TWI552609B - Meta channel based media system control technology - Google Patents

Description

Control technology based on meta channel media system

The invention generally relates to media device control. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/366,337, filed on Feb. 5, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/366,350, filed on Feb. 5, 2009, filed on February 5, 2009 Priority is claimed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/366,394, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

TV viewers are now exposed to a vast amount of information and are challenged by the level of interaction and personalization required to manage this vast amount of information. In the digital TV era, users may not be able to distinguish a range of technologies, including traditional analog TV, DVR (digital video recorder), PVR (Personal Video Recorder), media center, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) based system, Internet related content and traditional remote control devices.

In one aspect, a method for controlling a media system based on meta-channel information includes storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels in an electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating experiencing the content Enter the order of the items. The plurality of meta-channels includes at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least a first content input item related to the first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time The second content provider responds to the user request to make a second content entry related to the second content available via a network. The method also includes receiving a meta channel information corresponding to one of the plurality of meta channels defined by the meta channel information and accessing the electronic channel from the electronic memory corresponding to the selected meta channel. The method further includes mapping the selection of the meta channel to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel based on the accessed meta channel information corresponding to the selected meta channel, and controlling a media system to be based on the mapping The content entry to the selected meta channel is used to visualize the content.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the selected meta channel can be the multi-source channel, and the selection of the multi-source channel can be mapped to the first content that is broadcast by the first content provider at the particular time. The first content entry. In this example, one of the receivers included in the media system can be controlled to receive the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the specific time, and control is included in one of the display devices of the media system Displaying one of the first content received by the receiver is displayed. Additionally, the method can include detecting an end of the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the particular time, and in response to detecting the first broadcast by the first content provider at the particular time The end of a content, the second content entry is identified as defining a next content entry by the multi-source channel. In response to identifying the second content entry as defining a content entry by the multi-source channel, the media system can be automatically controlled without user intervention to respond to the user by the second content provider The request causes the second content entry related to the second content available via the network to visualize the content.

In some examples, the method can include controlling a media adapter included in the media system to request the second content provider to be made available via the network in response to the user request by the second content provider The second content, and in response to the request, controls the media adapter to receive the second content at the media adapter and from the second content provider. The method can also include controlling the display device included in the media system to visualize display of one of the second content received by the media adapter. In such instances, the multi-source channel can include at least a first content entry associated with television video broadcast by a television content provider over a television network over a particular television channel at a particular time, and A second content input related to the Internet video broadcasted by the remote server in response to the user request, the receiver can be tuned to the specific television channel, and the media adapter can be controlled Requesting, by the internet server, the internet server broadcasted by the remote server to the remote server, and controlling the media adapter to download the internet video from the remote server via the internet network And decoding the downloaded internet video.

In some implementations, the method can include receiving user input to switch from one of the plurality of meta-channels to a second meta-channel included in the plurality of meta-channels, and identifying A first content source in the media system associated with a first content entry currently defined by the first meta channel. The method can also include identifying a second content source included in the media system associated with a second content entry currently defined by the second meta channel, and determining whether the first content source is different from the second Content source. In response to determining that the first content source is different from the second content source, controlling an output device included in the media system to set an input source of the output device from being configured to visualize the source from the first source A first setting of content is changed to a second setting configured to visualize content from the second source, and the second source can be controlled to provide a second content input that is currently defined by the second meta channel The item related to this item.

In such implementations, in response to determining that the first content source is identical to the second content source, the output device can be controlled to maintain an input source setting of the output device, and the first source can be controlled to provide The content currently associated with the second content entry defined by the second meta channel. Moreover, the method can include identifying a television receiver configured to receive broadcast television programming from a plurality of providers via a plurality of channels and selecting to output based on a user of a particular channel corresponding to broadcasting via the particular channel a first video signal of the television program; and an internet digital media adapter configured to request Internet video content from a remote video server that broadcasts one of the Internet video content via the Internet, The internet video content is downloaded from the far end video server via the internet and outputs a second video signal corresponding to the internet video content downloaded from the far end video server. The method can also include controlling the output device to set the input source of the output device from being configured to visualize a first setting from the content of the first video signal output from the receiver to be configured to Presenting a second setting from the content of the second video signal output from the internet digital media adapter, and controlling the internet digital media adapter to provide and use the second video signal The second meta channel defines an internet video associated with the second content entry.

The method can include determining that a subsequent content entry is for broadcast content that is broadcast prior to one of the time when the subsequent content entry defines a broadcast content to be experienced. In response to the subsequent content entry being related to the broadcast content broadcast prior to the time at which the subsequent content input defines the broadcast content to be experienced, the media system can be controlled to broadcast the broadcast content Recording may be performed automatically at a time when the subsequent content entry defines the broadcast content to be experienced without the intervention to visualize the recorded content upon selection of a meta-channel comprising the subsequent content entry.

In some implementations, the selected meta-channel can include a first content input and a second content associated with the first content broadcast by a first content provider via a first broadcast channel at a first time The second content entry related to the second content broadcast by the provider via a second broadcast channel at a second time. The second content entry may be immediately after the first content entry in the selected meta channel. In such implementations, the method can include mapping the selection of the meta-channel to the first content entry related to the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the first time, and controlling comprises a receiver in the media system to receive the first content broadcast by the first content provider via the first broadcast channel and to be broadcast by the first content provider via the first broadcast channel Output to a display device. Moreover, in such implementations, the method can include detecting that the selected meta channel is maintained at the second time. In response to detecting that the selected meta channel is selected for the second time, the receiver can be automatically controlled without intervention to change from the first broadcast channel to the second broadcast channel and receive by the second content provider The second content broadcasted via the second broadcast channel and the second content broadcast by the second content provider via the second broadcast channel is output to the display device.

Additionally, the method can include receiving the selection of the meta-channel from a particular user, and determining that the content entry defined by the selected meta-channel is a dynamically configurable content entry mapped to one of a plurality of possible content inputs . The method can also include accessing the preferences of the particular user, and selecting one of the dynamically configurable content inputs from the plurality of possible content inputs based on the accessed preferences of the particular user Single content entry.

In some examples, the method can include receiving a selection of a dynamically configurable meta-channel from a particular user, and determining that the dynamically configurable meta-channel defines at least two content inputs, the at least two The order of the content inputs can be configured dynamically. In such instances, the method can include accessing the preferences of the particular user, determining an order of the at least two content inputs based on the accessed preferences of the particular user, and based on the determined An order from which the one of the dynamically configurable meta-channels corresponding to the one of the at least two content inputs corresponds to a single content entry when the selection is received. The method can further include using the determined order to define when the at least two content inputs that are not selected are to be experienced, and controlling the media system to be based on the at least one of the subsequent times of using the determined order definition Two content inputs to visualize the content.

In some implementations, the selected meta-channel can include defining a content interruption of a content-related event that, when detected, triggers a replacement of content corresponding to the content-related event for content currently presented by the media system . In such implementations, the method can include detecting, during the presentation of the content defined by the selected meta-channel, the content-related event defined by the content interruption; in response to detecting the content-related event, the identifying corresponds to The content of the content-related event; and controlling the media system to change from the content defined by the selected meta-channel to the content corresponding to the content-related event. The method can also include detecting completion of the content corresponding to the content related event, and controlling the media system to resume rendering the content defined by the selected meta channel. In such implementations, the method can include detecting that a particular type of Internet video defined by the content interruption has been posted on the Internet, and detecting that a particular event defined by the content interruption occurs differently The broadcast content of the content currently defined by the selected meta channel.

The method can include causing a remote control to control a source device to receive the content and provide the content to an output device for transmitting a first signal to the source device, and causing the remote controller to control the output device input and display A second signal of the content provided by the source device is sent to the output device. The method can also include transmitting, via a network, a first communication protocol for configuring a remote control to locally control a control command of the media system, and receiving the remote control via the network control commands. Receiving the control command, the remote controller can be used and using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, the media system is caused to output one of the content defined by the content input item mapped to the selected meta channel The signal is sent to the media system.

In some examples, the content entry mapped to the selected meta channel can be a first content entry, and the control command can be a first control command. In such examples, the method can include determining when the first content entry defined by the selected meta channel ends and when the second content entry is defined by the selected meta channel. The second content entry can define content provided by a content source that is different from one of the sources defined by the first content input. Responding to a determination that the first content entry defined by the selected meta-channel has ended and the second content entry defined by the selected meta-channel is beginning, may be sent via the network using the first communication protocol for One of the remote controls is a second control command. The second control command can be a command to visualize content provided by the content source associated with the second content input. In such examples, the method can include receiving the second control command at the remote control via the network, and based on receiving the second control command, using the remote controller and using the second communication protocol to cause the The media system output is signaled to the media system by one of the content provided by the content source associated with the second content input.

The method can include receiving a selection command from a remote control to select a particular channel number based on manipulation by a user of the remote control, and identifying from a plurality of remote controls associated with a particular user The remote control of the selection command. Based on the identification of the remote controller, one of the user identification codes associated with the remote controller may be determined, and based on the determined identification code of the user, the specific channel number from the selection command may be A meta-channel mapped to the particular channel number corresponding to the user associated with the remote control. The particular channel number can be mapped to a different channel of at least one user associated with the other of the plurality of remote controls.

In another aspect, a system includes at least one electronic storage device configured to store meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels, the plurality of meta-channels identifying a content input and indicating an experience The order in which the content is entered. The plurality of meta-channels includes at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least a first content input item related to the first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time The second content provider responds to the user request to make a second content entry related to the second content available via a network. The system also includes at least one processor configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a selection of one of a plurality of meta-channels included in the plurality of meta-channels defined by the meta-channel information; And accessing the meta channel information corresponding to the selected meta channel from the electronic storage device. The operations also include mapping the selection of the meta channel to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel based on the accessed meta channel information corresponding to the selected meta channel, and controlling a media system based on The content entry mapped to the selected meta channel is used to visualize the content.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the system can include a one-way channel server system and a remote control configured to centrally control the media system. In this example, controlling the media system to visualize content based on the content input mapped to the selected meta-channel can be performed by the meta-channel server system and the remote control. The meta-channel server system can be configured to transmit a control command for the remote control via a network using a first communication protocol, and the remote control can be configured to receive the control command via the network, And based on receiving the control command, using a second communication protocol different from the one of the first communication protocols, the media system outputs a signal to the media content defined by the content input item mapped to the selected meta channel. system.

In some examples, the content entry mapped to the selected meta channel can be a first content entry and the control command is a first control command. In such instances, the meta channel server system can be configured to determine when the first content entry defined by the selected meta channel ends and when the second content entry is defined by the selected meta channel. The second content entry can define content provided by a content source that is different from one of the sources defined by the first content input. In response to determining that the first content entry defined by the selected meta channel has ended and the second content entry defined by the selected meta channel is beginning, the meta channel server system can be configured to pass via the network The road transmits a second control command for the remote controller using the first communication protocol. The second control command can be a command to visualize content provided by the content source associated with the second content input. The remote controller can be configured to receive the second control command via the network, and based on receiving the second control command, using the second communication protocol to cause the media system output to be associated with the second content entry One of the content provided by the content source is signaled to the media system.

In some implementations, the system can include a one-way channel server system and a plurality of remote controls each configured to locally control the media system and each associated with a particular user. The meta-channel server system can be configured to receive a selection command from a remote control based on a user's manipulation of the remote control and to identify from the plurality of remote controls Select the remote control for the command. Based on the identification of the remote control, the meta channel server system can be configured to determine an identification code of a user associated with the remote control, and based on the determined identification code of the user, The particular channel number of the selection command is mapped to a unary channel corresponding to the particular channel number of the user associated with the remote control. The particular channel number can be mapped to a different channel of at least one user associated with the other of the plurality of remote controls.

In yet another aspect, the at least one computer readable storage medium is encoded with at least one computer program including instructions that, when executed, operate to cause a computer to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels in an electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating an order in which the content input items are experienced. The plurality of meta-channels includes at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least a first content input item related to the first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time The second content provider responds to the user request to make a second content entry related to the second content available via a network. The operations also include receiving a meta channel information corresponding to one of the one of the plurality of meta channels defined by the meta channel information and accessing the electronic channel from the electronic memory corresponding to the selected meta channel. The operations further include mapping the selection of the meta channel to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel and controlling a media system based on the mapping based on the accessed meta channel information corresponding to the selected meta channel The content entry to the selected meta channel reveals the content.

In one aspect, a method of controlling a media system when processing an advertisement includes detecting an advertisement on a selected content channel selected by a user using a media system experience, and accessing the user from the electronic storage device Advertising preferences. The method also includes selecting auxiliary content based on the accessed advertising preferences of the user, replacing the advertisement on the selected content channel with the auxiliary content, and controlling the media system to output the auxiliary content instead of outputting the ad.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method can include: accessing the advertisement preferences of the user from the electronic storage, indicating that the user prefers the non-advertising program to be better than the at least some advertisements; and selecting to provide the difference from the selected meta-channel A non-advertising program on a first content channel. The method can also include replacing the advertisement with the non-advertising program and controlling the media system to output the non-advertising program provided on the first content channel, rather than outputting the advertisement provided on the selected content channel.

The method can include accessing an advertisement preference including a content channel prioritization list from the electronic storage and selecting the content channel that is highest ranked on the content channel priority list and that is providing a non-advertising program when the advertisement is detected. The selected content channel may define a selected meta channel corresponding to a selected content input of a broadcast television channel when the advertisement is detected, and the first content channel is defined to correspond to one when the advertisement is detected. One of the first meta-channels of the first content entry of the Internet video. The method can also include controlling an output device included in the media system to set an input source of the output device from a first configuration change configured to visualize content from a receiver outputting the broadcast television channel Up to a second setting configured to visualize content from a media adapter outputting the internet video, and controlling the media adapter to download the internet video from a remote server, decoding the Internet video and output the Internet video to the output device.

In some examples, the selected content channel can define a selected meta channel corresponding to a selected content entry of a selected broadcast television channel when the advertisement is detected, and the first content channel can be detected The advertisement defines a first meta channel corresponding to the first content entry of one of the first broadcast television channels. In such examples, the method can include controlling one of the receivers included in the media system to change from outputting the selected broadcast television channel to outputting the first broadcast television channel.

In some implementations, the method can include accessing an advertisement preference of the user from the electronic storage indicating that the user prefers the local advertisement and including the location information of the user, and selecting based on the geographic location information of the user A local ad. In such implementations, the method can include replacing the advertisement with the local advertisement and controlling the media system to output the local advertisement instead of outputting the advertisement provided on the selected content channel. Moreover, in such implementations, the selected content channel can be a meta-channel that defines a content entry corresponding to one of the broadcast television channels when the advertisement is detected. The local advertisement can be broadcast via a network by a one-way channel service provider. In such implementations, the method can include controlling an output device included in the media system to set an input source of the output device from a configuration to visualize content from a receiver outputting the broadcast television channel. a first setting change to a second setting configured to visualize content from a media adapter that outputs the local advertisement, and controlling the media adapter to download the local advertisement from the meta channel service provider and The local advertisement is output to the output device.

The method can include accessing an advertisement preference of the user indicating at least one advertisement type preferred by the user from the electronic storage, and selecting a preferred one of the plurality of potential advertisements based on the at least one advertisement type preferred by the user ad. The method can also include replacing the advertisement with the preferred advertisement and controlling the media system to output the preferred advertisement instead of outputting the advertisement provided on the selected content channel. The selected content channel may define a meta channel corresponding to one of the content items of a broadcast television channel when the advertisement is detected, and the preferred advertisement may be broadcast by the unary channel service provider via a network. The method can further include controlling an output device included in the media system to set an input source of the output device from a configuration to visualize a first setting change from content outputting one of the broadcast television channels Up to a second setting configured to present content from a media adapter that outputs the preferred advertisement, and controlling the media adapter to download the preferred advertisement from the meta-channel service provider and to prioritize The advertisement is output to the output device.

In some examples, the advertisement can be one of a video-based advertisement that includes video having a first length of time. In such instances, the method can include selecting an alternate video-based advertisement and a non-video advertisement insert having a second length of time less than the first length of time, and replacing the video with a filler The combination of the video-based advertisement and the non-video advertisement insertion item replaces the advertisement on the selected content channel. The method can also include controlling the media system to output the alternate video-based advertisement for a second length of time, and controlling the media system to output the remaining portion of the first length of time for the non-video advertisement insertion item. In such instances, the method can include controlling the media system to return to output after controlling the media system to output the non-video commercial interstitial item for a remainder of the first length of time greater than the second length of time The non-advertising content defined by the selected content channel causes the return of the combined video-based advertisement and the non-video commercial insertion item to the non-advertising content to correspond to the return of the video-based advertisement to the non-advertising content.

In another aspect, a system includes: at least one electronic storage device configured to store a user's advertising preferences; and at least one processor configured to perform operations including: detecting Measuring, by the user, one of the advertisements on the selected content channel using one of the media system experiences; and accessing the user's advertisement preferences from the electronic storage device. The operations also include selecting auxiliary content based on the user's accessed advertising preferences, replacing the advertisement on the selected content channel with the auxiliary content, and controlling the media system to output the auxiliary content instead of outputting The ad.

In another aspect, a method of controlling a media system when processing an advertisement includes controlling a media system to output auxiliary content when a user detects an advertisement on a selected content channel using one of the media system experiences, And monitoring the completion of the detected commercial on the selected content channel. The method also includes accessing an advertisement return preference of the user, and in response to determining completion of the detected advertisement program on the selected content channel based on the monitoring, controlling the advertisement based on the advertisement return preference of the user Media system.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method can include controlling the media system to immediately return to the selected content channel and visualize content defined by the selected content channel in response to identifying completion of the detected commercial on the selected content channel .

In some examples, the method can include controlling the media system to maintain one of the auxiliary content providing the auxiliary content channel until the commercial on the auxiliary content channel is detected. In such instances, in response to detecting an advertisement on the secondary content channel, the media system can be controlled to return to the selected content channel and visualize the content defined by the selected content channel.

In response to detecting an advertisement on the auxiliary content channel, accessing an advertisement preference of the user including a pair of content channel priority lists that will rank the alternate content channel provided when the advertisement is detected may be selected The content channel priority list is ranked highest and a return content channel of the non-advertising program is provided when the advertisement on the auxiliary content channel is detected, and the media system can be controlled to visualize the content defined by the return content channel . A different one of the selected content channels can be selected to return to the content channel.

The method can include controlling the media system to maintain an auxiliary content channel that provides one of the auxiliary content. The method can also include controlling the media system to provide a notification to the user that one of the detected commercials on the selected content channel has been completed.

In another aspect, a system includes: at least one electronic storage device configured to store a user's advertising return preferences; and at least one processor configured to perform operations including: controlling A media system outputs auxiliary content when an advertisement is detected on a selected content channel by a user using one of the media system experiences. The operations may also include monitoring the completion of the detected commercial on the selected content channel and accessing the user's advertisement return preferences from the at least one electronic storage device. In response to the completion of the detected advertisement program on the selected content channel based on the monitoring, the media system can be controlled based on the user's advertisement return preferences.

In one aspect, a method for enabling a media system to visualize content includes: storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels in a first electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels identifying a content input and indicating an experience And the order of the content input items; and the meta channel information access stored in the first electronic storage corresponds to the content defined by each of the plurality of meta channels for a specific time frame Content entry. The accessed content items include at least one content input associated with a first type of content broadcast by a content provider at a particular time and with a response from a content provider in response to a user request At least one content entry related to one of the second types of content is obtained via a network. A type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range is identified based on the accessed content items. A subset of the plurality of meta-channels is selected based on the identified type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range. The selected subset of meta-channels can each define, for the particular time range, content of the second type that is obtainable by a content provider in response to a user request via a network. The method can also include storing, by the decoded version of one of the meta-channels included in the selected subset of the meta-channels for the particular time range, associated with a media system of a user Controlling the media system in a second electronic storage, and in response to a selection by the user during the particular time range for one of the plurality of meta-channels included in the selected subset of meta-channels The decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user visualizes the content defined by the selected meta channel.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method can include controlling the media system to visualize content defined by the selected meta-channel using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage. Using the decoded version may cause a channel switching time for switching to one of the selected meta channels and a channel switching time for switching to one of the meta channels defining the first type of content broadcast by a content provider at a particular time quite.

The method can include controlling the media system to visualize content defined by the selected meta-channel using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage. Using the decoded version, the channel switching time for switching to one of the selected meta channels can be less than half a second. Controlling the media system to render the content defined by the selected meta-channel without using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage may result in more than half a second for switching to one of the selected meta-channels Switch time.

In some implementations, the method can include initially rendering the content defined by the selected meta-channel using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage, and triggering to render different from the selected element The channel defines one of the original versions of the decoded version of the content. The delay at which the program to visualize the original version of the content defined by the selected meta-channel begins to render the content may be longer than the initial use of the decoded version of the content to begin rendering the content. In such implementations, when the original version of the content defined by the selected meta-channel is ready to appear, the method can include transitioning from using the decoded version of the content to using the original version of the content.

The method can also include identifying one of the amount of content that has been rendered using the decoded version of the content and identifying one of the amounts in the original version of the content that correspond to content that has been rendered using the decoded version of the content Change point. In order to enable a smooth transition from the decoded version of the content to the original version of the content, the original version of the content can be used at the transition point.

In some examples, the method can include decoding the original version of the content defined by the selected meta-channel using a video codec. In such instances, the method can include transmitting a request via a network to a content provider that broadcasts the original version of the content defined by the selected meta channel, and downloading from the content provider via the network The original version of the content defined by the selected meta channel.

The method can include identifying the plurality of meta-channels, the plurality of meta-channels defining, for the particular time range, content of the second type that is obtainable by a content provider in response to a user request, via a network, and for The plurality of meta-channels begin to visualize content defined by the meta-channel without storing the decoded version of one of the content in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user for a time exceeding A time limit. For each of the identified meta-channels, the method can include determining an amount of content that needs to be stored in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user to enable no content The appearance transitions from using the decoded version to one of the original versions of the content. The method can also include determining whether the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user has stored the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range Ability. Depending on the ability to determine that the second electronic storage associated with the user's media system has stored the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range, All of the identified meta-channels are selected as the subset of the plurality of meta-channels. Depending on the ability to determine that the second electronic storage associated with the user's media system does not have the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range, A subset of the identified meta-channels can be selected as the subset of the plurality of meta-channels.

The method can include determining whether the amount of content of the identified meta-channels exceeds an available storage amount in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user. The method can also include determining whether a remaining amount of time prior to the beginning of one of the particular time ranges exceeds a content of the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels downloaded, decoded, and stored by the media system One amount of time. The method can further include identifying a combination of the identified meta-channels for which the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user has been stored prior to the particular time range for inclusion in the combination The ability of the determined amount of content in each of the meta-channels; and selecting one of the identified meta-channels from the identified combinations comprises a combination of the highest number of channels.

In an example, the method can include accessing a vie wing pattern indicating one or more categories of content that the user has experienced during a past time range similar to the particular time range, and comparing The content defined by each of the identified meta-channels and the historical viewing mode accessed by the objects. In such instances, the method can include determining that the user is at the particular time based on the comparison of the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels to the accessed historical viewing patterns a subset of the identified meta-channels that are primarily experienced during the range; and selecting the determined subset of the identified meta-channels.

In some implementations, the method can include determining one of the meta-channels that the user experiences when selecting, and accessing one or more of the options that the user typically selects after experiencing the meta-channel experienced by the user while selecting the user. Information on individual channels. In such implementations, the method can include comparing the accessed information with the identified meta-channels; determining that the user is based on the comparison of the accessed information with the identified meta-channels a subset of the identified meta-channels that are most likely to experience during a particular time range; and selecting the determined subset of the identified meta-channels.

In another aspect, a system can include: a first electronic storage device configured to store meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content inputs and indicating experiencing the content The order of the entries; and a second electronic storage device associated with one of the user's media systems. The system can also include at least one processor configured to perform operations including: the meta channel information access stored in the first electronic storage device corresponds to the plurality of elements A content entry for each of the channels for content defined for a particular time range. The accessed content items include at least one content input associated with a first type of content broadcast by a content provider at a particular time and with a response from a content provider in response to a user request At least one content entry related to one of the second types of content is obtained via a network. A type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range is identified based on the accessed content items. A subset of the plurality of meta-channels is selected based on the identified type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range. The selected subset of meta-channels each define, for the particular time range, content of the second type that is obtainable by a content provider in response to a user request via a network. The operations also include storing, by the decoded version, one of the content channels defined by the selected one of the meta-channels in the selected subset of the meta-channels for the particular time range, associated with the media system of the user Controlling the media system in the second electronic storage device and in response to selection by the user during the particular time range for one of the plurality of meta-channels included in the selected subset of meta-channels The content defined by the selected meta-channel is rendered using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage device associated with the media system of the user.

In another aspect, a method for enabling a media system to visualize content includes: identifying a web-based video content that is obtainable by a content provider in response to a user request via a network, and determining that the content is unpleasant Retrieving a time required for the network-based video content to begin to appear in a decoded version of the electronic storage associated with a media system, the media system configured to visualize the network-based Video content and away from the content provider. The method also includes comparing the time and a threshold time required to begin to display the network-based video content, and based on the comparison result, determining whether the time required to start displaying the network-based video content exceeds the threshold time. Responding to determining that the time required to begin rendering the network-based video content exceeds the threshold time, the method comprising pre-transcoding at least an initial portion of the network-based video content to be different from a slower One of the video codec formats is a faster video codec format, wherein the network-based video content is made available by the content provider via the network in the slower video codec format. The faster video codec format allows for faster visualization of the web-based video content than the slower video codec format. The method further includes storing the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content in an electronic storage associated with the user's media system to enable response to the web-based The user of the video content selects the web-based video content more quickly by using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the web-based video content.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method can include determining, based on a time required to decode the content using a video codec, a time required to begin rendering the network-based video content, and comparing the decoding based on using the video codec The beginning of the time required for the content exhibits the determined time and one-half second threshold required for the web-based video content. The faster video codec format may allow the presentation of content to begin in less than half a second, and the slower video codec format allows the presentation of content to begin in more than half a second. The initial portion of the content may be less than the entirety of the web-based video content.

In some examples, the method can include determining a time required to begin rendering the network-based video content using the slower video codec format, and beginning to visualize the network-based based on using the slower video codec format The initial time required for the video content to select the initial portion of the network-based video content is pre-transcoded. In such instances, the initial portion of the network-based video content can be one of the times required to continue to appear to visualize the web-based video content using the slower video codec format when rendered. The amount of this web-based video content of time.

In some implementations, the method can include receiving, at the media system, a user input indicating that the network-based video content is desired to be viewed, and in response to receiving the user input, controlling the media system to use the web-based The pre-transcoded initial portion of the video content of the road exhibits the web-based video content. In such implementations, the method can include initially rendering the network-based video content using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content stored in the electronic storage, and triggering the A program that differs from an original version of the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content. The program for visualizing the original version of the web-based video content may begin to exhibit a delay in the content that may be longer than the initial portion of the pre-transcoded initial use of the web-based video content to begin to exhibit the network-based Delay in video content. When the original version of the web-based video content is ready to appear, the method can include transitioning from using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the web-based video content to using the web-based video content The original version.

The method can include identifying an amount of the network-based video content that has been visualized using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content, and identifying the original version of the network-based video content Corresponding to a transition point of the amount of content that has been rendered using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content. The method can also include using the original version of the content at the transition point to enable smoothing from the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content to the original version of the network-based video content change.

In some examples, the method can include decoding the original version of the network-based video content using the slower video codec. In such instances, the method can include transmitting a request via a network to a content provider that broadcasts the original version of the network-based video content, and downloading the basis from the content provider via the network The original version of the video content on the web.

In another aspect, a system includes an electronic storage device associated with a media system of a user, and at least one processor configured to perform operations including: identifying by a content provider Reacting to the user request to enable web-based video content available via a network; and determining to begin visualizing the decoded version of the content in an electronic storage associated with the media system One time required for the web-based video content, the media system is configured to visualize the web-based video content and away from the content provider. The operations also include comparing the time and a threshold time required to begin to display the network-based video content, and based on the comparison result, determining whether the time required to begin to display the network-based video content exceeds the time. Limited time. Responding to determining that the time required to begin to display the web-based video content exceeds one of the threshold times, the operations comprising pre-transcoding at least an initial portion of the web-based video content to be different from a comparison One of the slow video codec formats is a faster video codec format, wherein the network based video content is made available by the content provider via the network in the slower video codec format. The faster video codec format allows for faster visualization of the web-based video content than the slower video codec format. The operations further include storing the pre-transcoded initial portion of the network-based video content in the electronic storage device associated with the media system of the user to enable response to the network-based The user of the video content selects and visualizes the web-based video content by using the pre-transcoded initial portion of the web-based video content.

In one aspect, a method of downloading content for viewing using a media system includes identifying a web-based video that is scheduled to be played at a particular time. The web-based video is made available via a network by at least one source in response to a user request. The method also includes identifying a plurality of sources available for downloading the network-based video, and selecting an initial source from the plurality of sources for downloading the network-based video. The method further includes: initializing a first program to download the network-based video from the initial source; and monitoring progress of downloading the network-based video from the initial source. The monitoring includes calculating an estimated amount of time remaining to complete the download of the network-based video from the initial source, and determining whether the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source is enabled The web-based video is viewed without interruption at this particular time. The method includes: responsive to determining that the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source does not enable uninterrupted viewing of the network-based video at the particular time, from the plurality of sources Selecting an alternate source for downloading at least a portion of the network-based video; and initiating a second program for downloading at least one of the portions of the network-based video from the alternate source. The method further includes storing the web-based video in an electronic storage associated with the media system.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method can include determining a remaining amount of time until the specific time of the network-based video scheduled to play, and determining to complete the remaining of the network-based video downloaded from the initial source. Whether the estimated amount of time exceeds the amount of time remaining until the particular time of the network-based video schedule to play.

The method can also include determining a first amount of time remaining until the particular time of the network-based video schedule to play, and determining that the network-based video that was downloaded at the particular time is estimated An initial part. The initial portion of the network-based video can be less than the entirety of the network-based video. The method can further include determining a second amount of time corresponding to the amount of time required to play the initial portion of the network-based video that was downloaded at the particular time, summing the first amount of time and the a second amount of time, and determining whether the estimated time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source exceeds the total first amount of time and the second amount of time.

In some examples, the method can include identifying a remaining portion of the network-based video that has not been downloaded from the initial source. The remainder of the network-based video can be less than the entirety of the network-based video. In such examples, the method can include initiating a second program to download one of the remaining portions of the network-based video from the alternate source. Moreover, in such examples, the method can include initiating a second program to download only one of the remaining portions of the network-based video from the alternate source, and combining the network-based download from the initial source One of the initial portions of the video and the remaining portion of the network-based video downloaded from the alternate source. The method can further include controlling the media system to play the network-based video using the initial portion and the remainder of the combination of the network-based video at the particular time.

The method can include calculating an estimated amount of time required to download at least the portion of the network-based video from at least one source of the plurality of sources; and determining to download the network-based video Whether the estimated amount of time required for at least the portion enables the network-based video to be viewed without interruption at the particular time. Based on the result of the determination, an alternate source can be selected for which the estimated amount of time required to download at least the portion of the network-based video enables the network-based video to be viewed without interruption at that particular time.

The method can include calculating an estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video from at least one of the plurality of sources, and calculating to the network-based video schedule to play for the particular time remaining The amount of time. The method may further include comparing the estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video with the amount of time remaining until the specific time, and selecting an initial source from the plurality of sources based on the comparison result, The initial source, the estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video is less than the amount of time remaining until the particular time.

In some implementations, the method can include calculating, for each of the plurality of sources, an estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video, and calculating to the network-based video schedule to play The amount of time remaining until that particular time. In such implementations, the method can include comparing, for each of the plurality of sources, the estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video and the amount of time remaining until the particular time, and Based on the comparison result, the plurality of sources are identified, and for the plurality of sources, the estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video is less than the amount of time remaining until the specific time. Depending on the plurality of identified sources being greater than one, the method can include accessing at least one rule defining criteria for selecting one of the network-based video sources, determining attributes of the plurality of identified sources, comparing the The attributes of the plurality of identified sources and the criteria defined by the at least one rule, and based on the comparison, select an initial source for downloading the network-based video from the plurality of identified sources.

In some examples, the method can include accessing at least one rule indicating that a fee associated with downloading the web-based video should be minimized when selecting one of the sources for downloading the network-based video, and determining and downloading One of the plurality of identified sources of the network-based video associated with one of the fees. In such examples, the method can include selecting, from the plurality of identified sources, an initial source having a minimum fee for downloading the one of the network-based video.

The method can include storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels that identify the content input items and indicating the order in which the content input items are experienced in the electronic storage, and the meta-channel information stored in the electronic storage Accessing a content entry defined by the unary channel for the particular time and identifying the web-based video to be played at that particular time. The method can also include identifying a plurality of network-based video that is scheduled to be played at a first time; and initiating downloading the plurality of network-based video from a first source. The method can further include: monitoring progress of downloading the plurality of network-based video from the first source; and based on the monitoring, determining that at least two of the plurality of network-based video downloads are required from the first source Change to a second source to enable uninterrupted viewing at the first time.

Additionally, the method can include accessing at least one rule for downloading network-based video from the second source, and analyzing the at least one rule for downloading the network-based video from the second source Two web-based video. Based on the analyzing, identifying a first subset of the at least two network-based videos downloaded from the first source download to the second source download, and identifying the one maintained from the first source download At least two second subsets of one of the network-based video. The method can include initiating: downloading at least a portion of the first subset of the at least two network-based video from the second source; and maintaining downloading the at least two network-based video from the first source This second subset.

In some implementations, the first source can be a public network source that can be used to download the plurality of network-based video for free, and the second source can be used to download the plurality of network-based services in a fee-based manner. A content delivery network for video. In such implementations, the method can include accessing at least one rule defining a number of network-based video downloads that can be downloaded from the second source during a particular time range, and determining to download all of the from the second source At least two web-based videos may result in exceeding the number of web-based video downloadable from the second source during the particular time range.

The method can include tracking a number of network-based video messages that have been downloaded from the second source during the particular time range, and determining a service level of a user for the plurality of network-based services The video is scheduled to play at the first time. The method can also include dynamically adjusting the number of network-based video downloads that can be downloaded from the second source during the particular time range based on the service level of the user, and when from the particular time range The number of tracking of the network-based video downloaded by the second source reaches a number of network-based video downloadable from the second source during the particular time range, and a message is provided to the user. The message indicates that the user can increase the level of service to increase the number of network-based video that can be downloaded from the second source during the particular time range. The method can further include enabling the user to electronically increase the level of service using the media system in response to the message.

In some examples, the method can include accessing at least one rule defining criteria for selecting a network-based video to be prioritized when downloading from the second source; and based on the definition for The at least one rule of selecting a network-based video criterion to be prioritized during the second source downloading identifies one or more of the at least two network-based video priorities to be scheduled. In such instances, the method can include identifying the one or more of the at least two network-based video to be prioritized as the first subset.

The method can include: accessing at least one rule for downloading a network-based video prioritization having a longer remaining download time from the second source; and for each of the at least two network-based video In one case, an estimated remaining download time is calculated. The method can also include identifying, from the at least two network-based video, a first network-based video to be prioritized, the first network-based video having the at least two network-based video The longest estimate of the remaining download time.

Moreover, the method can include: accessing at least one rule for downloading a network-based video prioritization order from the second source based on a historical viewing mode of a user; and analyzing the at least two network-based The historical viewing mode of a user related to video. Based on the analysis of the historical viewing modes, the method can include identifying a first network-based video from the at least two network-based video, for the first network-based video, the user The analysis of the historical viewing modes indicates that the user is most likely to play the at least two web-based videos at the first time.

In some examples, the method can include accessing at least one rule for prioritizing network-based video for which alternative content is not available for download from the second source. In such instances, the method can include determining, for each of the at least two network-based video, whether another network-based video is scheduled for use in the at least two network-based video Each of the players is then played, and based on the determination, a first network-based video is identified from the at least two network-based video, and the first network-based video is another network-based video The video is not scheduled to play after the first web-based video. The method may also include: identifying a second network-based video, for the second network-based video, a third network-based video is scheduled to play after the second network-based video; And maintaining the second network-based video from the first source. The method may further include: determining whether downloading the third network-based video from the first source enables the third network-based video to be viewed without interruption at the first time; and responding to the first source Downloading the third network-based video enables the first time to view the third network-based video without interruption, rearranging the second network-based video and the first in a channel list Three network-based video.

In another aspect, a system includes at least one electronic storage device configured to store network-based video, and configured to perform a network-based including identifying the scheduled to play at a particular time At least one processor of the operation of the video. The web-based video is made available via a network by at least one source in response to a user request. The operations also include identifying a plurality of sources available for downloading the network-based video, and selecting an initial source from the plurality of sources for downloading the network-based video. The operations further include: initializing a first program to download the network-based video from the initial source; and monitoring progress of downloading the network-based video from the initial source. The monitoring includes calculating an estimated amount of time remaining to complete the download of the network-based video from the initial source, and determining whether the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source is enabled The web-based video is viewed without interruption at this particular time. The operations include: responsive to determining that the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source does not enable the network-based video to be viewed without interruption at the particular time, from the plurality of Selecting, in the source, an alternate source for downloading at least a portion of the network-based video; and initiating a second program for downloading at least one of the portions of the network-based video from the alternate source. The operations further include storing the network-based video in the electronic storage device.

In yet another aspect, the at least one computer readable storage medium is encoded with at least one computer program including instructions that, when executed, operate to cause a computer to perform a process including identifying the scheduled to be played at a particular time The operation of the video of the network. The web-based video is made available via a network by at least one source in response to a user request. The operations also include identifying a plurality of sources available for downloading the network-based video, and selecting an initial source from the plurality of sources for downloading the network-based video. The operations further include: initializing a first program to download the network-based video from the initial source; and monitoring progress of downloading the network-based video from the initial source. The monitoring includes calculating an estimated amount of time remaining to complete the download of the network-based video from the initial source, and determining whether the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source is enabled The web-based video is viewed without interruption at this particular time. The operations include: responsive to determining that the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source does not enable the network-based video to be viewed without interruption at the particular time, from the plurality of Selecting, in the source, an alternate source for downloading at least a portion of the network-based video; and initiating a second program for downloading at least one of the portions of the network-based video from the alternate source. The operations further include storing the network-based video in the electronic storage device.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the drawings and the description below. Other potential features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description and drawings and claims.

Figure 1 is a context diagram 100 illustrating the use of a general meta channel. The user 102 can view the meta channel guide 104 that can be displayed on the television screen 106. A guide 104, which may be an electronic program guide, may display information about the content to be displayed on one or more of the meta-channels 108a-108g. The guide 104 can display a schedule of one of the content to be presented on a particular day of the week (eg, Sunday).

The meta-channels 108a through 108g each identify content inputs that will be presented on a respective meta-channel and indicate the order in which the content inputs will be presented on the meta-channel. The content inputs can relate to various types of content from various content providers. Each content entry is related to content that is made available by a particular content provider. A content provider can be, for example, a television broadcaster (eg, an MSO (multi-system operator): a wired MSO, a satellite MSO, a local MSO) or a web server that broadcasts one of the Internet video. A content entry may relate to a television broadcast provided by a broadcaster on a particular channel at a particular time, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of one of the Internet video resources, or some other type of content.

The content entry can be assigned to the meta channel by an end consumer and/or a meta channel publisher (referred to as a "content controller"). The end consumer or content stewards can assign and organize content inputs into a particular meta channel based on any criteria selected by the end consumer or content stewards (eg, an end consumer can define a selection at each The time range is available for the meta-channel of the favorite or favorite content of the end consumer).

In some examples, content inputs can be assigned to meta-channels and organized together based on a particular type of content. For example, meta channel 108a presents drama related content, meta channel 108b presents content related to a particular musician, meta channel 108c presents content related to a second different musician, meta channel 108d presents soccer related content, meta channel 108e presents trick-related content, meta-channel 108f presents sports-related content, and meta-channel 108g presents entertainment-related content. When an end consumer is interested in viewing a particular type of content, the end consumer may select a meta channel corresponding to the particular type of content (eg, when the end consumer is interested in viewing the football associated content, the final The consumer selects the meta channel 108d).

As shown in guide 104, the first content entry 110 indicates that a first drama program received from the MSO channel 15 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108a from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The second content entry 112 indicates that a second drama program received from the MSO channel 22 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108a from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The third content entry 114 indicates that a third drama program received from the MSO channel 13 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108a from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The program indicated by the content entry 114 is initially scheduled to be broadcast on the MSO channel 13 beginning at 4 pm, so the program can be recorded onto a DVR (digital video recorder) and recorded from the DVR on the meta channel 108a. Playback (for example, a broadcast from its instant broadcast has a 30 minute delay). The fourth content entry 116 indicates that a fourth drama program 116 received from the MSO channel 9 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108a from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

When an end consumer selects the experience meta channel 108a, the media system controlling the end consumer displays the content defined by the content entries in the meta channel 108a with no human intervention. For example, at 1 pm, the media system is controlled to display the MSO channel 15 (eg, to control a television tuner to tune to the MSO channel 15, and to control an input source of a display device to display a video tuner from the television tuner Video signal). The media system displays the MSO channel 15 up to 3 p.m., at which point the media system is controlled to change from the MSO channel 15 to the MSO channel 22 (e.g., to control the television tuner to tune to the MSO channel 22). At 4 p.m., the media system is controlled to maintain the display of the MSO channel 22, but the DSO is also used to record the MSO channel 13. At 4:30 p.m., the media system is controlled to display the content from the MSO channel 13 recorded on the DVR, and at 7 p.m., the media system is controlled to display the MSO channel 9.

As mentioned, content presented on a meta-channel may be provided by a content provider other than a conventional television broadcaster. For example, content entry 118 indicates that a documentary program is scheduled to be rendered on meta channel 108b from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A program received from a "on demand" service, such as receiving a content entry 118 from a service provided by a cable operator, is received. The content entry 120 indicates that a concert video received from an IP (Internet Protocol) video source is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108b from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The content entry 120 can involve, for example, one of the Internet video resources (eg, www.youtube.com) broadcast by a web server. The content entry 122 indicates that a concert interview is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108b from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The interview will be received from a P2P (peer-to-peer) internet video source. P2P streaming is a technology that allows content to be distributed between client computers without the need for a central server.

In addition to video content, other forms of content, such as audio content, may also be presented on a meta channel. For example, content entry 124 indicates that an audio sample of a musician is scheduled to be rendered on meta channel 108c from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. An audio sample can be played (from a few examples) from a CD player included in a media system, from a P2P audio stream, or from a digital record stored on a device in a media system.

When a selected meta channel includes multiple forms of content (eg, television broadcast, on-demand content, IP video source, audio samples, P2P content, content from a local media player, etc.), the media system is controlled to be unmanned Transition between the contents of the multiple forms. For example, a user perceives a change in content in a manner similar to a user perceiving a change in content on a broadcast television channel, although the content is delivered from a plurality of different providers in a number of different forms. In some examples, the media system is controlled to change an input video/audio source of an output device (eg, a video display device, a speaker, etc.) to output the content of the form currently defined by the selected meta-channel.

In some implementations, as illustrated in guide 104, the content entry 126 indicates that a first live broadcast of the football game received from the MSO channel 5 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108d from 1 pm to 4 pm, and the content Entry 128 indicates that a second live broadcast of the football game received from MSO channel 9 is scheduled to be presented on meta channel 108d from 4 pm to 7 pm. The selection of content may be dynamically selected based on a stored user's preferences, such as preferences for a particular team and/or region of the country, such as the selection of a football match indicated by the content entry 126. For example, a user's preference may indicate that one or more teams participating in a match offered by MSO channel 5 at 1 pm are better than one or more teams participating in a match offered by MSO channel 9 at 1 pm. The preference. The meta channel 108d can be configured to present a live broadcast of the game from the MSO channel 5 at 1 p.m. and begin to present a record of one of the games previously provided by the MSO channel 9 (as indicated by the content entry 130) at 7 p.m. The selected particular matches and/or the order of the matches may be dynamically determined based on the user's profile information (eg, favorite team preferences, regional profiles, etc.). Thus, the first user having the first profile information can receive a different match (or a different match order) from the second user of the also viewed meta channel 108d having the second profile information when viewing the meta channel 108d. .

Other meta-channel configurations are possible. For example, the content entry 132 indicates that a basketball sporting event received from the MSO channel 6 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108f. The meta channel 108f can be configured such that only the portion of the live broadcast of the sporting event is presented, and other content can be in the pre-game portion and the post-game portion (eg, before the game can be broadcast on MSO channel 6 in general and/or Or on the meta channel 108f during the post-match review.

For example, the content entry 134 indicates a selected video schedule received from an internet video source (eg, instead of a pre-game comment that can be instantly broadcast on the MSO channel 6) from about 1 pm to 1:30. Pm is presented on meta channel 108f. Once the portion of the live broadcast of the sporting event indicated by the content entry 132 begins, the featured video may be interrupted. The content entry 136 indicates that the remainder of the featured video is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108f after the instant broadcasted game report has ended (eg, at approximately 2:50 pm up to 3:40 pm, instead of being available on the MSO channel) 6 on the live broadcast after the game comments). A gap 138 appears on the guide 104 indicating that the featured video may end before the next program (eg, as indicated by the content entry 140) scheduled to appear on the meta channel 108f is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. During the time period represented by gap 138, the television screen may be blank, or other content may be presented, such as a static advertisement display, advertising content received from an internet source, audio music, and the like.

A meta channel can be defined to display content presented on another meta channel. For example, the content entry 140 indicates that a football match is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108f from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., wherein the source of the soccer game content is the meta channel number 4 (eg, the meta channel 108d). In other words, in this example, when the user tunes to the meta channel 108d or the meta channel 108f between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., the football match broadcast received from the MSO channel 9 is presented on the television screen 106.

As indicated by the content entry 142, an entertainment show received from the MSO channel 7 is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108g starting at 4 p.m. As indicated by content entry 144, the entertainment program indicated by content entry 142 is interrupted by a video program received from an internet source. The meta channel 108g can be configured such that the content being presented is interrupted and replaced by other content in the event of an event occurring. For example, an interrupt event can be defined such that if a new Internet video associated with a particular topic is published, the Internet video is downloaded, decoded, and presented on the meta channel 108g. The interrupted content can be recorded onto a DVR, and the unviewed portion can be scheduled for viewing at a later time (eg, content entry 146 indicates that the remainder of the interrupted entertainment program is scheduled for 7 pm starts on the meta channel 108g).

The user 102 can navigate the guide 104, for example, by changing the selection of a content entry using a direction button on the remote control 107. The user can, for example, press a button on the remote control 107 to invoke an action to be performed related to the selected content entry. For example, the user can press a button to switch to the meta-channel indicated by the selected content entry (for a content entry currently presented (eg, currently playing on a meta-channel), the switching can result in the selection The content appears on the TV screen 106). As another example, a user may press a button to record a program represented by the selected content entry to a DVR, or may press a button to obtain more detailed information regarding a program represented by the selected content entry.

When a user switches back and forth between different meta-channels, depending on the configuration of the scheduled content input in the unary channel and/or depending on the form of the presented content, the switching of the content source may occur automatically . For example, content entry 148 indicates that the first trick video received from a first internet video source is scheduled to be presented on meta channel 108e. When the stunt video is indicated by the content entry 148, the second trick video received from a second internet video source is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 108e as indicated by the content entry 150.

When presenting Internet video content, a media system can be configured to receive content from a Digital Media Adapter (DMA). If the user 102 is watching the meta channel 108e between 1 pm and 4 pm, a DMA can download the first trick video from the first video source, and then download the second special video from the second video source. . In other words, the content of the adjacent content input may be received from different sources (different Internet video sources), but the type of content (eg, Internet video) may remain the same, which may cause the input source setting of a display device to remain apparent. Content from a DMA. As another example, if the user views the meta channel 108a between 1 pm and 4 pm, an input source can be maintained at one of the settings for receiving content from an MSO receiver, but the MSO receiver can pass Auto-tuning to switch from MSO channel 15 to MSO channel 22 at 3 pm.

In contrast, if, for example, the user manually switches from the meta channel 108e at 2 pm (eg, by pressing a button on the remote control 107) to the meta channel 108d, the stunt is indicated by the content entry 148. The display of the video can be replaced by the display of the football match indicated by the content entry 126. Since the source type (e.g., MSO channel) of the content indicated by the content entry 126 is different from the source type of the content indicated by the content entry 148 (e.g., Internet video), the input source settings of a display device may change. And the media system can be controlled to receive content from the source of the new type and output the content. As another example, if the user views the meta channel 108b between 1 pm and 5 pm, the media system can switch an input from the one-point source to an internet video source for input by content. The concert video (on-demand video) indicated by item 118 is followed by a concert video (internet video) indicated by content entry 120.

By using the meta channel to experience content, the end consumer can reduce the huge number of available content options to a manageable number for the user to select. The task of identifying interesting content and checking the vast number of content options can be spread among users of the meta channel (eg, content drivers and shared user meta channels) and thereby reducing the load of individual users identifying interesting content. . The reality is that when experiencing content, individual users can select a small subset of the meta-channels that the user is interested in and then select among their meta-channels. Individual users can select a meta channel based on the topic of the meta channel or the attraction of the content controller of the management meta channel.

In addition, organizing many different forms of content into a single channel can enhance the user's viewing experience by, for example, reducing the amount of time/expert knowledge required to select and perceive different forms of content. In particular, when the media system is automatically controlled to perform such operations by the user, the user does not have to move between different devices or locations to perceive different forms of content. Moreover, in contrast to a plurality of locations or interfaces that each point to a particular form of content, the different forms of content may be obtained in a single location or interface.

FIG. 2 illustrates an unary channel system 200. The content is presented on a television 202. Television 202 can be an analog or digital television. In some implementations, another type of display (eg, a computer monitor) than a television can be used. Digital and/or analog video content may be received via one AV (audio/video) from one or more broadcasters 204 (such as from one or more MSOs).

Video content can also be received from an internet DMA 206. Internet DMA 206 can receive Internet video content from one or more Internet video sources 210 via network 208. The Internet video source 210 can be a source for obtaining a video file or a video feed (e.g., a podcast) via the Internet, or can be another type of peer-to-peer resource, such as a BitTorrent file. Internet DMA 206 can be configured to store (e.g., cache) video content. Network 208 can be one or more public or private, wired or wireless networks (such as the Internet), or can be a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, such as the PsipTN network provided by TelTel. .

The meta channel definition may relate to one or more content entry 211. The content entry 211 is a collection of information about the content of the program to be displayed on the television 202. For example, for program content received from MSO 204, content entry 211 may include information regarding program time, title, description, channel number, start time, and stop time. As another example, the content entry 211 can relate to an internet feed of an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that can include or provide information related to program content received from the MSO 204. For program content received from the Internet video source 210, the content entry 211 can include, for example, the URL of the Internet video resource 210, or the name and/or address of a BitTorrent torrent file. The content entry 211 may also include other information such as the type of program (genre) or classification (eg, children's programs, soap operas, sporting events, entertainment, etc.) or ratings (eg, Nielsen ratings, Internet) Zhi (Internet blog) ratings).

The content entry server 212 can be a server that adds the content entry 211 to the meta channel system 200 to enable the user to include the added content input in the meta channel. For example, the content entry server 212 can access the content entry 211 from various third party sources (eg, an EPG, an internet video provider, a rating service provider, etc.) and can access the content The content entry is stored in a repository or meta-channel repository 222 that resides in the content entry server 212.

An administrator 213 can manage the content entry 211 added to the meta channel system 200 using the content entry server 212 using an administrator portal user interface 214. For example, the administrator 213 can select which content input items to add to the meta channel system 200 (eg, the administrator 213 can filter out content input items corresponding to inappropriate content) and can select which content input items from the meta channel system. 200 removal (eg, the administrator 213 may remove content entries corresponding to relatively older content that have been broadcast or have been available on the meta channel system 200 for a relatively long period of time and that are of little interest). The administrator 213 can directly manage the content entries available on the meta channel system 200 using the administrator portal user interface 214, or can be automatically implemented using the administrator portal user interface 214 to define the content entry server 212. To manage a set of rules for such content entries that are available on the meta channel system 200.

The meta channel can be defined, for example, by an end user 215 or by a "content controller" 216. Content driver 216 establishes and publishes a meta channel definition that is available to user 215. A content driver portal website 218 can provide a content driver portal user interface 220 to the content driver 216. Using the content driver portal user interface 220, the content driver 216 can define a meta channel by selecting the content entry 211, which indicates that the content will be on a defined meta channel on a particular day and time. broadcast. For example, content driver 216 may select content items related to one of the categories of content or related to a particular group of users, such as content related to a particular entertainer, sports team, or game. A content driver can also create custom video content and/or advertisements and make them available. The meta channel defined by content driver 216 can be stored in unary channel library 222.

A user portal website server 224 can provide a user portal website user interface 226 to the user 215. Before defining the meta channel, the user 215 may need to register (eg, using the user portal user interface 226) to obtain the meta channel service. At registration, the user 215 can provide a list of one of the MSO channels available to the user 215. Using the user portal user interface 226, the user 215 can define a meta channel and/or can optionally use or subscribe to a meta channel defined by the content driver 216. For MSO content, the selection of content inputs allowed by the user-defined meta channel may be limited to content inputs related to the MSO channel available to the user 215. Similar to content driver 216, user 215 can define one or more meta channels by selecting one or more content input items 211 to broadcast on a particular meta channel on a particular day and time. The user can assign a channel number (eg, "3") to correspond to a defined meta channel. The meta channel defined by the user 215 can be stored in the meta channel database 222.

The meta channel server 230 can communicate the meta channel information including a list of one of the meta channels defined by the user 215 to the unary channel base station 232 via the network 208. The meta channel base station 232 can store (e.g., cache) meta channel information received from the meta channel server 230. The meta-channel base station 232 can communicate wirelessly with one or more remote control devices 234. Remote control device 234 can communicate with television 202 (e.g., using infrared (IR) technology). Remote control device 234 can include a small display screen.

The meta-channel base station 232 can be configured to receive a signal from a remote control device 234 indicating a channel number corresponding to a button pressed on the remote control device 234. The meta channel base station 232 can be configured to forward the signal to the meta channel server 230. The meta channel server 230 can be configured to map a received signal to a user's meta channel and identify a content entry defined by the user's meta channel. The meta channel server 230 can be configured to send a control command indicating one of the MSO channels corresponding to the identified content entry to the meta channel base station 232. The meta-channel base station 232 can be configured to forward the control signal to the remote control device 234a, and the remote control device 234a can be configured to transmit an IR signal indicative of a channel change to the television 202. Television 202 can be configured to receive the IR signal and can be configured to tune to a designated channel (e.g., channel 22) to display broadcast television content.

Each of the remote control devices 234a, 234b, and 234c can be assigned to a particular user (eg, mother, father, and child). Accordingly, when the meta channel base station 232 receives a command from one of the remote control devices 234a, 234b, and 234c, the meta channel base station 232 (or the meta channel server 230) can identify the particular use assigned to the remote control. And use a custom meta channel configured for that particular user.

For example, remote control device 234a can be assigned to a parent user and remote control device 234b can be assigned to a mother user. In this example, when the meta channel base station 232 receives a command from the remote control device 234a, the command is mapped to the meta channel information customized by the father user (eg, the command mapping to the meta channel 3 can be mapped) To a sports yuan channel). When the meta channel base station 232 receives a command from the remote control device 234b, the command is mapped to the meta channel information customized by the mother user (eg, the command to tune to the meta channel 3 can be mapped to a soap opera channel) ).

3 is a flow chart diagrammatically illustrating a computer 300 for controlling a computer device implementation. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 300 includes storing meta-channel information, receiving a selection of a meta-channel, accessing meta-channel information corresponding to the selection, mapping the meta-channel selection to content defined by the selected meta-channel, and A media device is controlled to visualize the content mapped to the selected meta channel.

In more detail, when program 300 begins, meta-channel information is stored (302). For example, the meta channel information can define a plurality of meta channels, wherein each meta channel can relate to a plurality of content input items and define an order in which the content input items are presented on a particular meta channel. A content entry is associated with content that is obtainable from a content provider, such as a television broadcaster or an internet video source. The meta-channel information can be stored in a central repository and can be transferred to a meta-channel base station residing in, for example, a user's home and cached on the meta-channel base station. The meta channel information may include information required to display the meta channel guide 104 shown in FIG.

After storing the meta channel information, one of the unary channels is selected (304). For example, a user can press a button on a remote control device that indicates the selection of a meta channel number (eg, channel "3"). The remote control device can communicate an input control command indicating one of the selected channel numbers to the meta channel base station. The meta channel base station can forward the input control command to the unary channel server.

After receiving the selection for the unary channel, the meta channel information corresponding to the selection is accessed (306). For example, an input control command corresponding to a selected meta channel number (e.g., channel "3") can be received at the meta channel server. In response to receiving the input control command, the meta channel server accesses the meta channel information corresponding to channel "3" for the user who entered the command. The meta channel server can freely access the meta channel information from the meta channel server to manage the meta channel information.

Next, the meta channel selection is mapped to the content defined by the selected meta channel (308). For example, a content entry corresponding to the selected meta channel and the current day and time can be accessed to identify content that is currently scheduled to be presented on the selected meta channel. In some implementations, broadcast television content received from a particular cable television channel can be scheduled for presentation and the meta-channel selection is mapped to the broadcast television content. Other examples include mapping the selection to content related to an internet video, audio CD music, or content from an "on-demand" cable television service.

A media device is controlled to visualize the content mapped to the selected meta channel (310). For example, a television receiver can be tuned to a particular channel indicated by the mapped content entry and a television broadcast received from the television receiver can be presented on a television display. As another example, an internet video can be downloaded to a media adapter, the internet video can be decoded, and the internet video displayed on a television display. The internet video can also be streamed through a network, and the internet video is displayed on the television display.

In some implementations, the internet video can be downloaded to the media adapter prior to selecting the meta channel. In such implementations, the internet video downloaded to the media adapter prior to selecting the meta-channel is used to visualize the internet video on a television display. The internet video downloaded to the media adapter prior to selecting the source channel may also be pre-transcoded to enable the Internet video to be rendered faster after selection. Downloading and pre-transcoding the Internet video before selecting the meta channel can result in an enhanced user experience (especially for relatively large files with a relatively long download time) because it is downloaded to The Internet adapter of the media adapter, the downloaded and pre-transcoded Internet video can appear faster. The examples illustrated in Figures 16 through 26 can be used to download and pre-transcode Internet video prior to selecting a meta channel.

4 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a computer implemented program 400 for switching meta channels. Briefly, the computer-implemented process 400 includes receiving user input to switch from a first meta-channel to a second meta-channel, identifying a first content source defined by the first meta-channel, identifying the second element The channel defines one of the second content sources and determines whether the first source is different from the second source. If it is determined that the first source is different from the second source, the routine 400 further includes changing an input source of the media device to the second source, and controlling the second source to provide content defined by the second meta channel. If it is determined that the first source is the same as the second source, the process 400 further includes maintaining the input source of the media device as the first source, and controlling the first source to provide a definition by the second meta channel. content.

In more detail, when the process 400 begins, a user input (402) for switching from a first meta channel to a second meta channel is received. For example, a user may be viewing a television that is currently presenting content associated with a first meta channel number (eg, meta channel "4"). The user can press a button on a remote control device to indicate the selection of a second meta channel number (eg, meta channel "3"). The remote control device can transmit an input control command indicating one of the selected meta channel numbers to the meta channel base station, and the meta channel base station can forward the input control command to the unary channel server.

A first content source (404) defined by the first meta channel is identified. For example, the current rendered content on the first meta channel can be identified and one of the content sources of the current rendered content can be identified. The first source can be an MSO television broadcast or an internet video resource. In some examples, the first source can be identified as: a television receiver (eg, a cable set-top box) that receives an MSO television broadcast and outputs one of the MSO television broadcasts; or an internet network DMA, which downloads an IP video and outputs one of the video signals of the IP video.

A second content source (406) defined by the second meta channel is identified. For example, the content scheduled to be presented on the second meta channel at the current day and time can be identified, and one of the content sources of the scheduled content can be identified, such as an MSO television broadcast or an internet video. Resources.

Next, it is determined whether the first source is different from the second source (408). For example, if the first source is an MSO television broadcast and the second source is an internet video resource, the first source may be determined to be different from the second source. If, for example, the first source and the second source are both MSO television broadcasts, it can be determined that the first source is the same as the second source. In some instances, when the sources present a similar type of content (but from a different content provider or use a different delivery mechanism), the first source may be different from the second source (eg, the first source may be A cable set-top box, and the second source may be a satellite television receiver).

If the first source is different from the second source, the input source of the media device is changed to the second source (410). For example, if the first source is an MSO television broadcast and the second source is an internet video, the input source of the media device can be changed to internet video (eg, from an internet network). The media adapter receives the input). As another example, if the first source is an internet video and the second source is an MSO television broadcast, the input source of the media device can be changed to an MSO television broadcast (eg, from a television receiver) Receive input). This input source can be automatically changed without intervention.

After changing the input source of the media device, the second source is controlled to provide content (412) defined by the second meta-channel, thereby ending the process 400. For example, if the second source is changed to internet video, an internet video resource can be displayed on a television display. In this example, the Internet video resource can be downloaded, decoded, and visualized in response to changes in the input source, can be streamed via a network in response to changes in the input source, or can be responsive to changes in the input source. A version of the internet video resource downloaded prior to the input source change appears. As another example, if the second source is changed to an MSO television broadcast, a receiver can be tuned to one of the MSO channels indicated by the second content source and can be presented on the television display from the MSO channel. Broadcast video content.

If the first source is the same as the second source (eg, in step 408), the input source of the media device is maintained as the first source (414). For example, if the first source and the second source are both MSO television broadcasts, the input source of the media device is maintained as an MSO television broadcast (eg, to continue receiving input from a television receiver). As another example, if the first source and the second source are both Internet video, the input source of the media device is maintained as an Internet video (eg, to continue to be connected to an Internet media). Receive input).

The first source is controlled to provide content (416) defined by the second meta-channel, thereby ending the process 400. For example, if the content defined by the second meta channel is internet video, an internet video resource can be displayed on a television display. In this example, the Internet video resource can be downloaded, decoded, and displayed in response to changes in the meta channel, can be streamed via a network in response to changes in the meta channel, or can be responsive to changes in the meta channel. A version of the internet video resource downloaded prior to the meta channel change appears. As another example, if the content defined by the second meta channel is an MSO television broadcast, a receiver can be tuned to one of the MSO channels indicated by the second content source, and can be displayed on a television display. The video content broadcast by the MSO channel.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a computer implemented program 500 for defining a one-channel channel. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 500 includes obtaining channel information resources, receiving a selection of content for inclusion in a meta-channel at a particular time, defining a meta-channel based on the selection of the content, storing the meta-channel definition, and causing the element Channels can be used by one or more users.

First, the channel information resource (502) is obtained. For example, a number of content inputs can be obtained, such as from an EPG, each content entry including a collection of information about the content of the program. For program content received from an MSO, an acquired content entry may include information regarding program time, title, description, channel number, start time, and stop time. For the content of the program received from an internet video source, an acquired content input may include, for example, a URL of the internet video resource, a description of the video, a title of the video, and one of the videos. Source, length of one of the video, etc. An acquired content entry may also include other information such as the type or classification of the program (eg, children's programs, soap operas, sports events, entertainment, etc.) or ratings (eg, Nielsen ratings, Internet blog ratings) ). The acquired content inputs can be classified and organized according to various attributes such as the day and time of the broadcast (for MSO content), type, ratings, and the like.

Next, the selection of the content is received for inclusion in the unary channel at a particular time (504). For example, the end user or "content controller" can use a user interface to select various content items to include in the unary channel. The end user or content driver can select a content entry that is related to a particular category of interest (eg, sports, a particular entertainer, etc.). The user can select content to appear on the meta channel on a particular day and time and/or on a recurring day and time. A content entry can be selected for each time slot in the meta channel. Content from a variety of sources (eg, MSO channels, Internet video, on-demand content, audio music, etc.) can be selected.

The meta channel is defined based on the selection of the content (506). For example, a meta-channel definition can be established that involves the selection of content for inclusion in the meta-channel, and can also include an assigned meta-channel number, and (as appropriate) a user-assigned meta-channel title. And description.

The meta channel definition is stored (508). For example, the meta channel definition can be stored in a central repository or repository managed by a central meta channel server.

The meta channel can be used by one or more users (510). For example, for meta-channels defined by a content driver, the meta-channels can be made available to all users or groups of specific users in the system. The meta-channels established by the content stewards may be made available to the end user to select from among the end user user interfaces (eg, to allow the user to subscribe to the meta-channel defined by the content driver). For a meta channel defined by a particular end user, if the particular end user decides to share the meta channel definition, the meta channel may be made available to the user or may be used by all users or specific users in the system. Used by the group.

In some instances, the meta channel information can be downloaded or cached to a meta channel base station associated with the user. The meta-channel base station can then wirelessly communicate with one or more remote control devices, with a remote control device allowing a user to select a meta-channel to view content presented on the meta-channel.

6 is a flow chart illustrating a process 600 for a computer implemented for a user-customized one-channel list. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 600 includes identifying a user, presenting an available meta channel, receiving user input defining a meta channel selection information, accessing a user profile information of the user, and selecting information based on the meta channel. And the user profile is customized to customize the user's meta channel table, receive a user input identifying a device corresponding to the user, and associate the user's custom meta channel table with the identified device And, when using the identified device, the user's custom meta-channel table can be used by the user.

First, a user is identified (602). For example, a user can provide a user identification code and/or a password using an interface displayed on a personal computer or by pressing a button on a remote control device. The entered user identification code and password can be verified against information stored in the unary channel base station or the meta channel server (eg, the remote control device can communicate the typed user identification code and password to the wireless device via a wireless connection) The meta-channel base station, and the meta-channel base station can compare the typed information with the stored information).

After identifying a user, an available meta channel is presented (604). For example, a number corresponding to an available meta channel can be presented on a display of a remote control device. As another example, an electronic program guide displaying available meta-channels can be presented on a television screen. As yet another example, a user computer can be used to present the available meta-channels to a user to manage the user's meta-channel information via a network.

After presenting the available meta-channels, a user input defining the meta-channel selection information is received (606). The user can provide user input to a personal computer to select a particular meta channel that the user is interested in. The selected meta-channels are customized according to the preferences of the user and are made available to the user when the content is experienced using the meta-channel system. The user can rank the meta channels and can define a number/name to correspond to the selected meta channels.

In an implementation in which a user manages a meta channel using a remote controller, the user can press a button on a remote control device to instruct selection of a meta channel (eg, meta channel "3") to be added to the user. Order the channel list. The remote control device can communicate an input control command indicating one of the selected meta channel numbers to the meta channel base station. The meta-channel base station can forward the input control command along with the user authentication information to the unary channel server.

Next, the user profile information is accessed (608). For example, the user profile information can be retrieved from a repository or data repository based on the provided user authentication information. A user profile may include user preferences for various program content, such as favorite sports teams, venue information, political preferences, adult program content preferences, interests, and the like.

The user's meta channel table (610) is customized based on the meta channel selection information and the user's profile. For example, a user profile can indicate a preference for a favorite football team. In this example, the unary channel may define an instant broadcast of the football match to be presented, but allows the game to be customized according to the user's profile (eg, dynamically customize the meta channel to include a user involved) The broadcast of the live broadcast of the favorite football team game). Other content that may be of interest to the user and that is simultaneously broadcasted with the presented football game (eg, on a different MSO channel) may be recorded on a DVR and in a later slot in the user's Displayed on the meta channel.

As another example, a user's meta-channel table can be customized to include a political talk show, wherein the included talk show matches a political preference (eg, conservative or free) included in the user's profile. . As a third example, a preset meta-channel list may include adult program content. If, for example, the user's profile information indicates that the user is a minor, or if the user's profile information indicates that the user prefers not to receive an adult program, then the meta channel table can be customized for use. Other programs replace the adult program.

Based on the profile information of a user, the user can be suggested to the meta channel currently not associated with the user. For example, if a user profile indicates that a user is interested in cooking, a meta channel related to cooking may be suggested (eg, an existing cooking related meta channel or a new cooking related meta channel established by a content driver). ). As another example, the meta channel may be suggested based on the demographics and/or interests of a user based on their popularity on the popularity of other users having the same demographics and/or interests. If a user accepts a suggested meta channel, the suggested meta channel may be included in a list of the meta channels available to the user.

A user input identifying a device corresponding to the user is received (612). For example, the user can assign their custom meta channel information to a particular base station or a particular remote control. When a command is received for the particular base station or the particular remote control, the command can be processed using the user's custom meta channel information.

The user's custom meta-channel table is associated with the identified device (614). For example, the association between the custom meta-channel table and an identified remote control device can be stored on a one-channel base station and/or a one-channel server.

The user's custom meta-channel table can be used by the user when using the identified device (616). For example, when a user uses an identified remote control device (eg, the user can first authenticate himself using the remote control device), the user is presented with the user's custom meta-channel table. The meta channel associated with the user can be made selectable, and the dynamically selected content can be obtained on one or more meta channels based on the profile information of the user.

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of control between components used to visualize television broadcast content. First, a remote control receives a user input command (702). For example, a user can press a button on a remote control device to indicate, for example, a meta channel number "3".

Next, the remote control sends the user input command to the unary channel base station (704) via a wireless connection. For example, the user input command can be communicated using a Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth wireless protocol.

The meta-channel base station receives the input command (706), and the meta-channel base station forwards the input command to the unary channel server (708) via a network. For example, the input command can be forwarded over the Internet using the TCIP/IP protocol.

The meta channel server receives the input command (710) and maps the input command to a user's meta channel (712). For example, one of the meta channel numbers "3" included in the input command may be mapped to a meta channel having an associated channel number "3" included in the user's meta channel information.

The meta channel server identifies the broadcast television content defined by the user's meta channel (714). For example, the meta channel server can take a content entry associated with the selected meta channel from a stored inventory. A broadcast television program provided by a particular MSO channel (e.g., MSO channel number "5") may be identified as program content currently scheduled on the user's selected meta channel (e.g., meta channel number "3").

The meta channel server transmits a control command to effect a change in television content (715). For example, a control command can be sent to the meta channel base station via the Internet to direct a television receiver to change to a channel number associated with the identified broadcast television content (eg, MSO channel number "5" ).

The meta-channel base station receives the control command (716), and the meta-channel base station forwards the control command to the remote control via a wireless connection (718). For example, the control command can be transmitted from the meta-channel base station to the remote control device using a Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth wireless protocol.

The remote control receives the control command (720), for example, via a wireless connection. The remote control sends an IR signal to a television to change the channel (722). For example, the IR signal can indicate a channel number associated with the identified television broadcast (eg, MSO channel number "5"). In some implementations, the remote control can send an RF signal or another type of signal to the television to change the channel.

The television receives the IR signal (724) and the television changes the channel to display the broadcast television content (726). For example, a receiver can be tuned to a channel number (eg, MSO channel number "5") associated with the identified television broadcast and indicated by the IR signal.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of control between components used to visualize Internet video content. First, a remote control receives a user input command (802). For example, a user can press a button on a remote control device to indicate, for example, a meta channel number "3".

Next, the remote control sends the user input command to the unary channel base station (804) via a wireless connection. For example, the user input command can be communicated using a Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth wireless protocol.

The meta-channel base station receives the input command (806), and the meta-channel base station forwards the input command to the unary channel server (808) via a network. For example, the input command can be forwarded over the Internet using the TCIP/IP protocol.

The meta channel server receives the input command (810). The meta channel server maps the input command to a user's meta channel (812). For example, one of the meta channel numbers "3" included in the input command may be mapped to a meta channel having an associated channel number "3" included in the user's meta channel information.

The meta channel server identifies the internet video content defined by the user's meta channel (814). For example, the meta channel server can take a content entry associated with the selected meta channel from a stored inventory. An internet video resource can be identified as the program content currently scheduled on the selected meta channel of the user (eg, the meta channel number "3").

The meta channel server transmits a first control command via a network to change an input source (816). For example, a control command can be sent to the meta-channel base station via the Internet to direct a television to change its input from a television video source (eg, a cable set-top box) to an internet video source. (for example, an internet DMA).

The meta-channel base station receives the first control command (818), and the meta-channel base station forwards the first control command to the remote controller via a wireless connection (820). For example, the first control command can be transmitted from the meta-channel base station to the remote control device using Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth wireless protocol.

The remote control receives the first control command (822), for example, via a wireless connection. The remote control sends an IR signal to a television to change an input source (824). For example, the IR signal can indicate changing the input source to receive input from an internet DMA.

The television receives the IR signal (826) and the television changes the input source to receive input from the internet DMA (828). Based on the changed input source settings, the television is configured to display a video signal received from the internet DMA.

After transmitting the first control command, the meta channel server sends a second control command to the internet digital media adapter (830). For example, the second control command can include a URL of one of the Internet video resources.

The internet digital media adapter receives the second control command (832) from the meta channel server. For example, the second control command can be received via the internet.

The Internet digital media adapter generates a video signal (834) for the Internet video content. For example, a video file can be downloaded (e.g., one of the Internet video resources) from the Internet to the Internet digital media adapter and the video file can be decoded. The internet digital media adapter can also generate the video file via one of the network streams or download the video file from the internet to the internet digital media adapter before the meta channel change. One of the video messages of the Internet video content.

The Internet digital media adapter transmits the video signal of the Internet video content to the television (836). For example, the video signal can be communicated via a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface, or any other type of video interface.

The television receives the video signal (838) and displays the internet video content (840). For example, the video content can be presented on a display screen.

Although the procedures illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 have been described as being performed by specific components, similar methods are applicable to the use of different components to define the structure of the system or to disperse functionality between the components in different ways. In implementation. For example, although a television has been described as performing the operations of FIGS. 7 and 8, other display devices (eg, monitors) may be used to perform such operations. In addition, other media devices may be part of a media system that performs the procedures shown in Figures 7 and 8, and provide other sources of video/audio content. Moreover, in some implementations, operations described as being performed by the meta-channel server can be performed by a meta-channel base station.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a scenario in which an alternative content is replaced after the advertisement content is detected. A user 902 is watching the video content on a television 904 and may detect an advertisement on the television 904. For example, an advertisement can be detected using any type of technology, such as an increase in volume detected when the advertisement begins.

In response to detecting the advertisement, a user profile 908 associated with the user 902 is accessed. The user profile 908 can be used to determine alternatives that can be selected to be displayed on the television 904 in place of the detected advertisement. For example, the unary channel priority list profile setting 910 can include a list of meta-channels that can be used to provide alternative content in lieu of an advertisement. If an advertisement is detected on the current channel, the television can be switched to the first channel in the meta-channel priority list 910 that is currently displaying non-advertising content (eg, the channel with the highest priority). For example, if an advertisement is detected on the current channel and the advertisement is not played on channel 6, the television can be switched to channel 6. If an advertisement is also being played on channel 6, the television can be switched to channel 4 (assuming no advertisement is played on channel 4).

A user profile setting 912 can indicate that a user would prefer to view an advertisement associated with a particular category of advertisement (eg, an advertisement associated with a sporting goods or car). If an advertisement that is not related to the user's preferred advertisement category is detected on the television 904, an advertisement related to the user's preferred advertisement category may be selected, and may be downloaded via a network and presented as an alternative content. On TV 904.

A user profile setting 914 can indicate that a user prefers to view advertisements associated with a particular geographic area (e.g., Washington, DC, USA). If an advertisement unrelated to a user's preferred geographic area is detected on the television 904, an advertisement related to the user's preferred geographic area may be selected, and may be downloaded via a network and used as an alternative content. Presented on television 904.

A user profile setting 916 can include a list of alternative content sources that are unrelated to the meta channel. A user may be willing to define a source of alternative content that a user prefers to receive during a limited period of time (eg, during an advertising period). For example, the user may be willing to watch a weather television channel for a limited period of time and assign the weather television channel as an alternate content source. The user may also be willing to view a particular web page or internet content for a limited period of time and assign that particular network or internet content as an alternate content source.

Based on the user profile setting 916, if an advertisement is detected on the current channel, the television can be switched to the first alternate content source that is currently displaying the non-advertising content. For example, if an advertisement is detected on the current channel and the advertisement is not played on the MSO channel 5, the television can be switched to the MSO channel 5. If the advertisement is also being played on MSO channel 5, the television can be switched to the third internet source.

A user profile setting 918 can indicate a non-video commercial break item that can be used as a source of alternative content. For example, if a detected advertisement is replaced with an alternative advertisement, and the substitute advertisement is shorter in duration than the replaced advertisement, a non-video insertion item (such as an electronic preferential treatment) may be displayed on the television 904. A volume or some other form of static advertisement) is a time period equal to one of the time difference between the replaced advertisement and the substitute advertisement.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system diagram 1000 that is similar to system diagram 200 in many respects. Items 1002 through 1034 of Figure 10 correspond to items 202 through 234 of Figure 2, respectively. The system map 1000 includes an inventory 1050 and an advertisement monitoring server 1060. The advertisement monitoring server 1060 can detect an advertisement (ad) and can send a signal to the meta channel server 1030 in response to detecting the advertisement. The advertisement monitoring server 1060 can detect the advertisement played on the MSO channel based on one of the MSO broadcast contents, and can also detect the content driver inserted by the defined meta channel based on the connection to the one of the meta channel server 1030. An advertisement in a meta channel.

The meta channel server 1030 can access the user's advertising preferences, indicating whether a user prefers local advertisements, prefers non-advertising content, or prefers advertisements related to a particular geographic area. The meta channel server 1030 can identify auxiliary content related to the user's preferences. The secondary advertising content can be identified by reference to one or more of the advertising resources 1050. The inventory 1050 can include information about advertisements that can be selected as ancillary content, such as categories, regions, publishers, etc. of the advertisements.

The meta channel server 1030 can be configured to send a control command to the meta channel base station 1032, which in turn can forward the control command to a remote control 1034. In response to the control command, the remote control 1034 can send an IR signal to the television 1002 to instruct the television to tune to the auxiliary content (eg, tune to a different MSO channel to display non-advertising content, or receive from the Internet DMA 1006) Auxiliary advertising content).

11 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a computer implemented program 1100 for presenting alternate content on a media device. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 1100 includes detecting an advertisement on a selected content channel experienced by a user on a media device, accessing an advertisement preference of the user, selecting auxiliary content based on the advertisement preferences, and using the The auxiliary content replaces the advertisement on the selected content channel and controls the media device to output the auxiliary content.

In more detail, when the program 1100 begins, an advertisement on a selected content channel experienced by a user on a media device is detected (1102). For example, an advertisement monitoring server can monitor an advertisement on a channel experienced by a user, and can detect an advertisement on a channel based on an increase in volume when the advertisement starts. A content channel can be any type of physical or virtual channel for distributing content. For example, a content channel can include any type of broadcast content channel (eg, an analog or digital television channel) over which the program is broadcast via a network. A content channel may also include any type of request-based content channel in which content is delivered (eg, downloaded, streamed, etc.) via a network in response to a user request. A content channel can further include a meta channel that configures content from various content sources in a virtual channel.

Access to the user's advertising preferences (1104). For example, a user profile including user preferences can be accessed, wherein the user preferences indicate whether a user prefers to use local advertisements, non-advertising content, advertisements related to a specific geographic area, etc. instead of the general ad.

The auxiliary content is selected based on the advertising preferences (1106). For example, if the detected advertisement is not related to a user's preferred advertisement category, then an advertisement related to the user's preferred advertisement category may be selected. As another example, if the detected advertisement is not related to a user's preferred geographic area, then an advertisement related to the user's preferred geographic area may be selected. As a third example, if a user's preference indicates that a user prefers non-advertising content, the highest priority channel currently not presenting the advertising content on the channel priority list may be selected.

The advertisement on the selected content channel is replaced with the auxiliary content (1108). For example, the unary channel server can control the user's media system to replace the advertisement currently defined by the meta channel that the user is experiencing with the auxiliary content. Replacing the advertisement with the auxiliary content may include updating the meta channel information of the user to at least temporarily define the auxiliary content in place of the content originally defined by the meta channel. The server may also store alternatives to track the auxiliary content and other channels of the channel the user is experiencing when the replacement occurs.

The media device is controlled to output the auxiliary content (1110). For example, if the auxiliary content is an MSO television channel, a receiver can be tuned to the MSO channel and the MSO broadcast content can be presented on a display included in the media device. If the auxiliary content is an alternative advertising content, the advertising content can be downloaded from a server to an internet digital media adapter, the advertising content is decoded, and the advertisement is displayed on a display included in the media device. content. The auxiliary content may also be streamed via a network before the advertisement is detected or downloaded from the Internet to an internet digital media adapter.

12 is an example user interface 1200 for selecting advertising preferences. A user can select one of a set of options 1202 through 1208. In some implementations, the user can select one or more of the options 1202 through 1208. For example, if the user prefers to display the advertisement unchanged (eg, as indicated by the preset on a watched television channel), the user may select option 1202.

For example, if the user prefers to view non-advertising content in lieu of an advertisement, the user may select option 1204. If option 1204 is selected, a set of channels 1210a through 1210d can be specified in the meta-channel priority list 1212. If an advertisement is detected while the user is watching the television content, the television channel can be switched to the first channel of the meta-channel priority list 1212 where the advertisement content is not currently displayed. For example, if an advertisement is detected and the channel 1210a (eg, meta channel "5") does not currently display advertising content, the television channel can be switched to channel 1210a. However, if channel 1210a is displaying an advertisement, other channels in the list (eg, 1210b to 1210d) may be checked, and the television channel may be switched to the first channel (eg, 1210b) where the advertisement content is not currently displayed.

For example, if the user prefers to view an advertisement related to one or more preferred advertising themes, the user may select option 1206. For example, user interface 1200 displays preferred advertising themes 1214a through 1214b associated with sports and automobiles, respectively. If an advertisement that is unrelated to the user's preferred theme is detected, an advertisement related to the user's preferred advertising theme may be selected, possibly downloaded via a network and presented as an alternative content. The favorite advertisement may also be streamed via a network or downloaded from the Internet to an internet digital media adapter before an advertisement unrelated to the user's preferred theme is detected.

A user may also be able to designate one or more preferred companies (eg, 1216a through 1216b). If an advertisement unrelated to the company preferred by the user is detected, an advertisement related to the company preferred by the user may be selected, may be downloaded via a network and presented as an alternative content. The favorite advertisement may also be streamed via a network or downloaded from the Internet to an internet digital media adapter before an advertisement unrelated to the user preferred by the user is detected.

A user may also be able to designate one or more excluded companies (eg, 1218). Advertisements associated with the excluded company may be excluded from selection, even if their advertisements match other criteria (such as related to a consumer's preferred theme).

For example, if a user prefers to view a local advertisement, the user may choose to select 1208. A user can specify his primary address in a primary address field 1220 and an alternate address in an alternate address field 1222. A user can specify that the secondary address should be used, for example, if the user is on vacation, by selecting an option 1224. If an advertisement is detected that is not related to the user's address, an advertisement related to the user's address may be selected, possibly downloaded via a network and presented as an alternative content. The geo-related advertisement may also be streamed via a network or downloaded from the Internet to an internet digital media adapter before an advertisement unrelated to the user's address is detected.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a computer implemented program 1300 for returning from rendering alternative content. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 1300 includes monitoring completion of an advertisement detected on a selected content channel, accessing an advertisement return preference, and controlling the media device based on the advertisement return preference after detecting that the detected advertisement is completed. .

In more detail, when the process 1300 begins, the completion of the detected advertisements on the selected content channel is monitored (1302). For example, an advertisement monitoring server can monitor the completion of an advertisement on a channel that a user experiences. The advertisement completion can be detected, for example, based on a decrease in volume after the non-advertising content is restored.

Access to the ad returns preferences (1304). For example, an ad can be accessed from a user profile to return preferences. A user profile can store various user-specified ad return preferences. For example, a user profile can store settings specified using the example user interface 1400 illustrated in FIG. The user interface 1400 can be used to specify an option 1402 to indicate a preference to return to the previous content channel immediately after the detected advertisement is completed. A user may specify an option 1404 to indicate maintaining a preference for presenting the content channel until an advertisement is detected on the auxiliary content channel. A user may specify an option 1406 for indicating that the secondary content channel is maintained and (eg, using an on-screen message and providing the user with an option to return to the previous content channel) to detect the previous content channel. The notification that the ad has been completed is provided to the user's preferences.

After detecting that the detected advertisement is complete, the media device is controlled based on the advertisement return preference (1306). For example, if the accessed ad return preferences correspond to option 1402, then a television receiver can be controlled to tune to the previous content channel. If the accessed ad return preferences correspond to option 1404, then a television receiver is maintained tuned to the secondary content channel. When an advertisement is detected on the secondary content channel, a television receiver can be tuned to switch to the previous content channel. If the accessed ad return preferences correspond to option 1406, then a notification may be displayed to the user (eg, using an on-screen message and providing the user with the option to return the previous content channel) indicating the detected The detected ad has been completed on the previous content channel. A television receiver can be maintained tuned to the auxiliary content channel.

Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of control between components that present auxiliary content in response to detecting an advertisement. An advertisement monitoring server detects an advertisement (1502) on a channel experienced by a user. For example, an advertisement can be detected based on an increase in volume associated with the beginning of an advertisement.

The advertisement monitoring server may send a signal indicating one of the detected advertisements to the unary channel server (1504). For example, the signal can be conveyed by transmitting a message via a network (eg, the Internet). The meta channel server receives the signal (1506).

The meta channel server accesses the advertising preferences (1508). The preferences accessed may indicate whether a user prefers a local advertisement, prefers non-advertising content, or prefers an advertisement related to a particular geographic area.

The meta channel server identifies the auxiliary content (1510). For example, if the detected advertisement is not related to a user's preferred advertisement category, an advertisement related to the user's preferred advertisement category may be identified as auxiliary content. As another example, if the detected advertisement is not related to a user's preferred geographic area, an advertisement related to the user's preferred geographic area may be identified as auxiliary content. As a third example, if a user's preference indicates that the user prefers non-advertising content, one of the highest priority channels on the first channel priority list that does not currently present the advertising content may be identified as the auxiliary content.

The meta channel server transmits a first control command to the unary channel base station (1512) based on the identified auxiliary content. For example, the first control command can be sent via a network, such as the Internet.

The meta-channel base station receives the first control command (1514) and forwards the first control command to a remote control device (1516). For example, the first control command can be sent to the remote control device via a wireless connection.

The remote control device receives the first control command (1518) and transmits an IR signal to a television (1520). The television receives the IR signal (1522) and configures one or more settings to display the auxiliary content (1524). For example, if the auxiliary content is to be received from an MSO channel, a television receiver can be tuned to the MSO channel. As another example, if the auxiliary content is advertising content received from a web server, the television can be configured to receive video content from an internet digital media adapter.

After transmitting the first control command, the meta channel server optionally sends a second control command to an internet digital media adapter (1526). The second control command is sent if the auxiliary content is provided by an internet video or a customized advertisement broadcast by a web server. After receiving the second control command, the auxiliary content can be downloaded, decoded, and transmitted to the television for display. In some examples, after receiving the second control command, the internet digital media adapter can begin streaming the auxiliary content via a network, or can output previously downloaded and pre-transcoded auxiliary content. .

After detecting an advertisement, the advertisement monitoring server monitors the completion of the detected advertisement (1528). For example, the completion of an advertisement can be detected based on a decrease in volume when non-advertising content is restored.

Upon detecting the completion of the detected advertisement, the advertisement monitoring server sends a signal indicating that the advertisement is completed to the meta channel server (1530). For example, the signal can be sent in a message via a network (eg, the Internet).

The meta channel server receives the advertisement completion signal (1532). The meta channel server accesses the ad return preferences. For example, an ad can be accessed from a user profile to return preferences.

If the advertisement return preference causes the input source of the television to change, the meta channel server can send a third control command to the meta channel base station (1534). The signal can also be forwarded to the remote control, and the remote control can send a corresponding signal to the television.

For example, if the accessed advertisement return preference indicates that the user prefers to return to the previous content channel immediately after the detected advertisement is completed, the third control command may direct a television receiver to tune to the previous Content channel. If the accessed advertisement return preferences indicate that the user prefers to maintain the presented auxiliary content until an advertisement is detected on the secondary content channel, then a television receiver is maintained tuned to the secondary content channel. When an advertisement is detected on the auxiliary content channel, a third control signal can be sent to direct the television to switch to the previous content channel. If the accessed advertisement return preference indicates that the user prefers to maintain a notification that the auxiliary content channel is present and receives the detected advertisement on the previous content channel, the third control command may Directing the television (eg, using an on-screen message and providing the user with an option to return to the previous content channel) displays a notification indicating that the detected advertisement has completed on the previous content channel.

Although the program shown in FIG. 15 has been described as being performed by a particular component, similar methods are applicable to the use of different components to define the structure of the system or to disperse the functionality in other implementations between the components. For example, although a television has been described as performing the operations of FIG. 15, other display devices (eg, monitors) may be used to perform such operations. In addition, other media devices may be part of a media system that performs the process shown in Figure 15, and provide other sources of video/audio content. Moreover, in some implementations, operations described as being performed by a meta channel server may be performed by a meta channel base station.

While the implementation has been described in the context of substituting ad content for ad content, other implementations may include substituting auxiliary content for various types of content other than the ad. For example, the system can detect content interruptions (eg, news breaks, loss of service, poor quality, device failure, etc.) and replace such content interruptions with auxiliary content based on user preferences. The system can also detect when a program schedule is modified by a content provider and replace it with the auxiliary content in response to the modification. For example, the system may detect that a live broadcast of the sporting event continues for a long time and the content provider has delayed the broadcast of a desired program to resolve the extended length of the live sporting event. The system may select ancillary content to replace the live broadcast of the sporting event, monitor the completion of the live broadcast of the sporting event, and then control the media system to display the delayed broadcast of the desired program.

Figure 16 is a context diagram illustrating a procedure for enabling a media system to visualize content. Information regarding the content defined by one or more meta-channels 1604a at 1604d may be displayed for an electronic program guide guide 1602. Guide 1602 can display a schedule of content that will be presented on a particular day of the week (eg, Sunday).

Meta-channels 1604a through 1604d each identify content entries to be presented on a respective meta-channel and indicate the order in which the content inputs will be presented on the meta-channel. For Internet video content, one portion of the video content can be cached (eg, in a cache memory associated with a digital media adapter) to enable the responding channel to switch to the scheduled for presentation One of the channels of Internet video content. The cached content can also be pre-transcoded into a faster video codec format to improve response time. For example, the cached content can be pre-transcoded using a video codec that enables the cached content to be rendered in less than half a second.

For example, as indicated by an action 1606, the video content "IP Video 1" can be cached and pre-transcoded in a digital media adapter memory 1616 at a time "Time 1" (by the content entry 1610). Description) One portion 1608 and a portion 1612 of the video content "IP Video 2" (described by content entry 1614). The portion of the cached video content can be determined by the time required to visualize the video content without being fetched. For example, it may take a minute to download and use a video codec to decode the video content "IP Video 1" (described by content entry 1610) before it is ready to display the video content "IP Video 1" to a user. And it may take two minutes to download and use a video codec to decode the video content "IP Video 2" (described by content entry 1614) before it is ready to display the video content "IP Video 2" to a user. In this case, the portion 1608 of the cached video content "IP Video 1" may correspond to one minute of video viewing time (eg, downloading the video content "IP Video 1" and decoding the video content using a video codec" The time required for IP video 1", and the portion 1612 of the video content "IP Video 2" of the cached video can correspond to two minutes of video viewing time (for example, downloading video content "IP Video 2" and using a video encoding The time required for the decoder to decode the video content "IP Video 2". Therefore, only one of the "IP Video 1" is relatively small (for example, a one-minute IP video 1) and only one of the "IP Video 2" is relatively small (for example, two minutes of IP video 2) ) Need to cache in the media adapter cache 1616. This may be advantageous because the amount of storage required for the media adapter cache 1616 may be reduced, and the media adapter cache 1616 may still be able to store a relatively small portion of a large amount of IP video.

If a user switches to the meta channel 1604a during the time range between "Time 1" and "Time 2", the original version of "IP Video 1" can be transcoded by a background program and ready to be viewed. The portion of the cached "IP Video 1" that is cached and pre-transcoded is 1608. A transition from the portion 1608 of the cached and pre-transcoded to the original version of "IP Video 1" may occur. Similarly, if the user switches to the meta channel 1604d, the cached and pre-transcoded portion 1612 of "IP Video 2" can be played when the original version of "IP Video 2" is transcoded and ready for viewing.

At the time "Time 2", it can be determined that the scheduled playback time of "IP Video 1" and "IP Video 2" has elapsed, and therefore, some of the 1608 and 1612 can be moved from the digital media adapter memory 1616. In addition, as illustrated by a digital media adapter cache 1618. As indicated by an action 1619, and before the "Time 2" is reached, the video content "IP Video 4" (described by the content entry 1622) can be cached and pre-transcoded in the Digital Media Adapter Memory 1618. A portion 1620 of the portion 1620 and video content "IP Video 5" (described by content entry 1626). The size of the portions 1620 and 1624 of the cached video content can be determined by the time required to visualize the video content without being cached.

As indicated by action 1628, the cached video content "IP Video 3" (described by content entry 1630) may be excluded because the video content appears fast enough without being cached. For example, the video content "IP Video 3" may be processable such that it is ready for viewing in less than a threshold time (eg, less than half a second of the threshold time). If a user switches to the meta channel 1604a during a time interval between "time 2" and "time 3", an original version of "IP Video 3" can be displayed.

At the time "Time 3", four IP videos (for example, "IP Video 6", "IP Video 7", "IP Video 8" and "IP Video 9" are described by the content input items 1632 to 1638 respectively) Schedule to present. As indicated by action 1640, it may be determined that it is not possible to cache portions of all scheduled Internet video. For example, it may be determined that there is not enough space available in the digital media adapter cache 1618, and/or it may be determined that there is insufficient time to download and transcode all of the scheduled Internet video portions.

If it is determined that it is not possible to cache portions of all scheduled Internet video content, a subset of the meta-channels of the Internet video content may be scheduled to be displayed, and may be cached and pre-transcoded through the schedule. The portion of the Internet video content that is played on the meta channel included in the subset. For example, a method can be used to maximize the number of portions that are cached. In this example, a subset of the meta-channels can be determined by identifying a combination of the identified meta-channels for which the digital media adapter cache memory has been stored prior to "time 3" The ability to schedule portions of the content presented on each of the meta-channels included in the combination. One of the identified meta-channels can be selected from among the identified combinations including a combination of a maximum number of channels. For example, as indicated by an action 1642, a combination comprising the meta-channels 1, 2, and "N" can be identified as having one of a maximum number of channels, and can be in the digital media adapter cache 1650. Pre-transcoded and cached (respectively, video content "IP Video 6", "IP Video 7" and "IP Video 9") portions 1644 to 1648.

As another example, a subset of meta-channels may be selected by accessing a historical viewing mode indicating one or more categories of content that the user has experienced during a past time range similar to the particular time range. Comparing the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels with the accessed historical viewing patterns, and may be based on the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels The comparison of the accessed historical viewing modes determines a subset of the identified meta-channels that the user is most likely to experience during the particular time range. For example, a user may have previously watched comedy related video during a time period starting from "Time 3", and IP video 6, 8, and 9 may include comedy related content, while IP video 7 may include detective content. . Thus, the respective meta-channels 1604a, 1604c, and 1604d can be included in a subset of the selected meta-channels, while the meta-channel 1604b can be excluded from a subset of the selected meta-channels.

As a further example, a subset of the meta-channels can be selected by: determining one of the meta-channels experienced by the user when selecting; accessing the meta-channel that the user experiences while experiencing the user’s selection Information of one or more meta-channels that are typically selected; comparing the accessed information with the identified meta-channels; and determining the comparison based on the comparison of the accessed information with the identified meta-channels A subset of the identified meta-channels that the user is most likely to experience during a particular time frame. In other words, and for example, if the user is currently viewing the meta channel 1604b, and if the historical data indicates that the user typically selects the meta channel 1604a or 1604c after viewing the meta channel 1604b, the meta channels 1604a and 1604c may be included in the meta This subset of channels.

As indicated by an action 1652, at the end of time "Time 4", the end time of the content "IP Video 7" can be detected (or, as another example, the end of the playback of the portion 1646 can be detected), which allows the self-digiting The media adapter cache 1650 clears the portion 1646. In response to the clearing of portion 1646, and as indicated by an action 1654, a unary channel (e.g., meta channel 1604c) can be selected as a new channel to be cached. As illustrated by a digital media adapter cache 1658, one of the previously uncached content "IP Video 8" 1656 can be cached. In some implementations, the digital media adapter caches the memory 1650 to clear the portion of the content stored in the digital media adapter cache 1650, even if it is still playing. Take part of the original video associated with it. Clearing the cached portion while still playing the original video may allow the digital media adapter cache memory 1650 to fetch additional content in an early time, for example, until the original video ends playing. The part of the cache.

Figure 17 illustrates a system 1700 for visualizing content. System 1700 includes a meta channel server 1702, content providers 1704 through 1706, and an internet digital media adapter (DMA) 1708, all of which are coupled to a network 1710. Internet DMA 1708 can receive internet video or other content from content providers 1704 through 1706 via network 1710. Content providers 1704 through 1706 can provide content using a public network source (e.g., content available via the Internet) or using a content delivery network (CDN). The CDN is a network of cooperating devices that are optimized (eg, for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency) to deliver content such as video or audio content to, for example, a client device (possibly incurring a fee). Video content may include video files, video feeds (eg, podcasts), or other content such as BitTorrent files. The network 1710 can be one or more public or private, wired or wireless networks (such as the Internet), or can be a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, such as the PsipTN network provided by TelTel. .

The received video content can be stored in an electronic storage 1711 included in the Internet DMA 1708. The received video content can be presented on a display device 1712 (e.g., a television screen, computer monitor) connected to the Internet DMA 1708. The meta channel server 1702 can communicate meta channel information including a list of user defined meta channels to the internet DMA 1708 via the network 1710 or to other devices, such as a meta channel base station (not shown). The meta channel information can be stored in and retrieved from the unary channel database 1714.

18 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a computer implemented program 1800 for enabling a media system to visualize content. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 1800 includes storing meta-channel information, accessing content entries corresponding to content defined by the meta-channel for a particular time range, and identifying content defined by the meta-channels for the particular time range. One or more types, a subset of the identified types of content-based selected meta-channels, and one of the content defined by the selected subset of meta-channels, stored in a decoded version, in an electronic associated with a user's media system In the storage, and in response to the user selecting one of the subset of meta-channels, the media system is controlled to visualize the content using the decoded version of the content.

In more detail, when the program 1800 begins, the meta channel information is stored in an electronic storage of a media system (1802). For example, the meta channel information can define a plurality of meta channels, wherein each meta channel can relate to a plurality of content input items and define an order in which content input items are to be presented on a particular meta channel. A content entry is associated with content that is obtainable from a content provider, such as a television broadcaster or an internet video source. The meta-channel information can be stored in a central repository and can be transferred to a meta-channel base station residing in, for example, a user's home and cached on the meta-channel base station.

After storing the meta channel information, the meta channel information stored in the electronic storage accesses content input items corresponding to content defined by each of the plurality of meta channels for a specific time range (1804) The content entry accessed by the content includes at least one content input associated with content of a first type broadcast by a content provider at a particular time and in response to a user request by a content provider Making at least one content entry related to the second type of content available via a network. For example, content entries can be accessed from a one-channel base station and/or from a central repository or server. The particular time range can be an upcoming time (eg, 5 pm) or a time period (eg, 5 pm to 7 pm), and the accessed content inputs can correspond to the scheduled for that particular A time range or content presented on one or more meta channels during that particular time range. Content inputs can typically involve various types of content, such as broadcast television content received from a particular local or cable television provider, Internet video, audio CD music, or content from an "on-demand" cable television service. The first type of content can be broadcast, for example, by a cable television channel. The second type of content can be, for example, internet video.

After accessing the content entry, a type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range is identified based on the accessed content entry (1806). For example, at 5 p.m., a first meta channel can be scheduled to present an MSO broadcast, and a second meta channel can be scheduled to present an internet video.

After identifying one of the types of content for each meta-channel, a subset of the meta-channels is selected based on the identified type of content (1808). For example, a meta-channel that is scheduled to present Internet content for video can be selected. In more detail, FIG. 19 illustrates a computer-implemented program 1900 for selecting a subset of meta-channels based on an identified type of content. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 1900 includes: identifying a plurality of meta-channels for which the time required to begin to visualize the content defined by the meta-channel exceeds a threshold time; for the identified meta-channels Each of the determinations enables an amount of content that is required to transition from using a decoded version to using an original version intermittently without content rendering; determining whether the electronic storage of the media system has content defining the content to be experienced The ability to store the content of the determined amount prior to time; when the electronic storage has the ability to store the determined amount of content, select all of the identified meta-channels to store a decoded version of the content; and when the electronic When the storage does not have the ability to store the determined amount of content, a subset of the identified meta-channels is selected to store a decoded version of the content.

In more detail, when the program 1900 begins, a plurality of meta-channels are identified, for which the time required to begin to visualize the content defined by the meta-channel exceeds a threshold time (1902). For example, Figure 20 illustrates an example program 2000 for identifying a plurality of meta-channels for which the time required to begin visualizing content exceeds a threshold time. When the program 2000 begins, a plurality of meta-channels are identified, wherein the meta-channels define content that is available via a network in response to a user request by a content provider (2002). For example, a plurality of meta-channels that are scheduled to present Internet video content during a particular time frame can be identified.

After identifying a plurality of meta-channels, the time required to begin to visualize the content defined by the identified meta-channels is determined (2004). For example, for each video, the amount of time required to transcode the video content using a video codec can be determined.

Next, it is determined whether the time required to start visualizing the content exceeds a threshold time (2006). For example, the time required to begin visualizing the content and the threshold time of half a second can be compared.

If the determined time required to start presenting the content does not exceed a threshold time, the meta channel is not selected (2008). If the determined time required to start presenting the content exceeds a threshold time, the meta channel is selected (2010).

Returning to Figure 19, for each of the identified meta-channels, a determination is made to enable the content-free presentation to transition from using a decoded version to an amount of content required to use an original version (1904). For example, the amount of content can be selected such that the playback time of the content of the amount is equal to or greater than the amount of time required to transcode the remainder of a video that does not include the content of the determined amount. As a more specific example, if a full Internet video takes 5 seconds to transcode, it can be determined that the amount of content is slightly less than 5 seconds before the content (eg, 4.9 seconds). In other words, 4.9 seconds can be the amount of time required to transcode the remainder of the Internet video from 4.9 seconds into the video. A content size may be determined based on the determined amount of time required to begin visualizing the content.

Next, it is determined if the electronic storage of the media system has the ability to store the determined amount of content prior to the time at which the content to be experienced is defined (1906). For example, it can be determined whether the total amount of content of the identified meta-channels exceeds the available storage in the electronic storage associated with the media system. For example, the total content of the content may be 100 million bytes, and the available storage capacity in the media system may be 80 million bytes (in this case, it may be determined that the media system does not have the storage place) The ability to determine the content of the quantity). As another example, by determining whether the amount of time remaining until the beginning of the particular time range exceeds the media system downloading, transcoding, and storing the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels An amount of time is required to determine if the media system has the ability to store the determined amount of content.

When the electronic storage has the ability to store the determined amount of content, all of the identified meta-channels are selected to store a decoded version of the content (1908). In contrast, when the electronic storage does not have the ability to store the determined amount of content, a subset of the identified meta-channels is selected to store a decoded version of the content (1910).

For example, a subset of the identified meta-channels can be selected by identifying a combination of the identified meta-channels for which the electronic storage associated with the media system of the user has The ability to store the content of the determined amount of each of the meta-channels included in the combination prior to the particular time range. In this example, one of the identified meta-channels can be selected from the identified combinations including a combination of the largest number of channels. For example, if the electronic storage of a media system has 20 million bytes of available space, and if the contents of the first meta channel, the second meta channel, and the third meta channel are determined to be 10 million, respectively. A byte, a 10 megabyte, and a 20 megabyte may optionally include the first meta channel and the second meta channel in a subset of the identified meta channels, and may exclude the third meta channel Beyond this subset of identified meta channels.

As another example, one of the identified meta-channels may be selected by accessing a historical viewing mode indicating one or more categories of content that the user has experienced during a past time range similar to a particular time range. set. Comparing the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels with the accessed historical viewing modes, and based on the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels The comparison of the historical viewing modes of the access determines a subset of the identified meta-channels that the user is most likely to experience during the particular time range. In other words, and by way of example, a user may have previously viewed comedy video during the particular time range, then the meta-channel that is scheduled to present comedy-related content during the particular time range may be selected to be included in the identified element. This subset of channels, and meta-channels that are scheduled to present content of other categories (eg, detective drama, news content, sports content, etc.) may be excluded from the subset of identified meta-channels. In one implementation of the above example, the first meta channel and the second meta channel each defining a content requiring a storage of 10 million bytes may each be related to the content of a new category, and the definition requires 20 million bits. The third meta channel of the content of the group's storage may be related to the content of a comedy category. In this implementation, the third meta channel may be included in a subset of the identified meta channels based on the user's indication that the user prefers the historical viewing mode of the comedy related content during the particular time range, although the selection results in The less meta channel has the cached IP video content.

As a further example, a subset of the identified meta-channels may be selected by: determining one of the meta-channels experienced by the user when selecting; accessing to identify that the user is experiencing the user’s selection Experiencing information of one or more meta-channels that are typically selected after the meta-channel; comparing the accessed information with the identified meta-channels; and based on the accessed information and the identified meta-channels A comparison determines a subset of the identified meta-channels that the user is most likely to experience during the particular time range. In other words, for example, if the user is currently viewing the meta channel "4", and if the historical data indicates that the user usually selects the meta channel "5" or "8" after viewing the meta channel "4", then The meta-channels "5" and "8" are included in the subset of the identified meta-channels (i.e., the equal-element channels are included in the identified meta-channels).

Returning to Figure 18, after selecting a subset of the meta-channels, one of the portions of the content defined by each of the selected subsets of the meta-channels (e.g., a relatively small portion) is stored in a decoded version and used In the electronic storage associated with the media system (1810). For example, Figure 21 illustrates an example program 2100 for storing content. When program 2100 begins, a portion of the content defined by the unary channel is downloaded (2102). For example, Internet video content can be downloaded using, for example, the Internet or a content delivery network.

After downloading the portion of the content, an initial portion of the content that enables the transition from a decoded version to an original version is determined (2104). For example, a video codec can be used to encode the original version of the content that is made available by a content provider. The original video codec can be slower than a faster different video codec. Determining a time required to begin rendering the content using the original video codec format, and selecting an initial portion of the content to be pre-transferred based on the determined time required to begin rendering the content using the slower video codec format The code is the faster video codec format. In other words, one of the initial portions may be selected for a length of time such that the playback of the rendered initial portion continues for one or more of the time required to begin rendering the content using the original slower video codec format.

After determining an initial portion, the initial portion of the content is transcoded to a faster video encoding and decoding format (2106) than one of the slower video encoding and decoding formats of the original version. The faster video codec format may allow the initial portion to begin viewing for a relatively short period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds). By transcoding the initial portion of the content from a slow video encoding and decoding format to a faster video encoding and decoding format, from the time the content is selected to the user A delay in placing the content can be reduced and can be made comparable to the delay of the switching channel between the broadcast television channels (e.g., reduced to a half second or less).

After transcoding the initial portion, the transcoded initial portion of the content is stored in an electronic storage of the media system (2108). For example, the initial portion can be stored in an electronic storage associated with a digital media adapter.

Returning to Figure 18, in response to the user selecting one of the subset of meta-channels, the media system is controlled to use the decoded version of the content to render the content (1812). For example, Figure 22 illustrates an example program 2200 for controlling a media system. The execution program 2200 can, for example, use one channel switching time for switching to a selected meta channel of a play internet video to be comparable to a channel switching time for switching to a meta channel for playing a live broadcast. The program 2200 begins by receiving a selection of a meta channel (2202). For example, the user can select a meta channel by selecting one of the buttons on a remote control device.

After receiving the selection of the unary channel, it is determined whether one of the decoded versions of the content has been stored (2204). For example, it can be determined whether the decoded version of one of the video content is stored in the electronic storage of the media system as a result of executing the program 2100. The decoded version of the content may include only an initial portion of the content.

If one of the decoded versions of the content is not stored, the content is rendered using an original version (2206). The code can be transcoded and then the original version is rendered. For example, if it is possible to transcode and visualize an original version of the content for a short period of time (eg, 0.5 seconds), or if the electronic storage of the media system does not have all of the IP video defined by the meta channel The ability of the content and the content is not selected for caching may not store a decoded version.

If one of the decoded versions of the content is stored, the content is initially rendered using the decoded version (2208). The decoded version may use a faster video codec, and the use of the decoded version may allow the presentation of content to begin, for example, in less than half a second.

Simultaneous with the presentation of the decoded version, a program to render one of the original versions of the content is triggered (2210). For example, when the decoded version is being rendered, it can be transcoded in a background program and ready to view the original version of the content. In some implementations, the background program can also include downloading the original version of the content.

Next, when the original version is ready to appear, a program transitions from using a decoded version to an original version (2212). For example, when the transcoding of the original version and the rendering of the decoded version are completed, a program for visualizing the original version may be initiated, wherein the original version appears in the content and the decoded version The position where the appearance ends is the same, so that the transition from using the decoded version to an original version visually appears smooth to the user.

23A-23C are context diagrams illustrating the downloading of content for viewing using a media system. The meta channel guide 2302 can be displayed, for example, on a television screen. A guide 2302, which may be an electronic program guide, may display information about the content defined by one or more of the meta-channels 2304a through 2304e. The guide 2302 may display a schedule of content to be presented on a particular day of the week (eg, Monday) or a particular calendar day (eg, October 1, 2008).

Meta-channels 2304a through 2304e each identify content entries to be presented on a respective meta-channel and indicate the order in which the content inputs will be presented on the meta-channel. For example, as shown in guide 2302, a content entry 2306a indicates that an IP video "1" is scheduled to be presented on the meta channel 2304c from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the content entries 2306b to 2306f indicate that the IP video "2" to "6" are scheduled to be played on the meta channels 2304a to 2304e at 5 pm to 6 pm, respectively, and a content input 2306g indicates an IP video "7" The schedule is presented on meta channel 2304e from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Guide 2302 indicates that content other than IP video is scheduled. For example, a content entry 2308a indicates that content received from the MSO channel 6 is scheduled to be rendered on the meta channel 2304b from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. As another example, a content entry 2308b indicates that content received from MSO channel 1 is scheduled to be rendered on meta channel 2304a from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Network-based video (such as IP video) can be downloaded (and possibly transcoded) before the video is scheduled for presentation, such that if a user chooses to schedule a video one-dimensional channel, then The video content has been downloaded and decoded and is ready to play. If the web-based video is not downloaded before the scheduled start time, and if a user chooses to schedule a video channel based on one of the network-based video content, then a delay can be awaiting download and transcoding video. Occurs when.

Video can be downloaded, for example, using a public network source (PNS) (such as a common content source found on the Internet) or using a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN is a network of cooperating devices that are optimized (eg, for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency) to deliver content, such as video or audio content, to, for example, a client device. A CDN may charge for the use of its download service, and a PNS may provide a download service for free.

Estimates of the time required to download video content from different sources. For example, an estimate of the time required to download a video from a PNS and from a CDN can be calculated. For example, a table 2310 illustrates downloading various video download time estimates using a PNS (eg, for an IP video "2" downloaded from the PNS, an estimate of 23 minutes has been calculated 2312). A table 2314 illustrates downloading time estimate values for various video downloads using the CDN (e.g., for an IP video "7" downloaded from the CDN, an estimated value of 23 minutes for 5 minutes has been calculated). As shown in Tables 2310 and 2314, the download time using CDN is typically less than the download time using PNS. The estimated time to download the IP video "3" from the PNS is not displayed because, for example, the IP video "3" is not available from the PNS (as indicated in Table 2314, the IP video "3" is available via the CDN). The estimated time to download the IP video "6" from the CDN is not displayed because, for example, the IP video "6" is not available from the CDN (as indicated in Table 2310, the IP video "6" is available from the PNS).

After the estimated amount of time required to download the network-based video from multiple sources has been calculated, the estimated time and the amount of time remaining until the network-based video schedule is played for can be compared. Based on the comparisons, an initial source for downloading each video can be selected. For example, if the estimated time required to download a video from the PNS is less than the time remaining until the video is scheduled to play, the PNS can be selected as the initial download source of the video. If the estimated time required to download a video from the PNS is more than the time remaining until the scheduled playback of the video, a CDN may be selected as the initial download source for the video.

For example, as indicated in Guide 2302, IP video "2" through "6" are each scheduled to play at 5 p.m. At 4 p.m., the estimated 30-minute time required to download the IP video "2" from a PNS and the remaining 60 minutes until the IP video "2" is scheduled to play can be compared. Since the estimated time required to download the IP video "2" from a PNS is less than the time remaining until the IP video "2" is scheduled to play, an action 2320a can be performed to start downloading the IP video "2" from the PNS. Similarly, since the estimated 55-minute time required to download the IP video "6" from a PNS is less than the remaining 60 minutes until the IP video "6" is scheduled for playback, an action 2320e can be performed to start from the PNS. Download IP video "6". As another example, the estimated time of one hour required to download the IP video "4" from a PNS is equal to the remaining 60 minutes until the IP video "4" is scheduled to play (ie, within the time range) Therefore, an action 2320c can be performed to start downloading the IP video "4" from the PNS.

At 4 p.m., the estimated 2-hour estimated time required to download the IP video "5" from a PNS and the remaining 60 minutes until the IP video "5" is scheduled to play can be compared. Since the estimated time required to download the IP video "5" is more than the time remaining until the IP video "5" is scheduled to play, an action 2320d can be performed to start downloading the IP video "5" from a CDN. If an estimate of the download time from a PNS is not available (such as in this example, for IP video "3"), then an action 2320b can be performed to begin downloading the IP video "3" from a CDN (because it may not be known) Whether the download from a PNS can be completed on time). As another example, the download of the IP video "3" can be started from a CDN because the IP video "3" is not available from the PNS.

If the time remaining until the video is scheduled for playback exceeds a threshold (eg, 90 minutes), an initial download source may be deferred. For example, IP video "7" is scheduled to play at 6 p.m. At 4 p.m. (e.g., 120 minutes before the scheduled start time), as indicated by action 2320f, it may be determined that the delay is considered to be the initial download source for IP video "7" up to 5 p.m.

One or more rules may apply to download content from the CDN. For example, a rule may limit the number of downloads a particular user can make from a CDN. For example, 4 p.m. on the day corresponding to this example may allow the user to perform 4 downloads from a CDN. If one or more rules restrict downloading content from a CDN, other rules may define which content to download. The rules will be discussed in more detail below.

The progress of the download can be monitored to determine if the download is in progress so that the download can end on time to enable uninterrupted viewing of the downloaded video. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23B, at 4:15 p.m., the progress of downloading of IP video "2" to "6" can be analyzed. For IP video "2", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 25 minutes. The remaining estimated download time for the 25 minutes is still less than the remaining 45 minutes until the IP video "2" is scheduled for playback, thus maintaining the download of the IP video "2" from the PNS, as indicated by an action 2322a. Similarly, for IP video "6", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 40 minutes. The remaining estimated download time for the 40 minutes is still less than the remaining 45 minutes until the IP video "6" is scheduled for playback, thus maintaining the download of the IP video "6" from the PNS, as indicated by an action 2322e.

For IP video "4", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 50 minutes. The remaining estimated download time of the 50-minute period is more than the remaining 45 minutes until the IP video "4" is scheduled to play, so the download of the IP video "4" from the PNS is stopped, and the download of the IP video "4" from the CDN is started. As indicated by an action 2322c. The entire IP video "4" can be downloaded from the CDN, or the part of the IP video "4" that is not downloaded from the PNS can be downloaded from the CDN.

The download of the detected IP video "3" is completed at 4:15 p.m. as indicated by an action 2322b. For IP video "5", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 20 minutes. The remaining estimated download time for the 20 minutes is still less than the remaining 45 minutes until the IP video "5" is scheduled for playback, thus maintaining the download of the IP video "6" from the CDN, as indicated by an action 2322d.

One or more rules may indicate whether a CDN download is allowed. For example, at 4 p.m., the rule indicates that four downloads from the CDN are allowed before 6 p.m. However, as in this example, if 2 CDN downloads start at 4 pm, then at 4:15 pm, the rules may indicate 2 additional downloads from the CDN allowed before 6 pm (eg, because 2 are used) CDN download is allowed). Also, for example, due to the IP video "5" from the download of the CDN starting at 4:15 pm, one or more rules (eg, when the next progress monitoring occurs (such as at 4:30 pm)) ) can indicate that only one extra download from the CDN may be allowed before 6 pm.

As shown in Figure 23B, at 4:30 p.m., the progress of the download can continue to be monitored and one or more actions can be performed in response to the monitoring. For example, for IP video "2", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 20 minutes. The remaining estimated download time for the 20 minutes is still less than the remaining 30 minutes until the IP video "2" is scheduled for playback, thus maintaining the download of the IP video "2" from the PNS, as indicated by action 2324a.

Similarly, estimated download time values for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 30 minutes have been calculated for IP video "4", "5", and "6", respectively. Each of the remaining download time estimates for 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 30 minutes is within the 30 minutes remaining until the video "4", "5" and "6" are scheduled for playback. The download of video "4", "5" and "6" is indicated as shown in actions 2324b to 2324d.

As shown in Figure 23C, at 4:45 p.m., the progress of the download can continue to be monitored and one or more actions can be performed in response to the monitoring. For example, for IP video "2", it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 25 minutes. The remaining estimated download time of the 25 minutes is more than the remaining 15 minutes until the IP video "2" is scheduled to play, so the download of the IP video "2" from the PNS is stopped, and the IP video "2" is downloaded from the CDN. As indicated by an action 2326a. For IP video "4" and IP video "5", the download has been detected to end, as indicated by actions 2326b and 2326c, respectively.

For IP video 6, it has been calculated that the updated estimated download time is 20 minutes, which is more than the remaining 15 minutes until the IP video "6" is scheduled to play. Downloading the IP video "2" from the CDN exhausts the last remaining allowed CDN download (as specified by one or more rules), thus maintaining the download of the IP video "6" from the PNS, as indicated by action 2326d. In other examples, the user may be allowed to select to download IP video "2" or IP video "6" from the CDN. A user may also be allowed to increase (e.g., by paying) a level of service to enable more downloads from the CDN.

Other criteria can be used to determine which IP video to download from the CDN. For example, one of the videos with a smaller estimated download time can be selected. As another example, the historical viewing mode may imply that the meta-channel associated with an IP video is more likely to be selected by a user than the meta-channel associated with a different IP video, and is selected from the CDN download and is more likely to be The selected IP channel associated with the meta channel.

If one of the IP videos is subsequently presented on a single channel followed by a second IP video, the presentation order of the two IP videos can be reversed on the meta channel. For example, on meta channel 2304e (eg, meta channel "N"), IP video "7" is after IP video "6". For example, if the download of IP video "6" is not completed before the IP video "6" is scheduled for playback (for example, 5 pm) and if the download of IP video "7" is in IP video "6" The scheduling can be completed before the time of playback, and the order of presentation of IP video "7" and IP video "6" can be reversed. For example, an action 2326e indicates that the download of the IP video "7" from the PNS has begun, and the remaining estimated download time (eg, 10 minutes) indicates that the download of the IP video "7" can be completed before 5 p.m. However, the 20-minute remaining estimated download time of the IP video "6" indicates that the download of the IP video "6" may not be completed before the start time of the IP video "6" (for example, 5 p.m.).

As shown in Figure 23C, at 5 p.m., the progress of the download can continue to be monitored and one or more actions can be performed in response to the monitoring. The download of IP video "2" and "7" has been detected, as indicated by actions 2328a and 2328b respectively. Act 2328a also indicates that if the user selects the meta channel "1", the IP video "2" will be played. Act 2328b indicates that if the user selects the meta channel "N", the IP video "7" will be played. Similarly, actions 2328c through 2328e indicate that if a corresponding meta channel is selected (eg, meta-channels "2", "3" and "4" respectively), IP video "2", "3" or "" will be played. 4".

As indicated by action 2328f, the updated estimated estimated download time of 5 minutes of IP video "6" has been calculated. As discussed above, since the IP video "6" is not ready to be played at the scheduled start time of 5p.m., the IP video "6" and the IP video "7" have been "switched" to make the IP video "7". The current schedule is presented at 5 p.m. and will be played if the user selects the meta channel "N" (as indicated by action 2328b).

Figure 24 illustrates a system 2400 for downloading content. System 2400 includes a meta channel server 2402, a content delivery network (CDN) 2404, a public network source (PNS) 2406, and an internet digital media adapter (DMA) 2408, all connected to a network 2410. The Internet DMA 2408 can receive Internet video or other content from the CDN 2404 or PNS 2406 via the network 2410. Video content may include video files, video feeds (eg, podcasts), or other content such as BitTorrent files. The received video content can be stored in an electronic storage 2411 included in the Internet DMA 2408. The received video content can be presented on a display device 2412 (e.g., a television screen, computer monitor, etc.) connected to the Internet DMA 2408.

PNS 2406 is one of the sources of freely available content, such as content available via the Internet. CDN 2404 is a network of cooperating devices that are optimized (eg, for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency) to deliver content such as video or audio content to, for example, a client device (possibly incurring a fee) . Usually, the download speed from CDN is faster than the download speed from PNS. The network 2410 can be one or more public or private, wired or wireless networks (such as the Internet), or can be a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, such as the PsipTN network provided by TelTel. .

The meta channel server 2402 can communicate the meta channel information including a list of user defined meta channels to the internet DMA 2408 via the network 2410 or to other devices, such as a meta channel base station (not shown). The meta channel information can be stored in and retrieved from the meta channel library 2414.

25 is a flow diagram that illustrates a computer-implemented program 2500 for downloading content for viewing using a media system. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 2500 includes: identifying a web-based video that is scheduled to be played at a particular time; identifying a plurality of sources that can be used to download the web-based video; selecting to download the web-based An initial source of video of the road; starting to download the network-based video program from the initial source; monitoring the progress of downloading the network-based video from the initial source; determining to complete the download from the initial source The estimated time remaining for the web-based video does not enable uninterrupted viewing of the web-based video; selecting one of the at least one portion of the network-based video for downloading; and initiating the And downloading, by the source, at least one of the second programs of the portion of the network-based video.

In more detail, when the program 2500 begins, a network-based video (2502) that is scheduled to play at a particular time is identified. For example, a video can be identified that is scheduled to play at 5 p.m. As another example, a video such as one of IP video "2" through "7" (see FIG. 23A) described by content entry 2306a through 2306g can be identified.

After a network-based video has been identified, a plurality of sources (2504) that can be used to download the network-based video are identified. For example, a video can be downloaded from the PNS (eg, using the Internet) and downloaded from the CDN.

An initial source (2506) for downloading the web-based video is selected. For example, when the time remaining until the specific time when the network-based video is scheduled to play exceeds the estimated download time of the network-based video from the PNS, the PNS may be selected as an initial source.

The program for downloading the web-based video from the initial source is initiated (2508). For example, if the initial source is a PNS, a connection to an Internet server (eg, Youtube) can be performed, and a download procedure can be initiated to download the video. The video can be downloaded to, for example, an internet DMA (Digital Media Adapter).

Monitoring the progress of the web-based video download from the initial source (2510). For example, an amount of time remaining until the specific time that the network-based video is scheduled to play may be determined, and the remaining estimate of the network-based video downloaded from the initial source may be determined to be completed. Whether the amount of time exceeds the amount of time remaining until the particular time that the network-based video is scheduled to play.

If the amount of time remaining until the completion of downloading the network-based video from the initial source exceeds the amount of time remaining until the specific time of the network-based video schedule to play, then the determination is completed. The estimated time remaining for the initial source download of the network-based video does not enable the network-based video to be viewed without interruption (2512).

For example, in Figure 23A, previously discussed, IP video "2" is scheduled to play at 5 p.m. The estimated amount of time remaining from 4 p.m. to the completion of downloading IP video "2" from PNS is calculated as 30 minutes. At 4 p.m., the amount of time remaining until the IP video "2" is scheduled to play is 60 minutes. The 30-minute download time does not exceed the remaining 60 minutes until the IP video "2" is scheduled for playback. Therefore, the IP video "2" can be downloaded from the PNS, and the IP video can be viewed without interruption at 5 pm. 2".

In contrast, in Figure 23B previously discussed, at 4:15 p.m., the estimated amount of time remaining for the download of IP video "4" is calculated to be 50 minutes. At 4:15 p.m., the amount of time remaining until the IP video "4" is scheduled to play is 45 minutes. The 50-minute download time exceeds the remaining 45 minutes until the IP video "4" is scheduled for playback. Therefore, in this example, the 1P video "4" cannot be downloaded from the PNS for viewing at 5 p.m. without interruption.

Responding to determining that the estimated amount of time remaining to download the network-based video from the initial source does not enable the network-based video to be viewed without interruption at the particular time, selecting to download the network-based video An alternate source of at least a portion of the video (2514). For example, a CDN can be selected to download at least a portion of the web-based video. Referring to Figure 23B, a CDN can be selected to download at least a portion of the IP video "4" at 4:15 p.m.

A second program (2516) for downloading at least one of the portions of the network-based video from the alternate source is initiated. For example, referring to Figure 23B, at least a portion of the IP video "4" can be downloaded from the CDN. In some implementations, a portion of the network-based video that has not been downloaded from the original source is identified. A second program for downloading the remaining portion of the network-based video from the alternate source can be initiated. The initial portion of the network-based video downloaded from the initial source can be combined with the remaining portion of the network-based video downloaded from the alternate source. The initial portion and the remainder of the combination can be stored in an electronic storage associated with the media system. The media system can be controlled to play the web-based video using the initial portion and the remainder of the combination of the network-based video at the particular time. In some implementations, the entire web-based video can be downloaded from the alternate source.

26 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 2600 for downloading content for use by a computer for viewing using a media system. Briefly, the computer-implemented program 2600 includes: identifying a plurality of network-based video that is scheduled to be played at a first time; starting to download the plurality of network-based video from a first source; monitoring The first source downloads the progress of the plurality of network-based video; based on the monitoring, determining that at least two of the plurality of network-based video downloads need to be changed from the first source to a second source, such that Being able to view without interruption at the first time; accessing at least one rule for downloading network-based video from the second source; analyzing the at least two network-based videos relative to the at least one rule; The analyzing identifies that the first source changes to a first subset of the second source and maintains a second subset of the first source; starting to download the first child of the network-based video from the second source At least a portion of the set; and maintaining the second subset of the web-based video downloaded from the first source.

In more detail, when program 2600 begins, a plurality of network-based videos scheduled to be played at a first time are identified (2602). For example, referring to FIG. 23A, IP video "2" to "6" scheduled to be played at 5 p.m. can be identified.

After the video has been identified, the plurality of network-based video (2604) is initially downloaded from a first source. For example, the plurality of web-based videos can be downloaded for free from a PNS.

Monitoring the progress of the plurality of web-based video downloads from the first source (2606). For example, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 25, the estimated amount of remaining download time for each video can be compared to the time remaining until the network video is scheduled for playback.

Based on the monitoring, it can be determined that at least two of the plurality of network-based video downloads need to be changed from the first source to a second source to enable uninterrupted viewing at the first time (2608). For example, for each of the at least two videos, an estimate of one of the remaining download times from the first source may exceed the time remaining until the corresponding video schedule is scheduled to play. In this example, downloading the at least two videos may require a change to a faster service (such as changing to a paid download CDN) to enable uninterrupted viewing at the first time.

Accessing at least one rule for downloading network-based video from the second source (2610). For example, a rule may define the number of network-based video (eg, 5) that may be downloaded from the second source during a particular time range. For example, a user may have a monthly or monthly cost limit for downloads based on a consumer agreement. As another example, a rule may define criteria for selecting network-based video to prioritize when downloading from the second source. For example, a rule may prioritize downloading video from the second source based on a longer remaining download time, a user's historical viewing mode, or whether the alternate content is not available.

After accessing the one or more rules, the at least two network-based videos are analyzed relative to the at least one rule (2612). For example, for a rule defining a number of network-based video downloads that can be downloaded from the second source during a particular time range, determining to download all of the at least two network-based video from the second source This will result in more than the number of web-based video that can be downloaded from the second source during that particular time range. Tracking the number of network-based video that has been downloaded from the second source during the particular time range, and determining a service level for the user, the plurality of network-based video channels for the service level Schedule to play.

The number of network-based video that can be downloaded from the second source during the particular time range can be adjusted based on the service level of the user. For example, if a user is allowed to download two videos during a certain time range, and if a video has been downloaded during the time range, and if a total of three videos will be downloaded during the time range, then The count of three videos to be downloaded during this time range is adjusted to a total of two videos (eg, an extra download) to avoid exceeding the web-based video that can be downloaded from the second source during that particular time range. The number.

When the number of tracking of the network-based video that has been downloaded from the second source during the particular time range reaches the number of network-based video that can be downloaded from the second source during the particular time range, A message is provided to the user indicating that the user can increase the level of service to increase the number of network-based videos that can be downloaded from the second source during the particular time range. The user can be enabled to electronically increase the service level in response to the message using the media system. The message can be displayed, for example, on one of the display screens included in the media system. The user can back and forth the message by, for example, pressing a button on a remote control device. An increase in the service level may correspond to an increase in the service fee.

After analyzing the rules, based on the analysis, a change is made from the first source to a first subset of the second source and a second subset of the first source is maintained (2614). For example, for one of the rules for prioritizing downloads from the second source based on a longer remaining download time, a first subset of the video may be identified, including video with a longer estimated remaining download time, A second subset of the video can be identified, including video with a shorter estimated download time.

As another example, for one of the rules for prioritizing downloads from the second source based on the historical viewing mode, a first subset of the video may be identified, including based on the historical viewing mode, the user is more likely to be at the particular time The selected video, and a second subset of the video, can be identified, including video that is less likely to be selected by the user at that particular time based on the historical viewing mode. For example, a user may historically select more of a particular type of content (such as a detective drama) during a particular time period than other types of content, such as comedy.

For rules that limit downloads based on cost constraints, a first subset of the video can be identified that maximizes the number of downloads from the second source without exceeding the cost limit. For example, a user may have $5 remaining for download, and the potential video to be downloaded from the CDN may be worth $2, $3, and $4, respectively. A $2 video and a $3 video can be identified as being included in a first subset, and a $4 video can be identified as being included in a second subset.

A subset of the video can be identified based on the likelihood of rearranging the content. For example, if one of the potential long download times has a second video on the first channel and then has one of the short download times, the second video and the first video can be reversed. The first video is included in a subset of the video to be downloaded by the PNS (eg, the first video can continue to be downloaded while the second video is being played). Depending on the time remaining for the first video schedule to be played, the second video may be included in a subset of the video to be downloaded from the PNS or a subset of the video to be downloaded from the CDN. As another example, one of the broadcasts on the primary channel followed by an instant broadcast may be identified as being included in a first subset of the video to be downloaded from the CDN (eg, because the broadcast content of the instant broadcast may not be re-enabled) arrangement).

After identifying the first subset and the second subset, at least a portion of the first subset of network-based video is downloaded from the second source (2616). For example, at least a portion of the first subset of video downloads can be initiated from the CDN. The second subset of network-based video downloads (2618) is maintained from the first source. For example, the second subset of downloaded video can be maintained from the PNS download.

27 is a schematic diagram of an example of a general purpose computer system 2700. The system 2700 includes a processor 2710, a memory 2720, a storage device 2730, and an input/output device 2740. Each of the components 2710, 2720, 2730, and 2740 is interconnected using a system bus 2750. The processor 2710 is capable of processing instructions executed within the system 2700. In one implementation, the processor 2710 is a single thread processor. In another implementation, the processor 2710 is a multi-thread processor. The processor 2710 can process instructions stored in the memory 2720 or stored on the storage device 2730 to display graphical information of a user interface on the input/output device 2740.

Memory 2720 stores information within system 2700. In one implementation, the memory 2720 is a computer readable medium. In another implementation, the memory 2720 is a volatile memory unit. In yet another implementation, the memory 2720 is a non-volatile memory unit.

The storage device 2730 can provide a large capacity storage for the system 2700. In one implementation, storage device 2730 is a computer readable medium. In various implementations, the storage device 2730 can be a floppy device, a hard disk device, a compact device, or a magnetic tape device.

Input/output device 2740 provides input/output operations for system 2700. In one implementation, the input/output device 2740 includes a keyboard and/or indicator device. In another implementation, the input/output device 2740 includes a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface.

The features can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, or in combination with computer hardware and firmware or software. The device can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor; and the method steps can be performed by a programmable processor executing the program of instructions The functions of the implementation are performed by computing the input data and generating an output. The features may be advantageously implemented in one or more computer programs executable on a programmable system, the programmable system comprising: at least one programmable processor coupled to a data store The system receives the data and instructions and transmits the data and instructions to the data storage system; at least one input device; and at least one output device. A computer program is a collection of instructions that can be used directly or indirectly in a computer to perform a particular activity or cause a particular result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language (including compiling or interpreting languages), and the computer program can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, sub-regular or suitable for a computer Other units used in the environment.

By way of example, a suitable processor for executing a program of instructions includes both general and special purpose microprocessors, and one of a separate processor or a plurality of processors of any kind of computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Typically, the computer will also be operatively or operatively coupled to one or more of the mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include: magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; CD. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including (by way of example): semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; Internal hard disk and removable disc; magneto-optical disc; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disc. The processor and memory can be supplemented by or incorporated in an ASIC (Special Application Integrated Circuit).

In order to provide interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device (such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) monitor for displaying information to the user. ), and the keyboard and indicator devices (such as a mouse or trackball) that the user can provide input to the computer.

The features may be implemented in a computer system including, for example, a data server back end component, or an intermediate software component such as an application server or an internet server, or including, for example, a graphical user interface or The front-end component of the client computer of the Internet browser, or any combination thereof. The components of the system can be connected by any form of digital data communication medium, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, for example, LANs, WANs, and computers and networks that form the Internet.

The computer system can include a client and a server. The client and server are typically remote from each other and typically interact via a network such as the network described above. The relationship between the client and the server is generated based on a plurality of computer programs executing on respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

Although several implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the figures does not require a particular order or order of the order to achieve the desired result. In addition, other steps may be provided, or multiple steps may be eliminated from the processes described, and other components may be added to or removed from the system. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

100. . . Situation map

102. . . user

104. . . Meta Channel Guide

106. . . TV screen

107. . . remote control

108a. . . Meta channel

108b. . . Meta channel

108c. . . Meta channel

108d. . . Meta channel

108e. . . Meta channel

108f. . . Meta channel

108g. . . Meta channel

110. . . First content entry

112. . . Second content entry

114. . . Third content entry

116. . . Fourth content entry

118. . . Content entry

120. . . Content entry

122. . . Content entry

124. . . Content entry

126. . . Content entry

128. . . Content entry

130. . . Content entry

132. . . Content entry

134. . . Content entry

136. . . Content entry

138. . . gap

140. . . Content entry

142. . . Content entry

144. . . Content entry

146. . . Content entry

148. . . Content entry

150. . . Content entry

200. . . Meta channel system

202. . . TV

204. . . Broadcaster/multi-system operator

206. . . Internet Digital Media Adapter (DMA)

208. . . network

210. . . Internet video source

211. . . Content entry

212. . . Content entry server

213. . . administrator

214. . . Administrator portal user interface

215. . . End user

216. . . Content driver

218. . . Content driver portal server

220. . . Content driver portal user interface

222. . . Meta channel database

224. . . User portal server

226. . . User portal user interface

230. . . Meta channel server

232. . . Yuan channel base station

234. . . Remote control device

234a. . . Remote control device

234b. . . Remote control device

234c. . . Remote control device

902. . . user

904. . . TV

908. . . User profile

910. . . Meta-channel priority list

912. . . User profile setting

914. . . User profile setting

916. . . User profile setting

918. . . User profile setting

1000. . . System diagram

1002. . . TV

1004. . . Broadcaster/multi-system operator

1006. . . Internet DMA

1008. . . network

1010. . . Internet video source

1011. . . Content entry

1012. . . Content entry server

1013. . . administrator

1014. . . Administrator portal user interface

1015. . . End user

1016. . . Content driver

1018. . . Content driver portal server

1020. . . Content driver portal user interface

1022. . . Meta channel database

1024. . . User portal server

1026. . . User portal user interface

1030. . . Meta channel server

1032. . . Yuan channel base station

1034. . . Remote control device

1050. . . Inventory

1060. . . Advertising monitoring server

1200. . . user interface

1202. . . Option

1204. . . Option

1206. . . Option

1208. . . Option

1210a. . . Channel

1210b. . . Channel

1210c. . . Channel

1210d. . . Channel

1212. . . Meta-channel priority list

1214a. . . Preferred advertising theme

1214b. . . Preferred advertising theme

1216a. . . Preferred company

1216b. . . Preferred company

1218. . . Excluded company

1220. . . Primary address field

1222. . . Auxiliary address field

1224. . . Option

1400. . . user interface

1402. . . Option to indicate the preference to return to the previous content channel immediately after the detected ad is completed

1404. . . Option to indicate the preference to maintain an auxiliary content channel until an ad is detected on the auxiliary content channel

1406. . . An option to provide a notification that the presentation of the secondary content channel and the detected advertisement on the previous content channel has been completed to the user's preferences

1602. . . guide

1604a. . . Meta channel

1604b. . . Meta channel

1604c. . . Meta channel

1604d. . . Meta channel

1606. . . action

1608. . . Part of "IP Video 1"

1610. . . Content entry

1612. . . Part of "IP Video 2"

1614. . . Content entry

1616. . . Digital Media Adapter Memory

1618. . . Digital Media Adapter Memory

1619. . . action

1620. . . Part of "IP Video 4"

1622. . . Content entry

1624. . . Part of "IP Video 5"

1626. . . Content entry

1628. . . action

1630. . . Content entry

1632. . . Content entry

1634. . . Content entry

1636. . . Content entry

1638. . . Content entry

1640. . . action

1642. . . action

1644. . . Part of "IP Video 6"

1646. . . Part of "IP Video 7"

1648. . . Part of "IP Video 9"

1650. . . Digital Media Adapter Memory

1652. . . action

1654. . . action

1656. . . Part of the previously not cached content "IP Video 8"

1658. . . Digital Media Adapter Memory

1700. . . System for visualizing content

1702. . . Meta channel server

1704. . . Content provider

1705. . . Content provider

1706. . . Content provider

1708. . . Internet Digital Media Adapter (DMA)

1710. . . network

1711. . . Electronic storage

1712. . . Display device

1714. . . Meta channel database

2302. . . Meta Channel Guide

2304a. . . Meta channel

2304b. . . Meta channel

2304c. . . Meta channel

2304d. . . Meta channel

2304e. . . Meta channel

2306a. . . Content entry

2306b. . . Content entry

2306c. . . Content entry

2306d. . . Content entry

2306e. . . Content entry

2306f. . . Content entry

2306g. . . Content entry

2308a. . . Content entry

2308b. . . Content entry

2310. . . table

2312. . . estimated value

2314. . . table

2316. . . estimated value

2320a. . . action

2320b. . . action

2320c. . . action

2320d. . . action

2320e. . . action

2320f. . . action

2322a. . . action

2322b. . . action

2322c. . . action

2322d. . . action

2322e. . . action

2324a. . . action

2324b. . . action

2324c. . . action

2324d. . . action

2326a. . . action

2326b. . . action

2326c. . . action

2326d. . . action

2326e. . . action

2328a. . . action

2328b. . . action

2328c. . . action

2328d. . . action

2328e. . . action

2328f. . . action

2400. . . System for downloading content

2402. . . Meta channel server

2404. . . Content Delivery Network (CDN)

2406. . . Public network source (PNS)

2408. . . Internet Digital Media Adapter (DMA)

2410. . . network

2411. . . Electronic storage

2412. . . Display device

2414. . . Meta channel database

2700. . . General purpose computer system

2710. . . processor

2720. . . Memory

2730. . . Storage device

2740. . . Input/output device

2750. . . System bus

Figure 1 is a contextual diagram showing the use of a general meta channel;

Figure 2 illustrates a unified channel system;

3 to 9, FIG. 13, FIG. 13, FIG. 15, FIG. 18 to FIG. 22, FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are flowcharts of an exemplary procedure;

Figure 10 illustrates a system for providing auxiliary content;

12 and 14 illustrate the user interface;

16 is a context diagram illustrating a procedure for enabling a media system to visualize content;

Figure 17 illustrates a system for visualizing content;

23A-23C are context diagrams illustrating the downloading of content for viewing using a media system;

Figure 24 illustrates a system for downloading content;

Figure 27 illustrates components of an exemplary computer processing system; and the same component symbols always indicate corresponding portions.

100. . . Situation map

102. . . user

104. . . Meta Channel Guide

106. . . TV screen

107. . . remote control

108a. . . Meta channel

108b. . . Meta channel

108c. . . Meta channel

108d. . . Meta channel

108e. . . Meta channel

108f. . . Meta channel

108g. . . Meta channel

110. . . First content entry

112. . . Second content entry

114. . . Third content entry

116. . . Fourth content entry

118. . . Content entry

120. . . Content entry

122. . . Content entry

124. . . Content entry

126. . . Content entry

128. . . Content entry

130. . . Content entry

132. . . Content entry

134. . . Content entry

136. . . Content entry

138. . . gap

140. . . Content entry

142. . . Content entry

144. . . Content entry

146. . . Content entry

148. . . Content entry

150. . . Content entry

Claims (40)

A method for controlling a media system based on meta-channel information, the method comprising: storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels in an electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating experiencing the content input items In one order, the plurality of meta-channels includes at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least a first content input related to the first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time and a second content entry related to the second content obtainable via a network by a second content provider in response to the user request; the receiving pair is included in the plurality of meta channels defined by the meta channel information Selecting one of the one of the meta-channels; accessing the meta-channel information corresponding to the selected meta-channel from the electronic storage; the selection of the meta-channel based on the accessed meta-channel information corresponding to the selected meta-channel Mapping to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel; and controlling the media system to visualize the content based on the content entry mapped to the selected meta channel. The method of claim 1, wherein: the selected meta channel is the multi-source channel; mapping the selection of the meta-channel to the content entry defined by the selected meta-channel comprises: the multi-source channel The selection is mapped to the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the particular time And the first content input item; and controlling the media system to visualize the content based on the content input item mapped to the selected meta channel comprises: controlling one of the receivers included in the media system to receive the first The first content broadcast by the content provider at the particular time; and controlling a display device included in the media system to visualize display of one of the first content received by the receiver. The method of claim 2, further comprising: detecting the end of the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the specific time; in response to detecting that the first content provider is at the specific time Ending the first content of the broadcast, identifying the second content entry as the next content entry defined by the multi-source channel; and responding to identifying the second content entry as being by the multi-source The next content entry defined by the meta channel, the user control system automatically controls the media system based on the second content that is available via the network in response to the user request by the second content provider The second content entry is to present the content. The method of claim 3, wherein the user system automatically controls the media system based on the second content related to the second content available via the network in response to the user request by the second content provider The second content entry to visualize the content includes: controlling one of the media adapters included in the media system to request the second content provider to respond to the user request by the second content provider to make the network accessible via the network Obtaining the second content; In response to the request, controlling the media adapter to receive the second content at the media adapter and from the second content provider; and controlling the display device included in the media system to visualize the media One of the second contents received by the adapter is displayed. The method of claim 4, wherein: the multi-source channel comprises a multi-source channel including at least a first content input item and a second content input item, the first content input item being associated with a television content provider Television video broadcast on a particular television channel via a television network at that particular time, and the second content entry is communicated to the Internet via the Internet via a remote server in response to a user request Video-related; controlling the receiver included in the media system to receive the first content broadcast by the first content provider at the particular time comprises: tuning the receiver to the particular television channel; control is included in the The media adapter in the media system requests the second content provider to respond to the user request by the second content provider to cause the second content available via the network to include: controlling the media adapter The device requests the remote server to transmit the internet video broadcast by the remote server via the internet; and controls the media adapter for the media adapter and the Receiving the second content by the second content provider includes controlling the media adapter to download the internet video from the remote server via the internet and decoding the downloaded internet video. The method of claim 1, wherein: Receiving the selection of the meta-channel included in the plurality of meta-channels defined by the meta-channel information comprises: receiving user input to switch from being included in one of the plurality of meta-channels to include in a second meta channel of the plurality of meta channels; and controlling the media system to visualize the content based on the content input mapped to the selected meta channel: identifying and being included in the media system by the first The meta channel defines a first content source related to the first content input item; and identifies a second content source included in the media system related to the second content input item currently defined by the second meta channel; Determining whether the first content source is different from the second content source; and in response to determining that the first content source is different from the second content source: controlling one of the output devices included in the media system to one of the output devices The input source is configured to change a first setting of content from the first content source to a second setting configured to visualize content from the second content source; and control the second The content source providing content associated with the current contents of the second entry defined by the second element of the channel. The method of claim 6, wherein controlling the media system to visualize the content based on the content input mapped to the selected meta-channel further comprises: in response to determining that the first content source is the same as the second content source: controlling the Outputting a device to maintain an input source setting of the output device; and controlling the first content source to provide and current by the second meta-channel The content related to the second content input. The method of claim 6, wherein: identifying the first content source related to the first content entry currently defined by the first meta channel comprises: identifying a television receiver configured to pass through a plurality of channels Receiving a broadcast television program from a plurality of providers and selecting, based on a user of a particular channel, a first video signal corresponding to a television program broadcast via the particular channel; identifying the first defined by the second meta channel The second content source associated with the two content inputs includes: identifying an internet digital media adapter configured to request the internet via one of the far end video servers of the broadcast internet content via the internet The video content, downloading the internet video content from the remote video server via the internet, and outputting a second video signal corresponding to one of the internet video content downloaded from the far end video server; controlling the Outputting the device to set the input source of the output device from the first configuration configured to visualize content from the first content source to be configured to appear The second setting from the content of the second content source includes: controlling the output device to set the input source of the output device from being configured to visualize content from the first video signal output from the receiver a first setting change to a second setting configured to visualize content from the second digit signal output from the internet digital media adapter, and controlling the second content source to provide The content related to the second content input defined by the second meta channel includes: controlling the internet The digital media adapter provides an internet video associated with the second content entry currently defined by the second meta-channel using the second video signal. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that a subsequent content input item is broadcast content that is broadcast prior to a time when the subsequent content input item defines the broadcast content to be experienced; and responding to the subsequent content input item system Regarding the determination of the broadcast content broadcasted before the time when the subsequent content input defines the broadcast content to be experienced, controlling the media system to record the broadcast content when the broadcast content is broadcast; and in the subsequent content input The time at which the broadcast content to be experienced is defined is uninterrupted to automatically control the media system to visualize the recorded content when one of the meta-channels including the subsequent content entry is selected. The method of claim 1, wherein: the selected meta-channel includes a first content input item associated with the first content broadcast by a first content provider via a first broadcast channel, and a second content input item related to the second content broadcast by the second content provider via a second broadcast channel, the second content input item is immediately adjacent to the first content input in the selected meta channel After the item; mapping the selection of the meta channel to the content entry defined by the selected meta channel comprises mapping the selection of the meta channel to and broadcasting by the first content provider at the first time Related to the first content The first content entry; and controlling the media system to visualize the content based on the content entry mapped to the selected meta channel comprises: controlling one of the receivers included in the media system to receive by the first content provider The first content broadcasted via the first broadcast channel, and the first content broadcast by the first content provider via the first broadcast channel is output to a display device. The method of claim 10, further comprising: detecting to select the selected meta channel at the second time; and automatically controlling to select the selected meta channel at the second time, without user intervention The receiver changes from the first broadcast channel to the second broadcast channel, receives the second content broadcast by the second content provider via the second broadcast channel, and will be served by the second content provider via the second The second content broadcast by the broadcast channel is output to the display device. The method of claim 1, wherein: receiving the selection of the meta-channel comprises: receiving the selection of the meta-channel from a particular user; and based on the accessed meta-channel information corresponding to the selected meta-channel Mapping the selection of the meta-channel to the content entry defined by the selected meta-channel comprises determining that the content entry defined by the selected meta-channel is dynamically mapped to one of a plurality of possible content inputs a content entry; a preference for accessing the particular user; and a preference based on the particular user's access to the plurality of A single content entry of the dynamically configurable content entry can be selected in the content entry. The method of claim 1, wherein: receiving the selection of the meta-channel comprises: receiving a selection of a dynamically configurable meta-channel from a particular user; and based on the stored corresponding to the selected meta-channel Taking the meta channel information, mapping the selection of the meta channel to the content input item defined by the selected meta channel comprises: determining that the dynamically configurable meta channel defines at least two content input items, the at least two The order of the content input items is dynamically configurable; accessing the preferences of the particular user; determining the order of the at least two content input items based on the accessed preferences of the particular user; based on the determined In the order of selecting, the dynamically configurable meta-channel from the at least two content inputs corresponds to a single content entry at a time when the selection is received. The method of claim 13, further comprising: using the determined order to define when the at least two content inputs that are not selected are to be experienced; and controlling the media system to be based on a subsequent time in the use of the determined order definition The at least two content inputs are selected to visualize the content. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected meta-channel comprises a content interruption defining one of the content-related events, the content interruption triggering the content corresponding to the content-related event to be currently presented by the media system when detected Substituting the content, the method further comprises: detecting, during the presentation of the content defined by the selected meta-channel, the content-related event defined by the content interruption; in response to detecting the content-related event, identifying the corresponding Content of the content-related event; controlling the media system to change the content defined by the selected meta-channel to present the content corresponding to the content-related event; detecting the completion of the content corresponding to the content-related event; The media system is controlled to resume rendering the content defined by the selected meta channel. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the content-related event defined by the content interruption comprises detecting that one of the specific types of Internet video defined by the content interruption has been published on the Internet. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the content-related event defined by the content interruption comprises: detecting that a specific event defined by the content interruption occurs in a broadcast content different from content currently defined by the selected meta channel . The method of claim 1, wherein the media system is controlled to visualize content based on the content input mapped to the selected meta-channel: causing a remote control to control a source device to receive the content and provide the content to a A first signal of the output device is sent to the source device; and causing the remote control to control the output device to input and visualize a second signal of the content provided by the source device to the output device. The method of claim 1, wherein the media system is controlled to be mapped based on The content entry of the selected meta-channel to visualize content includes: transmitting, via a network, a first communication protocol for configuring a remote control to locally control a control command of the media system; via the network Receiving the control command at the remote controller; and based on receiving the control command, using the remote controller and using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol will cause the media system output to be mapped to the selected element A signal of the content of the content entry definition of the channel is sent to the media system. The method of claim 19, wherein the content input item mapped to the selected meta channel is a first content input item, and the control command is a first control command, the method further comprising: determining that the selected meta channel is defined When the first content entry ends and when the second content entry is defined by the selected meta channel, the second content entry definition is derived from a source different from the content defined by the first content entry Content provided by a content source; in response to determining that the first content entry defined by the selected meta channel has ended and the second content entry defined by the selected meta channel is beginning, using the network Transmitting, by the first communication protocol, a second control command for the remote control, the second control command being a command to visualize content provided by the content source associated with the second content input item; via the network Receiving the second control command at the remote controller; and based on receiving the second control command, using the remote controller and using the second communication protocol to cause the media system to output Input to the second content One of the content provided by the item associated with the item is signaled to the media system. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from a remote controller, selecting one of a specific channel number selection command based on a user manipulation of the remote controller; and selecting a plurality of remote controls associated with a specific user Identifying the remote controller from which the selection command is received; determining, based on the identification of the remote controller, an identification code of one of the users associated with the remote controller; and determining the identification code based on the user Mapping the particular channel number from the selection command to a meta-channel corresponding to the particular channel number of the user associated with the remote control, wherein the particular channel number is mapped to another of the plurality of remote controls A different channel of at least one user associated with one. A media system comprising: at least one electronic storage device configured to store meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating an order in which the content input items are experienced, The plurality of meta-channels includes at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least a first content input item related to the first content broadcast by a first content provider at a specific time a second content input item related to the second content available via a network in response to the user request; and at least one processor configured to perform the operation including the following Receiving: receiving, by one of the plurality of meta-channels defined by the meta-channel information, selecting one of the plurality of meta-channels; accessing, from the electronic storage device, meta-channel information corresponding to the selected meta-channel; based on the selected element The accessed meta channel information of the channel maps the selection of the meta channel to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel; and controls the media system to be based on the content entry mapped to the selected meta channel To visualize the content. The media system of claim 22, further comprising: a one-way channel server system; and a remote controller configured to centrally control the media system, wherein the media system is controlled to be mapped to the selected meta-channel The content entry to visualize content is performed by the meta channel server system and the remote control, the meta channel server system configured to transmit for control of one of the remote controls via a network using a first communication protocol Commanding, and the remote controller is configured to receive the control command via the network, and based on receiving the control command, using a second communication protocol different from the first one of the first communication protocols will cause the media system output to be mapped to A signal of the content of the selected meta channel defining the content entry is sent to the media system. The media system of claim 23, wherein: The content entry mapped to the selected meta channel is a first content entry, and the control command is a first control command, the meta channel server system configured to: determine the definition defined by the selected meta channel When the first content entry ends and when the second content entry is defined by the selected meta channel, the second content entry defines a source different from the source of the content defined by the first content entry Content provided by the content source; and in response to determining that the first content entry defined by the selected meta channel has ended and the second content entry defined by the selected meta channel is beginning, using the network a communication protocol transmitting a second control command for the remote control, the second control command being a command to visualize content provided by the content source associated with the second content input item; and the remote control Configuring to: receive the second control command via the network, and based on receiving the second control command, using the second communication protocol to cause the media system output to be output by the second content One signal of the content item associated with the content providing source is sent to the media system. The media system of claim 22, further comprising: a one-way channel server system; and a plurality of remote controls each configured to centrally control the media system and each associated with a particular user, wherein the element The channel server system is configured to: receive a selection command from a remote controller based on a user's manipulation of the remote controller to select a particular channel number; identify from the plurality of remote controllers that the selection command is received therefrom The remote controller; based on the identification of the remote controller, determining An identification code of one of the users associated with the remote controller; and mapping the particular channel number from the selection command to the user associated with the remote controller based on the determined identification code of the user A meta-channel of the particular channel number, wherein the particular channel number is mapped to a different channel of at least one user associated with the other of the plurality of remote controls. At least one computer readable storage medium encoded with at least one computer program containing instructions that, when executed, operate to cause a computer to perform operations comprising: identifying an identification content entry and instructing experiencing the content input The meta-channel information of the plurality of meta-channels in one of the items is stored in the electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels including at least one multi-source channel, the multi-source channel including at least one of the first content providers a first content input item related to the first content broadcasted at a specific time; and a second content input item related to the second content obtainable via a network by a second content provider in response to the user request; Receiving a selection of one of a plurality of meta-channels included in the plurality of meta-channels defined by the meta-channel information; accessing meta-channel information corresponding to the selected meta-channel from the electronic storage; based on corresponding to the selected meta-channel The accessed meta channel information maps the selection of the meta channel to a content entry defined by the selected meta channel; and controls a media system based on Shot to the content of the selected channel of yuan The entry shows the content. A method for enabling a media system to visualize content, the method comprising: storing meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels in a first electronic storage, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating experiencing the content input One of the items; the meta-channel information access stored in the first electronic storage corresponds to a content entry of content defined by each of the plurality of meta-channels for a particular time range; The accessed content input item includes at least one content input item related to one of the first type of content broadcast by a content provider at a specific time and is enabled by a content provider to respond to the user request Obtaining, by the network, at least one content input related to the content of the second type; identifying, based on the accessed content input items, content defined by the each of the plurality of meta channels for the specific time range a type; selecting a subset of the plurality of meta-channels based on the identified type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range, Each of the selected subsets of the track defines, for the particular time range, the content of the second type that is obtainable by a content provider in response to the user request via a network; to be included in the selected subset of the meta channel Each of the meta-channels is stored in a second electronic storage associated with a media system of a user for a decoded version of the content defined for the particular time range; and in response to being The specific time range period is included in the element Selecting one of the meta-channels in the selected subset of channels to control the media system to use the content stored in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user The decoded version shows the content defined by the selected meta channel. The method of claim 27, wherein controlling the media system comprises controlling the media system to use the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage to visualize content defined by the selected meta-channel, thereby using the The channel switching time used by the decoded version for switching to the selected meta channel can be equivalent to switching the channel switching time to one of the meta channels defining the first type of content broadcast by a content provider at a particular time. The method of claim 27, wherein: controlling the media system includes controlling the media system to use the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage to visualize content defined by the selected meta channel, thereby using The decoded version can be used to switch to the selected meta channel. The channel switching time can be less than half a second; and controlling the media system to appear without using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage The content of the selected meta channel definition results in a channel switching time for switching to one of the selected meta channels for more than half a second. The method of claim 27, wherein controlling the media system comprises: initially using the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage to visualize the content defined by the selected meta-channel; triggering to reveal a different For the content defined by the selected meta channel a program of one of the original versions of the decoded version, the program for rendering the original version of the content defined by the selected meta-channel begins to render the content with a delay that is longer than the originally decoded version of the content a delay in content; and when the original version of the content defined by the selected meta channel is ready to appear, transitioning from using the decoded version of the content to using the original version of the content. The method of claim 30, wherein the transition from using the decoded version of the content to using the original version of the content comprises: identifying an amount of content that has been rendered using the decoded version of the content; identifying the content a transition point in the original version corresponding to the amount of content that has been rendered using the decoded version of the content; and the original version of the content is used at the transition point to enable the decoded version of the content Smoothly transition to the original version of the content. The method of claim 30, wherein the triggering of the program to render the original version of the decoded version different from the content defined by the selected meta-channel comprises: decoding using a video codec defined by the selected meta-channel The original version of the content. The method of claim 32, wherein the triggering the program to render the original version of the decoded version different from the content defined by the selected meta-channel further comprises: transmitting a request to the broadcast via the network Selected meta channel definition a content provider of the original version of the content; and downloading the original version of the content defined by the selected meta channel from the content provider via the network. The method of claim 27, wherein the selecting the subset of the plurality of meta-channels comprises: identifying the plurality of meta-channels, the definition of the specific time range being responded to by a content provider by a content provider, such that The second type of content obtained by the way, and for the plurality of meta channels, starting to visualize the content defined by the meta channel without storing the decoded version of one of the content in the media system associated with the user The time required in the second electronic storage exceeds a threshold time; for each of the identified meta-channels, the determination needs to be stored in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user One of the contents of the device to enable one of the contentless presentations to be intermittently transitioned from using the decoded version of one of the content to using the original version of the content; determining the first associated with the media system of the user Whether the two electronic storages have the ability to store the content of the determined amount of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range; depending on the determination and the The second electronic storage associated with the media system has the ability to store the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range, selecting all of the identified a meta channel as the subset of the plurality of meta channels; and depending on determining the second associated with the media system of the user The electronic storage does not have the ability to store the determined amount of content of each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range, selecting a subset of the identified meta-channels as the plurality of elements This subset of channels. The method of claim 34, wherein determining whether the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user has the determination to store each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range The ability to determine the content of the quantity includes determining whether the amount of content of the identified meta-channels exceeds an available storage amount in the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user. The method of claim 34, wherein determining whether the second electronic storage associated with the media system of the user has the determination to store each of the identified meta-channels prior to the particular time range The capability of the content of the quantity includes: determining whether a remaining amount of time until the beginning of one of the specific time ranges exceeds the determined amount of the media system downloading, decoding, and storing each of the identified meta-channels The amount of time required for the content. The method of claim 34, wherein the selecting the subset of the identified meta-channels as the subset of the plurality of meta-channels comprises: identifying a combination of the identified meta-channels, for the combination, with the user The second electronic storage associated with the media system has the ability to store the determined amount of content of each of the meta-channels included in the combination prior to the particular time range; Selecting the identified meta-channels among the identified combinations A combination of one of a number of channels. The method of claim 34, wherein the selecting the subset of the identified meta-channels as the subset of the plurality of meta-channels comprises: accessing the user during a past time range similar to the particular time range a historical viewing mode of one or more categories of content; comparing the content defined by each of the identified meta-channels with the historical viewing mode accessed; based on the identified meta-channels Comparing the content defined by each of the content to the historical viewing mode accessed by the user, determining a subset of the identified meta-channels that the user primarily experiences during the particular time range; and selecting the The determined subset of the meta-channel is identified. The method of claim 34, wherein the selecting the subset of the identified meta-channels as the subset of the plurality of meta-channels comprises: determining one of the meta-channels experienced by the user when selecting; accessing the user Information of one or more meta-channels that are typically selected after experiencing the meta-channel experienced by the user at the time of the selection; comparing the accessed information with the identified meta-channels; based on the accessed information Comparing with the identified meta-channels, determining a subset of the identified meta-channels that the user is most likely to experience during the particular time range; and selecting the determined subset of the identified meta-channels . A media system comprising: a first electronic storage device configured to store meta-channel information defining a plurality of meta-channels, the plurality of meta-channels identifying content input items and indicating an order of experiencing one of the content input items; a second electronic storage device Corresponding to the media system of a user; and at least one processor configured to perform an operation comprising: accessing the meta-channel information from the first electronic storage device The content input item accessed by the content defined by each of the plurality of meta-channels for a specific time range includes the first one of the content items accessed by a content provider at a specific time. At least one content input item related to the content of the type and at least one content input item related to content obtained by a content provider in response to the user request to obtain a second type of content via a network; Taking a content entry identifying a type of content defined by the each of the plurality of meta-channels for the particular time range; based on each of the plurality of meta-channels Determining the identified type of the content of the time range definition, selecting a subset of the plurality of meta-channels, the selected subset of the meta-channels being individually enabled for the particular time range by a content provider in response to the user request The second type of content obtained via a network; one of the content defined by the each of the meta-channels included in the selected subset of the meta-channel for the particular time range The code version is stored in the second electronic storage device associated with the media system of the user; and in response to the user being selected by the user during the particular time range for the selected subset included in the meta channel Selecting one of the channels, controlling the media system to use the decoded version of the content stored in the second electronic storage device associated with the media system of the user to appear as defined by the selected meta channel content.