Method and apparatus for navigating and playing back media content

An approach is provided for navigating media content by specifying a time to start playback of the media content.

Live streaming circular buffer

A device may receive an update playlist file that lists segments of a content stream in an order that the segments are to be recombined by a client device; update a live playlist file based on the update playlist file; update a time playlist file by appending segment identifiers, which are included in the update playlist file and not included in the time playlist file, to the time playlist file; create a new playlist file that includes the segment identifiers and that does not include other segment identifiers; and send one of the live playlist file, time playlist file, or the new playlist file to a client device.

CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK INTEGRATION FOR HOME MEDIA CLIENT CONTENT

A device may provide information identifying one or more items of content stored by a home media client. The device may receive a request for content, of the one or more items of content, stored by the home media client. The home media client may store a first copy of the content. The device may identify a second copy of the content based on the request for the content. The second copy of the content may be stored by a storage device of a content delivery network or may be stored by the home media client without being stored by the storage device of the content delivery network. The device may cause the second copy of the content to be provided via the content delivery network as a response to the request regardless of whether the second copy of the content is stored by the storage device of the content delivery network or by the home media client. 1. A device , comprising: provide information identifying one or more items of content stored by a home media client;', 'the home media client storing a first copy of the content;', 'receive a request for content, of the one or more items of content, stored by the home media client,'}, 'the second copy of the content being stored by a storage device of a content delivery network or being stored by the home media client without being stored by the storage device of the content delivery network; and', 'identify a second copy of the content based on the request for the content,'}, 'cause the second copy of the content to be provided via the content delivery network as a response to the request regardless of whether the second copy of the content is stored by the storage device of the content delivery network or by the home media client., 'one or more processors to2. The device of claim 1 , where the first copy of the content and the second copy of the content are the same copy of the content.3. The device of claim 1 , where the one or more processors are further to:cause a connection to be established for a particular device ...

Program services including adaptive failover and backup services

A method, a device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium stores executable instructions to provide a program service; predict whether a disruption in the program service is to occur; generate and transmit a message, which indicates a predicted disruption of the program service, to user devices; switch to another program device, by the user devices, to receive the program service; transmit another message to the user device when the disruption is over. Additionally, a method, a device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium stores executable instructions to provide a failure over service that informs other user devices that an in-home server device is down, and a backup service that includes storing program service data, which includes recorded programs and user settings, on the in-home server device and a cloud device. The backup service also includes a recovery service that restores the program service data when the in-home server device is replaced.

Media content asset recovery methods and systems

An exemplary method includes a media content asset recovery system 1) detecting a migration of a user account from being associated with a first DVR system to being associated with a second DVR system, 2) identifying, in response to the detecting, a media content asset included within a library of one or more media content assets stored by the first DVR system at a time associated with the migration, 3) selecting, in accordance with a source selection heuristic, a media content source other than the first DVR system and that is configured to distribute the media content asset, and 4) directing the second DVR system to acquire the media content asset from the selected media content source for storage by the second DVR system.

Content delivery network integration for home media client content

A device may provide information identifying one or more items of content stored by a home media client. The device may receive a request for content, of the one or more items of content, stored by the home media client. The home media client may store a first copy of the content. The device may identify a second copy of the content based on the request for the content. The second copy of the content may be stored by a storage device of a content delivery network or may be stored by the home media client without being stored by the storage device of the content delivery network. The device may cause the second copy of the content to be provided via the content delivery network as a response to the request regardless of whether the second copy of the content is stored by the storage device of the content delivery network or by the home media client.

Enhanced fast-forward and rewind visual feedback for HLS content

A server device may receive a playback request that identifies particular content, a first segment file associated with the particular content, and a playback speed; and generate a playlist based on receiving the playback request. When generating the playlist, the server device may determine one or more second segment files, associated with the particular content, based on the playback speed and the first segment file; determine, based on the playback speed, a sequence in which the first segment file and the one or more second segment files should be played; and generate a list identifying the first segment file and the one or more second segment files. The list may be sorted based on the sequence. The one or more second segment files may be listed subsequent to the first second file. The server device may store or output the playlist.

User-based customization of a user interface

A customized user interface service includes a self-customization and an auto-customization of user interfaces. A user interface is customized based on usage data of the user. The usage data includes historical navigational data. The usage data is analyzed to identify a pattern of usage. The user interface is customized based on the identified pattern of usage. The customized user interface service also allows a user to select and execute customizations.

Methods and systems for cloud-based media content transcoding

An exemplary system for cloud-based media content transcoding includes a local media content server that records a media content program, divides the media content program into a plurality of program segments, generates a program segment playlist including pointers to the plurality of program segments, receives a request for a media content playback device to download the media content program, and transmits the program segment playlist to the media content playback device. The program segment playlist directs the media content playback device to request and download transcoded versions of the program segments from a cloud-based transcoding system located remotely from the local media content server. The cloud-based transcoding system accesses the program segments from the local media content server, and generates and transmits the transcoded versions of the program segments to the media content playback device.

Routing device as a command client

A routing device determines data associating commands with devices connected to a local area network (LAN). The routing device receives a request for execution of a particular command and identifies a particular device to execute the particular command based on the command data. The routing device generates an instruction message that causes the particular device to execute the particular command, and the routing device forwards the instruction message to the particular device via the LAN. The request may be received via a wide area network (WAN), and the request may include an address for the routing device on the WAN. When generating the instruction message, the routing device may replace, in the request, the address for the routing device with an address associated with the particular device. The instruction message may further include parameters associated with execution of the particular command by the particular device.

Location based media content access management systems and methods

An exemplary method includes a media content access system maintaining a media content restriction list that specifies a plurality of media content access parameters that govern access to media content processed by a media player, receiving, from a mobile computing device, a request for the media player to stream the media content to the mobile computing device, determining, based on a geolocation key included in the request and a geographic restriction parameter, whether the mobile computing device is within the geographic area specified by the geographic restriction parameter, and performing a media content access operation. The media content access operation may include one of directing the media player to stream the media content to the mobile computing device and preventing the media player from streaming the media content to the mobile computing device. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Recording variable-quality content stream

A device may include a network interface and a processor. The network interface may receive data over a network and send data over the network. The processor may receive, from a remote device, a first portion of content at a first quality via the network interface. In addition, the processor may record the first portion of the content at the first quality, obtain bandwidth information, send the bandwidth information to a remote device via the network interface, and receive, from the remote device via the network interface, a second portion of the content at a second quality. Furthermore, the processor may record the second portion of the content at the second quality and schedule a download of the content at a fixed quality from a remote system.

Methods and Systems for Cloud-Based Media Content Transcoding

An exemplary system for cloud-based media content transcoding includes a local media content server that records a media content program, divides the media content program into a plurality of program segments, generates a program segment playlist including pointers to the plurality of program segments, receives a request for a media content playback device to download the media content program, and transmits the program segment playlist to the media content playback device. The program segment playlist directs the media content playback device to request and download transcoded versions of the program segments from a cloud-based transcoding system located remotely from the local media content server. The cloud-based transcoding system accesses the program segments from the local media content server, and generates and transmits the transcoded versions of the program segments to the media content playback device. 1. A method comprising:recording, by a local media content server located at a user premises of a user of the local media content server, a media content program;dividing, by the local media content server, the media content program into a plurality of program segments, each program segment comprising a different portion of the media content program;generating, by the local media content server, a program segment playlist including pointers to the plurality of program segments of the media content program, the pointers including data uniquely identifying, to a cloud-based transcoding system located remotely from the user premises and configured to concurrently transcode the plurality of program segments by transcoding at least two of the plurality of program segments in parallel, the local media content server that recorded the media content program of which each program segment comprises a different portion;receiving, by the local media content server, a request for a media content playback device associated with the user to download the media content ...

USERS AS ACTORS IN CONTENT

A method may include receiving a plurality of images of a face of a user, wherein each image of the face of the user is associated with one of a plurality of different expressions. The method may also include receiving a first video, wherein the first video comprises images of an actor including images of a face of the actor, wherein each image of the face of the actor is associated with one of the plurality of different expressions. Further, the method may include replacing the images of the face of the actor with corresponding images of the face of the user in a same expression to create a second video and transmitting the second video to the user. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:receiving a plurality of images of a face of a user, wherein each image of the face of the user is associated with one of a plurality of different expressions;receiving a first video, wherein the first video comprises images of an actor including images of a face of the actor, wherein each image of the face of the actor is associated with one of the plurality of different expressions;replacing the images of the face of the actor with images of the face of the user associated with a corresponding expression to create a second video; andstoring the second video on a computer-readable medium.2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving a plurality of videos of the user, wherein each of the plurality of videos include one of the plurality of images of the face of the user.3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein replacing the images of the face of the actor with corresponding images of the face of the user includes morphing the images of the user from one expression to another expression.4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting the second video to a second user;receiving, from a second user, a value indicative of a rating of the second video including the images of the face of the second user; ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING DUPLICATIVE MEDIA CONTENT RECORDINGS

Exemplary systems and methods for preventing duplicative media content recordings are disclosed. An exemplary method includes a media content access subsystem detecting that a media content instance is scheduled to be recorded, determining, based on an operations log of one or more past operations of the media access subsystem, that the scheduled recording of the media content instance is duplicative of a past recording, and selectively canceling the scheduled recording of the media content instance in response to the determination that the scheduled recording is duplicative of the past recording. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed. 1. A method comprising:detecting, by a media content access subsystem, that a media content instance is scheduled to be recorded;determining, by the media content access subsystem based on an operations log of one or more past operations of the media content access subsystem, that the scheduled recording of the media content instance is duplicative of a past recording; andselectively canceling, by the media content access subsystem in response to the determining, the scheduled recording of the media content instance.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining that the scheduled recording of the media content instance is duplicative of the past recording comprises:searching the operations log for at least one operation associated with the media content instance; anddetecting the at least one operation associated with the media content instance within the operations log.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least one operation associated with the media content instance comprises at least one of a recording of the media content instance claim 2 , a playback of a recording of the media content instance claim 2 , and a deletion of a recording of the media content instance.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising maintaining claim 1 , by the media content access subsystem claim 1 , the operations log locally ...

Secondary Audio Content by Users

A method comprising displaying the list of content on a display and receiving a selection for a first content including a first video content and a first audio content. The method may include displaying a menu of a plurality of additional audio content on the display, wherein displaying the menu of the plurality of additional audio content includes displaying a rating of each of the plurality of additional audio content based on ratings provided by users of each of the plurality of additional audio content. The method may also include receiving a selection of one of the plurality of additional audio content and playing the first content while simultaneously playing the selected one of the plurality of additional audio content. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:displaying a list of content on a display;receiving a selection for a first content from the list, the first content including a first video content and a first audio content;displaying a menu of a plurality of additional audio content on the display, wherein displaying the menu of the plurality of additional audio content includes displaying based on ratings provided by users of each of the plurality of additional audio content;receiving a selection of one of the plurality of additional audio content; andplaying the first content while simultaneously playing the selected additional audio content.2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising:combining the first content with the selected additional audio content to generate mixed content such that the first audio content and the additional audio content are audible to a viewer of the mixed content.3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 , wherein playing includes playing the mixed content claim 2 , wherein the selected additional audio content is a voice-over audio track in the mixed content.4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 ,wherein the selected additional audio content is associated with additional video ...

User-customized programming

A method may include transmitting a list of programs for customization to a user device and receiving, from the user device, a selection by the user of one of the listed programs. The method may further include determining a list of clips to recommend to the user based on a user profile associated with the user and transmitting the list of clips to the user device for customizing the selected program. Further, the method may include receiving a selection of one of the clips from the user device and inserting the clip into the selected program to generate a customized program.

Methods and Systems for Dynamically Adjusting at least one of a Start and a Stop of a Recording Based on an Advertisement Break

Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting a start or a stop of a recording based on an advertisement break are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access subsystem detecting an instruction configured to trigger a start or a stop of a recording of a media content instance at a start time or a stop time based on a clock reference, detecting an advertisement break proximate in time to the start time or the stop time, and adjusting the start or the stop of the recording based on the advertisement break. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. 1. A method comprising:detecting, by a media content access subsystem, data representative of an instruction configured to trigger a stop of a recording of a media content instance at a stop time based on a clock reference;detecting, by the media content access subsystem, an advertisement break proximate in time to the stop time; andadjusting, by the media content access subsystem, the stop of the recording based on the advertisement break.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting the advertisement break comprises detecting that the advertisement break is configured to begin before the stop time and end after the stop time.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting the advertisement break comprises detecting that the advertisement break is configured to begin after the stop time.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting the stop of the recording of the media content instance based on the advertisement break comprises adjusting the stop to coincide with a beginning or an ending of the advertisement break.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the adjusting the stop to coincide with the beginning or the ending of the advertisement break comprises adjusting the stop time to coincide with the beginning or the ending of the advertisement break.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the adjusting the stop to coincide with the beginning or the ending of the advertisement break ...

SEARCHING RECORDED OR VIEWED CONTENT

A method may include receiving a request from a user to play or record a program, wherein the program is associated with dialog text and determining a user profile associated with the user. The method may include associating, in response to receiving the request, the dialog text of the requested program with the user profile. The method may include receiving a search query from the user associated with the user profile and searching the dialog text associated with the user for dialog text that matches the search query. The method may include transmitting, for display, an identification of the program associated with the matching dialog text. 1. A network device comprising:a receiver to receive, from a user, requests to play or record programs and to receive a search query from the user;a memory to store dialog text associated with each of the requested programs;a processor to search the stored dialog text associated with requested programs for dialog text that matches the search query; anda transmitter to send, for display to the user, an identification of one or more of the programs associated with matching dialog text.2. The network device of claim 1 ,wherein the receiver is configured to receive, from the user, a selection of one of the identified programs associated with the matching dialog text, andwherein the processor instructs a display to play the selected program starting at a time corresponding to the matching dialog text.3. The network device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to:associate each program with a different plurality of images and associate each image with a different group of dialog text;select an image, associated with the matching dialog text, for each identified program associated with the matching dialog text.4. The network device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to associate the dialog text associated with the requested programs with a group of users claim 1 , wherein each user is associated with ...

Mpeg-w decoder

A device comprising a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-W decoder; and one or more processing systems to execute the instructions of the MPEG-W decoder, which configure the one or more processing systems to receive a request for streaming content; select an estimate of a bandwidth for a connection between a destination device and a source device; select a device type pertaining to the destination device; generate a stream request that includes an MPEG-W link, the estimate of the bandwidth, the device type, the MPEG-W link including an address pertaining to the source device, a name of the streaming content, and a file extension of an MPEG-W format; transmit the stream request to the source device; select a streaming content based on the stream request; wherein the streaming content has a resolution corresponding to the estimate of the bandwidth; and transmitting the streaming content to the destination device.

REGION OF INTEREST STREAMING

A device may include an interface and one or more processors. The interface may obtain, from a content source via a network, a playlist file including a plurality of content file identifiers corresponding to a plurality of content files associated with alternate encodings of a content stream. The one or more processors may determine that the alternate encodings correspond to different logical divisions of an image area associated with the content stream, forward, to a client device, the playlist file for selection of one logical division of the different logical divisions, and request, from the content source via the communication interface and responsive to the forwarding, one or more content file, of the plurality of content files, associated with a particular encoding of the alternate encodings. 1. A method comprising:obtaining, from a content source via a network, a playlist file including a plurality of content file identifiers corresponding to a plurality of content files associated with alternate encodings of a content stream;determining that the alternate encodings correspond to different logical divisions of an image area associated with the content stream;forwarding, to a client device, the playlist file for selection of one logical division of the different logical divisions; andobtaining, from the content source via the network and responsive to the forwarding, one or more content file, of the plurality of content files, associated with a particular encoding of the alternate encodings.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:generating a graphical representation of the different logical divisions of the image area; andpresenting, to the client device, the graphical representation for selection of a particular logical division of the different logical divisions.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of content identifiers comprise:a common attribute value identifying the content stream, anda different attribute value ...

DELIVERY OF STREAMING MEDIA CONTENT

A device includes a communication interface and one or more processors. The communication interface may receive media guide data, from a media guide server via a network, including information relating to a number of available media items and playlist information relating to at least one available playlist file associated with a particular media item. The one or more processors may receive a user selection of the particular media item and may request the playlist file from a playlist server via the network based on the playlist information via the interface. The interface may receive the playlist file from the playlist server, the playlist file including locations of stream segments corresponding to the selected playlist. The one or more processors may request the stream segments from a content server via the network based on the received playlist file. 1. A computing-device implemented method , comprising:generating two or more media streams based on a source media item, wherein the two or more media streams each include a number of stream segments;storing the stream segments for each of the two or more media streams on a content server;generating playlist files for each of the two or more media streams, wherein the playlist files identify locations of the associated stream segments on the content server;storing the playlist files, for each of the two or more media streams, on a playlist server;generating a variant playlist file that identifies the locations and attributes associated with each of the playlist files;inserting information based on the variant playlist file into media guide data; andtransmitting the media guide data to a client device via a network.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attributes comprise at least network bandwidth attributes associated with each of the two or more media streams.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information based on the variant playlist file comprises playlist location and bandwidth information for at least one ...

PROVISIONING AN EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM (EAS) MESSAGE SERVICE TO USER DEVICES

A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content; obtain the video content in response to the request; process the video content to generate one or more first segments, where each of the first segments corresponds to a respective portion of the video content; receive an emergency alert system (EAS) message; process the EAS message to generate one or more second segments, where each of the second segments corresponds to a respective portion of the EAS message; and transmit, to the user device, a playlist, associated with the video content, that includes the first segments and the second segments, where the playlist allows the user device to play the video content on a particular channel based on the first segments, and allows the user device to play the EAS message, based on the second segments, without tuning to a channel different from the particular channel. 1. A method comprising:receiving, by a server device and from a user device, a request for video content;obtaining, by the server device, the video content in response to the request;processing, by the server device, the video content to generate one or more first segments, where each of the one or more first segments corresponds to a respective portion of the video content;receiving, by the server device, an emergency alert system (EAS) message;processing, by the server device, the EAS message to generate one or more second segments, where each of the one or more second segments corresponds to a respective portion of the EAS message; and allows the user device to receive or play the video content on a particular channel based on the one or more first segments, and', 'allows the user device to receive or play the message, based on the one or more second segments, without tuning to a channel different from the particular channel., 'transmitting, to the user device, a playlist, associated with the video content, that includes the one or more first segments and the one or more ...

MESSAGE DELIVERY MECHANISM

A method may include receiving a video stream, wherein the video stream is divided into video segments, and wherein the video stream is being sent to a customer device and receiving a request to insert a message into the video stream. The method may further include determining a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream; inserting the message into video stream after the particular video segment; and sending the video stream to the customer device, wherein the video stream includes the inserted message. 1. A method performed by a server device , the method comprising:receiving, by the server device, a video stream, wherein the video stream is divided into video segments, and wherein the video stream is being sent to a customer device;receiving, by the server device, a request to insert a message into the video stream;determining, by the server device, a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream;inserting, by the server device, the message into video stream after the particular video segment; andsending, by the server device, the video stream to the customer device, wherein the video stream includes the inserted message.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream is performed independently of a Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 35 specification message cue associated with the video stream.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the message includes an advertisement.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the message includes one or more of:a message from a billing system;a message from a service system;a message from a customer; ora message from an emergency messaging system.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining a particular video segment after which to insert the message into the video stream includes:determining a time at which to insert the message into the video stream;determining a ...

Method and system for providing synchronized playback of media streams and corresponding closed captions

An approach for providing synchronized playback of media streams and corresponding closed captions is described. One or more portions of a media stream and corresponding closed caption data is received, at a virtual video server resident on a user device, from an external video server. The one or more portions of the media stream and the corresponding closed caption data is buffered by the virtual video server. The one or more portions of the media stream is delivered to a video player application and the corresponding closed caption data is delivered to a rendering application as to synchronize playback of the one or more portions of the media stream and the corresponding closed caption data by the respective applications, wherein the video player application and the rendering application are resident on the user device.

PREVIOUSLY AIRED EPISODE RETRIEVAL BASED ON SERIES DVR SCHEDULING

A device receives an identification of a series to schedule automatic recording of episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, receives an instruction to automatically retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series based on the scheduling of the automatic recording of the episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future. The device searches content, based on receipt of the instruction, to retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series. The device records at least one episode of the scheduled series, and presents the recorded at least one episode of the scheduled series and the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series such that a user may select and play the at least one episode of the scheduled series or the previously aired episodes of the scheduled series. 1. A method , comprising:receiving, from a user at a device, an identification of a series;receiving, from the user via a user interface at the device, a first instruction to schedule automatic recording of episodes of the series, that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, as scheduled series;receiving, from the user via the user interface at the device, a second instruction to automatically retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series based on the scheduling of the automatic recording of the episodes that are currently airing or that will be airing in the future, wherein the second instruction is distinct from, and received subsequent to, the first instruction;receiving parameters associated with the automatic retrieval of the previously aired episodes of the series, wherein the parameters include a single date to specify retrieval of episodes of the series that aired prior to the single date;searching content, based on receipt of the second instruction, on a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server or other video repository to retrieve previously aired episodes of the scheduled series stored at the VOD ...

LIVE STREAMING CIRCULAR BUFFER

A device may receive an update playlist file that lists segments of a content stream in an order that the segments are to be recombined by a client device; update a live playlist file based on the update playlist file; update a time playlist file by appending segment identifiers, which are included in the update playlist file and not included in the time playlist file, to the time playlist file; create a new playlist file that includes the segment identifiers and that does not include other segment identifiers; and send one of the live playlist file, time playlist file, or the new playlist file to a client device. 1. A system comprising: receive an update playlist file that lists segments of a content stream in an order that the segments are to be recombined by a client device;', 'update a live playlist file based on the update playlist file;', 'update a time playlist file by appending segment identifiers, which are included in the update playlist file and not included in the time playlist file, to the time playlist file;', 'create a new playlist file that includes the segment identifiers; and', 'send one of the live playlist file, time playlist file, or the new playlist file to a client device., 'a device configured to2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: partition the content stream to generate the segments;', 'generate the update playlist file; and', 'send the update playlist file to the device., 'a content processing system configured to3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising:a content source that provides the content stream to the content processing system.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the update playlist file includes a M3U8 file.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the client device includes one of:a personal computer, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a smart phone, a game console, or a tablet computer.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a live directory that includes the live playlist file claim 1 , a first time ...

PROGRAM GUIDE WITH PAST HISTORY DISPLAY AND PROGRAM SELECTION

A method includes receiving, at a set top box, an instruction or command from a user to view program listings associated with programs that were broadcast by a television service provider during a first period of time that is prior to a current time. The method also includes identifying at least one television program that was broadcast during the first period of time and that is available to the user, and outputting, by the set top box, a program guide identifying the at least one television program. The method further includes receiving, at the set top box, a selection corresponding to a first one of the at least one television program and outputting, by the set top box, the first television program. 1. A method , comprising:receiving, at a set top box, an instruction or command from a user to view program listings associated with television programs that were broadcast by a television service provider during a first period of time that is prior to a current time;identifying at least one television program that was broadcast during the first period of time and that is available to the user;outputting, by the set top box, a program guide identifying the at least one television program that was broadcast during the first period of time and that is available to the user;receiving, at the set top box, a selection corresponding to a first one of the at least one television program; andoutputting, by the set top box, the first television program, in response to the selection.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:forwarding, by the set top box, information identifying the first television program to the television service provider, in response to receiving the selection; andreceiving, from the television service provider, the first television program.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying a plurality of television programs that were broadcast during the first period of time and that are not available to the user; andnot including, with the ...

MEDIA PLAYLISTS WITH SELECTIVE MEDIA EXPIRATION

A media server may receive a request for a playlist from a client computing device, the playlist being associated with expiration information indicative of when the playlist becomes obsolete. The media server may provide the requested playlist to the client computing device. The media server may revise the playlist to generate a refreshed version of the playlist and the client computing device may request the refreshed version of the playlist according to the expiration information. 1. A system , comprising: receive a request for a playlist from a client computing device, the playlist being associated with expiration information indicative of when the playlist becomes obsolete;', 'provide the requested playlist to the client computing device;', 'revise the playlist to generate a refreshed version of the playlist; and', 'receive from the client computing device a request for the refreshed version of the requested playlist according to the expiration information., 'a media server configured to2. The system of claim 1 , the media server further configured to provide a variant playlist to the client computing device claim 1 , the variant playlist specifying a plurality of alternate streams in the form of a plurality of playlists each associated with one of the plurality of alternate streams claim 1 , the requested playlist being one of the plurality of playlists of the variant playlist claim 1 , the expiration information being included in the variant playlist.3. The system of claim 1 , the expiration information specifying at least one of: (i) a unit of time to wait after receipt of the playlist before refreshing the playlist; (ii) an amount of time after a date stamp or other time associated with the playlist to wait before refreshing the playlist; (iii) a particular day or time of day after which to refresh the playlist; and (iv) a period for repeated refresh of the playlist.4. The system of claim 1 , the media server further configured to:provide a first plurality ...

Resolution of Tuner Conflicts

Method, device, and storage medium to identify that a resource conflict exists pertaining to tuners of a device that tune to programs; notify a user that the resource conflict exists; receive a request to release a tuner; release the tuner in response to the request; determine whether a program offer is to be made; and provide the program offer in response to determining that the program offer is to be made. 1. A method comprising:identifying, by a device, that a resource conflict exists pertaining to tuners that tune to programs;notifying, by the device, to a user that the resource conflict exists;receiving, by the device, a request to release a tuner;releasing, by the device, the tuner in response to the request;determining, by the device, whether a program offer is to be made in response to the releasing; andproviding, by the device, the program offer in response to determining that the program offer is to be made, wherein the program offer includes at least one program that does not use the tuners.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining comprises:analyzing a usage of the available tuners and corresponding active users;determining whether there is a tuner for each active user to allow each active user to view a program; anddetermining that the program offer is to be made based on determining that there is not a tuner for each active user to allow each active user to view a program.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising:receiving a user acceptance to the program offer;selecting a program received by one of the tuners; andproviding the program to the user or another user.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the selecting comprises:matching a program characteristic of a program previously received by the tuner that was released to a program characteristic of another program.5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:storing user profile information pertaining to users of the device; andusing the user profile information for selecting the program.6. The ...

ROUTING DEVICE AS A COMMAND CLIENT

A routing device determines data associating commands with devices connected to a local area network (LAN). The routing device receives a request for execution of a particular command and identifies a particular device to execute the particular command based on the command data. The routing device generates an instruction message that causes the particular device to execute the particular command, and the routing device forwards the instruction message to the particular device via the LAN. The request may be received via a wide area network (WAN), and the request may include an address for the routing device on the WAN. When generating the instruction message, the routing device may replace, in the request, the address for the routing device with an address associated with the particular device. The instruction message may further include parameters associated with execution of the particular command by the particular device. 1. A method comprising:determining, by a routing device, command data associating a plurality of commands and a plurality of devices connected to a local area network (LAN);receiving, by the routing device, a request for execution of a particular command of the plurality of commands;identifying, by the routing device and based on the command data, a particular device, of the plurality of devices, to execute the particular command;generating, by the routing device, an instruction message to execute the particular command; andforwarding, by the routing device, the instruction message to the particular device via the LAN, wherein the instruction message causes the particular device to execute the particular command.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein he request is received via a wide area network (WAN) and the request includes a first address for the routing device claim 1 , and wherein generating the instruction message includes:replacing, in the request, the first address with a second address associated with the particular device.3. The method ...

DELIVERY CONFIRMATION AND NON-LIVE DELIVERY OF EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM MESSAGES

A device may detect an emergency alert system message. The emergency alert system message may include a message to be provided for consumption by multiple users. The device may determine that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered for consumption by a user. The device may store the emergency alert system message, for future delivery, based on determining that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered for consumption by the user. The device may receive an indication to provide the emergency alert system message after storing the emergency alert system message. The device may provide the emergency alert system message, for consumption by the user, based on receiving the indication to provide the emergency alert system message. 1. A device , comprising:a memory to store instructions; and [ 'the emergency alert system message including a message to be provided', 'detect an emergency alert system message,'}, 'a plurality of users;', 'determine that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered to a user of the plurality of users when another device, associated with the user and to which the emergency alert system message is to be delivered, is powered on and is not currently providing live content;', 'store the emergency alert system message, for future delivery, based on determining that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered to the user;', 'receive an indication to provide the emergency alert system message after storing the emergency alert system message; and', 'provide the emergency alert system message, to the user, based on receiving the indication to provide the emergency alert system message., 'one or more processors to, to execute the instructions in the memory, to2. The device of claim 1 , where the one or more processors claim 1 , when determining that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered claim 1 , are to: 'the ...

USER-BASED CUSTOMIZATION OF A USER INTERFACE

A customized user interface service includes a self-customization and an auto-customization of user interfaces. A user interface is customized based on usage data of the user. The usage data includes historical navigational data. The usage data is analyzed to identify a pattern of usage. The user interface is customized based on the identified pattern of usage. The customized user interface service also allows a user to select and execute customizations. 1. A method comprising:providing, via a device and to a user, a program service that includes a customized user interface service;tracking, by the device, the user's behavior pertaining to a use of the program service;storing, by the device, usage data based on the user's behavior, wherein the usage data includes navigational data that indicates a navigational history of the user's use of user interfaces of the program service;storing, by the device, business rules pertaining to the customized user interface service;generating, by the device, a customized user interface based on the business rules and the usage data, wherein the customized user interface includes an alteration of one or more graphical elements of one or more user interfaces of the user interfaces of the program service;displaying, via the device, the customized user interface to the user; andincluding the customized user interface as a part of the user interfaces of the program service.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying a pattern of usage based on the usage data, and wherein the generating comprises:moving, based on the identifying, at least one of the one or more graphical elements to another position in at least one of the one or more user interfaces.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying a pattern of usage based on the usage data;identifying a pattern of non-use based on the pattern of usage, and wherein the generating comprises:deleting, based on the identifying of the pattern of non-use, at least one of ...

Methods and Systems for Resolving Conflicts in a Multi-Tuner Digital Video Recording System

An exemplary method includes a conflict resolution system 1) detecting a request for a DVR system having a plurality of tuners to tune to a media content program at a time during which all of the tuners are tuned to other media content programs, 2) identifying one or more media content programs that are being presented by the DVR system at the time of the request and one or more media content programs that are only being recorded by the DVR system at the time of the request, 3) presenting a conflict resolution interface that includes one or more selectable entries representative of the identified one or more media content programs that are only being recorded by the DVR system, and 4) excluding the identified one or more media content programs that are being presented by the DVR system from being represented in the conflict resolution interface.

Providing custom scripts for content files

A first server may: receive, from a user device, an indication of a selection of a particular content file; provide a first query to request a script list having a list of one or more scripts associated with the particular content file, each one of the one or more scripts including an instruction to direct the user device to modify playback of the particular content file; receive, a response to the first query including the script list; and provide one of the one or more scripts to the user device, the user device being capable of executing the instruction of the one of the one or more scripts to modify playback of the particular content file when the user device plays the particular content file.

DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING A CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK FROM WHICH TO RECEIVE CONTENT

A device can receive information related to an availability of content from multiple content delivery networks or a capability of the multiple content delivery networks to provide the content. The device can determine to receive a first portion of the content from a first content delivery network based on the information. The device can receive the first portion of the content from the first content delivery network. The device can receive additional information related to the availability of the content from the multiple content delivery networks or the capability of the multiple content delivery networks to provide the content. The device can determine to receive a second portion of the content from a second content delivery network based on the additional information. The device can receive the second portion of the content from the second content delivery network. The device can perform an action. 1. A device , comprising:one or more memories; and the information being received without requesting or receiving the content,', 'the content including a first portion and a second portion that are different;, 'receive information related to an availability of content from multiple content delivery networks or a capability of the multiple content delivery networks to provide the content,'}, 'one or more processors, communicatively coupled to the one or more memories, todetermine to receive the first portion of the content from a first content delivery network, of the multiple content delivery networks, based on the information;receive the first portion of the content from the first content delivery network after determining to receive the first portion of the content from the first content delivery network; 'a portion of the information or a portion of the additional information being received based on a request associated with a protocol;', 'receive additional information related to the availability of the content from the multiple content delivery networks or the ...

Channel acquisition management

A device may receive information that identifies a request, by a user device, to receive streaming media content associated with a channel. The device may cause the channel to be activated based on the request. The device may receive, from the user device, a quantity of messages based on the channel being activated. The user device may receive the streaming media content associated with the channel. The device may determine, based on the quantity of messages, that the user device is not tuned to the channel. The device may cause the channel to be deactivated based on the user device not being tuned to the channel.

MEDIA START POSITION

A device may generate an index for providing media files via a HTTP Live media stream. The index may include an ordered list of uniform resource identifiers for obtaining the media files. The device may determine a start position for content corresponding to the media files and may insert a start point identifier into the index. The start point identifier may identify one of the uniform resource identifiers included in the ordered list of uniform resource identifiers, for obtaining one of media files that corresponds to the start position for the content. The device may send the index to a client device. The device may receive a request the one of the media files and may provide the one of the media files to the client device via the HTTP Live media stream. 1. A method comprising: 'the index including an ordered list of uniform resource identifiers for obtaining the plurality of media files;', 'generating, by a device, an index for providing a plurality of media files via a HTTP Live media stream,'}determining, by the device, a start position for content corresponding to the plurality of media files; the start point identifier identifying one of the uniform resource identifiers, included in the ordered list of uniform resource identifiers, for obtaining one of the plurality of media files, and', 'the one of the plurality of media files corresponding to the start position for the content;, 'inserting, by the device, a start point identifier into the index,'}sending, by the device, the index to a client device;receiving, by the device and based on sending the index, a request for the one of the plurality of media files; andproviding, by the device, the one of the plurality of media files to the client device via the HTTP Live media stream.2. The method of claim 1 , where inserting the start position identifier includes:inserting information identifying a uniform resource identifier for obtaining the start position identifier into the index.3. The method of claim 1 , ...

Methods and Systems for Facilitating Migration of a User Account from a First Digital Video Recording ("DVR") System to a Second DVR System

An exemplary method includes a digital video recording (“DVR”) data migration management system 1) receiving a request for a user account to migrate from being associated with a first DVR system to being associated with a second DVR system, 2) accessing a first DVR data set associated with the first DVR system and separate from data representative of a library of one or more media content assets stored by the first DVR system, 3) generating a second DVR data set based on the first DVR data set and in accordance with one or more attributes of the second DVR system, and 4) associating the second DVR data set with the second DVR system. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Media Content Asset Recovery Methods and Systems

An exemplary method includes a media content asset recovery system 1) detecting a migration of a user account from being associated with a first DVR system to being associated with a second DVR system, 2) identifying, in response to the detecting, a media content asset included within a library of one or more media content assets stored by the first DVR system at a time associated with the migration, 3) selecting, in accordance with a source selection heuristic, a media content source other than the first DVR system and that is configured to distribute the media content asset, and 4) directing the second DVR system to acquire the media content asset from the selected media content source for storage by the second DVR system. 1. A method comprising:detecting, by a media content asset recovery system, a migration of a user account from being associated with a first digital video recording (“DVR”) system to being associated with a second DVR system;identifying, by the media content asset recovery system in response to the detecting, a media content asset included within a library of one or more media content assets stored by the first DVR system at a time associated with the migration;selecting, by the media content asset recovery system in accordance with a source selection heuristic, a media content source other than the first DVR system and that is configured to distribute the media content asset; anddirecting, by the media content asset recovery system, the second DVR system to acquire the media content asset from the selected media content source for storage by the second DVR system.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying, by the media content asset recovery system in response to the detecting, one or more other media content assets included within the library of one or more media content assets stored by the first DVR system at the time associated with the migration;selecting, by the media content asset recovery system in accordance with the ...

Generating a playlist that includes local segment identifiers and remote segment identifiers for media content

A device may receive a segment of media content, and may store the segment in a first location local to the device. The device may generate a playlist, for accessing the media content, that includes a first segment identifier that identifies the first location local to the device. The device may determine that the first segment identifier is to be replaced with a second segment identifier that identifies a second location, remote from the device, from which the segment is accessible. The device may replace, in the playlist, the first segment identifier with the second segment identifier based on determining that the first segment identifier is to be replaced with the second segment identifier. The device may delete the segment from the first location.

Predictive positioning

A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium to receive a streaming program, calculate a delay time that occurs between an instant in time when a trick play input is received and an instant in time proximate to an onset of executing the trick play input, and calculate a predicted position of the streaming program based on the delay time, the type of trick play input, the speed of the trick play input, and a difference in the streaming program progress resulting from the delay to execute the trick play input.

DISTRIBUTED ENCODING OF CONTENT FOR A NETWORK

Content, such as video content, may be encoded using encoders that are installed at encoding devices of customers of a telecommunications provider. In one implementation, a server device may maintain presence information relating to an operational state of a number of set-top boxes installed at customer residences; receive an indication of content that is to be encoded; and select a set-top box, of the set-top boxes, to encode the segment, the set-top box being selected based on the operational state of the set-top boxes. The server may further transmit, to the selected set-top box, instructions to initiate encoding of the content and to provide an encoding format for the content; and update the presence information to reflect a result of encoding of the content by the selected set-top box. 1. A method , comprising:maintaining, by a server device, presence information relating to an operational state of each of a plurality of set-top boxes installed at customer premises;receiving, by the server device, an indication of content that is to be encoded;selecting, by the server device, a set-top box, of the plurality of set-top boxes, to encode the content, the set-top box being selected based on the operational state of the plurality of set-top boxes;transmitting, by the server device and to the selected set-top box, instructions to initiate encoding of the content and to provide an encoding format for the content; andupdating, by the server device, the presence information to reflect a result of encoding of the content by the selected set-top box.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving a message from the selected set-top box indicating successful or unsuccessful completion of the encoding of one or more segments corresponding to the content, wherein the updating of the presence information is performed based on the received message.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of set-top boxes provide multimedia programming to televisions at the ...

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for resolving media content recording conflicts

An exemplary method includes detecting, on a media content recording device, a media content recording conflict between a plurality of scheduled recordings of media content instances, and outputting, for display on a display device, data representative of a graphical user interface including a plurality of graphical objects representative of the plurality of scheduled recordings of the media content instances and at least one option configured to facilitate resolution of the media content recording conflict. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also described.

PROGRAM SERVICES INCLUDING ADAPTIVE FAILOVER AND BACKUP SERVICES

A method, a device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium stores executable instructions to provide a program service; predict whether a disruption in the program service is to occur; generate and transmit a message, which indicates a predicted disruption of the program service, to user devices; switch to another program device, by the user devices, to receive the program service; transmit another message to the user device when the disruption is over. Additionally, a method, a device, and a non-transitory, computer-readable medium stores executable instructions to provide a failure over service that informs other user devices that an in-home server device is down, and a backup service that includes storing program service data, which includes recorded programs and user settings, on the in-home server device and a cloud device. The backup service also includes a recovery service that restores the program service data when the in-home server device is replaced. 1. A method comprising:providing, by a server device and to user devices, a program service that includes the delivery of linear television programs to the user devices, wherein the user devices include a set top box;predicting, by the server device, whether a first disruption in the program service is to occur, wherein the first disruption corresponds to a complete loss of the program servicepredicting, by the server device, whether a second disruption in the program service is to occur, wherein the second disruption corresponds to a degradation of the program service but not the complete loss of the program service;generating, by the server device, a first message that indicates a predicted disruption of the program service in response to predicting the first disruption or the second disruption is to occur;transmitting, by the server device, the first message to the user devices;disconnecting, by the server device, communicative links via which the program service is provided, with the user devices; ...

PARENTAL CONTROL SETTINGS FOR MEDIA CLIENTS

A first media client may set a parental control feature of the first media client to a first setting. The first media client may determine an occurrence of an event associated with the parental control feature. The first media client may determine a second setting of a parental control feature of a second media client. The second media client may be different from the first media client. The first media client may determine that the second setting is a more restrictive setting relative to the first setting. The first media client may set the parental control feature of the first media client to the second setting based on the occurrence of the event and based on the second setting being the more restrictive setting. 1. A method comprising:setting, by a first media client, a parental control feature of the first media client to a first setting;determining, by the first media client, an occurrence of an event associated with the parental control feature; 'the second media client being different from the first media client;', 'determining, by the first media client, a second setting of a parental control feature of a second media client,'}determining, by the first media client, that the second setting is a more restrictive setting relative to the first setting; andsetting, by the first media client, the parental control feature of the first media client to the second setting based on the occurrence of the event and based on the second setting being the more restrictive setting.2. The method of claim 1 , where determining the occurrence of the event includes:determining that the first media client has been idle for a particular amount of time; anddetermining the occurrence of the event based on the first media client having been idle for the particular amount of time.3. The method of claim 1 , where determining the occurrence of the event includes:determining that a display device, associated with the first media client, has been turned off.4. The method of claim 1 , ...

Systems and Methods for Facilitating Access to Content Associated with a Media Content Session Based on a Location of a User

An exemplary method includes a content delivery system determining that a user profile of a user is logged in to a first access device during a media content session associated with the first access device in which the first access device presents media content to the user, detecting that the user moves outside a vicinity of the first access device while the user profile is logged in to the first access device during the media content session, identifying, in response to the user moving outside the vicinity of the first access device, a second access device associated with the user and that is within a vicinity of the user, and automatically providing, in response to the identifying, session management content corresponding to the media content session associated with the first access device for presentation by the second access device while the user is outside the vicinity of the first access device. Corresponding systems and methods are also described. 1. A method comprising:determining, by a content delivery system, that a user profile of a user is logged in to a first access device during a media content session associated with the first access device in which the first access device presents media content to the user;detecting, by the content delivery system, that the user moves outside a vicinity of the first access device while the user profile is logged in to the first access device during the media content session;identifying, by the content delivery system in response to the user moving outside the vicinity of the first access device, a second access device associated with the user and that is within a vicinity of the user; andautomatically providing, by the content delivery system in response to the identifying, session management content corresponding to the media content session associated with the first access device for presentation by the second access device while the user is outside the vicinity of the first access device.2. The method of claim 1 , ...

ENHANCED FAST-FORWARD AND REWIND VISUAL FEEDBACK FOR HLS CONTENT

A server device may receive a playback request that identifies particular content, a first segment file associated with the particular content, and a playback speed; and generate a playlist based on receiving the playback request. When generating the playlist, the server device may determine one or more second segment files, associated with the particular content, based on the playback speed and the first segment file; determine, based on the playback speed, a sequence in which the first segment file and the one or more second segment files should be played; and generate a list identifying the first segment file and the one or more second segment files. The list may be sorted based on the sequence. The one or more second segment files may be listed subsequent to the first second file. The server device may store or output the playlist. 1. A method comprising:receiving, by a server device, a playback request that identifies particular content, a time index, and a playback speed; determining one or more segment files, associated with the particular content, based on the playback speed and the time index,', 'determining, based on the playback speed, a sequence in which the one or more segment files should be played, and', 'generating a list identifying the one or more segment files; and, 'the generating including, 'generating, by the server device, a playlist based on receiving the playback request,'}storing or outputting, by the server device, the playlist.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein storing or outputting the playlist includes outputting the playlist to a user device claim 1 , wherein the user device plays the segment files in a sequence identified in the playlist.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback speed is a speed other than a 1× playback speed.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback speed corresponds to a fast-forward or rewind operation.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the playback speed is inversely proportional to the quantity of the ...

Managing transitions between a local area network and a wide area network during media content playback

A device may receive a request, associated with media content, that includes a first segment identifier of a first set of segment identifiers that identify a set of remote locations, external from a local area network, from which a first set of segments of the media content are accessible. The device may determine, based on the first segment identifier and redirect information, a second segment identifier of a second set of segment identifiers that identify a set of local locations, internal to the local area network, from which a second set of segments of media content are accessible. The second set of segments may correspond to the first set of segments. The redirect information may indicate that the second segment identifier corresponds to the first segment identifier. The device may request a segment of the media content using the second segment identifier.

Searching recorded or viewed content

A method may include receiving a request from a user to play or record a program, wherein the program is associated with dialog text and determining a user profile associated with the user. The method may include associating, in response to receiving the request, the dialog text of the requested program with the user profile. The method may include receiving a search query from the user associated with the user profile and searching the dialog text associated with the user for dialog text that matches the search query. The method may include transmitting, for display, an identification of the program associated with the matching dialog text.

Region of interest streaming

A device may include an interface and one or more processors. The interface may obtain, from a content source via a network, a playlist file including a plurality of content file identifiers corresponding to a plurality of content files associated with alternate encodings of a content stream. The one or more processors may determine that the alternate encodings correspond to different logical divisions of an image area associated with the content stream, forward, to a client device, the playlist file for selection of one logical division of the different logical divisions, and request, from the content source via the communication interface and responsive to the forwarding, one or more content file, of the plurality of content files, associated with a particular encoding of the alternate encodings.

Secondary audio content by users

A method comprising displaying the list of content on a display and receiving a selection for a first content including a first video content and a first audio content. The method may include displaying a menu of a plurality of additional audio content on the display, wherein displaying the menu of the plurality of additional audio content includes displaying a rating of each of the plurality of additional audio content based on ratings provided by users of each of the plurality of additional audio content. The method may also include receiving a selection of one of the plurality of additional audio content and playing the first content while simultaneously playing the selected one of the plurality of additional audio content.

Parental control system using more restrictive setting for media clients based on occurrence of an event

A first media client may set a parental control feature of the first media client to a first setting. The first media client may determine an occurrence of an event associated with the parental control feature. The first media client may determine a second setting of a parental control feature of a second media client. The second media client may be different from the first media client. The first media client may determine that the second setting is a more restrictive setting relative to the first setting. The first media client may set the parental control feature of the first media client to the second setting based on the occurrence of the event and based on the second setting being the more restrictive setting.

Methods and systems for providing promotional content based on a migration of a user account from a first digital video recording (“DVR”) system to a second DVR system

An exemplary method includes a promotion system 1) detecting a promotion opportunity based on a condition associated with a migration of a user account from being associated with a first digital video recording (“DVR”) system to being associated with a second DVR system and 2) providing, based on the detected promotion opportunity, promotional content for access by a user associated with the user account. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for resolving media content recording conflicts

Method and apparatus for navigating and playing back media content

An approach is provided for navigating media content by specifying a time to start playback of the media content.

Unified recording listing across multiple devices

A method may include requesting aggregated index information relating to media content stored on a least two digital video recorder (DVR) devices. The aggregated index information is received in response to the request. The aggregated index information includes a number of content entries, each entry including location information identifying a DVR device on which the associated media content is stored. A listing of the media content is displayed based on the aggregated index information.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for resolving media content recording conflicts

An exemplary method includes detecting, on a media content recording device, a media content recording conflict between a plurality of scheduled recordings of media content instances, and outputting, for display on a display device, data representative of a graphical user interface including a plurality of graphical objects representative of the plurality of scheduled recordings of the media content instances and at least one option configured to facilitate resolution of the media content recording conflict. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Cells and/or vantage points in streaming media

A client receives a playlist file associated with streams of media, and reads the playlist file to retrieve coordinates of multiple cells or to retrieve multiple vantage points, where each of the multiple cells or vantage points comprises a different media stream. The client determines an available bandwidth for receiving media streams, and receives selection of one or more of the multiple cells or one or more of the multiple vantage points. The client requests, based on the selection and the determined available bandwidth, one or more media streams corresponding to the selected one or more cells or vantage points. The client plays back the one or more streams corresponding to the selected one or more cells or vantage points. The client may include a laptop, palmtop or tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a set top box (STB), or a television (TV).

Delivery confirmation and non-live delivery of emergency alert system messages

A device may detect an emergency alert system message. The emergency alert system message may include a message to be provided for consumption by multiple users. The device may determine that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered for consumption by a user. The device may store the emergency alert system message, for future delivery, based on determining that the emergency alert system message has not been successfully delivered for consumption by the user. The device may receive an indication to provide the emergency alert system message after storing the emergency alert system message. The device may provide the emergency alert system message, for consumption by the user, based on receiving the indication to provide the emergency alert system message.

Method and apparatus for organizing and bookmarking content

An approach is provided for creating user-defined folders for organizing content accessible through a set-top box and for creating multiple bookmarks per set-top box program for use during programming playback.

Generating a playlist that includes local segment identifiers and remote segment identifiers for media content

A device may receive a segment of media content, and may store the segment in a first location local to the device. The device may generate a playlist, for accessing the media content, that includes a first segment identifier that identifies the first location local to the device. The device may determine that the first segment identifier is to be replaced with a second segment identifier that identifies a second location, remote from the device, from which the segment is accessible. The device may replace, in the playlist, the first segment identifier with the second segment identifier based on determining that the first segment identifier is to be replaced with the second segment identifier. The device may delete the segment from the first location.