A system and method for identifying trending content based on context. The method includes generating at least one signature for each of a plurality of multimedia content elements, wherein each signature represents a concept, wherein each concept is a collection of signatures and metadata describing the concept; correlating the concepts of the generated signatures to determine at least one context of each multimedia content element, wherein each context represents a sentiment; and identifying, based on the determined contexts, at least one trending multimedia content element, wherein the context of each trending multimedia content element meets a sentiment threshold.

The disclosed technology teaches streamlining use of Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) 130 framework for delivery of addressable advertising, via a campaign management delegate system that carries out a method that includes receiving an ad management service placement request from a broadcast cable provider for ad insertion into a program and conducting real time bidding for ad insertion during the program. The disclosed method also includes accepting new content provided by a successful bidder, after receiving the placement request and automatically formatting the new content, and uploading the new content to the broadcast cable provider in time for playback with content that prompted the placement request. The method includes responding to the placement request with a placement response that includes a VMAP as reference to the new content. New content can also be uploaded to a CIS managed by the cable provider or provided on behalf of the provider.

Systems and methods for switching from a linearly distributed live content and/or internet stream to other contents are provided by aligning timing between contents. Break points may be programmed between diverse non-time synced source encoder of the respective contents to facilitate switching between contents. A first linear stream is caused to be provided. A switchover time to a second linear stream is then identified. The second linear stream is caused to be provided at the switchover time. In different embodiments, switching may occur between different number of contents using the described systems and methods. One or more streaming contents may be up-converted and/or down-converted in different streaming systems.

A method and system for planning and running video-on-demand (VOD) advertising includes a planner for planning advertising campaigns and an ad selector for running selected advertisements from selected ones of the campaigns. The campaigns are associated with household demographic classifications, video content category categories, household geographic locations, and/or video viewing times. In response to a viewer requesting a video, the selector selects the campaigns corresponding to the demographic classification associated with the viewer, the content category of the requested video, the geographic location associated with the viewer, and/or the viewing time at which the requested video is viewed. The demographic classification is determined by using an identifier of the viewer's set-top-box. The selector may select the campaigns corresponding to the content categories of the requested video. The content categories are determined by using an identifier associated with the requested video.

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device's clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

A method for selecting a data stream for distribution to a plurality of broadcasting sites. The method includes: receiving a main data stream and a back-up data stream respectively, generated by a main broadcast gateway and a secondary broadcast gateway respectively, from source data, called a main stream and a secondary stream respectively; receiving at least one packet including a piece of information representative of a quality of service associated with the main stream and the secondary stream respectively, at one instant at least or over one given period at least, the at least one packet, called a main current packet and a secondary current packet respectively, being generated by the main broadcast gateway and secondary broadcast gateway respectively; and selecting in real time the main stream or the secondary stream respectively in taking account of the main current packet and secondary current packet, delivering the data stream for distribution.

Systems and methods for switching from a linearly distributed live content and/or internet stream to other contents are provided by aligning timing between contents. Break points may be programmed between diverse non-time synced source encoder of the respective contents to facilitate switching between contents. A first linear stream is caused to be provided. A switchover time to a second linear stream is then identified. The second linear stream is caused to be provided at the switchover time. In different embodiments, switching may occur between different number of contents using the described systems and methods. One or more streaming contents may be up-converted and/or down-converted in different streaming systems.

Described are methods and systems for combining programming content in a controlled synchronized manner. The systems and methods allow for centrally generated content to be modified using local content. The centrally generated content can include data that specifies what portions of the centrally generated content can be modified by the local content.

Methods and apparatus for monitoring locally inserted media are disclosed. A disclosed method includes detecting, at a media device at a media presentation location, a cue in media received at the media device; in response to the detection of the cue, receiving separately form the media an advertisement associated with a user of the media device; presenting, by the media device, the media at a first time and the advertisement at a second time indicated by the detected cue; responsive to presenting the advertisement at the second time, recording a log including first identifying information for the media and second identifying information for the advertisement; and transmitting the log to a data collection facility.

A system and method for determining a part having an anomaly in equipment and initiating electronic transaction for placing order to replace the part using three-dimensional (3D) model of equipment. The system inspects equipment to identify type of equipment and requests a data storage device storing 3D models of equipment to provide matching 3D models corresponding to equipment identified. The system utilizes various technologies to determine relative location of anomaly indicative of failing/failed part in equipment. The system overlays 3D image map from the 3D model to identify specific part/assembly/subassembly within the 3D model corresponding to the relative location of the anomaly. The system identifies additional parts associated with the failing/failed part as a kit in the 3D image map, and adds the kit to virtual shopping cart for initiating electronic transaction in reference to the kit depicted in the 3D model of equipment for replacement of the failing/failed part.