO CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM

A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available cable channels and over-the-top video content sources. 1. A system for providing video content to a subscriber , comprising: a first input interface configured to receive a video signal from a cable television service provider;', 'a second input interface configured to provide a connection to a communication network on which a plurality of over-the-top content items are available from a plurality of over-the-top video sources not affiliated with the cable television service provider;', 'an output port configured to deliver the video signal and a set of the over-the-top content items to a display device;', 'a processor; and', video corresponding to the video signal, wherein the video signal corresponds to a cable television service provider channel to which the media player device is set,', 'a channel selector that includes one or more user-selectable channels of content from the cable television service provider and one or more user-selectable channels of content from one or more over-the-top (OTT) video sources, and', the featured channel is one of the channels that is available in the channel selector, and', 'when the featured channel is a channel from an OTT video source, each displayed asset of available content in the set is associated with metadata that includes an address where the asset may be retrieved from the OTT source so that when a user selects the asset from the channel selector, the device will retrieve the asset from the address of the OTT video source and causes the display device to present the user-selected video-on-demand program as served by the OTT video source., 'an asset listing interface that ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CUSTOMIZING AN INTERACTIVE MEDIA GUIDE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Methods and systems are described herein for a media guidance application, which allows a user to quickly and easily review, navigate, and select available media listings. The media guidance application allows a user to customize a media guide such that different types of information are displayed in different regions of a display screen. For example, the media guidance application may allow a user to view media listings in one region of the display screen, while viewing additional information about selected media listings in a second region of the display screen. 1. A method for customizing an interactive media guide , the method comprising:generating a plurality of media listings for display in a first region;receiving a first user input selecting a first media listing of the plurality of media listings to associate with a first user selected position in a second region, wherein the second region is adjacent to the first region;in response to the first user input, generating for display additional information corresponding to the first media listing at the first user selected position in the second region;receiving a second user input selecting a second media listing of the plurality of media listings to associate with a second user selected position in the second region; andin response to the second user input, generating for display, simultaneously with the additional information corresponding to the first media listing at the first user selected position in the second region, additional information corresponding to the second media listing at the second user selected position in the second region.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a type of the additional information corresponding to the first media listing to generate in the second region based on the first user input.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a type of the additional information corresponding to the first media listing to generate in the second region ...

INTEGRATED CABLE AND OVER-THE-TOP VIDEO CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEM

A media player pass-through device is used to provide an integrated programming guide and content from both cable television services and a variety of over-the-top (OTT) video content sources. Based on data received from the cable provider, the programming guide may include video corresponding to a cable television video signal, and a menu of available channels and OTT video content sources. 1. A system for providing video content to a subscriber , comprising: a first input interface configured to receive a video signal from a cable television service provider;', 'a second input interface configured to provide a connection to a communication network on which a plurality of over-the-top content items are available from a plurality of over-the-top video sources not affiliated with the cable television service provider;', 'an output port configured to deliver the video signal and a set of the over-the-top content items to a display device;', 'a processor; and', video corresponding to the video signal, and', 'a menu of applications, a subset of which corresponds to available over-the-top video content sources., 'a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to output a content delivery interface at the display device, wherein the content delivery interface comprises a home screen that displays], 'a media player device comprising2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:the display device; anda cable television service provider set top box configured to provide the video signal to the media player device.3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a remote control that is programmed to control the display device and the media player device.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the programming instructions that cause the processor to output the content delivery interface comprise instructions to implement the home screen as a unified display wherein:video corresponding to the video signal is ...

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

A digital television can include a display; an interface to receive a control signal from a remote controller; a communication unit for internet access; a broadcast receiver; and a controller to display broadcast content received through the broadcast receiver, display a screen corresponding to a voice recognition mode in response to entering the voice recognition mode, the screen includes a symbol and text indicating the voice recognition mode, receive a voice command signal corresponding to a voice command through the remote controller in the voice recognition mode while the broadcast content is displayed, in which the voice command is input via a microphone provided in the remote controller, and the input voice command includes a search source and a search keyword, and display a web page corresponding to the search source included in the voice command, which includes a search window including the search keyword and a search result. 1. A digital television comprising:a display;an interface configured to receive a control signal for controlling an operation of the digital television from a remote controller;a communication unit configured to support internet access;a broadcast receiver configured to receive broadcast signals or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management server via a broadcast channel; and display broadcast content received through the broadcast receiver on the display,', 'display a screen corresponding to a voice recognition mode on the display in response to entering the voice recognition mode, wherein the screen includes a symbol and text indicating the voice recognition mode,', 'receive a voice command signal corresponding to a voice command through the remote controller in the voice recognition mode while the broadcast content is displayed, wherein the voice command is input via a microphone provided in the remote controller, wherein the input voice command includes a search source and a search keyword, and', ' ...

VIDEO RECEIVING APPARATUS AND VIDEO DISPLAY METHOD

A video receiving apparatus includes a video processor, and is configured to activate content browser in response to an operation of a viewer and cause a video display apparatus to display a browser video generated by the content browser assisting the viewer in selecting a desired service from a plurality of the services that may be viewed at identical time. The video processor displays moving picture content in a first aspect until displaying the browser video. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the video processor displays the moving picture content along with the browser video in a second aspect different from the first aspect. 1. A video receiving apparatus configured to activate a content browser in response to an operation of a viewer and cause a video display apparatus to display a browser video generated by the content browser assisting the viewer in selecting a desired service from a plurality of services , the video receiving apparatus comprising a video processor that displays moving picture content in a first aspect until displaying the browser video , the video processor displaying the moving picture content along with the browser video in a second aspect different from the first aspect when a predetermined condition is satisfied.2. The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the video processor displays the moving picture content in part of a screen of the video display apparatus in the first aspect.3. The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the video processor displays information regarding the content browser along with the moving picture content displayed in the first aspect.4. The video receiving apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the video processor displays the information in a section other than the moving picture content.5. The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the video processor outputs an audio of the moving picture content when displaying the moving picture content ...

System and method for presenting information associated with a media program

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a processor adapted to receive a message from a portable communication device communicatively coupled to a set-top box presenting a media program and to retrieve from the message a media descriptor associated with the media program. The processor is further adapted to identify according to the media descriptor one or more images of one or more performers commonly presented in the media program, to monitor one or more frames of a live media feed including the media program, and compare the one or more human figures to the one or more images of performers. The processor can also be adapted to recognize a performer from the comparison, to retrieve information associated with the performer, and to transmit the information to the portable communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Control method and display apparatus providing various types of content

A control method and display apparatus for providing various types of content is provided. The display apparatus includes a display unit which displays an image of contents; a storage unit which stores information regarding the contents; a UI generation unit which generates UIs regarding the contents; and a controller which shuts down a first content being executed, storing information regarding the shut down first content and controls generation and display of a UI regarding the first content on the display unit, when running a second content different from the first content, while the first content is running. The control method includes running contents and displaying the contents; running a second content that is different from a first content being run, according to a user input; shutting off the first content before running the second content; storing the first content; and generating and displaying a UI regarding the first content.

Audience Content Exposure Monitoring Apparatuses, Methods and Systems

The Audience Content Exposure Monitoring Apparatuses, Methods and Systems (“ACEM”) transforms pulsing request (e.g., 1107 ), viewing status, purchase request, channel selection, survey request, sentiment request, atmospherics, social media posts, response events, data request and access token, app/device input monitoring, check-in, URL access, etc. inputs via ACEM components into atmospherics sampling record (e.g., 1106 ), ad contents (e.g., 1115 ), RT data/records, ad tags, media program, full page content outputs. In some embodiments, the ACEM provides a mobile metering system that configures the data collection of audience environment atmospherics to evaluate audience media exposure. In one implementation, the ACEM may employ media data collection technology using a combination of mobile device metering app and cloud hosted server side technology to determine when and how often a user mobile device should record and/or generate monitoring atmospherics of audience environment; and to determine what content the audience has been exposed to based on the collected monitoring data.

SYSTEM FOR ADDRESSING ON-DEMAND TV PROGRAM CONTENT ON TV SERVICES PLATFORM OF A DIGITAL TV SERVICES PROVIDER

Video content is uploaded via the Internet to a video-on-demand (VOD) server identified by a title and a hierarchical address of categories and subcategories for categorizing the title. The VOD server converts and stores the video content at a storage address in a video content database linked to the title. The title is listed in a location of an electronic program guide (EPG) using the same categories and subcategories as in its hierarchical address. Any TV subscriber can access the EPG and navigate through its categories and subcategories to find a title for viewing on the TV. This can enable many new blogging or podcasting-like programs by popular “Hosts” to be self-published on the Internet and readily navigated for display on TV. The EPG can also store TV program addresses as bookmarks and allow them to be shared with other subscribers or with friends and contacts online by sending to their email addresses. 1. An interactive application stored in non-volatile memory on an Internet-connected digital device associated with a subscriber of a video-on-demand system , the interactive application including computer program instructions executable by the Internet-connected digital device to perform at least the following steps:a) transmitting, from the Internet-connected digital device to a first digital television provider system via the Internet using IP protocol, login credentials associated with a subscriber account of the subscriber;b) receiving, by the Internet-connected digital device via the Internet using IP protocol, the electronic authorization for the interactive application to access privileges associated with the subscriber account of the subscriber; i. category information including first category information,', 'ii. subcategory information including first subcategory information, and', 'iii. title information including first title information of a first title;, 'c) obtaining, during a TV viewing session by the interactive application via the Internet ...

PROGRAM GUIDE SYSTEM WITH VIDEO-ON-DEMAND BROWSING

An interactive television program guide system is provided in which a viewer may direct a television to simultaneously display a selected television program and a program guide display. A viewer may use the program guide display to browse available video-on-demand (VOD) while continuing to view a previously selected program in the background. The viewer may browse through video-on-demand programs on the program guide display using a variety of keys on a remote control unit. The viewer may direct the program guide to order a given video-on-demand program/and set a desired broadcast time for that program. 197-. (canceled)98. A method comprising:outputting a video of a scheduled media asset for display in a full screen display;receiving a first navigational command from a user input device;retrieving first information relating to a first unscheduled media asset including a first media asset title;generating for display in a partial screen media guidance application display over the video of the scheduled media asset, the first media asset title for the first unscheduled media asset;receiving a second navigational command from the user input device;retrieving second information relating to a second unscheduled media asset including a second media asset title and a second source identification code identifying a type of the second unscheduled media asset;generating for display in place of the first media asset title, the second media asset title for the second unscheduled media asset available from the source, when the second navigational command is received;receiving a user input from the user input device; andgenerating for display, the second unscheduled media asset, based on the type of the second unscheduled media asset when the user input is received.99. The method of claim 98 , wherein the first navigational command is associated with a first directional input and a first direction and the second navigational command is associated with a second directional input ...

Video-on-demand content delivery system for providing video-on-demand service to TV service subscribers

A video-on-demand (VOD) content delivery system has a VOD Application Server which manages a database of templates for presentation of video content elements of different selected types categorized in hierarchical order. A web-based Content Management System receives content uploaded online in file formats with metadata for title and topical area, and automatically converts it into video data format compatible with the VOD content delivery system indexed by title and topical area. A User Interface for the system delivers listings data to the viewer's TV indexed by title and topical area specified by the uploaded metadata.

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

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

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE IN A BULLET SCREEN FORMAT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and method for displaying an electronic program guide. The device receives electronic program guide data and stores it in memory. The device also receives video content associated with a broadcast channel of a content provider over a network. The device combines the electronic program guide data and the video content, such that the electronic program guide content is overlaid onto the video content in a bullet screen format. The combined electronic program guide data and the video content are sent to a display device. 1. A method for generating an electronic programming guide , the method comprising:receiving, from a content server, electronic program guide data over a network;receiving, from the content server, video content for a broadcast channel over the network;displaying the received video content on a display device;receiving, from a user device, a request to display electronic program guide data on the display device; anddisplaying, electronic program guide data in a bullet screen format on the display device, wherein each program in the electronic program guide data is displayed as a text bullet that is overlaid on at least a portion of the video content.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:assembling the text bullet to include a text stream for display in the bullet screen format.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:configuring the electronic program guide data to display each text bullet according to a user profile.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:configuring properties of the bullet screen format to display each text bullet according to at least one of a specified fly speed, fly interval, and fly location.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the properties of the bullet screen format are configurable in a user profile.6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:recognizing one or more objects in the video content displayed on the display device, wherein each text bullet flies ...

INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH PROGRAMMING-RELATED LINKS

An interactive television system with programming-related links is provided. The system may include user television equipment on which interactive program guide and non-program-guide applications may be implemented. Information that is displayed in a display screen for a non-program-guide application may be related to programming. A display screen or overlay for programming that is related to the information may be displayed when a user selects the displayed information. The display or overlay for the programming may include advertisements, video, graphics, options, or programming descriptions. The display screen or overlay may have been displayed by the program guide application. 143-. (canceled)44. A method comprising:generating for display, in a first application, a selectable option that is related to a media asset, wherein the first application is configured to be invoked by a user independently of a second application;receiving a user selection of the selectable option;in response to receiving the user selection of the selectable option, retrieving information identifying the media asset; anddirecting the second application to retrieve media asset identifier information related to the media asset, based on the information identifying the media asset, for generating a display comprising a plurality of options, wherein each of the plurality of options corresponds to a media guidance function operable on the media asset, and wherein the first application and the second application are implemented on a same user device.45. The method of claim 44 , wherein the media guidance function operable on the media asset comprises at least one of:causing the media asset to be displayed;setting a reminder for the media asset;recording the media asset; andstoring information associated with the media asset to a user profile.46. The method of claim 44 , wherein the display comprising the plurality of options is generated for display by the second application in an overlay.47. ...

Methods and systems for presenting tag lines associated with media assets

Methods and systems are discussed herein for presenting tag lines associated with media assets in an interactive media guide. For example, a media guidance application may generate a media guide featuring a plurality of media listings. When a user navigates to a media listing, the media guidance application may determine a tag line (e.g., a memorable phrase or scene associated with the media asset that jogs a user's memory) associated with the media listing. The media guidance application may then present the tag line.

Broadcast receiving apparatus, broadcast receiving method, and contents outputting method

A broadcast receiving apparatus includes: a digital broadcast receiver configured to receive digital broadcasting in which contents are transmitted; a network transceiver configured to execute network communication; a data string converter configured to perform a mixing process for creating a new coded data string based on a coded data string of the received contents and a coded data string acquired by the network transceiver; a digital interface configured to output the contents to external equipment; and a controller configured to determine a state of the network communication of the external equipment. The state of the network communication of the external equipment includes a first state in which the network communication is in a communicable state and a second state in which the network communication is in an uncommunicable state. In accordance with the determined state of the network communication, the digital interface performs three types of output operations.

DIFFERENT OVERLAYS IN AN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR DIFFERENT TELEVISION CHANNELS

Systems and methods are provided for customizing the display of interactive television overlays. A condition related to the display of an overlay on top of video for a television channel may be defined for each of a plurality of television channels. A default set of information types for an interactive television overlay (e.g., a FLIP overlay, a BROWSE overlay, etc.) may be defined for the plurality of television channels. When the overlay is displayed on top of video for a given television channel of the plurality of television channels, the overlay may include information of the default set of information types. One or more television channels of the plurality of television channels may be identified as channels for which the default set of information types does not apply (e.g., channels for which the overlay is not displayed or for which a custom set of information types is defined). 1172-. (canceled)173. A system comprising:a memory configured to store content;output circuitry configured to transmit, to be displayed, a video from a content source; receive a request to display information related to the video;', 'determine whether display of overlays has been disabled for the display of the video from the content source;', 'in response to determining that display of overlays has been disabled for the display of the video from the content source, generate, for display, a screen comprising the information related to the video, wherein the screen excludes the display of the video., 'control circuitry configured to174. The system of claim 173 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:in response to determining that display of overlays has not been disabled for the display of the video from the content source, generate, for display, an overlay with the information related to the video that partially obstructs the display of the video from the content source.175. The system of claim 173 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:further in ...

User interfaces for browsing content from multiple content applications on an electronic device

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates browsing of media from different media applications based on category of media (e.g., movies, television shows, etc.). In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates setup of a unified media browsing application that presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing user interface. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays multiple episodes of a collection of episodic content (e.g., a television series) in a user interface for the collection of episodic content. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays representations of, and provides access to, live-event media items accessible on the electronic device.

Accessing programs using networked digital video recording devices

Access to programs using network connected digital video recording devices is disclosed. A DVR causes display of a content guide including a unit identification area. When the unit identification area is updated, the content guide also updates to reflect programs available on the currently selected DVR. The content guide of a remotely connected DVR can thus be displayed, from which programs are selected for playback. Playback can be resumed from a point at which a viewer terminated viewing, either at the local or remote location, or from the beginning of the program. 1. A method performed by a first digital video recorder (DVR) , wherein the first DVR is communicatively coupled using a local area network (LAN) to a second DVR , wherein the second DVR is additionally communicatively coupled to a second display via a second audio-video (AV) output link , wherein the first DVR includes an AV output module for communicatively coupling with a first display via a first AV output link , the method comprising:determining that the first DVR is a current DVR;outputting, by the AV output module of the first DVR, signals for initially displaying a content guide on the first display, wherein the content guide includes a unit identification area and a content area, wherein an initially-displayed unit identification area identifies the first DVR as the current DVR, and wherein an initially-displayed content area that includes a first list of a first set of programs stored in the first DVR and selectable for viewing on the first display;receiving, by the first DVR, a request to select the second DVR; determining that the second DVR is the current DVR,', 'obtaining, from the second DVR, information to populate the content guide, and', 'outputting, by the AV output module of the first DVR, signals to update the content guide on the first display based on the information to populate the content guide obtained from the second DVR, wherein the updated content guide displays an updated ...

Adaptable programming guide for networked devices

In one embodiment, a method of generating an electronic program guide for a user of an entertainment system is disclosed. The method includes retrieving, by a user computer in communication with the entertainment system, preference criteria corresponding to one or more user preferences describing payment requirements. The user computer receives a plurality of content listings, each content listing comprising a content title, an indication of a content source, and a payment requirement, and a search query including a content title. The user computer also identifies a subset of the plurality of content listings based on content title and the search query, and ranks each content listing in the subset based on a comparison of the preference criteria and the payment requirement of each content listing in the subset. A content entry in the electronic program guide is created comprising each content listing in the subset in ranked order.

Communication system, receiving device, server, and communication method

Program information is transmitted and received via a communication line, and a scheduling operation can be performed based on the program information via the communication line. For that purpose, a communication system includes a receiving apparatus, a server, and an information processing apparatus which are configured to transmit data to and receive data from one another via the communication line. The information processing apparatus includes an EPG requester and a display EPG receiver. The server includes an EPG request receiver, an EPG request transmitter, an EPG receiver, an EPG converter, and a display EPG transmitter. The receiving apparatus includes an EPG obtainer, an EPG request acceptor, an EPG extractor, and an EPG transmitter.

Using automatic content recognition (acr) to weight search results for audio video display device (avdd)

ACR is used to identify content viewed by a person watching an AVDD such as a smart TV. Content searches of multiple sources and source types may be conducted and the results arranged for presentation by weighting each item of the search result according to the ACR identifications of historical viewing.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING AND PROVIDING PROGRAM GUIDES AND CONTENT

Techniques for identifying, assembling, and transmitting content are described in the illustrative context of electronic program guides and program channels. An electronic program guide comprises a channel listing and channel program listings. Supplementary content slots are identified. A slot is associated with a time length and is scheduled during or after a scheduled program. A first item of supplementary content, associated with a first time length, is selected to be displayed during a first slot on a user device. In response to determining that the first time length content is less than the time length associated with the first slot, the underrun may be compensated for by causing subsequent primary content to be displayed on the user device at a time earlier than scheduled and a previously scheduled time length of a subsequent supplementary content slot may be extended to a first extended time length, with respect to the user. 1. A computer-implemented method of synchronizing content with an electronic program guide , the method comprising: a listing of channels,', 'a listing channel programs, and', 'program begin and end times;', 'identifying supplementary content slots including at least a first slot, where one or more items of supplementary content are to be displayed to users,', 'wherein a given supplementary content slot is associated with a corresponding time length, and wherein in a given slot is scheduled during a corresponding scheduled program or after a corresponding scheduled program;', 'identifying by the first system, with respect to a first user, a first item of supplementary content to be displayed during the first slot on a first device associated with the first user, the first item of supplementary content associated with a first time length;', 'identifying by the first system, with respect to a second user, a second item of supplementary content to be displayed during the first slot on a second device associated with the second user, the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING AND PROVIDING PROGRAM GUIDES AND CONTENT

Systems and methods for identifying, assembling, and transmitting content are described in the illustrative context of electronic program guides and program channels. A first system causes an interactive interstitial to be presented on a remote first device of a user in conjunction with a scheduled program. The first system determines if a second device of the user is available to receive an interstitial interaction request. At least partly in response to determining that the second device is available to receive an interstitial interaction request, the interstitial interaction request is presented via a client hosted on the second device. At least partly in response to determining that the user has provided an interaction via the second device, the interaction is stored in memory. Optionally, an interstitial is composed based at least in part on the user interaction. The composed interstitial is optionally displayed via the first device of the user in conjunction with a scheduled program. 1. A computer-implemented method , the method comprising:causing, by a first system comprising hardware, an interactive interstitial to be presented on a remote first device of a user during or after a first scheduled video program streamed over a network to and presented on the remote first device;detecting, by the first system, that a user interstitial interaction is to be requested;determining by the first system if a second device of the user is available to receive an interstitial interaction request;at least partly in response to determining that the second device is available to receive an interstitial interaction request, causing the interstitial interaction request to be presented via a client hosted on the second device;at least partly in response to determining that the user has provided an interaction via the second device, storing the user interaction in non-transitory memory;composing, by the first system, an interstitial based at least in part on the user ...

DONGLE DEVICE WITH VIDEO ENCODING AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH

A universal serial bus (USB) dongle device includes a USB interface for receiving a video signal in a first format and for sending a processed video signal in a second format wherein the first format differs from the second format. An encoding module generates the processed video signal based on the video signal. In a further embodiment, A video card includes a video receiver for receiving a video signal in a first format, based on a selection command. An encoding module generates a processed video signal in a second format based on the video signal, wherein the first format differs from the second format. A USB interface transfers the processed video signal to the host device, receives the selection command from the host device and receives a power signal from the host device to power the video receiver and the encoding module. 1. A dongle device for use in conjunction with a television , the dongle device comprising:an electronic program guide module configured to operate via at least one processor to generate program data relating to a plurality of video programs;a wireless network transceiver configured to receive a streaming video signal in a first format from a video source in response to selection data that indicates a selected one of the plurality of video programs and a selection of the first format from a plurality of available formats, wherein the selection data is received from a mobile communication device in response to commands from a user;a decoding module, coupled to the wireless network transceiver, configured to operate via the at least one processor to decode the video signal from the first format to generate a decoded video signal;an encoding module, coupled to the wireless network transceiver, configured to operate via the at least one processor to generate a processed video signal in a second format from the decoded video signal, wherein the second format is a high definition multimedia interface format;a housing that encloses the wireless ...

TOUCH-SCREEN REMOTE CONTROLLER AND REMOTE CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

The present invention provides a touch-screen remote controller and a remote control method thereof, relates to the field of remote control technology, and can solve the problem of limited functions of the existing touch-screen remote controller. The touch-screen remote controller of the present invention comprises a microprocessor module, a touch-control module, a power supply module, a storage module and a program classification module, wherein, the power supply module provides power for the microprocessor module, the touch-control module achieves a touch-control function under the control of the microprocessor module, the storage module stores TV listings therein and is connected with the microprocessor module, and the program classification module is used for classifying TV programs contained in the TV listings stored in the storage module under the control of the microprocessor module. 1. A touch-screen remote controller , comprising a microprocessor module , a touch-control module , a power supply module , a storage module and a program classification module , wherein , the power supply module provides power for the microprocessor module , the touch-control module achieves a touch-control function under the control of the microprocessor module , the storage module stores TV listings therein and is connected with the microprocessor module , and the program classification module is used for classifying TV programs contained in the TV listings stored in the storage module under the control of the microprocessor module.2. The touch-screen remote controller according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , the program classification module classifies programs broadcast on respective channels according to time period and program content.316-. (canceled)17. The touch-screen remote controller according to claim 1 , further comprising a program type selecting module used for selecting a program type to be displayed from program types classified by the program classification ...