A system and method for making program recommendations to users of a network-based video recording system utilizes expressed preferences as inputs to collaborative filtering and Bayesian predictive algorithms to rate television programs using a graphical rating system. The predictive algorithms are adaptive, improving in accuracy as more programs are rated.

Techniques and apparatuses enabling multi-story visual experiences are described. These techniques and apparatuses enable a user to view multiple storylines through their view selections. By so doing, a user may enjoy either or both of the stories without sacrificing the storytelling experience or a user's ability to determine a manner in which to engage with the stories.

Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing audio files of a user to reduce latencies in play start times on local devices. The audio files are stored on cloud storage managed by a server. One method includes processing a plurality of audio files associated with a user, where the processing is configured to create audio snippet files from each of the plurality of audio files. The audio snippet files representing a beginning part of each of the plurality of audio files. The method also includes transmitting the audio snippet files to a client device and detecting a request from the client to begin playing a first audio file from the plurality of audio files of the user. The first audio file being stored on the cloud storage managed by the server.

A network device is configured to (i) play back a media item indicated by a remote playback queue provided by a cloud-based computing system, (ii) receive an indication that a playback device is available for playback, (iii) display a now playing screen including (a) information identifying the media item, and (b) an icon that indicates that the network device is not in a connected state with any other network device, (iv) receive a first input selecting the icon, (v) in response to the first input, display a list of one or more available network devices including the playback device, (vi) receive a second input selecting the playback device from the list (vii) after receiving the second input, update the list to indicate that the playback device is selected for playback of the remote playback queue, and (viii) transfer playback of the remote playback queue from the network device to the playback device.

A receiving apparatus comprises a recorder of the received digital contents and commercial messages. Commercial message retrieved from the recorder is interposed into a digital content or between a pair of digital contents in accordance with the type of commercial message. Interposition of commercial message is controlled by internal information, such as history of actually displaying the same commercial message, or history of skipping the same commercial message. The receiving apparatus controls the repetition time of displaying the same commercial message, or decision whether or not actually displaying a specific commercial message, or the order of displaying commercial messages. Skip of commercial message is prevented unless display has been repeated over a minimum requirement, or user agrees with a compensation for the skip. Repetition of the same commercial message ceases with skip repeated over a limit. Notice of interposing commercial message or of compensation for skip is made in advance.

Access point pictures designated as randomly accessible positions are I pictures or P pictures. Information indicating the decoding sequence (I1, P1, B1, B2, B3, B4, P2, . . . ) of pictures functioning as access points and attribute information (picture_type) indicating whether a picture functions as an access point or is necessary for decoding of the access point following a given access point are recorded on the video information recording medium. Random access is possible even if the GOP interval is lengthened.

Access point pictures designated as randomly accessible positions are I pictures or P pictures. Information indicating the decoding sequence (I1, P1, B1, B2, B3, B4, P2, . . . ) of pictures functioning as access points and attribute information (picture_type) indicating whether a picture functions as an access point or is necessary for decoding of the access point following a given access point are recorded on the video information recording medium. Random access is possible even if the GOP interval is lengthened.

An image editing user interface, displayed by a computer system, for editing a sequence of images (e.g., an enhanced digital image), includes an affordance for turning on, or off, animated playback of the sequence of images, while retaining the sequence of images. While animated playback is turned off, a representative image from the sequence of images is displayed.

The described technology is directed towards user interface technology that guides users in making content (e.g., video selection) and also navigating within selected content. A selection menu view uses style changes to indicate focus changes, e.g., including animating opacity values to indicate a focused item view versus those items not in focus. In another view, a subset of filmstrip views are displayed, each representing a chapter location in a video, along with a flipbook view that represents a selected scene within a selected chapter. Interaction with the filmstrip views changes the visible subset. Interaction with the flipbook view changes the selected scene; a play command plays the video based upon the selected scene.

Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for providing a management interface for controlling multiple households. The management interface may be provided as an application on a mobile device or as an Internet webpage. An example implementation involves a device displaying representations of: a plurality of households; an indication of a selected household; one or more zones within the selected household; and a representation of media being played by a selected zone of the one or more zones. While displaying the representations, the device receives, from a server, data indicating updated information associated with the plurality of households; and, in response, updates the graphical display to display at least an updated representation of media being played by the selected zone.