EP2135445A1 - Décodeur - Google Patents

Décodeur

Info

Publication number
EP2135445A1
EP2135445A1 EP07824760A EP07824760A EP2135445A1 EP 2135445 A1 EP2135445 A1 EP 2135445A1 EP 07824760 A EP07824760 A EP 07824760A EP 07824760 A EP07824760 A EP 07824760A EP 2135445 A1 EP2135445 A1 EP 2135445A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
top box
set top
channels
video
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07824760A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
John Donovan
Edmund Silvester
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Simply Global TV Ltd
Original Assignee
Simply Global TV Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Simply Global TV Ltd filed Critical Simply Global TV Ltd
Publication of EP2135445A1 publication Critical patent/EP2135445A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47202—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47211—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting pay-per-view content
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
    • H04N21/4755—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
    • H04N21/47815—Electronic shopping

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a set top box for a television system.
  • a set top box having an electronic program guide and including means for connecting to the Internet for receiving programs and/or data.
  • Programs and/or data may be received by way of a predetermined website.
  • the set top box may be adapted to receive freeview and/or free satellite channels.
  • the set top box may additionally or alternatively be adapted to receive pay-per- view channels.
  • the pay-per-view channels may be available on payment of a subscription at predetermined intervals.
  • the set top box may additionally or alternatively be adapted to receive programs from video-on-demand channels.
  • the video-on-demand channels may be provided by way of the Internet.
  • Video-on-demand channels may be accessed from a further electronic program guide following input by a user of a personal identification (PIN) number.
  • PIN personal identification
  • Video-on-demand programs may only be accessed provided a user makes payment in advance, such as by having an account containing sufficient credit to cover the cost of a selected program. If a personal identification number is entered, but no activity is detected for a predetermined time the set top box may return to the first-mentioned electronic program guide. Once a video-on-demand program has finished the set top box may return to the first-mentioned electronic program guide.
  • the present invention combines a number of different video technologies based around a set top box 1 , including a television 3, a remote control 5 and a broadband Internet connection 7.
  • the set top box 1 incorporates both a conventional satellite/terrestrial television receiver connected to an aerial and/or a satellite dish 9 and a modem for connecting to the broadband Internet connection 7.
  • the television receiver can receive free satellite or freeview television and radio channels or pay-per-view (premium) channels, while the modem can receive channels such as pay-per-view (premium) channels and video-on-demand programs.
  • Selection of the desired source and program is by way of a customisable electronic program guide embedded into the set top box 1 and operable by way of the remote control 5.
  • Customisation of the electronic program guide is effected by way of the broadband Internet connection 7 to a predetermined website 13 using a personal computer 11 or other suitable interface to the website.
  • the predetermined website 13 provides a means for registration of a new set top box 1 and administration of an account, but additionally provides a means for attracting new users, allowing potential users to purchase a set top box and to determine the nature of the programs that will be available to them.
  • the home page is designed as a central box with a number of satellite boxes around the central box. When one of the satellite boxes is clicked, further information opens in the central box. For example there is a box for new or prospective users to sign up to services. Sign up is effected in a number of stages with accompanying text to assist the user through the process. As part of the signing up procedure, the user selects his own identification (ID), password and personal identification (PIN) number. The user is also required to provide a valid email address, confirmation that the address is valid being ensured by the system sending an email to the address provided and requiring a reply to complete the sighing up process.
  • ID identification
  • PIN personal identification
  • the predetermined website 13 also provides a means allowing a user to log in by providing his user name and password. This allows the user to progress to his account page, for example to add credit to the account. In the event the user should have forgotten his password, he can request that it should be sent to the registered email address. Other details of the account provided on initially signing up can also be updated at this stage.
  • the predetermined website 13 also provides a list of channels, including freeview, premium and adult channels and permits subscriptions to premium channels to be updated, for example by adding new channels and/or removing channels no longer required.
  • Each channel, including freeview channels may be selected or removed by way of a tick box adjacent to the channel name.
  • the channels may be ticked by default and removing the tick, or subsequently adding a tick, may be used to remove or add the particular channel to the list of channels for that particular user.
  • Channels may be displayed to the user in a number of different ways. For example, they may be ordered automatically or the user may choose the order of display using up and down buttons.
  • the predetermined website 13 also provides a shopping cart where products (such as a set top box), subscriptions to premium channels and credits can be purchased.
  • the set top box When a user receives a new set top box 1 , he connects the box to the television 3 and to the broadband Internet connection 7 either by cable network or by providing a suitable wireless network.
  • the set top box initiates the following set up procedure: The set top box 1 connects to the network and a router of the network issues an IP address and gateway by way of the DHCP.
  • the set top box then connects to the Internet 7 and establishes communication with the predetermined website 13.
  • the set top box 1 displays a welcome page on the television 3 by way of an electronic program guide.
  • the website 13 then sends various database queries to the set top box
  • the set top box 1 then sends its serial number to the website database.
  • the serial number and address of the predetermined website are displayed on the television 3 and the user is prompted to enter the details into the website database by way of a personal computer 11 or the like to link that particular set top box with that particular user. The user is prompted to restart the initialisation procedure once the details have been registered.
  • the television channels and other options available to the user can be displayed on the television 3 using the electronic program guide. These may include, for example:
  • Freeview channels which can be selected by the user from a list and which may be received by way of the aerial 9 or by way of the broadband Internet connection 7.
  • Pay-per-view (premium) channels which require a subscription, such as a daily, weekly or monthly subscription, which can be requested and paid for by way of the predetermined website 13.
  • the set top box 1 initiates a search for available channels. Otherwise a list of available channels is displayed by the electronic program guide.
  • the predetermine website 13 includes a database which stores information about users and the channels available.
  • One or more administrators have the right to interact with the database and can, for example, add new channels, perform maintenance tasks on existing channels, remove channels and view the account status of users.
  • An administrator requires a user name and a password to perform such tasks.
  • the providers of the various channels have the right to monitor data relating to the use of the channel or channels provided by that particular provider, this being effected by way of a channel owner username.
  • a channel can come from a number of sources.
  • a channel is assigned a category, such as sports or entertainment, and has a number of programs which are scheduled at certain times within a stream. These details are all stored as part of the database. Selected details are made available to users by way of the predetermined website and/or the electronic program guide.
  • the electronic program guide (EPG) is the interface presented to users by way of their television 3.
  • the electronic program guide can be customised by the user and is available whenever required (on demand) by the user.
  • Available channels can be selected by the user by way of the website 13: new channels can be added on-line and become available immediately. Credits can be purchased and added to an account on-line to view premium and adult channels.
  • the use of an electronic program guide in this manner allows the appearance (“skin") of the guide to be readily changed and the particular appearance associated with any user is stored as part of the database.
  • the electronic program guide presents information to the user in a number of different ways. As will be explained in more detail, the electronic program guide presents freeview and premium channels under predetermined categories, such as Entertainment, Sport, Overseas, Premium and Kids. It also presents channels as an A-Z list. A channel, once selected using up and down controls, is listed in a time view, giving details of the program schedule including the channel name, current program and start time, referred to as a Planner, and showing the user what it showing at a particular time on a particular day. Future programs can be navigated using right and left buttons.
  • the Planner optionally allows the user to use a built-in personal video recorder to record a selected program.
  • the personal video recorder may optionally be available by way of the predetermined website to allow remote programming of the personal video recorder. However, the personal video recorder may not be available for premium or adult channels.
  • the electronic program guide additionally allows a user to view his personal details, including the credit status of the account.
  • the electronic program guide is served as web pages to the set top box 1 advertising material may be shown on the electronic program guide and may earn revenue for the service provider.
  • the remote control 5 has, in addition to conventional number buttons (0 to 9), left, right, up and down arrows, four colour buttons (red, green, yellow and blue) and a number of function buttons, such as Setup, Info, Back and Guide.
  • the function of the red and green buttons depends on the selected page of the electronic program guide.
  • the yellow button provides a help function for the current page, while the blue button brings up the current program for the chosen channel and allows access to future programs for that channel.
  • the Setup button provides access to the settings for the set top box 1. For example, it displays the number of available credits, the current version of the electronic program guide and of the firmware, allows updating of the firmware, allows selection from a range of video modes and of audio modes, together with the amount of hard disk space available (where provided).
  • the set top box can also be set to scan for and save available channels, including new channels, and then to re-boot.
  • the Info button brings up an information bar while viewing a particular channel.
  • the Back button returns the user to the previous page, and the Guide button provides access to a list of categories (such as Entertainment, Sport, Overseas, Premium, kids and A to Z) of channels dependent on the channels selected by the user.
  • the up and down buttons are used to navigate to a desired category and OK to select the chosen category.
  • the user can navigate directly to a chosen freeview or premium channel by entering the channel number, the number being displayed on the screen. If only one or two digits are pressed then the numbers displayed timeout after a predetermined time.
  • the red button gives access to a program planner
  • the green button provides access to news
  • the yellow button provides a help function for current page
  • the function of the blue button depends on the selected page.
  • the remote control 5 can be used to bring up an on-screen display showing the program that is being shown.
  • the user can browse the current program on other channels and by using the right and left arrows the user can browse future programs on the channel being browsed. If no button is being pressed the onscreen display fades out. While viewing a particular channel, the user can press the Info button which displays additional information about the current program. The additional information fades out after 5 seconds.
  • the remote control 5 can be used with the planner of the electronic program guide by which the red button can be used to record a particular freeview or premium channel, while the blue button can be used to set a reminder.
  • adult program channels can be selected with an up or down arrow and an OK button. Before the program is played the user is prompted to press the OK button once again to confirm the selection. In the event of no activity for a predetermined time, for example a few minutes, the electronic program guide will log out of the PIN services and return to the normal guide. It will then be necessary to enter the PIN number once more to gain access to PIN services. Once the selected program has finished the electronic program guide logs out of PIN services and returns to the normal guide. When in PIN services, the green button of the remote control 5 provides access to a different (e.g., adult) news page, and the yellow button provides access to a specific help page. The guide button returns the user to the normal guide. Three further buttons are provided for video-on-demand programs. A Pause button pauses the program, an FF button moves the program fast forward, and a RW button rewinds the program.
  • a Pause button pauses the program
  • an FF button moves the program fast forward
  • a RW button re

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un décodeur (1) muni d'un guide de programmes électronique et de moyens pour se connecter à l'Internet (7) et recevoir des programmes et/ou des données.
EP07824760A 2006-12-02 2007-11-30 Décodeur Withdrawn EP2135445A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0624129.3A GB0624129D0 (en) 2006-12-02 2006-12-02 Set top box
PCT/GB2007/004594 WO2008065413A1 (fr) 2006-12-02 2007-11-30 Décodeur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2135445A1 true EP2135445A1 (fr) 2009-12-23

Family

ID=37671770

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07824760A Withdrawn EP2135445A1 (fr) 2006-12-02 2007-11-30 Décodeur

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2135445A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB0624129D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008065413A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
UA119331C2 (uk) 2013-11-08 2019-06-10 Новозімес Біоаґ А/С Композиції та способи для обробки від шкідників
US10764627B2 (en) 2013-11-20 2020-09-01 Atul Madhavrao Naik System for deployment of value-added services over digital broadcast cable

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1371571A (zh) * 1999-06-28 2002-09-25 联合视频制品公司 具有定位中枢的交互式电视节目指南系统和方法
US7690012B2 (en) * 2002-02-28 2010-03-30 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. Positive parental control
US7073189B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2006-07-04 Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc. Program guide and reservation system for network based digital information and entertainment storage and delivery system
US20040205811A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2004-10-14 Grandy Leslie L. System and method for providing integrated media
US20050160458A1 (en) * 2004-01-21 2005-07-21 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive television system with custom video-on-demand menus based on personal profiles
GB0421703D0 (en) * 2004-09-29 2004-11-03 Electra Entertainment Ltd Improved epg with dvd ordering facility

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2008065413A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008065413A1 (fr) 2008-06-05
GB2456268A (en) 2009-07-15
GB0624129D0 (en) 2007-01-10
GB0907907D0 (en) 2009-06-24

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